LEO Network

About the LEO Network
The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
Continue

Observations

2021 Summer Heat Wave in Cranbrook: Low Water Levels in the Philips Reservoir Causing Unusual Water Restrictions to the Community
These prolonged above-normal temperatures required the City of Cranbrook to increase water restrictions to levels not generally experienced by the community. Additionally, during this time (personal experience), the water was discoloured and had an odor, forcing bottled water to ensure safe drinking.
Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada

Fire Updates: Smoke Intensifies, River Complex Estimated Containment Date Oct. 1
A handful of fires burning east of Humboldt continued to grow overnight with minimal containment, bringing air quality and travel impacts. Parts of State Route 36 have reopened to controlled traffic. Overall hot, dry conditions are expected to complicate fire suppression efforts.
Junction City, California, United States
North Coast Journal

Dismal Yukon River salmon returns prompt widespread fishing closures, emergency aid — and tough questions
A decades-long decline in salmon in the Yukon River has reached a crisis this year, forcing harvest closures and prompting emergency shipments of salmon from other regions of Alaska to river residents who are otherwise facing food shortages.
Bethel, Alaska, United States
ArcticToday

More buildings lost in main B.C. fire as heat wave is set to bake B.C.
The wildfire has now grown to 565 square kilometres in size.
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
vancouversun

‘River is getting close.’ Erosion is threatening Napakiak's school
The village is losing ground three times faster than it was 10 years ago, according to studies of Napakiak’s erosion. During high tide, the river is only 64 feet from the high-schoolers’ original classroom and gets closer by the day. On windy days, waves crash against the shore where students used to play, battering it until the land relents and crumbles.
Napakiak, Alaska, United States
KTOO

He has lived for 74 years – for the first time the river is dry
Extreme drought in the west means that households with private waterworks are out of water. Elvar's dried up. "The situation is very serious," he says.
Skinlo, Breim, Vestland, Norway
NRK

When polar bears hunt snow geese, hunger justifies the means
At this time of year, the geese are moulting — and therefore unable to fly — so they congregate near ponds to avoid the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), which is reluctant to jump into the water. But the bear was about to use a new hunting technique: he dove under the water, disappeared from the eyes of the geese who had stopped fleeing, and emerged from underneath one of them.
Bylot Island, Nunavut Canada
NNSL Media

Dead seabirds wash up on regional shores
Starting last week, regional residents reported numerous dead seabirds washing up on regional beaches. Alaska Sea Grant Agent Gay Sheffield said there were carcasses of murres, puffins, shearwaters and a kittiwake starting on July 28; in Golovin, Solomon, Nome and a dead Little Diomede.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Second year in row, big numbers of wild reindeer calves are found dead along banks of great river Khatanga
Poaching and climate change might be the reasons why more than 1,200 migrating animals did not make it across the wide Arctic waterway.
Khatanga river, Krasnoyarskiy, Russia
The Independent Barents Observer

Warmest July on record in north and east
This July was the warmest on record in nearly all of North and East Iceland. The average temperature was above 14°C at several weather stations, and no average monthly temperature in Iceland is ever known to have been higher.
Akureyri, Northeast, Iceland
RÚV

Siberia Feels the Brunt of Climate Change as Wildfires Rage
The driest summer in 150 years has turned Yakutia into a tinderbox and seen wildfires tear through the region.
Yakutsk, Sakha, Russia
The Moscow Times

July was Kotzebue's wettest month on record
The record was driven in part by a heavy rainstorm that set Kotzebue's single-day precipitation record.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
KTOO

Rapid Erosion Exposes Old Landfill
Unusual high water all summer in Noatak, causing massive erosion towards the airport and old buried landfill, exposing old trash into the river.
Noatak, Alaska, United States
Max Neale, Paul Walton, David Beveridge, Jeffrey Luther, John Monville, Jacquelyn Overbeck, Crane Johnson, Joy Britt, Chris Dankmeyer, Richard L Thoman Jr

Insect eating red currant leaves
Red currant leaf consumption by something was observed by my supervisor while walking along a salmon stream.
Lazy Mountain, Alaska, United States

Seeing some Worms in Kenai Salmon
About 10% of our catch during dip net fishing at mouth of Kenai River was harboring these worms.
Kenai River, Alaska, United States
Jayde Ferguson, Mike Brubaker, Ian Williams

Smoke may cause unhealthy air quality in Southcentral and Interior Alaska, DEC says
Parts of Interior and Southcentral Alaska will see poor air quality as a result of wildfires this week, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation warned on Tuesday.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

North Athens fire ‘out of control,’ traps residents, responders
An unknown number of residents, firefighters and policemen are reportedly trapped between two fronts of a major wildfire in northern Athens that has already destroyed homes in the suburb of Varymbombi and is spreading to Thrakomakedones.
Athens, Attica, Greece
Ekathimerini.com

Kobuk Rain and High-water Flood
After significant rain and high water from the Kobuk River the Native Village of Kobuk is now flooded.
Kobuk, Alaska, United States
Chris Dankmeyer, Crane Johnson, Richard L Thoman Jr, Ida Norton, Virginia Commack, Francine Moreno, Edward "Ted" Smith, David Beveridge, Mary Mullan, Max Neale

Phytoplankton blooms hint at changing Arctic waters
Recent research has found that coccolithophore blooms are occupying increasingly more space in the Barents Sea. Between 1998 and 2016, coccolithophore summer blooms have expanded poleward and their surface area in the Barents Sea has doubled.
Nunatsiaq News

Larva of water beetle (Dytiscus)
Tribal member of St. Mary's finds the larva of a predaceous diving beetle.
St. Mary's, Alaska, United States

The Norwegian Environment Agency is concerned about phosphorus in the mountain Lake Gjende
There are high levels of phosphorus in Gjende, which is located 984 meters above sea level, at the foot of the country's most popular mountain ridge, Besseggen. Phosphorus from the deposition of mud from melting glaciers affect the plankton in the lake. Scientist note that in the stomachs of the thin fish there is little zooplankton.
Gjende, Jotunheimen, Norway
NRK
Dag Kessel, Even Lusæter, Lars Erik Skrefsrud, Eilin Spolén Juva

Spittlebugs galore in Sand Lake area
"I am seeing spittlebugs deposits everywhere I look in the Sand Lake area."
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Unprecedented salmon declines force fish donations to Alaska’s Yukon River villages
Chum returns are the lowest on record, leaving communities with empty freezers and uncertainty about getting through the winter.
Bethel, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Killer whale stranded on Prince of Wales Island frees itself
A killer whale that beached itself on Prince of Wales Island on Thursday has freed itself, according to federal biologists.
Craig, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

When will Oregon’s heat wave end? 4 Portland weather experts make their predictions
When will the second heat wave round end in the Portland area?
Portland, Oregon, United States
oregonlive

Greenland experienced 'massive' ice melt this week, scientists say
With climate change fueling high temperatures across the Arctic, Greenland lost a massive amount of ice on Wednesday with enough melting to cover the U.S. state of Florida in 2 inches (5.1 centimeters) of water, scientists said. It was the third-biggest ice loss for Greenland in a single day since 1950.
Greenland
ArcticToday

Finland's worst wildfire in decades is raging through a northwest forest - ArcticToday
Finland’s worst wildfire in more than half a century scorched the country’s northwest for a fifth day on Friday, tearing through forests left dry by record summer heat.
Pyhäranta, Finland Proper, Finland
ArcticToday

30 percent have been bitten
The notorious lúsmý (Culicoides reconditus), a species of biting midge that has colonised Iceland for the first time in the past few years. The tiny flies can cause severe reactions, with large, sore, itchy spots that can remain angry for a week or more, and sometimes spread into a sort of rash.
Húnaþing vestra, Northwestern, Iceland
RÚV

Tsunami warning canceled after 8.2 offshore earthquake sent people in many Alaska coastal communities to higher ground
The Tsunami Warning Center recorded waves of less than 1 foot above normal as a result of the earthquake.
Chignik, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Russia's Norilsk sees a heatwave
Residents of the Russian Arctic city of Norilsk spent time in and around Lake Dolgoye on Tuesday, as temperatures in the region soared. The lake is used for water discharge from Norilsk‘s Central Heating and Power Plant No. 1, but was used for swimming on July 27 as the temperature in the city reached 30 degrees Celsius (86 F).
Norilsk, Krasnoyarskiy, Russia

A Fall Storm in the Summer
Unusual mid summer storm in Golovin and local observations about changes in the salmon harvest.
Golovin, Alaska, United States

Sea Life Die-Off Found on Beach
"While on a field trip for work, we stopped at the beach and you can notice hundreds of dead clams and star fish littering the beach."
Elim, Alaska, United States
Carol Oliver, Derek Sikes, Leigh Takak, Gay Sheffield, Racheal Lee

Floods, landslides impacting Costa Rica on Friday
The consequences of heavy and persistent rainfall continue to impact Costa Rica on Friday, particularly in the canton of Turrialba and on the Caribbean.
Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica
The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate

Record-breaking rains devastated central China, but there is little talk of climate change
As record heat waves hit western North America and deadly floods swept Germany, the growing risks associated with climate change have grabbed headlines, and prompted widespread discussions in the West.
Henan, China
CNN

Changes in fish size and parasite load of Kasilof sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
"My husband and I have been dipnetting on the Kasilof since 2014. This year we noticed more small fish than usual and all but ~5 of the 35 fish we caught had parasites."
Kasilof, Alaska, United States

B.C.'s heat wave may be to blame for several cases of shellfish poisoning
Several people have fallen ill with food poisoning after eating shellfish in B.C. in the last 10 days, and health officials are warning that warm ocean waters might be to blame.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
CBC

Coast Guard rescues man after being pounced, stalked by grizzly
By Julia Lerner Richard Jessee, a longtime summer miner, survived an aggressive bear attack near his cabin last week.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Coyote bites another Stanley Park jogger a week after 4 of the animals put down
The BC Conservation Officer Service said the latest attack happened around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night, while a woman was jogging along the seawall.
West End, British Columbia, Canada
Global News

Decline in and delayed salmon on the Skeena River
In recent years, we have observed the salmon arriving at our territory along the Skeena River later than normal and in fewer numbers. The total number of wild sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) returning to the Skeena River have decreased by 69% in comparison to historical stocks.
Gwax Ts'eliksit, British Columbia, Canada
Kristen Davis, Tom Okey, David Oswald, Cody Thomas

'Unprecedented' absence of southern resident killer whales from Salish Sea
The most common pod of southern resident killer whales who migrate to the Salish Sea during the summer have not been seen for than 100 days, marking a highly unusual absence from their historic summer hunting ground, according to researchers.
Salish Sea
Vancouver Island

Bristol Bay’s Nushagak District is seeing a record-setting sockeye salmon run
Tim Sands, an Alaska Department of Fish and Game area management biologist, said he is hopeful the strong run throughout Bristol Bay will continue next year.
Naknek, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Veterinarians of the village of Providence "resuscitated" the exhausted walrus
The female aroused interest among local residents. Specialists suggested that scars on its body could mean that it was attacked by an orca; the walrus hauled out a few days after a group of walruses had been trapped by orcas. After treatment, the walrus left the shore.
Provideniya, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia
Chukotka

Caterpillars on Kesugi Ridge
Hikers on Kesugi Ridge observe a large abundance of Rusty Tussock Caterpillars all over cairns marking the trail from Coal Creek to Byre's Lake. They swarmed on the hiker's bodies and packs and from a distance covered structures to the point where they looked black.
Chase, Alaska, United States
Jessie Moan, Carl Roland, Kendra Wissel, Adrienne Fleek, Sarah Stehn

‘It’s a nightmare’: 300 wildfires blaze, another evacuation order issued as southern B.C. still parched
As of Monday, some 300 wildfire were burning across British Columbia. Thirty-seven blazes, 12 per cent of all B.C. fires, are rated as highly visible or a threat to life or property. Several new evacuation orders and alerts were posted over the weekend by regional governments across B.C.’s southern Interior.
British Columbia, Canada
vancouversun

Siberian wildfire smoke causes hazy skies in Southcentral Alaska
The haze is expected to subside by the middle of next week, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service said.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) Extended Range into the St. Lawrence Region
Double-crested cormorants have been observed in the St Lawrence River region, with record-breaking numbers, in recent years.
Gananoque, Ontario, Canada

'Stay away from Maaseik' as dyke threatens to break, mayor warns
As experts are expecting that the water level of the Meuse river will continue to rise until noon and the water has starting flowing over the dyke, the mayor of Maaseik in the Limburg province urged people to stay away.
Maaseik, Limburg, Belgium
The Brussels Times

