Latest news with #tropics
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center now watching 3 waves in Atlantic. Heat, storms expected Tuesday
The latest maybe-threat in the tropics is currently no threat at all. The National Hurricane Center has been watching a disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms in the Atlantic associated with an area of low pressure hundreds of miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles, but the latest July 22 update gives it zero chance of further development. "Environmental conditions are becoming increasingly unfavorable as the wave moves west-northwestward at around 15 mph, and further development is no longer anticipated," Hurricane Specialist Philippe Papin said in the update. Most of the state can expect to see some rain and thunderstorms today from it, though, along with moisture from the Atlantic, National Weather Service forecasters said. AccuWeather forecasters are watching the low-pressure system as well as an area of the Gulf of America where a slow-moving round of heavy rain and thunderstorms may develop this week, and an area extending from Texas to the Carolina coast with a low chance of tropical development. The NHC is also tracking another tropical wave that just left the coast of Africa, making that three to watch in the Atlantic. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The next named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be Dexter. Historically, the fourth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season arrives Aug. 15. The last two named storms of the season — Barry and Chantal — developed earlier than normal. Florida heat wave lessening on paper, still feels hot Meanwhile, the oppressive heat across Florida is letting up a bit as the heat dome bringing record temperatures to the South expands across the Central Plains and Midwest, National Weather Service forecasters said. Heat advisories for July 22 have been issued for North Florida, the Panhandle, and North Central Florida, with heat index values expected up to 110-111 with a few spots in the Panhandle facing major heat risks, but the rest of the state is forecast to see temperatures "just" in the high 80s and low 90s and heat index values up to 100-105. ➤Florida burning with heat advisories issued across state Heat index alert: Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida Latest heat advisories: Portions of southeast Alabama, Big Bend and Panhandle Florida, and south central and southwest Georgia from 11 a.m. ET through 7 p.m. Heat index values up to 111 expected. Portions of northeast and northern Florida and southeast Georgia from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Heat index values up to 112 possible. Be careful going outside If you have to, and stay hydrated. Here's the latest tropical advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 2:15 a.m. July 22: NOAA Hurricane Center tracks tropical disturbance in Atlantic Shower and thunderstorm activity remains disorganized with a tropical wave located several hundred miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles. Environmental conditions are becoming increasingly unfavorable as the wave moves west-northwestward at around 15 mph, and further development is no longer anticipated. Formation chance through 48 hours: Low, near 0 percent Formation chance through 7 days: Low, near 0 percent Florida weather radar for July 22, 2025 National Weather Service Florida forecast for July 22 : A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 113. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Tallahassee, central Panhandle: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 111. North northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. : A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 11 a.m. and noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 109. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. : Showers and thunderstorms likely before 4 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5 p.m. High near 89. Heat index values as high as 103. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. : Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. : Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 106. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. ➤ How to set up emergency cellphone notifications for flash flood warnings and safety tips ➤ Excessive rainfall forecast What else is happening in the tropics? The National Hurricane Center is tracking three tropical waves. Tropical wave 1: A new far eastern Atlantic tropical wave has its axis near 19N from 05N to 18N. It is moving westward at 5 to 10 kt. Scattered moderate convection is seen from 10N to 12N between the coast of Africa and 22W. Tropical wave 2: An eastern Atlantic tropical wave has its axis near 33W from 05N to 17N, moving westward at 10 kt. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are limited to within 60 nm either side of the southern part of the wave from 08N to 10N. Tropical wave 3: A central Atlantic tropical wave has its axis near 52W from 03N to 17N, moving westward at about 15 kt. Scattered moderate convection is seen from 10N to 15N between 52W and 57W. Environmental conditions are becoming increasingly unfavorable around the wave. 2025 hurricane season so far An average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Here's when this year's named storms have developed, compared to historical averages: Tropical Storm Andrea: formed June 24. Average start date: June 20 Tropical Storm Barry: formed June 29. Average start date: July 17 Tropical Storm Chantal: formed July 5. Average start date: Aug. 3. Next up, Dexter: Average state date: Aug. 15, with the average first hurricane forming Aug. 11. Hurricane names for 2025 season Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea (June 24) Barry (June 29) Chantal (July 5) Dexter: DEHK-ster Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee When is the Atlantic hurricane season? The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. When is the peak of hurricane season? National Hurricane Center map: See what forecasters watching now Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Why does NHC say 'tropical cyclone' on its maps instead of hurricane or tropical storm? Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the tropical Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA sadi. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Hurricane Center tracks 3 tropical waves. Heat advisories continue
CNA
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Singapore Hour - Island Life, City Vibes
46:45 Min Get exclusive access to Sentosa's thrills, ski or surf in the tropics, wander through a foodie's fav neighbourhood and meet a British comic finding laughs, love and life in Singapore. Singapore Hour About the show: Welcome to Singapore Hour: your all-access pass to the city that never stops surprising. From iconic eats to cutting-edge tech, vibrant culture to hidden local gems – we bring you the best of Singapore through the eyes of those who know it best. Whether you're here to travel, work, or just soak up the vibe, Singapore Hour is your definitive guide to what's hot, what's next and what you absolutely can't miss.
