The science behind how a Florida hurricane devastated North Carolina

Asheville and surrounding towns in western North Carolina had just been drenched by a heavy rainstorm when the remnants of Hurricane Helene slammed into the Blue Ridge Mountains. What unfolded starting Wednesday evening and lasting throughout the weekend is a well-studied atmospheric phenomenon. “As the weather moves toward the mountains, the clouds have to rise … Read more

These graphs show what made 2023 the hottest year on record

The first days of the new year brought confirmation of disturbing news: 2023 was the warmest year on record. Researchers expected this to be the case amid brutal daily and monthly record temperatures – but just how significant were these numbers, and what does this mean for the future of our planet? warming planet? These … Read more