Opah on the Oregon Coast
On July 14, a rare 100-pound opah fish was found on the Oregon coast. The 3.5 foot 100 pound fish washed up at Sunset Beach, and was reported to the Seaside Aquarium.
Sunset Beach, Oregon, United States
WRAL.com

Blue mussel die-off in Skagway
"The first wave of dead mussels washed ashore on July 14th, possibly earlier but this was the first report we received. I took the pictures included in my LEO observation on July 16th, and the temperatures were only just then beginning to climb into the upper 70s and lower 80s."
Skagway, Alaska, United States
Kris Holderied, Mandy Lindeberg, Reuben Cash

Beaver dam outburst floods prompt effort to protect Richardson Highway
Alaska transportation officials believe there’s a low risk that anyone could be harmed in an outburst, but they say they’re acting swiftly to prevent another road closure.
Paxson, Alaska, United States

Thousands evacuated after floods devastate homes and towns
Germany's most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, is in shock. Entire municipalities there have been evacuated, including Heimerzheim, a town of 6,000.
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
DW.COM

Air quality statements expand throughout Alberta as heat wave continues
Air quality concerns have extended across the foothills and west-central Alberta including Calgary and surrounding areas.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Calgary

Invasive seaweed detected on Aotea/Great Barrier Island
Caulerpa brachypus, which can spread rapidly and create dense mats, was found in July in Blind Bay and Tryphena Harbour. This was the first time the pest species had been detected in New Zealand.
Great Barrier Island
NZ Herald

Extreme heat could kill nearly all young salmon in the Sacramento River, officials say
As temperatures near and surpass triple digits, many reservoirs in California's Central Valley have diverted more water to cities and farmers during the drought, making rivers shallower and too hot for the fish to develop from eggs, a process which can take at least 60 days to complete. To combat the poor river conditions in the Central Valley, some fish preservation organizations have tried to save the salmon population by launching large scale trucking operations to transport millions of salmon to the San Pablo Bay, San Francisco Bay and other fish farms where they are more likely to survive.
Sacramento, California, United States
CNN

West Coast drought puts fish and forests in dire straits
West Coast fish and forests are in greater peril than ever as the B.C. government issues widespread drought warnings after a record-breaking heat wave and an explosion of wildfires across the province.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Island

'Unprecedented:' Rare sei whales spotted off Vancouver Island
Researchers on an expedition 300 kilometers west of Vancouver Island stumbled upon a group of 25-30 endangered sei whales.
300 kms West of Vancouver Island, Canada
CHEK

N.W.T. has now detected mosquito borne viruses
Of the 92 pools of mosquitoes tested, 30 had at least one mosquito that tested positive for California serogroup viruses. There has been one confirmed diagnosis of meningoencephalitis — a severe neurological condition — caused by the snowshoe hare virus. There have been no positive cases yet of West Nile Virus.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
CBC

At Least 600 Tons Of Dead Fish Have Washed Up Along Tampa Bay's Shore
The hordes of fish were killed by a red tide, a large "bloom" of toxic algae that appears on Florida's Gulf Coast about once a year. Experts say the bloom shouldn't be happening right now.
Tampa, Florida, United States
NPR.org

Environment Canada issues air quality warning for Nunavik
Active fires in northeastern Ontario and eastern Manitoba are expected to send smoke across northern Quebec today and Wednesday, Environment Canada said in a special air quality statement posted for each of the region’s 14 communities.
Kuujjuaq, Quebec, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Permafrost is ablaze with hundreds of wildfires in world’s coldest region
Wildfires on permafrost are ravaging Yakutia - or the Sakha Republic - the largest and coldest entity of the Russian Federation. The scale is mesmerizing. There are some 300 separate fires, now covering 12,140 square kilometers - but only around half of these are being tackled, because they pose a threat to people. The rest are burning unchecked.
Sakha, Russia
Siberian Times

Unusual Arctic thunderstorms spark rare lightning strikes in Northern Alaska
Thunderstorms in Northern Alaska over sea ice on Monday sparked rare lightning strikes. The Washington Post reported lightning strikes occurred north of Prudhoe Bay, directly over sea ice, a rare phenomena that occurs once or twice a decade.
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, United States

Rabid bat discovered in Toronto's High Park
A bat in High Park tested positive for rabies on Wednesday, according to Toronto Public Health.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
CBC

Maine Has a Dangerous, Small, and Very Itchy Problem
Climate change is keeping temperatures higher in the fall, setting up browntail-moth caterpillars to boom in summer. Their hairs are barbed and hollow and there’s a reservoir of a toxin inside.
Portland, Maine, United States
The Atlantic

Low Abundance of Fish Harms Norton Sound’s Commercial Fishing Season
The prospects are dim for this summer’s Norton Sound commercial fishing and crabbing seasons.
Nome, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Volcanic Gases Cause Haze and Breathing Issues
Gases from the ongoing eruption on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula may lead to fewer sunny days this summer, Vísir reports. Eruption gases have been creating a haze in the capital area in recent days and causing discomfort for people with asthma or other lung conditions. Air quality specialist Þorsteinn Jóhannsson says locals should get into the […]
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Iceland Review

Evacuation order issued for Chena Hot Springs area as wildfire grows to nearly 20,000 acres
As of Monday evening, no structures had been damaged in the Munson Creek Fire, which was less than a half mile from the popular resort.
Pleasant Valley, Alaska, United States

Air quality poor in parts of B.C. as more than 200 wildfires burn across province
Air quality alerts remain in place for several areas in B.C.'s southern Interior on Tuesday as more than 200 wildfires continue to burn through hundreds of square kilometres of the province.
Thompson-Nicola J, British Columbia, Canada

Exceptional heat takes toll on berries, other crops
An extended period of hot, dry weather is affecting the harvest outlook and impacting grain growth. Even the wild berry season, which was off to a good start, may be in peril.
Kullaa, Satakunta, Finland
Yle Uutiset

Such was the temperature in July
It's been a hot July. In fact, it was the 10th warmest in 120 years.
Lakselv, Troms og Finnmark Fylke, Norway
NRK

Whitehorse residents warned not to feed wildlife after black bear killed in Riverdale
After a black bear was shot dead in her front yard, a Whitehorse resident is concerned that people are inadvertently luring bears into the neighbourhood by feeding wildlife.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

‘Pure hell’: Cyprus hit by worst forest fire in decades
Deadly blaze that killed four people and forced evacuation of 10 villages is now close to being under control
Arakapás, Limassol, Cyprus
the Guardian

Finland braces for renewed warm, dry spell as Lapland sees record temperatures
Lapland was Finland's hottest region on Monday with a measuring station in the village of Utsjoki recording 33.5 degrees celsius. A high-pressure front dominating Central and Eastern Europe is behind the drought and high temperature readings.
Utsjoki, Lapland, Finland
Yle Uutiset

There's a lot of flies in the mountains and heat, but there are things you can do to cope
Millions of small black flies have taken over mountains and hiking trails. "I thought it was horrible," says Pernille Frøskeland.
Skrovtinden, Reipå, Nordland, Norway
Sofie Retterstøl Olaisen, Emma Skau Solås

Continued river warnings in north
According to police sources, flow in the region’s swollen rivers dropped slightly overnight, but that this is likely explained because the air temperature usually drops overnight. Flow is expected to increase again today.
Hjalteyri, Northeast, Iceland
RÚV

Strange Plant found below Oskawalik on the Kuskokwim River
An Aniak resident found these plants below Oskawalik and never have seen them before. Identification is still in progress.
Below Oskawalik, Alaska, United States

Number of deaths recorded during B.C.'s heat wave up to 808, coroners say
The number of deaths recorded across British Columbia during the province's recent record-breaking heat wave has climbed to 808, according to coroners.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
CTV News

‘Our poor little town’: Village at center of Canada’s heat wave devastated by wildfires
Lytton, British Columbia, broke successive Canadian heat records early this week, with temperatures peaking at 121 degrees on Tuesday. Then the fires swept in.
Lytton, British Columbia, Canada

European Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) in Northwest, BC
A European Skipper butterfly is observed in Northwest BC, an introduced species and one of several stressors underlying insect declines.
Smithers, British Columbia, Canada

B.C. heat wave 'cooks' fruit crops on the branch in sweltering Okanagan and Fraser valleys
Farmers are trying to salvage their cherry crops following damage from a week of extreme temperatures. Cherry crops in the BC Interior have been burned due to the extreme temperatures brought by the heat wave at the end of June.
Peachland, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver trees dry out as heat wave continues to take its toll
British Columbia's unprecedented heat wave and drought-like conditions may be what is causing some Vancouver trees to shed their leaves this week, a scientist says.

Landslide Damages Two Houses in North Iceland
No one was injured in a landslide that occurred yesterday in Varmahlíð, North Iceland, though two houses sustained significant damage. Nine homes on four different streets in the town have been evacuated. The evacuation will remain in force until after the region’s local Civil Protection and Emergency Management Committee meets this morning to assess the […]
Varmahlíð, Northwest, Iceland
Iceland Review

Fort Smith had its hottest day in 80 years: preliminary data
Preliminary data from Environment Canada shows Fort Smith, N.W.T., hit 39.9 C on Wednesday, breaking 1941 record.
Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada

Downstream Erosion after Heavy Rain in Brooks Range
Photos show some of the erosion caused by surge of high water in late June on the Noatak River. As of June 29th, 24 feet of bank have been lost adjacent to the Noatak Airport, and 28 feet adjacent to the landfill.
Noatak, Alaska, United States
Jeffrey Luther, Edward "Ted" Smith, Richard L Thoman Jr, Paul Walton, Crane Johnson, Joy Britt, John Monville, Chris Dankmeyer

For 3rd straight day, B.C. village smashes record for highest Canadian temperature at 49.6 C
Lytton, B.C., has broken the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded in Canada for a third straight day, hitting a scorching 49.6 C on Tuesday.
Lytton, British Columbia, Canada

Intertidal life after significant heat wave
In Malahat Drive in BC, an extraordinary heat wave, combined with low tides during the middle of the day resulted in the die off of possibly billions of intertidal invertebrates along the coast of British Columbia and Washington State.
Malahat Drive

Unprecedented Heat Wave in the Bow Valley
While seasonal fluctuation is normal, there is evidence that this region is being strongly affected by climate change. The Municipality of Canmore’s Climate Change Adaptation Background Report and Resilience Plan (2016) shows that there has been a warming trend that is moving faster than the global average with the average annual temperature of the Bow Valley increasing.
Canmore, Alberta, Canada

Heat wave linked to sudden deaths in western Canada as temperature hits 121 in B.C. town
Environment Canada said the weather system shattered more than 100 heat records across British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Lytton, British Columbia, Canada

Southwest Alaska community on Bering Sea coast experiences severe flooding
Kwigillingok, a community on the Bering Sea coast of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, is used to some flooding during high tides. But in recent years, that flooding has grown more severe, reaching a new threshold last week.
Kwigillingok, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Wildfires begin blazing in wake of record-breaking heat across Washington
Wildfires have already begun to take hold across Washington in the wake of record heat both east and west of the Cascades. Responders are currently battling a 31-square-mile fire in Adams County, after getting sparked in the town of Lind on Sunday morning. The fast-moving brush fire has been threatening homes and vital infrastructure.
Lind, Washington, United States
MyNorthwest.com

Seattle already set a record high temperature Sunday; Monday’s forecast is ‘unheard of’
For the first time in Seattle’s history, temperatures spiked above 100 degrees two days in a row, with residents scrambling to find relief — and flocking to beaches, parks and...
Seattle, Washington, United States
The Seattle Times

Extreme heat cooks shellfish alive on Puget Sound beaches
A record-shattering heat wave June 26-28 coincided with some of the year's lowest tides on Puget Sound. The combination was lethal for millions of mussels, clams, oysters, sand dollars, barnacles, sea stars, moon snails, and other tideland creatures exposed to three afternoons of intense heat.
Anacortes, Washington, United States
KUOW

Erosion impacting wells and transmission line
River erosion in Noatak is posing a threat to wells and transmission lines along the bank as the river ebbs closer.
Noatak, Alaska, United States
John Monville, Chris Dankmeyer, Joy Britt, Jeffrey Luther, Paul Walton

Coast Guard responds to tar-like substance spill on Utqiagvik beach
Officials are still examining the substance in a lab to determine what it is, but DEC suspects it’s black tar or asphalt.
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States
KTOO
Wesley Early, Alaska's Energy Desk - Kotzebue

Flood Level on Takhini River
"River is running bank full with all gravel bars and low islands underwater."

