mastodon 4.7.3Watching the world evolve and transform
Strong and shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Gulf of California, Mexico
A strong and shallow #earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 struck the Gulf of California, Mexico at 19:45 UTC on June 30, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. There is no tsunami threat from this #earthquake.
Strong and shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Gulf of California, Mexico
Solar radiation storm warning issued and canceled following M5.8 solar flare on June 30
A strong solar flare measuring M5.8 erupted from Active Region 4475 located at the west limb at 12:57 UTC on June 30, 2026. The event started at 12:37 and ended at 13:23 UTC.
Solar radiation storm warning issued and canceled following M5.8 solar flare on June 30
Dust storm triggers multiple crashes and closures of US-195 and I-90 in Washington
Dust storms triggered a multi-vehicle crash on US-195 near Spangle on May 13, 2026, while another crash was reported on I-90 near Spokane. Authorities reported near-zero visibility in the area, with the crashes causing both routes to be closed for over 10 hours.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/14/dust-storm-triggers-multiple-crashes-closures-us-195-i-90-washington/
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: June 25-July 1, 2026
New activity/unrest was reported for 5 #volcanoes from June 25-July 1, 2026. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 22 #volcanoes.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: June 25-July 1, 2026
G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm observed, aurora as low as New Mexico after June 30 CME impacts Earth
A coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with the June 30, 2026, solar flare reached Earth on July 3, triggering a geomagnetic disturbance that intensified to G3 – Strong storm levels early July 4.
G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm observed, aurora as low as New Mexico after June 30 CME impacts Earth
Peru declares state of emergency ahead of 2026–2027 El Niño rains
Peru has declared a 60-day state of emergency in 796 districts across 22 departments and the Constitutional Province of Callao on July 2, 2026, because of the imminent threat of intense rainfall associated with the 2026–2027 El Niño phenomenon, activating nationwide preparedness and disaster risk reduction measures.
Peru declares state of emergency ahead of 2026–2027 El Niño rains
Multiple CMEs forecast to impact Earth through July 6 after repeated eruptions from Region 4479
Multiple coronal mass ejections linked to repeated eruptions from Active Region 4479 are forecast to reach Earth in stages from July 3 through July 6, 2026. NOAA’s official forecast calls for G1–G2 geomagnetic storm conditions on July 3 and 4, while later CME arrivals remain under model assessment.
Multiple CMEs forecast to impact Earth through July 6 after repeated eruptions from Region 4479
Bavi forecast to intensify into super typhoon near Northern Mariana Islands
Tropical Storm Bavi is forecast to undergo rapid intensification from late July 2, 2026, and become a super typhoon as it approaches the Northern Mariana Islands. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) forecast issued at 09:00 UTC calls for 1-minute sustained winds of 250 km/h (155 mph) near the system’s peak intensity around July 5.
Bavi forecast to intensify into super typhoon near Northern Mariana Islands
Strong M6.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Japan
A strong #earthquake registered by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as M6.0 hit off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Honshu at 12:08 UTC (21:08 JST) on July 1, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 40 km (25 miles). USGS registered this quake as M5.9 at a depth of 37 km (23 miles).
Strong M6.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Japan
At least 12 killed, 500 rescued as heavy rainfall hits Greater Accra, Ghana
At least 12 people died and nearly 500 others were rescued after #heavy_rainfall flooded parts of Ghana’s Greater Accra Region on Monday, June 29, 2026. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said rescue and recovery operations continued on Tuesday, June 30, while one elderly person remained missing.
At least 12 killed, 500 rescued as heavy rainfall hits Greater Accra, Ghana
Poland sets new all-time national temperature record with 40.5°C (104.9°F) in Słubice
Poland’s western border town of Słubice reached 40.5°C (104.9°F) on June 28, 2026, breaking the station’s previous record of 39.5°C (103.1°F) from 1994 and surpassing the country’s historic temperature benchmark of 40.2°C (104.4°F) measured at Prószków in 1921, just one day after the town set a new national June record.
