A surge in solar power has helped meet heightened power demand from Europe’s blistering heatwaves, according to a new analysis. Solar has been doing the “heavy lifting” to help Europe meet its energy needs amid a string of blistering heatwaves. A new analysis from energy think-tank Ember found that solar output in European countries rose […]
As Europe braces for yet another heatwave this week, many of the continent’s major rivers are already running at exceptionally low levels, raising concerns that flows could slow even further before the end of the summer. Analysis by The National of data from the Copernicus European Flood Awareness System shows that river flows across much of Europe have remained well below […]
Tiny aerosol particles may be able to strengthen tropical convective clouds, but scientists have debated the idea for decades. Aerosols influence the formation and growth of cloud droplets, which can affect condensation and the release of latent heat. One proposed process, called condensational aerosol convective invigoration, depends on clouds developing very high water vapor supersaturation. […]
Wildfires occur across Europe each summer, but the fires that swept through Spain and France in July 2026 ranked among the most destructive either country had experienced in decades. Some of the worst outbreaks developed in southwestern France’s Gironde Department and in Spain’s Ávila and Madrid provinces during the middle of the month. The fires […]
The Arctic’s frozen ground contains enormous stores of organic carbon. As permafrost thaws and coastlines erode, some of that carbon is carried into the ocean. There, microorganisms can break it down and release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Until now, scientists have had limited information about how much of this carbon returns to […]
This summer’s heat is human caused, not from El Niño – but the climate phenomenon is set to release pent-up ocean heat. Wildfires are burning in North America and Europe. Deadly heatwaves are suffocating cities and the world’s oceans are the hottest ever recorded for this time of year. A strengthening El Niño is forecast […]
Fire tornadoes can rapidly change fire behaviour and make firefighting more dangerous. Europe’s record-breaking hot and dry summer is fuelling major wildfires, with France and Greece among the countries battling large blazes. Scientists say some of these fires are producing an unusual and dangerous phenomenon known as a fire whirl, or fire tornado, in which […]
Spraying buildings with water collected from rooftops could help cities reduce the impact of heatwaves, a study has found. Using sprinklers in hot weather to distribute rainwater stored in water butts could cut air conditioning use and lower urban temperatures, according to research from the University of Manchester. Rising temperatures globally are putting pressure on […]
A summer of blistering heatwaves has resulted in record low water levels in Europe, curtailing river transport and drastically reducing electricity generation. Europe’s two great rivers, the Rhine and the Danube, have been seriously affected, resulting in a water-cooled nuclear power plant operating at just 10 per cent capacity and cargo being moved by rail instead. The […]
You may be spotting bodies of dead bumblebees lying across pavements near you in the summer months. There are several reasons for this, some to do with the weather and some very much due to humans. Bumblebees are social, living in colonies that are maintained by very active workers with a relatively short lifespan of 4-6 […]