Halibut fisherman weathers freak storm on trip back from Togiak
Westfall thanked his training with the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association to help him maximize his odds for survival.

Flood warning in Carmacks docks the 2021 River Quest
The Yukon River Quest has been cancelled for the second year in a row. When the river is high like that the banks are being eroded, there is no place to pull out so if you do have a problem it's really dangerous indeed.
Carmacks, Yukon, Canada
Yukon News

Thousands of lightning strikes spark more than a dozen wildfires in Northwest Alaska
On Tuesday night, the state of Alaska saw thousands of lightning strikes. “Most of the 3,800 lightning strikes were concentrated in the Northwest Arctic,” said BLM Alaska Fire Service spokeswoman Beth Ipsen. There are several communities in close proximity to new fires.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Wesley Early, Alaska's Energy Desk - Kotzebue

UN weather agency affirms 2020 Arctic heat record in Siberia
The agency said it has certified a 100.4-degree reading in the Russian town of Verkhoyansk last year as the highest temperature ever recorded in the Arctic.
Verkhoyansk, Sakha, Russia

Lymantria dispar dispar outbreak
Lymantria dispar dispar also known as spongy moth was observed in Waterloo Ontario to be in unusually large quantities during the summer of 2021.
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Record-setting heat blasts the West: ‘Your skin is almost sizzling’
Fueled by climate change, the heat wave is unprecedented in its timing, intensity and scope. Coupled with a catastrophic drought that has damaged crops and shrunk vital reservoirs to all-time lows, the blazing weather is a trademark of human-caused warming.
Sacramento, California, United States
The Washington Post

Kuskokwim River Chum Run Extremely Low So Far
The Kuskokwim River king salmon run does not look particularly strong this year, but chum numbers look even worse. Historically, around 60% of the salmon in the river at this point in the season would be chum or sockeye, but right now Bethel Test Fishery numbers show that just over 20% of the salmon are.
Bethel, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Burn ban issued for Kenai Peninsula
High-fire danger prompts burn ban this week, A burn suspension is in effect for the Kenai Peninsula due to high fire danger, high fire activity and limited firefighting resources, according to a special notice from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
Homer, Alaska, United States
Homer News

Coldest June night in 43 years
The temperature in Akureyri last night dropped to -1°C, the coldest night this late in June since 1978—or 43 years ago.
Akureyri, Northeast, Iceland

Deadly Flash Floods in Department of Sololá, Guatemala
Heavy rainfall caused the Quibá river to overflow in the village of Guineales, municipality of Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán in Sololá department.
Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán, Sololá, Guatemala
FloodList

Red rust on endemic roses
My unprofessional opinion is that climate change is affecting these endemic roses and that they are in peril.

Tiny insects ate the needles off a half million acres of Tongass hemlocks. Most of the trees will be fine.
Dead crowns in the canopy and rusty-colored branches are woven in with the otherwise healthy, green temperate rainforest. About a third of the trees around here were hit by the voracious sawfly. The larvae get mistaken for caterpillars. Adults are a kind of non-stinging wasp, a little smaller than a pinky finger.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Russia’s largest and coldest region is on fire - again, and this year wildfires strike early
Even school children are in firefighting brigades in some areas of Yakutia.
Srednekolymsk, Sakha, Russia
Siberian Times

Tiny worm comes back to life after 24,000 years in Siberian deep freeze
A microscopic organism has wriggled back to life and reproduced asexually after lying frozen in the vast permafrost lands of northeastern Siberia for 24,000 years. Russian scientists found the tiny, ancient animal called the bdelloid rotifer in soil taken from the Alazeya River basin, in the far north of Russia’s Yakutia region.

Paralytic Shellfish Toxin Advisory
The Southeast Alaska Tribal Ocean Research program found that all shellfish species in Settler's Cove and Seaport Beach in Ketchikan and Starrigavan North beach in Sitka are affected by high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin, posing the risk of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning for consumers.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States
Southeast Tribal Ocean Research

Abnormal abundance of ticks
My colleague who has been doing this work for over 35 years indicated that he has never experienced that many ticks.
Scott Road Landfill (near Cardinal)
Chyna Williams, Andrea Sare, David Oswald

Mysterious black substance on Wells Beach turns out to be millions of dead bugs
The black substance was staining the feet of people at the beach, prompting one local resident to alert state officials.
Wells Beach Station, Maine, United States
Press Herald

Rapid permafrost thaw expected in N.W.T., Yukon after heat wave, experts warn
The heat wave sweeping through the N.W.T. and Yukon will have a major impact on permafrost thaw in both territories, experts warn.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Large wildfire breaks out in Cairngorms National Park
The blaze in forestry south of Loch Morlich near Aviemore has now been extinguished.
Kincraigy, Donegal, Ireland
BBC News

Low king counts to close Anchor River, Deep Creek to fishing
“The midpoint of the Anchor River king salmon run was extremely late. These fish are really having some odd, unprecedented run timing and behavior."
Kasilof, Alaska, United States

Elephant herd now close to Kunming
A herd of wild Asian elephants that left Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve in the south of Yunnan province last year is still moving northward, local media reported on Wednesday. The 15-member herd has traveled nearly 500 kilometers from its original habitat. Experts said the move northward is unusual and they do not know the reason for it.
Kunming, Yunnan, China

Tick found on dog on Anchorage Hillside
An unidentified tick was found on the nose of a dog in the backyard of a home in south Anchorage. Neither the family nor their pet had been traveling recently. The identification of the tick species is pending.

'This is what we've been waiting for': Calgarians embrace first heat wave of the season
Much of Alberta remained under a heat warning Wednesday but after months cooped up indoors, many Calgarians are embracing the warm weather.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Calgary

Heat records broken in 10 places in B.C. so far this week
Environment Canada says records were broken in 10 places Tuesday - from 29 C in Fort Nelson, just edging a record set in 1961 - to 34.6 C in Trail, and highs ranging from 27 to the low 30s in Sechelt, Gibsons, Clinton, Merritt, Pemberton, Princeton and the Malahat on Vancouver Island.
Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia

Karuk Tribe Declares Climate Emergency
The Karuk Tribe has declared a climate emergency as the Klamath River Basin has seen the worst conditions in history with very low precipitation and...
Yreka, California, United States
North Coast Journal

Orca found dead after earlier stranding on island north of Auckland
The whale had earlier been spotted stranded.
Auckland, New Zealand
NZ Herald

State of emergency declared in Aklavik, N.W.T., as flood waters rise
The remote community of roughly 600 people has been on flood watch for about a week and is the latest of several communities in the Northwest Territories to be affected by historic flooding on the Mackenzie River, caused by the spring breakup.
Aklavik, Northwest Territories, Canada

Blue-green Algae Makes an Early Appearance
Anyone visiting lakes or rivers in the region is being cautioned to look out for blue-green algae after the Blue Lake Rancheria confirmed levels of...
Blue Lake, California, United States
North Coast Journal

Gambell gets distemper outbreak under control
The community of Gambell fought a distemper outbreak among its dog population this spring and managed to squash the epidemic in its early onset. Distemper is a deadly disease that can afflict dogs and wildlife alike and also has been documented in the North Atlantic to jump from dogs to marine mammals like seals.
Gambell, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Beluga whale found dead south of Anchorage will help scientists better understand the endangered animals
The beluga had a ruptured intestine probably related to parasites, which were found in the whale’s abdomen, lungs and kidneys, Burek said. The parasites likely led to an entanglement within a section of the intestines, leading it to rupture. “Very unusual,” Burek said. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
Girdwood, Alaska, United States

Red bloom in bay isn’t harmful
However, if ingested by oysters and other shellfish, the sudden burst of a ciliate form of zooplankton — or animal plankton — called Mesodinium rubrum could turn their meat pink.
Homer, Alaska, United States
Homer News

Turkey struck by ‘sea snot’ because of global heating
Increasing blanket of mucus-like substance in water threatens coral and fishing industry
Sea of Marmara
the Guardian

Dump burning leads to wildfire
Dry spring conditions and strong winds are allowing a burn at the dump to grow near Pilot Point. Fire crews are dropping suppressant and 12 smokejumpers worry working the fire estimated at 250 acres as of Monday night.
Pilot Point, Alaska, United States

Smokejumpers deployed to wildfire threatening fish camp, allotments on Kuskokwim River near Akiachak
The Alaska Division of Forestry deployed 12 smokejumpers on an estimated 100-acre wildfire burning near the village of Akiachak in southwest Alaska Tuesday afternoon to protect a fish camp and Native allotments surrounding the fire.
Akiachak, Alaska, United States
AK Fire Info

Pilot Point wildfire grows to 500 acres, but village safe from danger
The Alaska Division of Forestry said the wildfire that is burning land near the village of Pilot Point in Southwest Alaska has grown to about 500 acres, but the village is safe from any immediate danger.
Pilot Station, Alaska, United States

Dozens of bear paws, their claws removed, dumped roadside next to Shuswap Lake
Brandi Hansen, a longtime hunter and outdoorswoman, found the paws across the lake from Salmon Arm between Scotch Creek and Anglemont, they were dumped by a culvert, although some had been dragged to the road and scattered, likely by other animals. Hansen suspects poachers are to blame.
Sicamous, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

Probably the world's northernmost observed narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth
Tine Aastrøm Lorentzen was on a trip in Rana and noticed what she thought was a bumblebee, but it was suspiciously silent. "It looked like a crossover of a bumblebee and a butterfly. I studied it more closely and found that I had to film this, because I had never seen anything like this before," she tells NRK. The latin name of that insect is *Hemaris tityus.*
Sjona, Rana, Nordland, Norway

The ice-breaking began on the Little Anyyu River near the village of Ostrovsky
This year the situation is complicated by unfavorable hydrological forecasts due to heavy winter precipitation. Experts observed the maximum amount of snow in the upper reaches of the Anadyr River.
Ваеги, Анадырский район, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia
Prochukotku

Wildfire Alert Phase Spreads to Southeast Iceland
A wildfire alert is now in effect across roughly half of Iceland following weeks of dry weather and fires across the Southwest quadrant of the country.
Iceland
Iceland Review

Roman Kopin ordered to investigate the case of mass shooting of birds in the district
A photo of a hunter posing against the background of the inscription "Chukotka 2021," laid out from dozens of killed geese and ducks, caused an active discussion in the district's social networks.
Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia
Prochukotku

Man mauled by bear off Richardson Highway near Gulkana in Southcentral Alaska
The 61-year-old man was flown to an Anchorage hospital for treatment of his injuries, troopers said.
Gulkana, Alaska, United States

This giant mosquito attracts attention – Never seen such a mosquito
As the weather gets warmer, the mosquito comes to life. Also in North Norway. But when Frank Pedersen enjoyed himself in the sun on 17 May, he was "attacked" by a mosquito he has never seen in Nordland before. It was Great house mosquito, Culiseta annulata.
Skarberget, Narvik, Nordland, Norway

Late flight birds arrive this year are observed by scientists of the National Park "Beringia"
Scientists from Beringia National Park noted that several species of migratory birds, including snow buntings and cranes, are arriving later than expected this year. They believe this is due to a large amount of snow cover and prolonged snow cover.
Prochukotku

Mouse Plague 'For every one that died, 10 more were coming in for the funeral' — agony of the plague that came to stay
Farmer Adam Macrae says it felt like thousands of mice descended on his Coonamble property almost overnight a few months back and since then he has spent tens of thousands trying to fight them. But they're still there.
Coonamble, New South Wales, Australia
ABC

Hunt opens for musk ox stranded on ice floes
The musk ox were stranded on the ice floes after wandering onto the sea ice during breakup.
Mekoryuk, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Buckland hit with heavy flooding from river ice break-up
An ice jam caused by warming spring temperatures near the village of Buckland has left most of the town underwater and cut off access to the airport road. Residents of the village of about 400 people are preparing to evacuate by boat if water levels continue to rise.
Buckland, Alaska, United States
KOTZ Radio 720 AM

Lake Tahoe's waters are so low now, some boats can't be launched
Barring significant precipitation this summer, Lake Tahoe's water level is on track to reach a critical low.
Tahoe City, California, United States
SFGATE

Finland sees summer temperatures on spring's warmest day
For example, Espoo's district of Nuuksio recorded 24.8 degrees celsius (77 F) on Tuesday. Many people across the country took advantage of the warm temperatures and headed outdoors with some opting to go swimming in lakes or pools.
Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland
Yle Uutiset

The Swallows Are Here!
Swallow populations are fluctuating as the environment changes. In 2016, the Alaska Songbird Institute began studying changes in swallow populations and formed the Alaska Swallow Monitoring Network. This is an opportunity for participation for community members to participate in a structured monitoring program.
Togiak, Alaska, United States

Aerial views of Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River after flooding forces evacuations
Floods, caused by spring river break-up on the Liard and Mackenzie Rivers, have forced residents of the N.W.T. communities of Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River to evacuate. CBC's Eden Maury surveyed both communities from the air on May 10.
Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada

Brush Fires Break Out in Bone Dry Capital Area
Firefighters put out brush fires in Hafnarfjörður and Reykjavík May 9th, while police responded to several other reports of open flames.Weather has been unseasonably dry in Iceland’s capital area in recent weeks and in other parts of the country.
Reykjavík, Capital, Iceland

Coyote (Canis latrans) at Rabbit Creek
Coyotes, first documented in Anchorage around 1900, are not often seen in Anchorage. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game estimates coyote population abundance using the Trapper Questionnaire reports, and consider the Kenai Peninsula, Copper River Valley and Mat-Su Valley to have the highest coyote population densities.