Poland sets new all-time national temperature record with 40.5°C (104.9°F) in Słubice
Strong M6.2 earthquake hits Banda Sea, Indonesia
A strong #earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 struck the Banda Sea, Indonesia, at 17:53 UTC on May 14, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 146 km (91 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 146 km (91 miles) while BMKG reports M6.7 at a depth of 163 km (102 miles).
https://watchers.news/2026/05/14/strong-m6-2-earthquake-hits-banda-sea-indonesia/
G2 geomagnetic storm watch issued for May 15, aurora possible across northern U.S.
A G2 - Moderate geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for May 15, 2026, due to the anticipated impact of a corotating interaction region (CIR) associated with a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). G1 conditions are forecast for May 16 and 17.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/14/g2-geomagnetic-storm-watch-issued-for-may-15-aurora-possible-across-northern-us/
Severe thunderstorms leave over 100 dead across Uttar Pradesh, India
Severe thunderstorms swept across Uttar Pradesh, India, on the night of May 13, 2026, claiming at least 104 lives and leaving over 59 people injured across the state. Prayagraj was the worst hit, with preliminary reports indicating between 20 and 30 fatalities. Widespread destruction was reported in multiple districts, with more than 80 homes being damaged along with other structures.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/14/severe-thunderstorms-leave-over-100-dead-across-uttar-pradesh-india/
Earthquake swarm damages water lines and roads near Brawley, California
Hundreds of #earthquakes struck the Brawley area of Imperial County, California, from May 9 to 11, 2026, including the strongest reported M4.7 event at 07:10 UTC on May 10. The swarm caused infrastructure damage, including water line breaks and road damage.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/11/earthquake-swarm-brawley-california-damages-water-lines-roads/
NWS confirms two long-track EF3 tornadoes in Mississippi outbreak
NWS Jackson confirmed five tornadoes from the May 6–7, 2026, severe weather event in southern Mississippi, including two long-track EF3 tornadoes that injured 13 people across its forecast area. MEMA reported 17 storm-related injuries statewide, while preliminary assessments showed nearly 500 homes damaged or inaccessible and 50 apartment units affected.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/08/nws-confirms-two-long-track-ef3-tornadoes-in-mississippi-outbreak/
Kīlauea episode 46 ends after 9 hours of lava fountaining, tephra reaches Highway 11, Hawaii
Episode 46 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at Kīlauea ended at 17:22 HST on May 5, 2026 (03:22 UTC on May 6), after about 9 hours of continuous lava fountaining from the north vent at the summit. USGS lowered the #volcano Alert Level from Watch to Advisory and the Aviation Color Code from Orange to Yellow after ground and aviation hazards decreased.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/06/kilauea-episode-46-lava-fountaining-tephra-reaches-highway-11-hawaii-may-2026/
Level 8 disruptive rainfall warnings issued for Eastern and Western Cape, South Africa
SAWS has issued Orange Level 8 warnings for disruptive rainfall in parts of the Eastern and Western Cape for May 5–7, 2026, as an intense cut-off low pressure system moves across the country, raising the risk of flooding, damaging winds, and hazardous coastal conditions.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/05/level-8-disruptive-rainfall-warnings-issued-eastern-western-cape-south-africa/
Mutnovsky volcano erupts for first time since 2013, Russia
Mutnovsky #volcano in southern Kamchatka, Russia, produced an ash explosion at 20:19 UTC on July 1, 2026 (08:19 LT on July 2), marking its first documented eruption since July 3, 2013. KVERT reported that the approximately 3-minute event generated an ash plume up to 3.5 km (11 500 feet) above sea level, extending about 10 km (6 miles) west of the #volcano.
Mutnovsky volcano erupts for first time since 2013, Russia
X1.1 solar flare produces Earth-directed CME, G2 geomagnetic storm watch issued for July 3
An X1.1 solar flare from Active Region 4479 produced a full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) on June 30, 2026, prompting SWPC to issue a G2 - Moderate Geomagnetic Storm Watch for July 3.
