Climate

National

Idalia went through 'rapid intensification.' You're likely to see the term more often

5:42pm August 30, 2023

by Nathan Rott

Tropical storm Idalia made landfall early Wednesday morning on a rural part of Florida's Gulf Coast after it underwent what meteorologists call "rapid intensification," a term to become familiar with.

Makatla Ritchter and her mother, Keiphra Line, wade through flood waters after evacuating their home in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundated it on August 30, 2023. Climate change is making storm surge and intense rainfall during hurricanes like Idalia more dangerous.

What's the connection between climate change and hurricanes?

4:43pm August 30, 2023

by Alejandra Borunda

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida. Here are some ways climate change is reshaping tropical cyclones like it

The science that goes into emergency evacuation orders

4:40pm August 30, 2023

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Craig Fugate, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the U.S., on how officials decide to issue an evacuation order during natural disasters.

Queue Listen Now

Towering smoke plumes overshadowed California's town of Paradise as the Camp Fire raced through in 2018. More than 18,000 acres burned in a matter of hours.

Climate change makes wildfires in California more explosive

3:44pm August 30, 2023

by Alejandra Borunda

A new study pins about 25% of the extra risk on human-caused climate change.

National

Why poison ivy loves climate change

5:10am August 30, 2023

by Gabrielle Emanuel

Climate change appears to be making poison ivy thrive, with the plant growing faster, larger and more potent.

A snowy egret stands within the salt marsh at Station Creek Landing in St Helena, S.C., on July 10, 2023.

The EPA removes federal protections for most of the country's wetlands

7:41pm August 29, 2023

by James Doubek

The amended EPA rule is to comply with a Supreme Court ruling this year that narrowed the scope of the Clean Water Act and the agency's power to regulate waterways and wetlands.

Amid the heatwave, millions of students are returning to schools without decent A/C

6:28pm August 29, 2023

by Sequoia Carrillo

In the midst of this summer of record-breaking heat waves, kids around the country are returning to school — often in buildings without adequate air conditioning, if any.

Queue Listen Now

National

Louisiana's record-breaking wildfire continues to burn

5:27pm August 29, 2023

by Aubri Juhasz

Louisiana is experiencing the largest wildfires in the state's history. At least 2 people have died. The state is in a severe drought and continues to experience record heat.

National

Forecasts for dangerous storm surge see a big upgrade this year

5:07pm August 29, 2023

by Rebecca Hersher

The Atlantic hurricane season begins Wednesday. This year, the National Hurricane Center is making a big upgrade to its forecasts, especially when it comes to storm surge.

National

Idalia strengthens as it closes in on Florida

4:32pm August 29, 2023

by Greg Allen

Idalia is expected to strengthen into a "major" category hurricane as it approaches Florida's Gulf coast. Local officials have warned residents they have little time left to prepare.

Queue Listen Now