Bird flu found in the wild after Sweden saw its worst ever outbreak
Wild pheasants and mallards have tested positive for avian influenza this summer, an unusual find according to the National Veterinary Institute.
Sweden
Radio Sweden

700 people in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., displaced by flood, mayor says
"There's basically people all over the place," Fort Simpson, N.W.T., Mayor Sean Whelly said on Monday morning. A general evacuation order was issued for the community of about 1,200 at about 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada

'The people are fine. Our little community is not': Communities deal with flooding along Mackenzie River
CBC News hasn't been able to reach people in Jean Marie River on Saturday, but Paul Simon was able to find cell phone service on a drive and posted photos of the flood waters on social media.
Jean Marie River, Northwest Territories, Canada

Deceased gray whale washes ashore along Klipsan Beach
A long-deceased adult gray whale washed ashore near Klipsan Beach last week.
Klipsan Beach, Washington, United States
Chinook Observer

Thawing Permafrost and Subsidence Causing On-going Water System Challenges
Multiple buildings and homes, including the Point Lay clinic, were without water. The water main break was a result of the water main sinking down further into the permafrost.
Point Lay, Alaska, United States
Vladimir Romanovsky, Benjamin Jones, Anna Liljedahl , Russell Cameron

Sleeper Shark (Somniosus pacificus) in Kasitsna Bay
A decomposing sleeper shark was found on the beach in Kasitsna Bay.
Seldovia Village, Alaska, United States
Michael Opheim , Chyna Williams, Gay Sheffield

New Arrival - Speckle Belly Geese (Anser albifrons)
A flock of Speckle Belly geese re-visit Seldovia.
Seldovia, Alaska, United States

Abnormal growth on Inconnu (Stenodus leucichthys)
A tumor is present on the lower jaw of the sheefish (*Stenodus leucichthys*).
Nunam Iqua, Alaska, United States
Jayde Ferguson, Erica Lujan, Jeremy Fitka

Dust Devil at Ringerike: Never seen anything like this
"It seemed like a normal day. It just showed up," says Torolv Røberg about the weather phenomenon. The dust devil was at least 100 meters high.
Steinssletta, Ringerike, Norway
Anders Wam Bjerkeseth, Laila Nguyen Engebretsen

Blue whale beaches in Africa for the 'first time ever'
The 60 ft blue whale carcass drifted ashore near Walvis Bay, Namibia on Tuesday. Local authorities were alerted and are planning to move the body, which had several injuries.
Namibia
Mail Online

Sudden Snowstorm Out of Nowhere
From 10:45am until 11:50am a sudden flurry of snow came and went on an otherwise warm spring day.
Sutton-Alpine, Alaska, United States

300 reindeer found dead in Kamchatka
Because of the changeable weather an ice crust arose on the snow and reindeer could not get food on their own. Reindeer herders fed the main herd with compound feed. The dead reindeer, most likely, have strayed from the main herd.
Tigil’, Kamtsjatka, Russia
Reindeerherding.org

70-year-old Texas man dies after being attacked by aggressive swarm of bees while mowing his lawn
A Texas man died after going into cardiac arrest when he was attacked by an aggressive swarm of bees outside his home, authorities said. Thomas Hicks, 70, was mowing his lawn Monday when he was repeatedly stung by the bees outside his home in Breckenridge.
Breckenridge, Texas, United States
KTLA

Survey Of Ocean Floor Between Los Angeles, Catalina Island Finds 27,000 Suspected Barrels Of DDT
Scientists have confirmed the existence of a DDT dump site in the waters off the coast of Southern California, and it’s even bigger than they had anticipated.
Southern Coast of California
MSN

A Massive Methane Reservoir Is Lurking Beneath the Sea
“The big finding was that we really have something that’s coming out from a deep pool,” said Steinbach. As the permafrost thaws, it opens up new pathways that allow methane to pass through.
Laptev Sea
Eos

As the Caspian Sea Disappears, Life Goes on for Those Living by Its Shores
Scientists predict the world’s largest inland sea will shrink by a quarter due to climate change by the end of the century. In Derbent, waves that once threatened to engulf entire streets have retreated by around 100 meters, leaving miles of fresh sand dunes up and down the former shoreline.
Derbent, Dagestan, Russia
The Moscow Times

Wildfire infernos in Western Siberia as drivers in Novosibirsk region report zero visibility
Omsk region reported ‘record high’ number of wildfires and cases of dry grass burning, that turn into wildfires this spring, with one day last week counting nearly a thousand new events a day. Omsk region emergency services said the number of wildfires is seven to ten times above the norm.
Omsk, Omsk, Russia
Siberian Times

State watching rabies attacks, new strain potential issue
A recent spate of attacks on humans and pets by foxes in Topsham may be in part due to a new strain of rabies. As of April 18, there have been five such attacks in Topsham this year. State Veterinarian Michele Walsh theorizes a rabies strain more associated with raccoons has begun infecting gray foxes.
Topsham, Maine, United States
Press Herald

‘Everyone Loses’: The Government Is Rationing Water at the California-Oregon Border
A major drought has forced farmers and Indigenous tribes to compete for water in a situation nobody ever wanted.
Lakeview, Oregon, United States
Vice

Landslides deemed "significant" but pose no danger to village in Arctic Quebec
Two landslides near the village of Kuujjuaraapik in Arctic Quebec have been deemed "significant" by authorities but pose no immediate danger to the community. The events happened on Thursday and affected a thick clay soil zone near the village.
Kuujjuarapik, Quebec, Canada
Eye on the Arctic

Scientists Assess Risk of Thaw Settlement in Permafrost Regions of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
This research provides a scientific reference for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of engineering facilities in the permafrost region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Mirage News

Washed up - euphausiid shrimp on area beach
Thousands of euphausiid shrimp, the species identified here in Resurrection Bay as Thysanoessa spinifera. were washed into the intertidal zone and on the beach near Whittier
Whittier, Alaska, United States
Gary Freitag, Melissa Good, Amy Holman, Sunny Rice, Tuula Hollmen, Julie Matweyou, Kris Holderied, Richard Hocking

5th dead whale found in less than month near San Francisco Bay
The carcass of a 41-foot adult female gray whale landed at San Francisco’s Crissy Field on March 31. A second adult female was found April 3 at Moss Beach in San Mateo County. A third was found April 7 floating near the Berkeley Marina and the following day another at Muir Beach. A video of the fifth dead whale was posted on social media Friday.
San Francisco, California, United States
Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Two dogs get sick after Chilkoot visits
An unknown substance near the Chilkoot River made dogs sick twice this month. The pet owners had to make their animals vomit and the dogs needed
Lutak, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

From Iceland — 50 Geese Have Died Due To Unknown Circumstances
This weekend, 50 white-fronted geese were found dead in Hvalnes in Lón and in Suðurfjörður, Fréttablaðið reports. An announcement from...
Djúpivogur, East, Iceland
The Reykjavik Grapevine

YKHC Urges Pets Get Rabies Vaccines After Rabid Foxes Found
Three foxes from three Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta communities have tested positive for rabies in recent weeks.
Nightmute, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Melting Arctic ice reduces bowhead whale migration
Researchers in Canada find that population did not bother making the 6,000km roundtrip in 2018-2019
Bearing, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas
the Guardian

Man throws rabid bobcat after it attacks him and his wife
Happy Wade jumped into action when he saw the wild animal clawing and biting at his wife, Kristi. Both are currently being treated for rabies.
Burgaw, North Carolina, United States
KHOU

Fearing bird flu: Fisherman found 30 dead birds in three weeks
Odd Sørensen discovered this dead whooper swan on 10 April. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has received daily reports of dead birds and are asking the public to help report bird mortality in particular with ducks, geese, swans, seagulls, eagles, buzzards, crowd and ravens.
Kjerringholmen, Fredrikstad, Viken, Norway

Bees emerging in Fairbanks
European Honey Bee a.k.a Western Honey Bee (apis mellifera) spotted with 2 feet of snow still on the ground.
College, Alaska, United States
Katie Spellman, Ian Williams, Chyna Williams

Windy March Storms in Wales Cause Concern for Future
March brought a series of storms across the Seward Peninsula, and in one Bering Strait community that meant a series of power outages. The storms are stronger than residents recall in the past.
Wales, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Heavy snow showers replaced by mild weather and rain - violent flooding feared
On Wednesday, 17 centimetres of fresh snow fell and at its peak 127 centimetres of snow depth was recorded at the Meteorological Institute in Tromsø on the night of Thursday. But during the night, the snow stopped and turned into large amounts of rain.
Tromsø, Troms, Norway
Nordlys

Urban tree damage in Montreal
Trees in urban residential areas seem to be more prone to damage because of an increase in windstorms and because of maintenance work, which has weakened trees.
Saint-Léonard, Quebec, Canada

Here's how Labrador Inuit are leading the way by adapting to the curveballs of climate change
Mitigations and adaptations to climate change within Nunatsiavut are multiplying, but all share one element: they're being led locally.
Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

44 percent increase in unique ships entering Canada's Northwest Passage, says report
The number of ships entering Canada's Northwest Passage, and the distances sailed, are all increasing, says a new report from the Arctic Council.
Eye on the Arctic

'Another dust bowl': Klamath Basin growers say 2021 water shortage will have lasting impacts
Both the Bureau of Reclamation and Department of Agriculture announced monetary assistance for the Klamath Project on Wednesday, but the funding comes in lieu of water for irrigation.
Klamath Falls, Oregon, United States
KDRV News

Warm temperatures, precipitation prompt avalanches in downtown Juneau
Avalanche danger is considerable in Juneau due to warming temperatures. Several large slides have occurred on Mt. Juneau in close proximity to residential areas.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Research Shows Predators May Be Large Factor In Decreased King Salmon Size
The size of king salmon returning to Western Alaska rivers to spawn has been decreasing over the past few decades. Researchers at the University of Alaska

Scotland records coldest April night in eight years
Many parts of Scotland had snow over the weekend, including the Highlands and Aberdeenshire, with low temperatures across much of the country. Temperatures dipped to -9.4C overnight at Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands.
Dunbeath, Scotland, United Kingdom
BBC News

Over 1,000 families flee Davao del Norte floods
At least 1,130 families in some villages in Santo Tomas town in Davao del Norte were displaced by flash floods early morning of April 11, 2021. The Santo Tomas LGU, together with these three affected barangay (villages), are set to discuss the reoccurring flooding issue attributed to the various drainage canals or the lack of them.
New Visayas, Davao, Philippines
The Manila Times

Wind blown lake ice causing "ice tsunami"
Ole Martin Mortvedt was following a large ice floe floating on the lake. "Suddenly I heard a lot of crunching in the ice. Then I turned and saw the ice floe had hit land. It had such great speed that it could not stop." Mortvedt says he has never seen anything like it in his 58-year-long life.
Ringsaker, Norway

“Send help now”: Two mushers describe the events that led to their rescue from the Kobuk 440 race trail
After he lost the trail, Jeff King stopped his dog team and draped his sleeping bag over his head to block the battering wind and blowing snow. He was somewhere between the villages of Ambler and Shungnak in the Kobuk 440 Sled Dog Race. Conditions ranged from howling to furious. King lay down with his team. He cuddled a dog named Twister and tried to sleep. That’s when a flaw in the plan rattled his bones. The work of getting there had caused him to sweat, dampness worsened by blowing snow that found its way inside his clothing.
Shungnak, Alaska, United States

‘Heartbreaking’: Cyclone Seroja damages up to 70% of homes in West Australian town
A category 3 cyclone called Seroja made landfall in Western Australia Sunday night. It has left a great deal of damage in the town of Kalbarri. The storm also caused much destruction in Indonesia and East Timor before moving along on its path.
Kalbarri, Western Australia, Australia
The Guardian

Blizzardy March buries Nome in lots of snow
For four years in row now, March has failed to deliver glorious weather for spring outings, safe travels and happy hunting. Instead, March has come to be synonymous with dangerous weather condition.

