Latest news with #JamesAman
San Francisco Chronicle
07-08-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
S.F. is getting a waterfront Taco Bell Cantina
Sorry, Pacifica. But San Francisco is getting its very own Taco Bell Cantina on the waterfront. Construction work has begun on a location at 333 Jefferson St. at the Anchorage Square shopping center. Franchise operator James Aman told the Chronicle he expects the new location to open between late November and early December. Taco Bell's Cantina locations serve the chain's standard menu of crunchy hard shell tacos and burritos, along with beer and boozy slushies. The restaurant will take up a space that's approximately 3,000 square feet, formerly two separate commercial spaces. It will be the second cantina in the city, following the launch of the SoMa location in 2015. But while it has proximity to the water, its views are obstructed, so it's not likely to rival the famously scenic Pacifica Taco Bell Cantina location, which reopened after a remodel this spring. When it opens, the Fisherman's Wharf Taco Bell Cantina will join a slew of new restaurants on Pier 39, which include all-you-can-eat chain Fire and Ice and the long awaited Humble Sea Brewing taproom, which opened in May. More restaurants are underway, with port commissioners approving leases for restaurants that include Oakland's venerable barbecue spot Everett & Jones along with Salvadoran restaurant Chasca Rio, which will take over the old Pompeii's Grotto space. Both will be across the street from the Taco Bell Cantina.
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Western US braces for fiery Fourth
As the Wolf Fire roars in Southern California, much of the rest of the U.S. is bracing for one of the most wildfire-prone times of the year. As the Wolf Fire continues to char hundreds of acres in southern California, forcing evacuations, much of the rest of the U.S. is bracing for one of the most wildfire-prone times of the year. Why is this? "There is a huge spike in the number of human-caused wildfires in the United States around the 4th of July holiday, related to the improper use of fireworks," AEM senior meteorologist James Aman told USA TODAY in an e-mail. He said the highest concentration of wildfires caused by fireworks occurs in the western half of the U.S., mainly in national parks, national forests and certain other rural areas. "Other smaller clusters of wildfires caused by fireworks are seen around some large U.S. cities, and in national parks and forests in the eastern U.S." Weather isn't helping Weather isn't helping matters. "Heat will build over the Intermountain West and the Southwest the next couple of days," the National Weather Service said in an online forecast June 30. "Lightning from dry thunderstorms can create new fire starts and combined with gusty winds may cause a fire to rapidly grow in Oregon and northern California." The weather service in northern California also said that "given the long stretch of dry and hot and very conditions, lightning efficiency will be high to very high for fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly." A red flag warning has been issued for much of northern California and north-central Nevada: "A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior." Latest wildfire numbers According to the National Interagency Fire Center, as of June 30, there were 26 large uncontained fires being suppressed across the country, with nearly 6,000 wildland firefighters and support personnel assigned. Several crews also are on assignment to battle critical fires in Canada. "Several geographic areas in the U.S. are seeing hot, dry conditions and dry fuels, increasing the potential for new ignitions and large fire growth," the fire center said in an online report. In addition to those 26 fires, another 48 fires also are being managed, mostly in Alaska. Nationwide, the number of wildfires this year – 33,552 – is running nearly 8,000 ahead of the 10-year average year-to-date of 25,648. The amount of acres burned so far is very close to the 10-year average. Most of the fires - 67 - are burning in Alaska. In the continental U.S., New Mexico and Arizona both are battling three large fires, and one large fire is burning in Utah. More: Critical reservoirs Lakes Mead, Powell hit 'alarmingly low levels' again Wildfire worries ongoing The severe drought conditions will intensify wildfire risks in the West, a recent report from environmental risk firm AEM said. Areas such as California, the Great Basin and the northern Rockies are projected to face "above-normal fire potential throughout the summer months, further straining firefighting resources and endangering communities," AEM said. 'This summer will bring a dangerous combination of heat, dryness, and fuel buildup that elevates wildfire risks across North America,' said Aman, in a statement. 'We're already seeing an above-average number of wildfires in the U.S., with similar trends north of the border.'
