Thursday, 12 November 2026
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The Indian Morning Post

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Environment

Climate & nature

Navajo Reservoir Water Levels Surge by 60 Feet After Extreme Southwest Rains
Environment

Navajo Reservoir Water Levels Surge by 60 Feet After Extreme Southwest Rains

Navajo Reservoir in the U.S. Southwest experienced a significant rise in water levels, increasing by nearly 60 feet (18 meters) between late September and early November 2026. This surge followed two extreme rain events in the Four Corners region, which also led to record river levels and localised flooding. Satellite data from Landsat 9 captured the dramatic change in the reservoir, which spans northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.

11 November 2026 · 1 min read

Explosive Cyclone Forms Near Iceland from Former Hurricane Isaias
Environment

Explosive Cyclone Forms Near Iceland from Former Hurricane Isaias

A powerful extratropical cyclone, which developed from the remnants of Hurricane Isaias, has been observed near Iceland. The storm exhibited a rapid and significant drop in atmospheric pressure, meeting and exceeding the criteria for explosive cyclogenesis, or bombogenesis. This intensification has led some meteorologists to speculate about a potential new October low for barometric pressure in the region.

21 October 2026 · 1 min read

J&K High Court Bans Motorboats, Jet Skis on Srinagar's Dal Lake
Environment

J&K High Court Bans Motorboats, Jet Skis on Srinagar's Dal Lake

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has issued an order prohibiting the use of motorboats and jet skis on Dal Lake in Srinagar. This judicial directive comes in response to a petition highlighting potential ecological damage to the lake's ecosystem from these motorised vessels. The court's decision aims to implement a regulated and protective approach to preserve the iconic water body.

15 October 2026 · 1 min read

Hurricane Simon Brushes Mexican Coast as Category 4 Storm
Environment

Hurricane Simon Brushes Mexican Coast as Category 4 Storm

Hurricane Simon, a Category 4 tropical cyclone, tracked close to Mexico's Pacific coast on October 11, 2026. The storm's inner core brushed the coastline between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta, bringing sustained winds up to 250 kilometres per hour. Satellite imagery captured the event, noting the Sierra Madre mountains appeared to temper its intensity.

14 October 2026 · 2 min read

Indonesia Wildfires Displace Hundreds, Endanger Wildlife Amid El Niño
Environment

Indonesia Wildfires Displace Hundreds, Endanger Wildlife Amid El Niño

Wildfires in Indonesia, fuelled by El Niño, have caused widespread destruction, razing almost 300 homes and displacing hundreds of residents in Bangka Belitung province. The blazes, described as the worst in a decade, have also severely impacted local wildlife. In response, eight endangered orangutans, whose habitats were destroyed, have been released into a protected forest.

13 October 2026 · 1 min read

Tropical Storm Isaias Forecast to Become First Atlantic Hurricane of 2026
Environment

Tropical Storm Isaias Forecast to Become First Atlantic Hurricane of 2026

Tropical Storm Isaias is predicted to intensify into the first Atlantic hurricane of 2026, heading towards the US Gulf Coast. Its formation follows an unusually quiet season, potentially making it the latest first hurricane in over a century. Authorities in Florida have declared an emergency in anticipation of the storm.

7 October 2026 · 1 min read

Captive-Bred Great Indian Bustards Released into Rajasthan Wild
Environment

Captive-Bred Great Indian Bustards Released into Rajasthan Wild

Two Great Indian Bustards, bred in captivity, have been released into the wild in Rajasthan, signifying a crucial step in the conservation of this critically endangered species. This initiative is the culmination of nearly a decade of dedicated work by scientists and ground staff, building on a captive-breeding programme launched in 2016.

5 October 2026 · 1 min read

Swiss Glaciers Shrink by Almost 20% in Five Years Amid Extreme Heatwaves
Environment

Swiss Glaciers Shrink by Almost 20% in Five Years Amid Extreme Heatwaves

Switzerland's glaciers have experienced a substantial loss of ice, with almost one-fifth of their volume disappearing in just five years, according to recent research. The year 2026 alone saw a 5.5% reduction in ice, driven by severe heatwaves and a lack of winter snow, transforming the iconic Alpine landscapes.

1 October 2026 · 1 min read

Pacific Cyclone Season Intensifies with Above-Average Storm Activity
Environment

Pacific Cyclone Season Intensifies with Above-Average Storm Activity

The 2026 tropical cyclone season in the northeastern and central Pacific has seen a marked increase in activity, with 20 named storms recorded by late September, exceeding the historical average. Nine of these storms reached hurricane strength, further highlighting the season's intensity. Satellite imagery from NASA captured multiple powerful systems, including Hurricanes Nolo and Polo, impacting coastal regions.