More snow may be coming, but the end may be in sight
March had a formidable amount of snow with more than 33 inches of recorded snowfall. But its not enough to break the 2007 record of more than 62 inches. At least one segment of town probably doesn't mind the snow. Eaglecrest Ski Area recently cleared 500 inches this season.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

Child hospitalized after exposure to volcanic gases
Thelma Dórey Pálmadóttir, age 14, fell ill while visiting the Geldingadalir eruption on Easter Sunday. She was one of ten people who reported symptoms. The explanation from doctors is that it was probably volcanic gas poisoning.
Grindavík, Southern Peninsula, Iceland

Willow buds are happening
Buds are appearing right as we move into a 2-day cold spell of below zero nights. An adjacent willow budded a few weeks ago during a similar cycle of warmth followed by cold, and it appears to be putting some buds out, although on different branches.
Chickaloon, Alaska, United States

Unidentified Waxy Substance
Unusual waxy, white substance washed up on beach.
Unalaska, Alaska, United States
Chyna Williams, Johanna Tellman, Tom Okey

A Denali glacier is speeding downhill, potentially hampering climbers and increasing flood risk
Muldrow Glacier on the north side of Denali is surging for the first time since the 1950s — moving 50 to 100 times faster than its usual pace. The surge was first glimpsed by K2 Aviation pilot Chris Palm last month. “I was thinking it looks really difficult to get onto the glacier right now,” Palm said. “It’s all shattered and torn up and jagged ice and deep crevasses everywhere.” The event could impact mountaineers scheduled to use the north approach to the mountain .

Arctic air hitting Anchorage like a freight train with -25 F wind chill
Unseasonably cold air swept into Alaska’s largest city Thursday, and forecasters expect it to stay through the weekend. The cold is plunging south into Alaska all the way from the North Pole, pushing a band of snow through Southcentral.

Fearless Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Spotted in Far North Bicentennial Park in Anchorage
A red fox roams a popular recreation outlet in Anchorage, and gets quite close to people. Treat encounters with caution, as foxes can carry rabies and other diseases.
Far North Bicentennial Park, Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Hatcher Pass road likely closed all week due to avalanche danger
The Hatcher Pass Road has been closed since April 3 and will likely remain closed by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities until at least April
Fishhook, Alaska, United States
Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman

Building breaks in middle and collapses 10 meters as thawing permafrost no longer supports stilts
Arctic permafrost is degrading much faster than expected, warn scientists from the extreme north of Yakutia. It took two years for a building in the port town of Chersky on the Kolyma River, to snap in the middle after the once solid permafrost could no longer hold its supporting foundation.
Черский, Нижнеколымский район, Sakha, Russia

Shards of ice pile up on shore of Finnish lake
Strong winds have created a picturesque wall of ice on the shore of Lake Pyhäjärv. "This often happens at this time of year on the shores of larger lakes and on the sea shore," Huutonen said, adding that there were gale force winds in the area over the weekend.
Säkylä, Satakunta, Finland

Weather strands travelers in small planes on glacier near Denali
Five people stayed overnight Friday on Ruth Glacier. On Saturday, guides led them to a shelter about 3.5 miles away, A historic storm dropped record amounts of snow throughout Interior Alaska during the last few days..
Ruth Glacier, Alaska, United States

Costco customers share experiences of raven thefts
Costco customers in Anchorage have recently started sharing online reports of ravens stealing groceries from their carts and the back of their pickup trucks, and biologists say the behavior could spread around town quickly.

Fairbanks Borough schools closed Monday as region digs out from storm
Scattered power outages were reported this morning, and as the wind began picking up early this afternoon, more are expected. As of 9 a.m., unofficial measurements showed more than 19 inches of snow on Old Murphy Dome Road, 14 inches in Goldstream and almost a foot in Two Rivers. The official measurement on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus was 12.4 inches.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Carbon dioxide spikes to critical record, halfway to doubling preindustrial levels
The concentration of the heat-trapping gas topped 420 parts per million, while the planet has warmed more than two degrees. This is the highest daily average concentration to be recorded. Data was collected at the Mauna Loa Observatory on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii
Washington Post

Nome and region is in the midst of a rabies epidemic
Nome and the surrounding area, including St. Lawrence Island, is fighting rabies almost as hard as it is fighting COVID-19. Because of the high level of rabies infection Fish and Game requested assistance from the National Rabies Management Response Program. Their job is to manage a wildlife disease outbreak. Several technicians and a rabies biologist are in Nome reducing the number of foxes.
Gambell, Alaska, United States

Skier survives avalanche in the crater of Mt. Edgecumbe near Sitka
The man was buried between 5-8 minutes before two other skiers in his group located him with avalanche transceivers.
Sitka, Alaska, United States

'20-Foot Wall of Water' Could Be Unleashed if Florida Phosphate Pond Collapses, Official Warns
Florida's governor has declared a state of emergency after a significant leak at a large storage pond of wastewater threatened to flood roads and burst a system that stores polluted waters.
Piney Point, Florida, United States
The Weather Channel

Four gray whales have been found dead in California's Bay Area within eight days
The carcasses of four gray whales have been found around the San Francisco Bay Area in eight days -- an alarming string of deaths that constitutes an unusual mortality event, defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a significant die-off of a marine species.
San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States
CNN News

Arbutus trees under stress on Gabriola Island
In early April I observed what appears to be widespread disease of Arbutus trees (Arbutus menziesii) on the island. Leaf blight is a known factor affecting Arbutus trees; but I wonder if other factors such as climate change may also be contributing to what is perceived as a general decline of the species.
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

Spring Heat Wave Sets High Temperature Records Across San Diego County
Less than two weeks into spring, a spell of sultry Santa Ana conditions provided a preview of summer in the San Diego area. The hottest spots in the county were Santee, where the mercury hit the 92 mark, and Brown Field, El Cajon, and Poway, each of which recorded 90-degree highs.
San Diego, California, United States
Times of San Diego

A gray whale carcass washed ashore at S.F.'s Crissy Field
A gray whale carcass washed ashore at Crissy Field on Wednesday morning. Veterinarians and biologists from the center and from the California Academy of Sciences plan to perform a necropsy in coming days on the island to determine the cause of death.
San Francisco, California, United States
San Francisco Chronicle

Ski areas across Alaska enjoy big-time snow days
For skiers and snowboarders looking for snowy fun within designated ski areas in Alaska, some spots have already extended their seasons.
Girdwood, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

Nunavik health board warns of possible botulism exposure in Inukjuak
More than 27 people in Inukjuak may have been exposed to botulism after consuming contaminated walrus meat served at two recent feasts. The Nunavik regional health board made the announcement on its Facebook page on Saturday.
Inukjuak, Quebec, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Arctic walrus spotted in Kerry reappears in Wales
Marine biologist and director of Dingle’s OceanWorld Aquarium, Kevin Flannery, told the Irish Times it is “very unusual” for a walrus to be spotted in this part of the world, although there have been potential sightings from surfers and fishermen in Ireland in the past.
Wales, England, United Kingdom
The Irish Times

Polar bear filmed running along road in Yakutia 460km south of its natural Arctic habitat
The racing predator was seen 60km south of Batagai, north-east from republic’s capital Yakutsk.
Батагай, Верхоянский район, Sakha, Russia

Japan's cherry blossom 'earliest peak since 812'
The 2021 season in the city of Kyoto peaked on 26 March, according to data collected by Osaka University. The city has experienced an unusually warm spring this year. Increasingly early flowerings in recent decades are likely to be as a result of climate change.
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
BBC News

A lynx, a toddler and a bizarre encounter in an Anchorage Hillside driveway
A wildlife biologist believes a lynx that recently approached a young girl may have been a juvenile. The girl’s father said he’s now on higher alert after the encounter.

Russia's Arctic coast warmest since records started, says weather service
Parts of Northern Siberia were up to 7℃ warmer than normal in 2020. The warming is the most significant along parts of the North Siberian coast, and especially around the peninsulas of Taymyr and Yamal. This has been brought on, in part, by polar vortex on the Arctic coast.
Taymyr Peninsula, Russia
Eye on the Arctic

Avian flu detected in Uusimaa
The H5N8 virus was detected in sick and injured birds in February and early March this year, including in a swan found dead in Helsinki's Eläintarhanlahti park and a goshawk sent to Korkeasaari Wildlife Hospital from Kumpula. Several birds infected with avian influenza have been found in Uusimaa this winter.
Hanko, Uusimaa, Finland

Severe heat wave in Delhi, highest temperature in March since 1945
Delhi reeled under a 'severe heatwave' on the day of Holi, as the maximum temperature shot up to 40.1 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest day in March in 76 years, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday.
Delhi, NCT, India
IndiaTVnews

Rare salmon shark spotted near Catalina Island
Salmon sharks are rarely seen this far south; typically they swim off Alaska and in the northern Pacific Ocean where they have access to their favorite food.
San Pedro, California, United States
Orange County Register

Suspected bird flu after swan death in Fredrikstad
Knut-André Haugen found two dead swans with their heads under their wings outside Fredrikstad. Now the Norwegian Food Safety Authority suspects further spread of bird flu.
Skjærvika, Østfold, Norway
VG Verdens gang

Record rains cause flash flooding in Tennessee; 4 dead
Torrential rains across Tennessee flooded homes and at least one church and left roads impassable, prompting dozens of people to be rescued in the Nashville area. Authorities said four bodies were found Sunday in the flood’s aftermath. Precipitation has stopped, but flood warnings are in place for the next couple of days as rivers and creeks continue to rise.
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Press Herald

Saint Lucia Prepares For The Worst Amid Concerns Over La Soufrière Volcano
Saint Lucia is stepping up its response plans as the dome at La Soufrière volcano in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continues to grow.
Georgetown, Charlotte, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Lucia Times News

Coyotes sightings in St. John's and Mount Pearl Sunday morning
Wild animals spotted near on Topsail Road near Brookfield Fire Station and Park Avenue. Wildlife officials with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture are advising the public to be vigilant regarding the presence of coyotes in residential areas
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
The Telegram

A/H5N1 bird flu the cause in Prey Veng mass die-off
The death of birds recently discovered in Tuolporn Taley Boeung Sne protected area in Prey Veng province’s Ba Phnom district was a result of bird flu caused by influenza A virus subtype H5N1 (A/H5N1), officials confirmed. Puth Bo, community chief in the Tuolporn Taley Boeung Sne area, said community members and specialists had collected and destroyed 135 bird carcasses, raising the total to nearly 2,000 since March 17.
Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phenom Penh Post

Skier dies in avalanche near Matanuska Glacier
Fairbanks resident Erin Lee, 40, was transported to Mat-Su Regional Hospital via helicopter where she was pronounced dead, according to the statement.
Matanuska Glacier

Mysterious disease killing young California bears in Tahoe. One symptom: fearlessness
Young black bears, with no fear of people, are coming down with fatal brain inflammation in Nevada and California. Could new viruses be causing the disease? State veterinarians say that in the past 12 months alone, officials have captured three other bears with the same condition.
Truckee, California, United States
The Sacramento Bee

Avalanche closes road to Hatcher Pass
Class 2 avalanche in Hatcher Pass closed down a section of the road between Mile 14 and 16. The nonprofit Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center warned that conditions in the area were dangerous and asked that people avoid the Archangel Road trail nearby.
Hatcher Pass, Alaska, United States

Sounding bird flu alarm: Tells people to stop feeding birds
Authorities fear the spread of a very deadly bird flu virus after finding dead birds. Domestic birds should from now be kept indoors, and people are asked not to feed birds in the wild.
Østensjøvann Oslo, Norway
Nina Didriksen, Jenny Dahl Bakken, Knut Røsrud

Bushfires then floods: Wisemans Ferry residents say both are ‘just as bad’
The rain finally stopped and the sun came out, but the floodwaters in Sydney’s north-west are still causing havoc.
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
The Sydney Morning Herald

A ‘unique’ sight: Rain brings waterfall to Australia’s Uluru
Tourists flocked to the national park to catch a glimpse of the rare phenomenon on Wednesday
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
The Independent

