A dry winter set the stage for widespread and severe drought across the Southwest and Southern Plains.
Climate Impacts
A lack of persistent sea ice in waters around the Bering Strait this winter disrupted travel, damaged roads and other infrastructure, and prevented traditional hunting and fishing in several coastal communities in western Alaska.
Usually a winter phenomenon, another late-season atmospheric river brings soaking rains to northern California.
A recent analysis of 276 National Parks found that about three-quarters of them are experiencing earlier springs. The changes in when leaves and flowers emerge affect not just pollinators, but also park staff, who have to budget and prepare for earlier visitors.
Influence of global warming on U.S. heat waves may be felt first in the West and Great Lakes regions
Global warming will make heat waves hotter, longer, and more frequent. Communities in the U.S. West and the Great Lakes region may have the least time to prepare.
A lack of precipitation across the southern and western United States has led to growing drought this winter.
Day Zero approaches in Cape Town
February 7, 2018
Seine River overflows in Paris
February 6, 2018
Dry Southwest still waiting on winter in January 2017
January 5, 2018
Drought is about more than lack of rainfall. A new tool keeps track of another major player: how thirsty the atmosphere is.