30 September 2026 · 1 min read

US-India Satellite Tracks Historic Russian Volcano Eruption
Environment

US-India Satellite Tracks Historic Russian Volcano Eruption

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission has documented the first eruption of Russia's Krasheninnikov volcano in nearly five centuries. The US-India satellite captured a time-lapse video showing lava spreading from the northern crater, following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake in the region in July 2025. This observation provides critical data on the ongoing geological activity.

24 September 2026 · 1 min read

California Declares Emergency Ahead of Potentially Record-Breaking El Niño Winter
Environment

California Declares Emergency Ahead of Potentially Record-Breaking El Niño Winter

California is preparing for a severe winter, with Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a statewide emergency in anticipation of powerful El Niño storms. The phenomenon, which has already set new temperature highs, is forecast to bring extensive flooding and coastal erosion across the state. Authorities are implementing measures to safeguard communities and critical infrastructure.

21 September 2026 · 1 min read

US-European Satellites Monitor 'Historic' El Niño for Hurricane Forecasts
Environment

US-European Satellites Monitor 'Historic' El Niño for Hurricane Forecasts

NASA and its European partners are utilising the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS mission, comprising two satellites, to precisely measure sea levels during an anticipated historic El Niño event. This data is vital for creating more accurate hurricane forecasts, safeguarding infrastructure, and assisting commercial sectors like shipping. The mission represents the latest in a continuous series of ocean-observing efforts dating back to the early 1990s.

9 September 2026 · 1 min read

Nigeria: Dozens Die from Toxic Fumes in Suspected Oil Theft
Environment

Nigeria: Dozens Die from Toxic Fumes in Suspected Oil Theft

At least 37 people have died in Nigeria's Rivers State after inhaling toxic fumes during a suspected illegal siphoning operation. An environmental group reported the fatalities, while police confirmed an incident and stated investigations are ongoing. The victims were allegedly attempting to steal oil products from local infrastructure.

4 September 2026 · 2 min read

El Niño Fuels Above-Normal Pacific Cyclone Activity as Atlantic Remains Quiet
Environment

El Niño Fuels Above-Normal Pacific Cyclone Activity as Atlantic Remains Quiet

The eastern and central Pacific basins are experiencing significantly above-normal tropical cyclone activity, aligning with seasonal predictions influenced by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon. Conversely, the Atlantic basin has remained notably subdued, recording fewer named storms and no hurricanes as of early September 2026. This stark contrast is attributed to El Niño's impact on ocean temperatures and large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns.

4 September 2026 · 2 min read

NASA Satellite Illuminates Congaree National Park's Floodplain Forests
Environment

NASA Satellite Illuminates Congaree National Park's Floodplain Forests

New satellite imagery from NASA's Landsat 9 mission has provided a detailed view of Congaree National Park in South Carolina, highlighting the expansive floodplain of the Congaree River. The park is distinguished by having 80 percent of its area within this floodplain, which hosts one of the largest remaining tracts of old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the United States. These unique riverine landscapes support diverse ecosystems, visible through distinct shades of green in the satellite data.

28 August 2026 · 2 min read

Tens of Thousands Evacuate as Wildfire Threatens Reno, Nevada
Environment

Tens of Thousands Evacuate as Wildfire Threatens Reno, Nevada

A rapidly spreading wildfire, named the Hawk fire, has prompted the evacuation of nearly 42,000 residents in Reno, Nevada. The blaze has consumed more than 13,000 acres and is advancing towards the city centre and the University of Nevada campus, driven by strong winds and dry conditions. Authorities have confirmed the fire was caused by human activity.

23 August 2026 · 1 min read

Tropical Storm Moke Strengthens, Threatens Hawaii with Flooding
Environment

Tropical Storm Moke Strengthens, Threatens Hawaii with Flooding

Tropical Storm Moke is advancing towards Hawaii's southern islands, expected to deliver heavy rains and strong winds by Saturday evening. Forecasters have issued warnings for potential flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas still recovering from the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Lala. This marks the second significant storm threat to Hawaii Island in as many weeks.