Heavy Snowfall Means Constant Plowing, Shorter Kuskokwim Ice Road
Heavy snowfall has made maintaining the lower Kuskokwim Ice Road a challenge this year. The road is shorter than usual, even as its crew is working harder.
KYUK Bethel

Red Fox Rabies Outbreak in Nome
The head of Alaska’s Wildlife Disease and Health Surveillance Program confirms that the City of Nome has a higher than normal case count of rabies in the red fox population. Usually in winter, most of the cases come from Prudhoe Bay and Utqiagvik. This winter most of the cases are from Nome, as well as from Kivalina and other villages around Kotzebue.
KNOM Radio Mission

15 km-long ice wall emerges on Finnish lake
The conditions for the creation of an ice wall on the lake occur about once a decade, when the ice is thick enough and there are large variations in the daily temperatures. As the ice melts, it creates a chasm, but when it freezes again and expands, it forces the edge of the chasm upwards, creating the 'wall' effect.
Sysmä, Päijänne Tavastia, Finland

On par with the BP Oil spill: Tons of sediment invade Kalamazoo River after dam drawdown
Sediment that could fill the volume of 112 Olympic-sized pools has been flooding into the Kalamazoo River for over a year. IT's decimating habitats and causing a serious potential for devastating flooding.
Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States
WXMI

Flooding feared near Stormdalen
Rana municipality has been warned that there have been several avalanches in Stormdalen near Skarpneset. This has led to large amounts of water accumulating – potentially triggering a flood.
Stormdalen, Rana, Norway

Willows Starting to Bud
Early budding willows (genus *Salix*) were observed on the Chistochina Trail during temperatures of 18 above Fahrenheit. The average temperature on March 23, 2021 was 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the coldest temperature on the day in the past twenty years.
Chistochina, Alaska, United States
Jimmy Evak, Wilson Justin, Katie Spellman

Sitka team conducts first humpback whale necropsy in 5 years
The Coast Guard reported the dead 47-foot female humpback to NOAA on Sunday evening. It had washed ashore on the south end of Kruzof Island. The whale looked healthy and its belly was full of fish — most likely herring. But they did find some evidence of blunt trauma.
Sitka, Alaska, United States

Watch this amazing footage of a drone flying right through an erupting volcano in Iceland
The Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland erupted over the weekend, and drone pilot Bjorn Steinbekk captured amazing footage by flying straight through the lava. The eruption is a small one but looks incredibly nonetheless.
The Verge

Dead humpback whale washes ashore at Outer Banks
A dead humpback whale has washed ashore on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday that the 18-foot whale was found on Pea Island about half-mile north of Rodanthe.
Rodanthe, North Carolina, United States

'Worst mice plague in decades' swarms across New South Wales as three hospital patients are bitten
Intensive baiting programmes have so far had little success against the infestation, and locals are hoping for heavy rain to drown the mice in their burrows.
Gilgandra, New South Wales, Australia
Sky News

Harp seal pups dying on beach as winter sea ice fails
A harp seal pup sits on a snow-covered beach near the town of Blanc-Sablon, Québec, in early March. Normally harp seals give birth and raise their pups on sea ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but this year’s ice coverage is at an all-time low, throwing pups’ survival into jeopardy.
Blanc-Sablon, Quebec, Canada
National Geographic

Amazing Aurora in Hope Alaska - Watch
Friday night was probably the best aurora display I've ever witnessed! I captured 4,883 exposures at 5 second intervals from just after 10pm until 5am the next morning.
Hope, Alaska, United States
YouTube

A Volcanic Eruption Has Begun on the Reykjanes Peninsula
A volcanic eruption has started by Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes peninsula. Grindavík residents noticed a red glare in the sky above the area where the magma movement has been detected for the past few weeks. Expert at the Icelandic Met Office Bjarki Kaldalóns Friis confirms that a volcanic eruption has begun.

Some Alaska seals are getting skinnier — probably because of retreating sea ice
As sea ice off Alaska continues its long-term vanishing trend, two seal species that depend on ice may be showing the effects in their bodies. Ribbon seals, distinctive for their black-and-white striped patterns on their fur, and spotted seals, known for their speckled coats, became thinner over time.

Gray Whale Dies After Washing Ashore on Dockweiler Beach
A roughly 25-foot gray whale washed ashore and died Wednesday on Dockweiler State Beach south of Marina Del Rey.
Marina del Rey, California, United States
NBC Los Angeles

Wolves finding new homes in southern Sweden
In recent months, there have been a number of reported wolf sightings in Southern Sweden, an unusual occurrence in this part of the country.
Malmö, Skåne, Sweden
Radio Sweden

Sewage Lagoon Project Finally Completed
Abnormally warm winters in 2018 and 2019, in which the ground did not freeze solid enough to support heavy equipment, delayed completion of this project.
Kwigillingok, Alaska, United States
ANTHC Plumb Dandy

N.W.T. communities prepare for spring floods, as high water levels persist
During the summer and fall months of 2020, the Great Slave Lake reached the highest water levels in its recorded history. Communities that are prone to flooding are preparing for an abnormal spring ahead.
Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada

From Greenland to Valentia: face to face with a king of the Arctic
A walk in the woods behind Glanleam beach on Valentia Island for local man Alan Houlihan and his daughther, Muireann (Mimi) (5) on Sunday morning took a rather unusual twist when the pair spotted a walrus out on the rocks, just off the beach.
Knightstown, Ireland
independent

Blizzards kill 10 people, including 5-year-old child
Severe snow and dust storms hit Mongolia over the weekend and earlier this week. Wind speeds reached 34 meters per second. The storms and blizzard resulted in the death of nine people and a five-year old child in Dundgovi Province. Hundreds of others have gone missing.
Dundgovi, Mongolia
The UB Post

Alaskans urged to destroy moss balls that could contain invasive mussels
Last week, Alaska became one of at least 32 states to report finding zebra mussels in a product called moss balls which were sold at local pet stores.

Heavy rain over Kaua‘i
Both lanes of Kuhio Highway were closed in places on Kauai’s north shore through Wednesday evening as the island is hunkered down under an onslaught of rain.
Lihue, Hawaii, United States
The Garden Island

Merritt Island park now a ‘manatee graveyard’ as Florida sea cows starve to death
Cold stress accounts for at least 39 of the deaths, or about 10%. For 277 others, almost 70%, the cause is unknown. Biologist suspect the sea cows are starving to death as the marine mammal’s main diet of seagrass wilts under ongoing years-long ecological collapse, driven by excess algae.
Merritt Island, Florida, United States
WKMG

Orca carcass at Hook Lagoon
An Orca (*Orcinus orca*) carcass has been found on a beach in Port Heiden near Hook Lagoon. Sightings of these whales are a bit rare compared to many other whale carcass sightings and we just wanted to share with you this observation.
Port Heiden, Alaska, United States

Flash flood warning extended for Oahu as severe weather prompts power outages, landslides, road closures
Significant flooding, landslides and road closures continue statewide as heavy showers persist.
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

Magne Vorland got grey shark – shattered 43 year old Norwegian record
Magne Vorland (27) was surprised when he saw what was coming to the surface. "Unusual," says the expert.
Ålfjorden, Rogaland, Norway

Spectacular footage records the formation of new second cone on highest active volcano in Eurasia
Images of the eruption and the new cone on Klyuchevskaya Sopka was caught by adventurers over two days, the 7th and 8th of March. The height of the cinder cone at its peak has reached almost 60 meters in height, with a base diameter of 101 meters.
Klyuchi, Kamtsjatka, Russia

Large crayfish spotted in Osoyoos Lake
"I've seen some way bigger than that, like a baby lobster."
Osoyoos Lake, British Columbia, Canada
INFOnews

Irregular Ponderosa Pine Growth
Ponderosa pines in Eastern Washington are displaying signs of irregular growth.
Spokane, Washington, United States

Return of migrant birds suggests early start to Finnish spring
Some migrant birds are already flocking to the north, but a cold snap may delay more returns.
Hamina, Kymenlaakso, Finland

Alert level raised after explosion at remote Alaska Peninsula volcano
Satellite and webcam views indicated low-level ash emissions from Mount Veniaminof volcano. The ash plume did not rise above 10,000 feet, the Alaska Volcano Observatory said. Minor ash deposits are visible at the volcano, located 480 miles southwest of Anchorage.
Mount Veniaminof

Chasing the Muldrow Glacier: Denali’s Muldrow Glacier is surging for the first time in 64 years and scientists are rapidly responding
For the first time since the 1950s, Denali's Muldrow Glacier is surging! It is estimated that the glacier is currently advancing between 10-20 meters (30-60 ft) a day. This has major implications for the popular north side climbing route, and may lead to a significant flood of the McKinley River. The surge may have started as early as January of this year and could continue for several more months.
Muldrow Glacier, Denali Ntl. Park, Alaska
National Park Service, Denali Park & Preserve

Reykjanes Earthquake Swarm: Tremor Pulse Detected South Of Keilir
A tremor pulse was detected at 2.20 PM and is measured at most seismic stations in Iceland, the Icelandic Meteorological Office reports. The pulse is located south of Keilir by Litli Hrútur and comes at the heels of a period of seismic unrest in the Reykjanes Peninsula. Similar signals have been observed leading up to […]
Hafnarfjörður, Capital Region, Iceland

In Russian tundra tragedy, up to 80,000 reindeer might have starved to death
Locals in the far northern Russian region believe between 60,000-80,000 animals might have died of starvation over the past few months. The tragedy follows the formation of a thick layer of ice across major parts of the Yamal tundra.
Yamal Penninsula
The Independent Barents Observer

Manatee Graveyard Found in Brevard as Mammals Die at Alarming Rate
The animals have been decaying on the isolated stretch of sand north of Manatee Cove Park
Rockledge, Florida, United States
Spectrum News

Juneau officials recommend residential evacuations, warning of dangerous ‘historic avalanches’
Juneau’s urban avalanche forecast describes “extreme” danger Saturday evening. Centennial Hall will open as an emergency shelter at 8 p.m. Saturday.

The sea is getting warmer
The sea temperatures around Iceland have been higher than the average for the past 20 years, and the sea around the whole country has become more acidic, according to data recorded by the Marine Research Institute.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland

Ferries cancelled as high winds hit Metro Vancouver, Gulf Islands
Several BC Ferries sailings between the mainland and Vancouver Island were cancelled Friday due to high winds blasting across the Strait of Georgia.
Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Canada

Black Patches on Cisco fish (Coregonus autumnalis) appear to be Phaeohyphomycosis
Fish caught while ice fishing has black patches on skin. Appears to be the same black fungal syndrome previously reported in Kipnuk.
Emmonak, Alaska, United States

Record Snowfall Blankets Russia
A snowpocalypse has engulfed Russia in recent days, with various regions and cities struggling to deal with the freak weather.
Moscow, Moscow, Russia
The Moscow Times

Zebra mussels on Marimo moss balls are causing an emergency in WA
Moss balls imported from Ukraine to pet shops in the United States have been found to house the invasive Zebra mussel. Once in bodies of water, this mussel reproduces rapidly and wreaks havoc on ecosystems.
Seattle, Washington, United States
Crosscut

Largest cold-stunned sea turtle event in recorded history
Preliminary numbers say this was the largest cold-stunning event in recorded U.S. history.
Coastal Texas, United States
kiiitv.com

Abnormally large area is at risk of more avalanches, and they may come as a surprise
Ever since the first major snowfall this year, there have been warnings of avalanche danger in northern Norway. However, the recent cold period makes the area extra exposed. The avalanche that seriously injured a man on Kistrand was a "slippery avalanche", which differs relatively distinctly from an "ordinary" avalanche.
Kistrand, Bodø, Norway

Here, huge amounts of ice are pushing towards the campsite
Rainfall and heavy temperatures caused huge amounts of ice to threaten to leave houses and caravans at Breim in Nordfjord.
Byrkjelo, Vestland, Norway
Geir Bjarte Hjetland, Per Kristian Grimeland

Whitehorse hasn't seen this much snow in nearly half a century
Environment Canada says this winter's snowfall in Whitehorse is in near record-breaking territory. It's the most snow the city has seen since 1972.

