What is El Niño? The Pacific Ocean’s El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is arguably the most influential climate driver on Earth. Its cycles of warm and cool waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific alter where ocean heat is released into the atmosphere, influencing atmospheric circulation, temperatures, precipitation and other weather events that affect agriculture,…
National Lightning Safety Awareness Week June 21 – 27, 2026 It is important to understand that there is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Just remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!” Too many people wait far too long…
Lightning Safety Awareness Week June 21-27, 2026: National Lightning Safety Awareness Week started in 2001 in order to call attention to lightning being an underrated killer. Since then, U.S. lightning fatalities has dropped from about 55 per year to less than 30. This reduction is lightning fatalities is largely due to the greater awareness of…