X1.1 solar flare produces Earth-directed CME, G2 geomagnetic storm watch issued for July 3
Multiple injuries reported after tornado hits Las Flores District, Buenos Aires, Argentina
A tornado touched down in the Las Flores District of Buenos Aires, Argentina, on May 6, 2026. At least 4 people were injured after a house was destroyed, burying the family within the rubble. Widespread damage was reported in the surrounding areas.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/07/multiple-injuries-tornado-hits-las-flores-district-buenos-aires-argentina/
M5.7 solar flare erupts from Region 4436, launches large CME from east limb
A moderately strong solar flare measuring M5.7 at its peak erupted from Active Region 4436 at 13:39 UTC on May 10, 2026. The event started at 13:19 and ended at 14:02 UTC.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/10/m5-7-solar-flare-erupts-from-region-4436-launches-large-cme-from-east-limb/
Pennsylvania seeks federal aid after April freeze damages specialty crops
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro requested a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation for all counties after below-freezing temperatures on April 21, 2026, damaged specialty crops across the state. Early estimates place possible economic losses for Pennsylvania’s specialty-crop industry at USD 150 million to USD 200 million.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/12/pennsylvania-seeks-federal-aid-after-april-freeze-damages-specialty-crops/
Strong M6.1 earthquake hits Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan
A strong #earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan at 13:34 UTC (18:34 local time) on June 27, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 199 km (123.7 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Strong M6.1 earthquake hits Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan
Asteroid 2026 JH2 to fly past Earth at 0.24 lunar distances
Asteroid 2026 JH2 is expected to pass Earth at a distance of 0.237 LD (0.00061 AU / 91 300 km / 56 700 miles) from the center of our planet at 21:23 UTC on May 18, 2026. Its closest point will be about 84 900 km (52 700 miles) above Earth’s surface.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/13/asteroid-2026-jh2-fly-past-earth-0-24-lunar-distances/
Eta Aquariids peak May 5-6 under bright moonlight
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks on the night of May 5-6, but strong moonlight will sharply reduce visible rates during this year’s maximum. Under ideal dark skies, the shower can produce up to about 50 meteors per hour, but bright moonlight in 2026 is expected to keep observed rates below 5 meteors per hour.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/05/eta-aquariids-peak-may-5-6-under-bright-moonlight/
Tornado damages 28 homes in two villages of Demak Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
At least 28 homes and a vehicle were damaged after a tornado struck the Harjowinangun and Kebsonsari villages in Central Java, Indonesia, on May 2, 2026.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/05/tornado-damages-28-homes-two-villages-demak-regency-central-java-indonesia/
Vancouver breaks daily heat record set in 1898 as temperatures rise across British Columbia
Vancouver reached 23.9°C (75°F) on Monday, May 4, 2026, breaking the city’s daily maximum temperature record of 22.2°C (72°F) set in 1898. Multiple communities across British Columbia also set daily temperature records.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/06/vancouver-breaks-daily-heat-record-set-in-1898-as-temperatures-rise-across-british-columbia/
Major spring storm forecast over parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada
A major spring storm developing over Alberta will bring widespread damaging winds, rain, and localized snowfall across parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan beginning Wednesday night, May 13, 2026, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) warns.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/13/major-spring-storm-forecast-alberta-saskatchewan-canada/
AVO raises Mount Kupreanof to Yellow/Advisory after increased seismicity and gas emissions, Alaska
The Alaska #volcano Observatory (AVO) raised Mount Kupreanof to Aviation Color Code Yellow and #volcano Alert Level Advisory at 17:01 UTC on May 12, 2026, after seismic activity and sulfur dioxide emissions increased over recent months at the Alaska Peninsula #volcano.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/12/avo-raises-mount-kupreanof-to-yellow-advisory-after-increased-seismicity-and-gas-emissions-alaska/
Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Southwestern Ryukyu Islands, Japan
A strong and shallow #earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit the Southwestern Ryukyu Islands, Japan at 04:04 UTC (13:04 LT) on July 3, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6 miles). EMSC is reporting the same depth and magnitude. There is no tsunami threat from this #earthquake.
Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Southwestern Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Series of tremors near Tehran renews focus on capital’s seismic risk, Iran
Nine small #earthquakes struck the Pardis area east of Tehran overnight on May 12 and 13, 2026, including a M4.6 event near the border of Tehran and Mazandaran provinces, renewing attention on seismic risks around the Iranian capital.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/13/tehran-earthquake-tremors-seismic-risk-may-2026/
Tropical Storm Hagupit moves through Yap State, expected to enter PAR as Caloy
Tropical Storm Hagupit was moving west through Yap State at 22:00 ChST (12:00 UTC) on May 8, 2026, with maximum sustained winds of 70 km/h (45 mph). Tropical Storm Warnings remained in effect for Ulithi, Ngulu, Fais, Yap Proper, and adjacent coastal waters. PAGASA expects the system to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on May 9 and be named Caloy.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/08/tropical-storm-hagupit-moves-through-yap-state-expected-to-enter-par-as-caloy/
Very bright fireball streaks across the skies of eastern Tasmania
A very bright fireball was seen over the skies of eastern Tasmania at approximately 11:28 UTC (21:28 LT) on May 10, 2026.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/12/very-bright-fireball-streaks-across-the-skies-of-eastern-tasmania/
NDMA warns of GLOF risk after deadly storms hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Severe storms and #heavy_rain killed 4 people and injured 16 others across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwestern Pakistan, on May 10–11, 2026, after walls and roofs collapsed in several districts. The affected districts include Mardan, Swabi, Malakand, and Shangla, while Pakistan’s NDMA warned of continued rain, #flash_flooding, debris flows, and elevated GLOF risk in northern mountain catchments.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/12/ndma-warns-glof-risk-deadly-storms-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-pakistan/
Asteroid 2026 JO flew past Earth at 0.3 lunar distances
Asteroid 2026 JO flew past Earth at a distance of 0.347 LD (0.00089 AU / 133 560 km / 83 000 miles), from the center of our planet at 05:04 UTC on May 9, 2026. At its closest, the object was about 126 970 km (78 900 miles) above Earth’s surface.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/10/asteroid-2026-jo-flew-past-earth-at-0-3-lunar-distances/
Czech Republic records hottest day on record with 41.9°C (107.4°F)
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) has confirmed a new all-time maximum air temperature for the Czech Republic after the Doksany meteorological station measured 41.9°C (107.4°F) on June 28, 2026, surpassing the previous national record of 40.4°C (104.7°F) set in 2012 during a historic late-June heatwave.
Czech Republic records hottest day on record with 41.9°C (107.4°F)
Anak Krakatau alert raised to Level III after renewed eruptions, Indonesia
Indonesia’s Geological Agency raised Anak Krakatau alert from Level II (Waspada) to Level III (Siaga) at 16:30 WIB (09:30 UTC) on July 2, 2026, after an eruption at 14:05 WIB (07:05 UTC) sent a dense gray-to-black ash plume about 200 m (656 feet) above the summit. The agency set a 3 km (1.9 miles) exclusion zone around the active crater.