Beijing records highest winter temperature ever amid heat wave
A sleepy giant panda at Beijing Zoo in Beijing, China, on Feb. 2021, the day after the capital city saw the high temperature record for winter shattered by 10 degrees. Temperatures have been on a roller coaster across China this winter.
Beijing, Beijing, China
Yahoo

Gold Jackal seen for the first time in Norway
It is common to be found in Myanmar and in Southeastern Europe. Now the gold jackal is captured on film in Finnmark.
Ildskog, Porsanger, Finnmark Fylke, Norway

Rescuers monitor whale pod off New Zealand amid rebeaching fears
Rescuers were monitoring a pod of pilot whales swimming just off the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island late on Tuesday after more than a dozen of the group were killed in a mass stranding.
Takaka, Tasman, New Zealand
Reuters

Early humpback sighting
A humpback whale spotted off Bremer Bay late last week is believed to be the earliest sighting ever of the species on WA’s south coast. Humpback whales are usually spotted of WA's south coast in late March or early April. The whale's early appearance has prompted concerns from scientists about the lack of food stocks in Antarctica.
Bremer Submarine Canyon
ABC News

Offshore SeaBirds Feel Effects of Warmer Ocean Waters
Coastal seabirds have experienced significant die-offs in Western Alaska the past few years. But recent results suggest that offshore birds are also feeling the impact of low ice and warming ocean temperatures in the Bering Sea.
Bering Sea

B.C. farmer grabs lynx by scruff of neck, scolds it for killing chickens
A farmer in northern B.C. captured a wild cat he found in his chicken coop, picking it up by the scruff of the neck and gently scolding it before putting it into a dog kennel and relocating it further out in the bush. The lynx was so skinny that the farmer left the two dead chickens with the animal.
Prince George, British Columbia, Canada

Red sea mystery off Hawke's Bay coast
The Hawke's Bay Regional Council is taking tests and awaiting results from a likely algal bloom spreading across the sea off the Hawke's Bay coast. Coastwatchers say the reddish-brown discolouration has been growing over several weeks – visitors to the Bluff Hill lookout reported what may have been its early signs on January 31, when it appeared to be coming from a ship apparently circling at sea off the Port of Napier.
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
NZ Herald

Unusual Bird Sighting May Be a Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator)
Unidentified birds may be Pine Grosbeaks (*Pinicola enucleator*), whose species range extends to some parts of the Alaska Peninsula.
Sand Point, Alaska, United States

Dust-like deposit on water along beach
White, dust-like deposit on the beach on sunny day after high tides. Water samples would be required for identification.
Sand Point, Alaska, United States
Dean Stockwell, Arlene Gunderson, Thomas Farrugia

Amid coronavirus pandemic, Sweden battles avian flu outbreaks
Bird flu, or avian influenza, has struck the Swedish poultry industry hard this winter. Since November, thousands of turkeys and more than one million chickens have been culled. Malin Grant, an epidemiologist at the National Veterinary Institute, says the virus can be deadly for domestic poultry but the strains currently circulating don't easily infect or spread between people.
Kalmar and Skane Counties, Sweden
Radio Sweden

Police believe large numbers of dead fish have a natural explanation
In Eikefjorden in Kinn municipality, large quantities of dead horse mackerel recently washed ashore. The whole thing will probably end up as a meal for birds and other fish-interested animals, the police say. The cause of the fish kill remains a mystery.
Eikefjord, Kinn, Vestland

Lynx killed by ENR officers
The wildcat showed no hesitancy in actively interacting with people or traffic an ENR spokesperson said. It was likely the animal involved in other interactions with pets.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Woman gets surprise bite while using outhouse
When he heard something had bitten his sister, Erik Stevens grabbed a light and went to investigate. "I shined the headlamp and opened the lid, and right there at the level of the toilet seat was a cinnamon-colored bear face, big enough to fill the hole."
Haines, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

Lack of sea ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence means more seals on shore
Record-low levels of sea ice cover in the Gulf of St. Lawrence means a greater number of seals are coming on shore and are more likely to interact with humans.
Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick, Canada

Red tide linked to royal tern deaths on causeway
On Feb. 16, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that many residents and visitors have called SCCF, the city of Sanibel and Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife with concerns about royal terns over the past few weeks and the sight of their carcasses on the Sanibel Causeway bridges. Test results on deceased royal terns confirmed on Feb. 15 that they had high levels of brevetoxins, the neurotoxin associated with red tide.
Sanibel, Florida, United States
captivasanibel.com/

Seyðisfjörður Mudslides: Residents Evacuated Again
There was heavy rainfall yesterday across the region. Rain combined with thawing snow and above-freezing temperatures are conditions that increase the likelihood of landslides. The evacuation from six streets was called “precautionary” as authorities are still evaluating whether the slope was destabilized following December landslides.
Seyðisfjörður, East, Iceland

Lone lynx likely culprit behind pair of Yellowknife dog attacks, biologist says
On Monday, Shania Tymchatyn saved one of her dogs from a lynx, and Yellowknife kennel owner Trevor Lizotte says one of the big cats attacked his dog team last week.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Millions without Power as US braces for another winter storm
Millions of people are still living a nightmare scenario of arctic cold, snow or ice with little to no power. There will be little time Tuesday before the next blast of winter weather compounds the situation.
United States
CNN
Meg Wagner, Judson Jones, and Mike Hayes

Colorado Springs sets record-low temperatures, breaking marks set 126 years ago
Colorado Springs set new record-low temperatures, breaking marks set 126 years ago, for both Sunday and Monday as a wave of Arctic cold swept through the state over the weekend.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Colorado Springs Gazette

Lynx spotted in downtown Yellowknife
A “not very shy” lynx attracted some attention in Yellowknife Monday. Daniel Bourke saw it near Avens seniors complex where staff called ENR.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
NNSL MEDIA

Groundwater levels bounce back after more rain and snow
More rain and a blanket of snow in recent months has helped Sweden's groundwater levels recover significantly after dropping in several parts of the country.
Sweden

Weather worries in south and east
Very heavy rain has affected South and East Iceland throughout Sunday and overnight. An area of Seyðisfjörður has been evacuated and road closures were announced in three places due to an avalanche, an ice flood, and a downed power line.
Seyðisfjörður, East, Iceland

Record-low ice levels found in Gulf of St. Lawrence
This year's seasonal ice cover is the lowest in its 51-year recorded history say forecasters with the Canadian Ice Service.
Gulf of St. Lawrence

Landslide rumbles through houses, gardens, roads
Heavy rain and flooding in Mt Hagen on Friday caused a landslide which destroyed several homes and food gardens, besides roads and bridges.
Port Moresby, National Capital, Papua New Guinea
The National

Reports of dead seals on coasts doubled in 2020, charity says
In 2020, Seal Rescue Ireland reported the highest number of strandings on record, 202 dead seal reports coming from all over the country. They think one contributing factor is climate change; an increase in the severity and frequency of storms is causing more deaths among pups, from drowning or storm related injuries.
Shanagarry, Munster, Ireland
TheJournal.ie

Cars buried overnight in huge snow drifts near Buckie
Vehicles were trapped as gale-force winds carried mud-coloured waves of snow onto the A98 near Buckie. Snow ploughs were used to try and clear the stretch, close to its junction with the B9016, but were unable to make it through and the road remains closed.
Buckie, Scotland, United Kingdom

153 people injured in quake, most in Fukushima and Miyagi
Most of the major damage from the magnitude-7.3 quake that occurred at 11:07 p.m. on Feb. 13 off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture was concentrated in Fukushima and neighboring Miyagi prefectures. The number of people injured by a powerful earthquake in northeastern Japan two days earlier rose to 153, but no deaths were reported as of Feb. 15.
Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan
The Asahi Shimbun

Blue Russian Dogs Spotted Near Abandoned Factory
A pack of stray blue dogs, likely covered in chemical waste, was spotted on the road near the Russian town of Dzerzhinsk. The dogs may have been exposed to chemicals at a nearby abandoned factory that produced plexiglass and hydrocyanic acid, giving their fur the eye-catching blue color.
Dzerzhinsk, Nizjnij Novgorod, Russia

Wildfire warning as firefighters tackle blazes in Western Isles
Firefighters extinguished fires on Benbecula and Harris as they warn of extreme risk. SFRS said the fires had broken out in vegetation that had died off since last year and then been dried out by frost and low temperatures.
Benbecula, Scotland, United Kingdom

Temperature of -23C in Braemar is UK's lowest in 25 years
Icicles covered businesses in the village of Braemar. The Met Office says Braemar in Aberdeenshire recorded the coldest night since December 1995.
Braemar

Frosty morning temperatures smash 13 records across Saskatchewan on Thursday
It was a record-breaking Thursday morning in a number of Saskatchewan communities due to an arctic ridge of high pressure.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Global News

Possible Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Sighting
This bird is a juvenile Great Blue Heron. It is rare sighting of heron outside of its normal range which extends into Southeast but not Southwest Alaska.
King Cove, Alaska, United States

Snow and plunging temperatures for Scotland
The forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday comes amid wintry weather dubbed the Beast from the East II. Deep drifts of snow blocking the Banchory to Fettercairn road at Cairn Mount in Aberdeenshire.
Golspie, Scotland, United Kingdom

High pressure system torpedoes temperatures
A high pressure system in western Canada is driving temperatures in Southeast Alaska through the floor, possibly hitting below zero at the Juneau International Airport for the first time in years.
Juneau Empire

Dog attacks not typical lynx behaviour, says Yukon biologist
Twice in the last couple of weeks, dog have been attacked by lynx. Biologist Tom Jung says climate change may be a factor, affecting the amount of food available. Snowshoe hares in Yukon are now in about the third year of decline.

Photographer shares eerie sounds skating on newly-formed ice
Alexey Kolganov films himself skating on transparent ice of lake Baikal, as new cracks form under his skates. Most surprising is the unexpected, cosmic sound.
Lake Baikal

Man mauled by bear while backcountry skiing in Southeast Alaska
The man was injured on his face and hands. Two members in the skiers party assisted with his injuries and communicate for help in 15 degree temperatures with sunset approaching. It was not immediately clear what triggered the mauling about 10 miles northwest of Haines.
Haines, Alaska, United States

Major winter storm blasts Cape Breton
Cape Breton finally looks like a winter wonderland. A quick-moving storm that raced across Atlantic Canada dropped about 37 cm of snow over the Sydney area.
Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Telegram

Bowhead whales appear to be on the rebound
The open ocean off Utqiagvik in fall and early winter is evidence of climate change. Remarkably, bowhead whales appear to be thriving, although there are new challenges. Kidney-worm infections have been detected in bowheads, possibly brought by other species of whales coming north. And then there are the killer whales, a natural predators of bowheads now venturing north.
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States
The Arctic Sounder

Closed ski resorts have best snow in years
Andy Meldrum, of Glencoe Mountain, said his business is working towards a date when they can welcome back skiers and snowboarders. Despite the most magnificent conditions in 11 years, the slopes remain closed because of lockdown.
Aviemore, Scotland, United Kingdom

Pipes and sewers are freezing because of the cold
The cold and dry weather continues without relief. At Nordnes in Saltdal, less precipitation has never been recorded. Now more and more people are experiencing both pipes and sewage freezing.
Rognan, Nordland, Norway

Had to go into the flood to save car
Several properties in Trysil have been affected by flooding after ice flow in Trysilelva. The garage where Johnny Stenbrenden has his beloved Chevrolet Camaro was flooded.
Jordet, Trysil river, Norway
Mette Finborud Børresen, Hans Andreas Solbakken, Torunn Myhre, Ola Bjørlo Strande

Goldfish invasion of Hamilton Harbour
Pet fish dumped in local waterways have become the scourge of Hamilton’s marshes and harbour
Hamilton Harbour, Ontario, Canada
Macleans.ca

December temperatures finally arrive in February
"The Chistochina River froze over and went to overflow by the second of February which means we went through the New Year and January with the river running open. First time that I know of."
Chistochina, Alaska, United States
Wilson Justin, Chris Arp, Katie Spellman

Salmon freeze to death in the Skjoma river in Narvik – Statkraft refuses to release more water
The Skjoma River in Narvik is frozen through in several places – and locals fear the salmon population will have to endure a sharp reduction again. Statkraft says it will lose money if they release more water.
Skjoma, Narvik, Norway

Home by home, Clyde River residents clear snow after heavy blizzard
A massive snow dump reached the hamlet of Clyde River, Nunavut, while its bulldozer and one loader were out of service. Residents worked to clear snow so that trucked water and sewage services could reach homes.
Clyde River, Nunavut, Canada

Pine Siskin Salmonellosis Outbreak
An outbreak of salmonellosis among pine siskins in North Saanich, British Columbia, Canada may be linked to an increased population, migratory irruption, and the use of bird feeders during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
North Saanich, British Columbia, Canada

Disease killing songbirds throughout the region
A recent outbreak of salmonellosis is leading to the deaths of wild birds throughout the northern United States. The current die-off affects finches such as pine siskins as well as other songbirds.
Spokane, Washington, United States
Spokesman.com

Two more Russian tankers transit Bering Strait
Two more Russian LNG tankers made history earlier this month passing through the North Sea Route, which extends along the northern coast of Russian Asia, in late January, the latest commercial ship
Diomede, Alaska, United States

Huge piece of Highway 1 south of Big Sur falls into ocean
Caltrans said Friday emergency repairs are underway.
Big Sur, California, United States
SFGATE

Government closes Djoudj Park after 750 pelicans die
The Djoudj park will not reopen its doors until the investigation into the death of 750 pelicans is completed. According to the Senegalese Ministry of the Environment, the bird flu trail has already been ruled out.
Djourj Park
Afrik 21

Snowy Owl Is Spotted in Central Park, for First Time in 130 Years
The hordes came running and the snow-white raptor became the latest celebrity bird of Manhattan. Some enthusiasts took Manhattan Bird Alert to task for revealing the bird’s exact whereabouts to 38,000 followers. By Thursday morning, the Central Park snowy was nowhere to be found.
Manhattan, New York, United States
New York Times

Kennel cough is ripping through Anchorage dog parks, and veterinarians recommend social distancing for pets
The highly contagious infection can lead to pneumonia and hits puppies, older dogs and dogs with health problems the hardest. Vaccination against kennel cough protects for about year.

