Thunderstorms are unusual in Unalakleet; however, a thunderstorm cell persisted in the area for longer than usual. Hot, dry conditions across Alaska have increased the risk of wildland fire, including that started from lightening strike.

Local residents debated whether a massive release of spruce pollen, which accumulated on every surface—including car bonnets, picnic tables and the nearby Kachemak Bay—amounted to a “golden sheen” or a “yellow scum”. The fine dust turned the surface of the sea the colour of butter and left a bright, lemony line on shore that marked the extent of high tide and gave off a sickly sweet smell. This huge release of pollen might be yet another symptom of a rapidly changing environment.

Unusual cone clouds in the air likely produced precipitation that evaporated before reaching the ground, due to unusually warm conditions.

A four-day heatwave across western Europe that killed seven people began to ease slightly on Sunday, as temperature alerts were cut back and wildfires slowly brought under control.

Little to no apparent management posed possible ecological and environmental health concerns.

On Wednesday, a new precipitation record was measured in Oslo with 22 millimeters in 10 minutes. "We had expected rain showers, but not that it would be so heavy," says state meteorologist.

Smoke from the North River fire is impacting outdoor air quality. The ADEC Division of Air Quality has issued an air quality advisory in effect from Tuesday, June 18, 2019 8:00 AM to Friday June 21, 2019 4:00 PM.

Smoke from the South River Hills Fire could be seen from Unalakleet. The fire began approximately 6 miles from the community, and grew from 30 to 160 acres.It was contained by BLM Alaska Fire Service Smokejumers by 11pm on June 9, 2019.

Early summer in Moscow brings an onslaught of allergy-inducing, Instagram-ready fluff from poplar seeds.

Dr. Antony Ham Pong, who's been treating allergy patients for about 35 years, warns the combination of a wet spring and heavy snow melt threaten to create a "super bloom of ragweed with lots of pollen."

For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, spring means red eyes, mucus and fits of sneezing. This year, the Lynn Canal has seen a remarkable spruce pollen bloom.

Pia Östensson, a biologist and pollen expert at Stockholm's Natural History museum, explains why there is so much aspen fluff this year and why it is not related to recent wildfires.

Spring blossoms, dusty streets, distant fires and a lack of rain combine to create hazardous respiratory conditions.

Pollen from birch trees was carried along with dust from the Sahara Desert on strong winds that originated in Eastern Europe.

Gallery | The fires, which were swept in from Mongolia by high winds, have caused almost $9.4 million in damage.

Shiveluch volcano (Kamchatka) in Kamchata is erupting. Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Tokyo warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 33000 ft (10100 m) altitude or flight level 330 and is moving at 55 kts in S direction.

Why air quality is worse at different times of day and how you might be violating city code with your leaf blower.

Alder catkins (the pollen-rich flowers on alder trees) haven't reached their peak yet, but there are a lot of them. There can be four to five million pollen particles in a single catkin.