Weather and environment news covering forecasts, climate, conservation, natural systems, and planetary stewardship.
Pakistan's Met Department predicts below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures from June to August, with the largest rain deficits in northeastern Punjab and highest temperatures in Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab. Risks include crop moisture stress, flash floods, urban flooding, heatwaves, and glacial lake outburst floods.
The National Hurricane Center is incorporating Google DeepMind AI models into its forecast arsenal for the 2026 season after successful experimental use in 2025. The AI accurately predicted Hurricane Melissa's rapid intensification to a record-tying Category 5 storm and correctly forecast Hurricane Imelda's track out to sea.
AI weather startup Windborne Systems released WeatherMesh 6, claiming it outperforms ECMWF's traditional and AI forecasts across multiple variables. The model produces hourly forecasts at 3 km resolution in Europe and the continental US, leveraging data from about 400 balloons launched from 15 sites globally.
This commentary explains the scientific basis for the Atlantic hurricane season, arguing that the June 1 to November 30 window is defined by specific environmental conditions. It contends that ocean temperatures, wind shear, and humidity create a narrow peak from August to October, with only 3% of storms forming outside the official season.
A new study reveals fog droplets contain millions of live bacteria per thimble, with some species like methylobacteria consuming formaldehyde. The findings, based on sampling 32 fog events in Pennsylvania, suggest fog plays an active role in atmospheric chemistry.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for Adelaide and other districts, with wind gusts up to 100 km/h expected from late Monday. The SES advised residents to secure loose items and stay indoors. Over 5,800 customers were without power as of Monday afternoon.
This commentary argues that urban greening strategies must consider planting design and local climate, not just tree quantity, to effectively cool cities. Based on field measurements in Melbourne, Munich, and Hong Kong, it contends that layered vegetation combining trees, shrubs, and ground cover often outperforms trees alone in reducing heat stress.