All articles tagged with #western united states
Across the U.S. West, an extreme snow drought driven by unusually warm temperatures has yielded record-low snow cover, risking water resources and winter recreation from Utah to Oregon as bare ground becomes common and artificial snow is used in some locations.
A new study using NASA satellite data has revealed how drought affects the recovery of western ecosystems from fire, with grasslands and shrublands struggling to rebound after fires, especially when preceded by drought. The research, analyzing over 1,500 fires from 2014 to 2020, found that severe fires can lead to lasting changes in plant communities and water dynamics, impacting water availability for ecosystem recovery and agriculture. Understanding these shifts is crucial for managing water resources effectively in the face of ongoing climate change.
A nor'easter moving into eastern Canada is bringing chilly breezes to the Northeast, including central Pennsylvania, with the possibility of the first frost of the season. However, temperatures are expected to warm up from Tuesday to Sunday, with highs exceeding 70 degrees and clear skies. Meanwhile, the first snowstorm of the season is predicted to hit parts of the western United States, including Montana and Wyoming.
A punishing heat wave is hitting the Western United States, with millions of Americans expected to experience record-breaking temperatures. Heat alerts are in place for the West Coast and Southwest, with some desert areas forecasted to reach close to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Local public health officials are urging people to seek cool shelter and check on neighbors. The heat wave has already led to hospitalizations and heat-related deaths. Climate change, exacerbated by the recent arrival of El Niño, is contributing to the intensity and frequency of heat waves.