ABC News
18-07-2025
- Science
- ABC News
Cleaner air in east Asia may have driven recent acceleration in global warming
Global warming has picked up pace since around 2010, leading to the recent string of record warm years. Why this is happening is still unclear, and among the biggest questions in climate science today. Our new study reveals that reductions in air pollution, particularly in China and east Asia, are a key reason for this faster warming. The clean-up of sulphur emissions from global shipping has been implicated in past research. But that clean-up only began in 2020, so it's considered too weak to explain the full extent of this acceleration. NASA researchers have suggested that changes in clouds could play a role, either through reductions in cloud cover in the tropics or over the north Pacific. One factor that has not been well quantified, however, is the effect of monumental efforts by countries in east Asia, notably China, to combat air pollution and improve public health through strict air quality policies. There has already been a 75 per cent reduction in east Asian sulphur dioxide emissions since around 2013, and that clean-up effort picked up pace just as global warming began accelerating. Our study addresses the link between east Asian air quality improvements and global temperature, building on the efforts of eight teams of climate modellers across the world. We have found that polluted air may have been masking the full effects of global warming. Cleaner air could now be revealing more of the human-induced global warming from greenhouse gases. In addition to causing millions of premature deaths, air pollution shields the Earth from sunlight and therefore cools the surface. There has been so much air pollution that it has held human-induced warming in check by up to 0.5°C over the last century. With the clean-up of air pollution, something that's vital for human health, this artificial sunshade is removed. Since greenhouse gas emissions have kept on increasing, the result is that the Earth's surface is warming faster than ever before. Thick smog influences the effect of greenhouse gases. ( Reuters ) Modelling the clean-up Our team used 160 computer simulations from eight global climate models. This enabled us to better quantify the effects that east Asian air pollution has on global temperature and rainfall patterns. We simulated a clean-up of pollution similar to what has happened in the real world since 2010. We found an extra global warming of around 0.07°C. While this is a small number compared with the full global warming of around 1.3°C since 1850, it is still enough to explain the recent acceleration in global warming when we take away year-to-year swings in temperature from natural cycles such as El Niño, a climate phenomenon in the Pacific that affects weather patterns globally. Based on long-term trends, we would have expected around 0.23°C of warming since 2010. However, we actually measured around 0.33°C. While the additional 0.1°C can largely be explained by the east Asian air pollution clean-up, other factors include the change in shipping emissions and the recent accelerated increase in methane concentrations in the atmosphere. Air pollution causes cooling by reflecting sunlight or by changing the properties of clouds so they reflect more sunlight. The clean-up in east Asian air pollution influences global temperatures because it reduces the shading effect of the pollution over east Asia itself. It also means less pollution is blown across the north Pacific, causing clouds in the east Pacific to reflect less sunlight. The pattern of these changes across the North Pacific simulated in our models matches that seen in satellite observations. Our models and temperature observations also show relatively strong warming over the North Pacific, downwind from east Asia. The main source of global warming is still greenhouse gas emissions, and a clean-up of air pollution was both necessary and overdue. This did not cause the additional warming but rather, removed an artificial cooling that has for a time helped shield us from some of the extreme weather and other well-established consequences of climate change. Global warming will continue for decades. Indeed, our past and future emissions of greenhouse gases will affect the climate for centuries. However, air pollution is quickly removed from the atmosphere, and the recent acceleration in global warming from this particular unmasking may therefore be short-lived. Laura Wilcox, Professor, National Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of Reading and Bjørn H. Samset, Senior Researcher in Climate and Atmospheric Sciences, Center for International Climate and Environment Research - Oslo. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
How you can watch two meteor showers at the same time in July