23 August 2026 · 1 min read

US Administration Moves to Rescind National Forest Protection Rule
Environment

US Administration Moves to Rescind National Forest Protection Rule

The Trump administration is advancing plans to rescind a 2001 rule that protects national forest lands from logging and mining. The US Agriculture Department stated that ending the Roadless Area Conservation Rule would help reduce wildfire risks and return management control to local authorities. This move has drawn attention due to potential impacts on ecosystems and concerns about increased wildfire risks, despite the stated aims for improved forest health.

19 August 2026 · 2 min read

Drought Threatens German Harvest as UK Faces Dual Flood and Aridity Risk
Environment

Drought Threatens German Harvest as UK Faces Dual Flood and Aridity Risk

Germany's main farmers' association has issued a warning regarding a projected below-average harvest, attributing the decline to prolonged drought and damage from extreme heat. Concurrently, the United Kingdom is bracing for the unusual prospect of simultaneous floods and continuing widespread drought conditions, as forecast heavy rainfall is unlikely to alleviate the deep-seated aridity.

18 August 2026 · 1 min read

Global Oceans and Europe Break Heat Records Amid Extreme Weather
Environment

Global Oceans and Europe Break Heat Records Amid Extreme Weather

Global ocean temperatures reached their highest recorded levels in July, partly driven by developing El Niño conditions. Concurrently, central and eastern Europe have been experiencing intense heatwaves and intensifying drought and wildfires into early August, with several countries reporting new temperature records.

10 August 2026 · 1 min read

Eastern Washington Wildfires Force 60,000 Evacuations, Destroy 600 Structures
Environment

Eastern Washington Wildfires Force 60,000 Evacuations, Destroy 600 Structures

Wildfires in eastern Washington state have forced the evacuation of 60,000 people and destroyed at least 600 structures, authorities confirmed on Sunday. Blazes in the Spokane area, encompassing approximately 8.2 square miles, are among dozens across the western United States that have strained federal and local agencies. Spokane's mayor has described the widespread destruction as the region's worst natural disaster.

3 August 2026 · 2 min read

Firefighters Die in Crete Amid Escalating European Wildfires
Environment

Firefighters Die in Crete Amid Escalating European Wildfires

Two firefighters have lost their lives battling wildfires on the Greek island of Crete, where gale-force winds are exacerbating the blazes. The fatalities underscore the severe challenges facing emergency services as multiple European regions contend with extensive fires, prompting evacuations and close monitoring of affected communities.

29 July 2026 · 2 min read

Wildfire Engulfs Canadian Freight Train as Smoke Drifts to US Cities
Environment

Wildfire Engulfs Canadian Freight Train as Smoke Drifts to US Cities

A freight train in Ontario, Canada, was engulfed by a wildfire, prompting the rescue of its crew and a temporary suspension of rail operations. The extensive wildfires across Canada have generated significant smoke, leading to haze over Toronto and impacting air quality in major US cities, including areas in the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast.

15 July 2026 · 1 min read

Firefighting Planes Tackle 'Exceptional' Wildfire Near Paris
Environment

Firefighting Planes Tackle 'Exceptional' Wildfire Near Paris

Firefighting aircraft have been dispatched to the Paris region for the first time to tackle an "exceptional scale" wildfire in the sprawling Fontainebleau forest. The blaze has consumed over 800 hectares, leading to village evacuations, the partial closure of a major highway, and disruptions to high-speed rail services. French officials deployed two planes on Sunday to combat the "very virulent" fire, which continues to spread.

13 July 2026 · 2 min read

US Indigenous Students Merge NASA Science and Traditional Knowledge to Study Coastal Erosion
Environment

US Indigenous Students Merge NASA Science and Traditional Knowledge to Study Coastal Erosion

Students from the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reservation in Maine are participating in a programme that integrates Western scientific methods with Indigenous knowledge to understand coastal erosion. The initiative, supported by NASA's Science Activation programme, aims to empower young people to study the environmental changes affecting their ancestral lands. This collaborative effort seeks to address the accelerating loss of shoreline in the region.

8 July 2026 · 1 min read

El Niño Threatens Food Security in Papua New Guinea, India Prepares for Drought
Environment

El Niño Threatens Food Security in Papua New Guinea, India Prepares for Drought

The El Niño weather phenomenon is beginning to manifest its effects across the globe, posing significant threats to food security and agricultural productivity. Papua New Guinea is bracing for widespread food shortages, with projections indicating millions could be affected by frost and drought. Meanwhile, India is making preparations for a potentially severe monsoon season, forecast to be its driest in ten years.

26 June 2026 · 1 min read