USA Today
28-06-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Critical reservoirs Lakes Mead, Powell hit 'alarmingly low levels' again
A report shows that both Mead and Powell have "reached alarmingly low levels, holding just one-third of their usual capacity." After a brief reprieve in 2023 and early 2024, a long-simmering water crisis in the West is back with a vengeance, impacting massive water reservoirs, drought conditions and wildfire concerns. In fact, according to a recent report from environmental firm AEM, the western United States faces "a rapidly worsening drought crisis, with affected areas nearly tripling compared to last year." "The drought in the West is a real concern," said AEM senior meteorologist James Aman in an e-mail to USA TODAY. "Over the past few weeks, drought has worsened in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and northern Utah," he said. Overall, the recent western drought was at its worst in late 2021, when nearly 94% of the West was in drought, before easing in 2023-24. It is now at 58%. Of particular concern in the Southwest are the giant reservoirs of the Colorado River basin, Lakes Mead and Powell, which remain far below capacity. The Colorado River and the two reservoirs have been in crisis because of a multidecade drought in the West intensified by climate change, rising demand and overuse. The river also serves Mexico and more than two dozen Native American tribes, produces hydropower, and supplies water to farms that grow most of the nation's winter vegetables. The report shows that both Mead and Powell, crucial reservoirs that provide drinking water for 40 million Americans, have "reached alarmingly low levels, holding just one-third of their usual capacity. This shortage poses significant challenges to agriculture, urban water supplies, and industries reliant on consistent water availability," according to the report. This is up from a low point in 2022, when they were 25% full, but still far from their historic highs of the early 2000s, when they were 95% full. What's the latest on Lakes Mead and Powell? Could they drop to record low levels this year? The two reservoirs are located in the Southwest, with huge Lake Mead primarily in Nevada and Powell located along the Utah-Arizona border. Aman said that "in historical terms, current water levels at Lake Powell and Lake Mead remain very low. Lake Mead is currently at only 31% of capacity," he said. Lake Powell is at 34% capacity, according to David Simeral, a scientist with the Desert Research Institute. Lake Mead and Lake Powell did see water levels increase a bit early this summer, as spring snowmelt worked its way down the Colorado River system, according to Aman. "However, as the summer progresses, lake-levels will begin to decrease," he said. "Water levels are projected to continue falling through the end of this year. The lowest level ever recorded at Lake Mead was 1,041 feet in July 2022 (lowest level since the reservoir started filling in the 1930s). Projections show Lake Mead remaining just above 1,050 feet by later this year, so it would not set a new record low this year." However, long-range projections show even lower water levels by later 2026, with some chance of reaching near the record low, Aman said. The two reservoirs are vital for water supply in the West, according to Aman: "Seven states use Colorado River for parts of their water supply (Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California). Just over 50% is used for farm irrigation, and almost 20% is used for drinking water. Lake Mead and Lake Powell are by far the two largest reservoirs on the Colorado River." KDSK-TV reported that the Colorado River, which connects the two lakes, provides drinking water for major cities including Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix, as well as 90% of Las Vegas's drinking water. Expanding drought in the West Just one year ago, only 18% of the western U.S. was in a drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. As of this week's monitor, that number is up to 58%. This significant drought expansion "raises serious concerns about water availability, agricultural productivity, wildfire threats, and infrastructure stability across the region," the AEM report said. The latest medium and long-range outlooks from the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center (CPC) indicate below-normal precipitation in the area for the next several months, according to Aman. Additionally, hotter-than-normal temperatures are expected across the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and the Upper Midwest, exacerbating drought conditions and placing significant stress on regional electric grids, the AEM report stated. Some good news However, there is some good news in one part of the West: "An active North American monsoon is anticipated to continue through all of July and possibly into August," Aman told USA TODAY. "This is likely to bring above-normal rain and thunderstorms to parts of the Southwest U.S. We agree with the NWS CPC outlooks that show above-normal precipitation is likely across Arizona and New Mexico, and perhaps into southeast Utah and western Colorado through all of July." He added that parts of the Southwest have very deep drought, so just a single summer of above-normal rainfall won't be enough to eliminate drought in these areas. Wildfire worries The severe drought conditions are further intensifying wildfire risks in the West, particularly around the July 4th holiday, historically associated with increased wildfire activity, the AEM report said. Areas such as California, the Great Basin, and the northern Rockies are projected to face above-normal fire potential throughout the summer months, further straining firefighting resources and endangering communities. Canada is also facing extreme fire danger across western provinces, with burned acreage already triple the seasonal average. 'This summer will bring a dangerous combination of heat, dryness, and fuel buildup that elevates wildfire risks across North America,' said Aman. 'We're already seeing an above-average number of wildfires in the U.S., with similar trends north of the border.' Why might July 4 be especially dangerous for wildfires? "There is a huge spike in the number of human-caused wildfires in the United States around the 4th of July holiday, related to the improper use of fireworks," Aman told USA TODAY. "When plotted on a map, the highest concentration of wildfires caused by fireworks occurs in the western half of the U.S., mainly in national parks, national forests, and certain other rural areas. Other smaller clusters of wildfires caused by fireworks are seen around some large U.S. cities, and in national parks and forests in the eastern U.S."
