National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Hurricane Humberto, as captured by a NOAA satellite September 15, 2019.

We're in for a brutal hurricane season, according to predictions

6:39am June 21, 2024

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a record number of hurricanes this season, which began on June 1 and runs through Nov. They're forecasting anywhere from 17 to 25 storms in the Atlantic basin, including at least four major hurricanes. Scientists think this storm activity could be due to strong winds, warmer ocean temperatures and a scientific mystery unfolding in the Atlantic.

Questions about hurricanes or other weather disasters? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to consider it for a future episode!

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A team of wildlife officials collaborated with whale experts to free a humpback whale off the coast of Gustavus, Alaska last month.

How wildlife officials saved a humpback whale found 'hogtied' to a 300-pound crab pot

5:00am November 06, 2023

by Emily Olson

The juvenile whale was seen swimming in a clockwise circle, making unusual noises and trailing two buoys. A team of wildlife experts had to move fast, but with plenty of patience, to save its life.

Residents of Red Lodge, Mont., are seen clearing mud, water and debris from the small city's main street after flood waters coursed through a residential area with hundreds of homes.

Science

La Niña, which worsens Atlantic hurricanes and Western droughts, is gone

3:19pm March 09, 2023

by The Associated Press

The cooling in the Pacific Ocean has gone on for three years. Its end is usually good news for the U.S. and other parts of the world, including drought-stricken northeast Africa, scientists said.

This 2019 photo provided by NOAA shows the Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory in Hawaii. Measurements taken at the station in May 2021 revealed the highest monthly average of atmospheric carbon dioxide in human history.

Environment

Carbon Dioxide, Which Drives Climate Change, Reaches Highest Level In 4 Million Years

9:55pm June 07, 2021

by Eric McDaniel

The amount of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere reached 419 parts per million in May, its highest level in more than four million years, according to NOAA. Fossil fuel use is driving the increase.

Christina Crowe signs a poster in support of the National Weather Service office in Birmingham, Ala., during a convention of the National Weather Association in Huntsville, Ala., Monday.

National

NOAA Chief Scientist Says Move To Contradict Agency And Back Trump Was 'Political'

8:54pm September 09, 2019

by Vanessa Romo

It "was not based on science but on external factors including reputation and appearance, or simply put, political," the agency's acting chief scientist wrote.

Kris Ingram, a DJ hired to perform at a prom at The Rustic Barn, looks through debris for his equipment after the event venue in Canton, Texas, sustained major tornado damage on Sunday.

National

Severe Weather Kills At Least 14 People Across 5 Southern States

2:10pm May 01, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

People are taking stock of the damage after heavy rain, flooding and tornadoes swept through over the weekend. The American Red Cross is calling it the deadliest start to tornado season in nine years.

Hurricane Joaquin seen in a satellite image on Oct. 1, 2015.

National

'Near-Normal' Atlantic Hurricane Forecast Could Mean More Storms

3:12pm May 27, 2016

by Dana Farrington

The past three hurricane seasons have been considered below normal, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says. This season, NOAA predicts about four to eight hurricanes in the Atlantic.