Peat fires continue to burn at air temperature of -50C in northeastern Yakutia
Pillars of smoke were filmed over the areas hit by last summer’s wildfires despite the current long spell of extremely cold weather.
Saydyp, Altai Krai, Russia

Mild Temperatures and North Winds Contribute to Low Sea Ice Extent in Bering
Sea ice extent in the Bering Sea was at record low levels at the end of 2020. And with recent strong northerly winds combined with mild temperatures, sea ice coverage in the Bering Strait region is still not ideal.

Ice pancakes float along a river in the Highlands
The pancakes form when foam floating on a river or the sea freeze. These frozen chunks are then shaped by being rubbed against one another in eddies of water.
Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

Women jump on attacking lynx to save dog
Two women in Beaver Creek, say they jumped on a lynx to pull it away from a dog it attacked. The lynx, its mouth latched onto the dog's face, would not let go.
Beaver Creek, Yukon, Canada

Sinkhole opens under Chefornak home, forcing family to evacuate
In Chefornak, a family was forced to evacuate their home because a sinkhole caused by thawing permafrost formed underneath it. That family had to move into a building intended to be a quarantine facility.
Chefornak, Alaska, United States

Snow conditions causing stress on trees
The snowfall that came in the relatively mild Christmas season, was followed by severe cold and has caused the snow to freeze to bark and needles on conifers. The snow that now comes, settles on the branches in thick layers and is becoming heavier to carry.
Kattåsen, Finnemarka, Modum, Viken

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) in January
"While teleworking, I looked out the window to see a red breast light in a tree in the front yard in Anchorage, Alaska in January. It was an American robin."

Male grizzly euthanized near Braeburn
Yukon conservation officers have euthanized a grizzly bear that was originally sighted near Braeburn.
Aishihik, Yukon, Canada
Yukon News

Ice Road Open, At Least For Now
After heavy snowfall on Jan. 19, the ice road from Bethel to Tuluksak has been plowed and is open for use. Napaimute Traditional Council’s Mark Leary, who
Tuluksak, Alaska, United States

More critically endangered right whale calves spotted off Florida coast
Two more calves have been spotted off the coast of Amelia Island in Florida, increasing the total number of calves seen this season to 11, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Fernandina Beach, Florida, United States
wbal.com

Avalanche Causes Damage at Siglufjörður Skiing Grounds
No one was on the grounds when the avalanche occurred early this morning, though staff noticed it when they arrived in the area, located in Skarðsdalur valley. The ski lodge was displaced from its foundation by the avalanche.
Siglufjörður, Northeast, Iceland

West Coast’s gray whale population plummets by a quarter since 2016: NOAA
Researchers say the population of gray whales off the West Coast of the United States has fallen by nearly one-quarter since 2016, resembling a similar die-off two decades ago.
KTLA

One dead and six in hospital after anthrax outbreak
The sick are said to have been in contact with the carcass of a cow suspected to have been infected. It is the first time a human being is succumbing to anthrax in the area.
Itoki, Southwest, Cameroon
The Standard

Snowless winter and tough year overall
The winter so far has seen very little snow in Iceland. December snowfall was well below average in both Reykjavík and Akureyri. Meteorologist Elín Björk Jónasdóttir says it has been one of the least white winters in living memory so far.
Akureyri, Northeast, Iceland

Howling winds topple trees, causing power outages and closing Yosemite
Strong winds left a path of destruction in the Valley overnight Monday and into Tuesday and led to the closure of the Yosemite National Park. Wind gusts of more than 100 miles per hour sounded like an angry animal.
Yosemite National Park, California, United States
ABC30 Fresno

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) sighted in Sitka
"This is the earliest I have ever seen a hummingbird in this region."
Sitka, Alaska, United States

Mild stretch sets the stage for record-breaking warmth in Iqaluit
The warm spell, which is expected to last into the last week of January, is the result of a low-pressure cyclonic system of warm air from the south.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Rare melanistic seal pups caught on camera
Rare melanistic seals have been captured on camera in north Norfolk. Rangers have spotted 10 melanistic seal pups during the winter 2020-21 pupping season at Blakeney Point.
Wells-next-the-Sea, England, United Kingdom
Eastern Daily Press

Storm Christoph brings three days worth of rain in just hours to village near Machynlleth
A village near Machynlleth was one of the wettest places in the UK this morning after more than three days worth of rain fell in seven hours.
Machynlleth, Wales, United Kingdom
County Times

Tanker “Nikolay Yevgenov” damaged by ice on the Northern Sea Route
One of three propulsion units on the tanker “Nikolay Yevgenov” was damaged on January 16 as the vessel approached the Bering Strait. After having sailed with a speed of about 9 knots from Sabetta, the tanker suddenly slowed to 3 knots.
kommersant.ru

Warm winter weather making it a difficult hunting season
From lack of animals on the landscape to safety concerns, to stories of changes in the snow and wind, several northerners discussed the ‘weird’ season and its impact on hunting this year.
Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories, Canada

Marine species wash up on beaches as red tide hits West Coast
A harmful algal bloom, better known as a red tide, has been building up at Elands Bay on the West Coast, about 220km north of Cape Town.
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
African News Agency

Snowfall blankets Istanbul, boosts water resources
The precipitation, although lasting just a few days, was good news for dams supplying water to more than 15 million people in the city. Just a few weeks after a drought alert, dams have seen a rise in their water levels.
İstanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
Daily Sabah

Winter Heat Wave
High surf and record high temperatures throughout the county made for summer-like conditions in San Diego this weekend.
San Diego, California, United States
San Diego Union-Tribune

Pink water at Sentosa Cove caused by heavy rainfall
Investigations into the fish die-off and pinkish-purple colour of the Sentosa South Cove waterway earlier this month have found that they were caused by the heavy and persistent rainfall in recent weeks that altered water conditions.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Sentosa
The Straits Times

Coast guard warns of thin ice
Finland is emerging from a deep freeze, giving way to milder temperatures and more snow. On Saturday three people in Helsinki fell through the ice at two different locations within the same 15-minute period.
Vihti, Uusimaa, Finland

Russian tanker passes through Bering Strait in the midst of winter
Last week, a 908-foot Russian tanker carrying liquified natural gas passed south through the Russian side of the Bering Strait, with two more to follow. The ships are traversing the northern coast of Siberia, called the North Sea Route, in the middle of January with no icebreaker escort, an unprecedented event that may hint at the future of the region as climate change alters global commerce.
Uelen, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

N.W.T. waters return to normal after record concentrations of metals found in summer
After a summer that saw high water levels and even higher concentrations of metal in two N.W.T. rivers, water testing is showing a return to normal, and a limited impact on local wildlife.
Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada

Unusual Winter Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) Sighting
Although bears may hibernate for different lengths of time during winter, winter bear activity is an uncommon sight for Alaska Peninsula residents.
Nelson Lagoon, Alaska, United States

Parks Canada euthanize cougar showing aggressive behaviour
Parks Canada wildlife officials responded in the early hours to a report of a cougar near Muskrat and Wolf Street in Banff on Jan. 13 at 3:50 a.m.
Banff, Alberta, Canada
thecragandcanyon

Whitehorse city workers pile snow high to keep roads clear after early winter storms
City of Whitehorse crews have been dealing with record amounts of snow on residential streets and roads. Thousands of truckloads of snow will be hauled away keeping a small army of city workers and contractors busy with plenty of overtime.

Thousands of salmon lost in major seal attack
More than 50,000 juvenile fish were killed or escaped in the incident on Skye, says an industry body. The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) said predation attacks continued to have a significant impact on fish health and welfare.
Portree, Scotland, United Kingdom

Power restored to more than 140,000 homes after B.C. windstorm
Power has been restored to more than 140,000 homes after a nasty overnight windstorm moved across the South Coast, leaving fallen trees and sagging power lines scattered across the region.

Divers Assess Risk of Oil Leak From Sunken Ship
A large feed boat belonging to fish farming company Laxar sunk in Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland last weekend. Vísir reports that divers were sent out to the ship yesterday to assess the risk of oil leakage from the vessel, which contains around 10,000 litres of diesel oil in addition to 300 tons of feed.
Reyðarfjörður, East, Iceland

Avalanche hits ski resort near Norilsk
Father missing under snow; more than 200 people continue search and rescue at -23C, snowstorm and bleak light of polar night.
Norilsk, Krasnoyarskiy, Russia

Storm Filomena paralyzes Madrid, leaving the Spanish capital immobilized and in a critical condition
The unexpectedly heavy snowfall has blocked roads, left the emergency services unable to circulate and has caused dangerous situations due to falling branches.
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
EL PAÍS

Orca pod returns to the Broughton Archipelago after more than 20 years
The A5 pod has returned to the Broughton Archipelago, their traditional winter hunting ground, with a brand new baby in tow.
Fife Sound, Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada
Victoria News
Zoe Ducklow, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

First record in Canada: Rare bird common in Japan seen in Yukon
A rare bird was spotted last week in Yukon. Birders flocked to Haines Junction last week to spot a hawfinch, which was thousands of kilometers out of its usual range.
Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada

Killer whale rescued after getting stranded on remote Scottish beach
The BDMLR scrambled to help the orca with the help of locals in Orkney.
Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom
Metro

8 homes on Hood Canal evacuated due to landslide on Kitsap County cliff
Residents in Seclusion Cove were evacuated Monday night due to a landslide. As residents were warned of the threat, Poulsbo Fire said trees were heard cracking.
Poulsbo, Washington, United States

3rd body found after landslide in Norway; 7 still missing
Rescue teams searching for survivors four days after a landslide carried away homes in a Norwegian village found no signs of life Saturday amid the ruined buildings and debris. Three bodies have been recovered but searchers are still looking for seven more people believed to be missing. The landslide in the village […]
Ask, Akershus, Norway
NBC4 WCMH-TV

Lake Washington sockeye hit record low, another signature Seattle fish at brink of extinction
Some 22,950 sockeye were counted at Ballard’s Hiram Chittenden Locks in 2020, but only about 3,000 made it to the mouth of the Cedar. Another 40 to 50% of those fish typically die on the spawning grounds before they can reproduce.A vortex of climate change, urbanization and predators endangers a beloved species.
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seattle Times

Strange electric rays wash up on Provincetown beach
Researchers document unusual find: 31 torpedo rays wash up on Provincetown beach just after Christmas.
Provincetown, Massachusetts, United States
Cape Cod Times

An Increase of Hail in Victoria, British Columbia
Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the occurrence of hail during the winter and early spring months. This type of weather is very unusual for this area. While our current experiences with hail have been mild, an increase in frequency and severity is cause for concern.
Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada

Lentinar Clouds Observed for First Time
Lentinar clouds are a rare event in Western Alaska. These amazing photos were taken in Chuathbaluk a Yupik community on the Kuskokwim River.
Chuathbaluk, Alaska, United States
Richard L Thoman Jr, Anna Michael, Chyna Williams

Sperm whale washes up in Ponte Vedra Beach
A dead 14-foot pygmy sperm whale washed ashore on Ponte Vedra Beach on Friday morning behind the Sawgrass Beach Club.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, United States
WJXT

Support

Observation Template