Why flash floods in the U.S. have been extreme in 2025

Parts of the United States have seen extreme flash floods in 2025. Get the reasons why from a scientist who studies extreme precipitation events.

NOAA updates forecast. Above-normal hurricane activity still predicted

NOAA updates forecast for the 2025 hurricane season. They still anticipate a more active than average season with 2 to 5 major hurricanes.

Wildfire in France is the largest since 1949

A large wildfire has rapidly spread through the Aude region of France, near the border with Spain. This wildfire in France is the largest in decades.

Pelicans are the masters of air, land and water

Pelicans have long, elegant necks, a distinctive throat pouch, and a deadly beak. Not even turtles can survive it. Pelicans swallow their prey in a single gulp.

World megaflash lightning record set in U.S.

On July 31, 2025, the World Meteorological Organization certified a new lightning record for the longest lightning bolt, 515 miles (829 km) in extent.

Surprise! Potatoes and tomatoes are linked in evolution

A new study suggests that potatoes and tomatoes are linked evolutionarily, from a combination of genes 9 million years ago.

Why the Pacific tsunami was smaller than expected

Find out how earthquakes cause tsunamis, and why the July 2025 Kamchatka earthquake didn't cause tsunami waves as devastating as expected.

Light pollution is impacting astronomy around the globe

Light pollution is affecting astronomical observatories around the world. Increasing light pollution and urban sprawl are impacting even remote sites.

Grand Canyon fire explodes north, burning thousands of acres

The Grand Canyon fire that began on July 4, 2025, has exploded northward. It's now ballooned up to more than 94,000 acres.

Tsunami triggered by magnitude 8.8 earthquake

A magnitude-8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Russia on Wednesday, July 30. The resulting 13-foot (4-meters) tsunami struck the Russian coast.