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
AEM Report: Western U.S. Drought Nearly Triples in One Year, Threatening Critical Resources and Infrastructure
2025 Summer Weather Outlook Highlights Urgent Need for Action Amid Escalating Water Scarcity, Agricultural Challenges, and Infrastructure Risks GERMANTOWN, Md., June 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Western United States faces a rapidly worsening drought crisis, with affected areas nearly tripling compared to last year, according to AEM's 2025 Summer Weather Outlook, which was released today. This significant drought expansion raises serious concerns about water availability, agricultural productivity, wildfire threats, and infrastructure stability across the region. The report shows Lake Mead and Lake Powell, crucial reservoirs providing water for millions, have reached alarmingly low levels, holding just one-third of their usual capacity. This shortage poses significant challenges to agriculture, urban water supplies, and industries reliant on consistent water availability. In Nebraska, drought conditions have notably impacted agriculture, severely affecting more than half of the state's corn acreage. The severe drought conditions are further intensifying wildfire risks, particularly around the July 4th holiday, historically associated with increased wildfire activity. The Outlook indicates that areas such as California, the Great Basin, and the northern Rockies are projected to face above-normal fire potential throughout the summer months, further straining firefighting resources and endangering communities. Canada is also facing extreme fire danger across western provinces, with burned acreage already triple the seasonal average. "This summer will bring a dangerous combination of heat, dryness, and fuel buildup that elevates wildfire risks across North America," said James Aman, Senior Meteorologist at AEM. "We're already seeing an above-average number of wildfires in the U.S., with similar trends north of the border." Additionally, hotter-than-normal temperatures are expected across the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and the Upper Midwest, exacerbating drought conditions and placing significant stress on regional electric grids. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) specifically faces heightened vulnerability due to anticipated peak summer air-conditioning demands, highlighting the critical need for adaptive energy management and infrastructure resilience. The full outlook can be viewed on the website. About AEM AEM is combining global technology leaders to empower communities and organizations to survive and thrive in the face of escalating environmental risks. By deploying intelligent sensing networks, operating a secure and scalable data management infrastructure, and delivering high-value analytics through a suite of end-user applications, AEM serves as the essential source for environmental insights. These technologies enable positive outcomes, helping reduce environmental impact and creating a safer world. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Neal SteinTechnology PR SolutionsOffice: (321) 473-7407nealjstein@
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
AEM Report: Western U.S. Drought Nearly Triples in One Year, Threatening Critical Resources and Infrastructure
2025 Summer Weather Outlook Highlights Urgent Need for Action Amid Escalating Water Scarcity, Agricultural Challenges, and Infrastructure Risks GERMANTOWN, Md., June 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Western United States faces a rapidly worsening drought crisis, with affected areas nearly tripling compared to last year, according to AEM's 2025 Summer Weather Outlook, which was released today. This significant drought expansion raises serious concerns about water availability, agricultural productivity, wildfire threats, and infrastructure stability across the region. The report shows Lake Mead and Lake Powell, crucial reservoirs providing water for millions, have reached alarmingly low levels, holding just one-third of their usual capacity. This shortage poses significant challenges to agriculture, urban water supplies, and industries reliant on consistent water availability. In Nebraska, drought conditions have notably impacted agriculture, severely affecting more than half of the state's corn acreage. The severe drought conditions are further intensifying wildfire risks, particularly around the July 4th holiday, historically associated with increased wildfire activity. The Outlook indicates that areas such as California, the Great Basin, and the northern Rockies are projected to face above-normal fire potential throughout the summer months, further straining firefighting resources and endangering communities. Canada is also facing extreme fire danger across western provinces, with burned acreage already triple the seasonal average. "This summer will bring a dangerous combination of heat, dryness, and fuel buildup that elevates wildfire risks across North America," said James Aman, Senior Meteorologist at AEM. "We're already seeing an above-average number of wildfires in the U.S., with similar trends north of the border." Additionally, hotter-than-normal temperatures are expected across the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and the Upper Midwest, exacerbating drought conditions and placing significant stress on regional electric grids. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) specifically faces heightened vulnerability due to anticipated peak summer air-conditioning demands, highlighting the critical need for adaptive energy management and infrastructure resilience. The full outlook can be viewed on the website. About AEM AEM is combining global technology leaders to empower communities and organizations to survive and thrive in the face of escalating environmental risks. By deploying intelligent sensing networks, operating a secure and scalable data management infrastructure, and delivering high-value analytics through a suite of end-user applications, AEM serves as the essential source for environmental insights. These technologies enable positive outcomes, helping reduce environmental impact and creating a safer world. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Neal SteinTechnology PR SolutionsOffice: (321) 473-7407nealjstein@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
