Latest news with #QueenConchs
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Jellyfish swarm forces shutdown of French nuclear power plant
GRAVELINES, France – Four reactors at France's Gravelines nuclear power plant, located along the English Channel, were temporarily shut down over the weekend after a swarm of jellyfish threatened to clog critical water intake systems. According to the plant's operator, several of the facility's production units went offline after jellyfish were detected in the filter drums of the plant's pumping stations. The French multinational electric utility company said the pumping stations, located in the non-nuclear section of the site, supply cooling water essential for the facility's operation. "They had no impact on the safety of the facilities, the safety of personnel, or the environment," EDF said in a statement. Mediterranean Sea Poised To Break All-time Heat Records The Gravelines nuclear power plant is one of the largest nuclear facilities in Western Europe and has been connected to the grid since the 1980s. The impacts of jellyfish on coastal power plants is not without precedent, as there have been similar incidents reported around the globe during the summer months. Along the English Channel, jellyfish sightings are frequent and can occasionally result in beach closures due to safety concerns for swimmers. Much of the North Sea and Mediterranean Sea have experienced above-average water temperatures this year, fueling extensive heat waves and creating more favorable conditions for jellyfish. Previous studies have suggested warmer seas can also accelerate jellyfish breeding cycles, increasing the likelihood of large swarms. In June, several French nuclear reactors reduced output to limit the amount of discharge into waterways because of record-breaking sea surface temperatures. The country's regulations require operators to avoid releasing waste, as overheated water can harm aquatic life. Warm water is known to place additional stress on marine species, lower oxygen levels and disrupt sensitive ecosystems. Nearly 300 Queen Conchs Found After Illegal Harvest In Florida Keys Despite the recent interruptions at the Gravelines plant, France has not reported issues meeting the demand for electricity. According to the World Nuclear Association, the country generates about 70% of its electricity from nuclear energy and frequently exports surplus power to neighboring nations. EDF said plant teams remain mobilized and are conducting diagnostics and technical interventions to clear the intake systems and safely restart the affected units. The utility did not say when it expects to have the reactors back online to generate power for the article source: Jellyfish swarm forces shutdown of French nuclear power plant Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Florida sweats to hottest temperatures of summer so far with heat index reaching over 110 in spots
ORLANDO, Fla. – Floridians are sweating through the hottest stretch of the summer so far, with Heat Advisories blanketing much of the state and heat indices soaring as high as 115 degrees. After a brief reprieve of cooler, rainy weather earlier this week due to Invest 93L, a tropical disturbance that crossed the peninsula, cities like Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami are now enduring intense sunshine and stifling humidity. Air temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-90s across many communities, but the humidity will push the "feels-like" temperature even higher, creating extremely dangerous conditions for those outdoors between the hours of 1-6 p.m. The heat is being driven by a ridge of high pressure parked over the Atlantic, producing a heat dome effect across much of Florida and the Southeast. The synoptic setup also aids to suppress sea breeze development, which is a natural source of afternoon and evening cooling, especially in coastal areas. New To Florida? Here's When The Sunshine State's Rainy Season Gets Underway The highest heat indices are expected across interior Florida, particularly north of Interstate 4 between I-95 and I-75. In this region, the combination of high temperatures and humidity could push heat index values into the 110–115-degree range through the weekend. South of I-4, conditions will remain dangerously hot as well, but will be several degrees cooler, with heat indices in the 100 to 110 degrees range. A factor that is making the heat wave potentially deceptive is that actual air temperatures are largely expected to remain below record-breaking values – it will be all about the humidity and the heat index. According to the FOX Forecast Center, a slight break from the extreme heat may arrive early next week in the form of increased rain chances and cloud cover. As the remnants of Invest 93L interact with a potential new area of low pressure, increased precipitation chances may move in by Tuesday or Wednesday. Nearly 300 Queen Conchs Found After Illegal Harvest In Florida Keys Climatologically, the final week of July and the first days of August mark the peak of Florida's summer heat, so the warm weather is right on schedule in the Sunshine State. People are advised to stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours and seek air conditioning whenever possible. Some communities in the state, including Jacksonville, even have staff cooling centers, which will be open as long as temperatures are in the danger article source: Florida sweats to hottest temperatures of summer so far with heat index reaching over 110 in spots Solve the daily Crossword