Anak Krakatau alert raised to Level III after renewed eruptions, Indonesia
Heavy rain floods roads across Monterrey metropolitan area, Mexico
Heavy rain flooded roads across the Monterrey metropolitan area, Nuevo León, Mexico, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, damaging dozens of vehicles and disrupting traffic in several municipalities. According to the Nuevo León Civil Protection agency, the rainfall event damaged 42 vehicles and caused electrical incidents, fallen trees, and road closures across the region.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/08/heavy-rain-floods-roads-across-monterrey-metropolitan-area-mexico/
Nighttime tornadoes injure 17 and damage hundreds of homes in Mississippi
Nighttime tornadoes and severe thunderstorms tore across central and western Mississippi on Wednesday night, May 6, 2026, damaging hundreds of homes and injuring at least 17 people, according to state emergency officials. Authorities reported concentrated damage in Bogue Chitto, where a trailer park sustained heavy destruction.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/07/nighttime-tornadoes-injure-17-damage-hundreds-homes-mississippi/
Dust storm causes chain-reaction crashes on U.S. 91 near Cove, Utah
At least seven people were hospitalized after blowing dust reduced visibility and triggered multiple vehicle crashes along U.S. 91 near Cove, Utah, close to the Idaho border, at around 16:00 MDT (22:00 UTC) on May 13, 2026.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/14/dust-storm-causes-chain-reaction-crashes-us-91-cove-utah/
Rare tornado damages flower nurseries and greenhouses in Fujian, China
A rare tornado struck Yongfu Town in Zhangping, China's Fujian Province, on the afternoon of May 12, 2026, damaging dozens of flower nurseries and greenhouses in the area.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/13/rare-tornado-damages-flower-nurseries-and-greenhouses-in-fujian-china/
Hybrid seismic swarm recorded in Tenerife, Spain
A hybrid seismic swarm was recorded in Tenerife from 18:34 to approximately 23:00 LT (17:34 to 22:00 UTC) on July 3, 2026, according to the Canary Islands #volcanological Institute (INVOLCAN). The institute said the episode does not change the likelihood of a volcanic eruption on the island in the short or medium term.
Hybrid seismic swarm recorded in Tenerife, Spain
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: June 18-24, 2026
New activity/unrest was reported for 5 #volcanoes from June 18-24, 2026. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 27 #volcanoes.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: June 18-24, 2026
Large Everglades wildfire sends smoke toward Pembroke Pines as Florida tracks 61 active fires
A large wildfire burning in western Broward County, Florida, has scorched nearly 2 023 ha (5 000 acres) as of May 11, 2026, sending smoke toward the Pembroke Pines area while fire crews worked to contain the blaze. It was 20% contained after burning approximately 1 942 ha (4 800 acres), according to the Florida Forest Service (FFS).
https://watchers.news/2026/05/11/large-everglades-wildfire-sends-smoke-toward-pembroke-pines-as-florida-tracks-61-active-fires/
Increased seismicity and gas emissions at Kupreanof volcano, Alaska
Seismic activity and sulfur dioxide emissions have increased at Kupreanof #volcano in Alaska over recent months, likely due to magmatic intrusion beneath the #volcano. Kupreanof is a heavily glaciated strato#volcano on the Alaska Peninsula with no known historical eruptions. Current data do not indicate an eruption is imminent.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/09/increased-seismicity-gas-emissions-kupreanof-volcano-alaska-may-2026/
One dead after heavy rainfall floods Puebla metropolitan area, Mexico
One person died and flooding reached depths of up to 70 cm (2.3 feet) across parts of the Puebla metropolitan area on June 28, 2026, following #heavy_rainfall.
One dead after heavy rainfall floods Puebla metropolitan area, Mexico
Strong M6.2 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia
A strong #earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit Halmahera, Indonesia, at 02:31 UTC on July 3, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 121 km (75 miles). EMSC is reporting the same depth and magnitude.
Strong M6.2 earthquake hits Halmahera, Indonesia
Lava flow from Stromboli’s North crater reaches coastline, Italy
Lava overflow activity increased at Stromboli from 21:20 LT (19:20 UTC) on May 4, 2026, sending a flow from the North crater area down the Sciara del Fuoco to the coastline by about 03:00 LT (01:00 UTC) on May 5. INGV reported average volcanic tremor, a slight increase in explosion-related #earthquakes, and no significant GNSS change.
https://watchers.news/2026/05/05/lava-flow-stromboli-north-crater-reaches-coastline-italy/