The summer sky will light up later this month as two meteor showers, the Southern delta Aquariids and alpha Capricornids, are set to peak on the same night. The alpha Capricornids, which are produced by the comet 169P/NEAT, are currently in full swing, according to NASA. The Southern delta Aquariids, which are produced by the comet P/2008 Y12, will begin on July 18. Skygazers will be treated with the two showers converging on the night of July 29 and into early July 30, according to the American Meteorological Society. The Southern delta Aquariids are a strong shower that will produce about 20 meteors per hour during its peak, the AMS said. The alpha Capricornids will not produce as many, reaching only about 5 meteors per hour, but the meteors that will be visible will be quite bright. The Southern delta Aquariids, as their same suggests, will be most visible from the Southern Hemisphere, particularly from the southern tropics. However, the AMS notes that they will still be visible to those in the Northern Hemisphere looking toward the southern skies. Luckily for skygazers, the alpha Capicornids will be equally visible to those on both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the AMS added. How To Watch Fox Weather Views of the fireballs are expected to be clear on the dark night sky – weather permitting, of course – as the Moon will only be 27% full. This means the brightness of our lunar satellite will not detract from the brightness of the Southern delta Aquariids and alpha article source: How you can watch two meteor showers at the same time in July
Fast Company
14-07-2025
- Science
- Fast Company
This ‘Iron Dome' for mosquitoes shoots down bugs with lasers
You can now order an 'Iron Dome' for mosquitoes. Its name is the Photon Matrix, a black box about the size of a smartphone that can detect, track, and eliminate mosquitoes mid-flight using an AI -guided laser system. According to its inventor, it can identify and zap up to 30 mosquitoes per second with calibrated laser pulses that will disintegrate these potentially lethal—and always annoying—flying pests without harming people or pets. Just looking at the video of it in action makes me laugh like a supervillain. Chinese engineer Jim Wong built a working prototype that can 'effectively identify and strike mosquitoes with a flight speed of no more than 1 meter per second and a characteristic size of 2 to 20 millimeters,' according to his Indiegogo crowdfunding page and the viral videos on TikTok and Instagram. The device can also target other flying insects within that range, like sand flies and fruit flies—basically anything small, slow, and infuriating that you may want to vaporize. The timing couldn't be better. Due to climate change, virus-carrying species like those that transmit Zika and dengue are creeping into nontropical latitudes. The United States, Europe, and other areas outside of the tropics are facing a growing threat. Take Europe: In 2024, the hottest year on record, the European Union documented more than 300 autochthonous dengue cases —acquired within European territory—surpassing the 275 cases recorded during the previous 15 years combined. The tiger mosquito, which transmits dengue and Zika, has already established itself in 13 EU countries. And optimal temperatures for these bugs to thrive—between 75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit—are becoming increasingly common during European summers. Pew, pew, pew—you're dead The idea of using laser beams to destroy mosquitoes dates back to 2007, during a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation brainstorming session on eliminating malaria. That's when astrophysicist Lowell Wood—one of the architects of Reagan's 'Star Wars' Strategic Defense Initiative— proposed a laser system not to stop the Soviet Union from nuking the U.S., but to defend humans against mosquitoes. Many tried to fulfill Wood's idea, but Wong's project might be the first to achieve an affordable commercial solution (though at this first stage, each Photon Matrix costs nearly $500). The key that makes the device work lies in current hardware capabilities and computer vision's ability to quickly recognize objects. The system, Wong explains, identifies targets through movement pattern analysis, distinguishing between mosquitoes and similar pixel signals like dust or sensor noise. Here is how it works: The insect dome uses a light-detection-and-ranging (LiDAR) module that fires thousands of laser pulses that bounce off any solid object, creating a real-time 3D map of its surroundings. When they hit something airborne, the photons bounce back, and the system detects how long it takes for the light to return. When it spots a mosquito, the system calculates its distance, orientation, and body size in just three milliseconds, Wong claims, marking the target for destruction. At that moment, a second laser fires, this one capable of instantly hitting the mosquito with a pulse that's lethal to the bug but harmless to humans. Right now, the technology only works with insects flying slower than 1 meter per second—a speed that includes mosquitoes (which fly between 0.6 and 0.9 mph) and some small flies like sand flies and fruit flies, but excludes much faster houseflies. The Photon Matrix also employs millimeter-wave radar to constantly scan its field of view for larger objects. If it detects people or pets, the laser won't fire. When an object significantly larger than a mosquito enters the detection range, the system can quickly and precisely identify it and refrain from laser activation, Wong says. He claims that this prototype not only effectively eliminates mosquitoes using laser technology, but also prioritizes safety as its core feature. The design incorporates 'mandatory safety certification requirements'—though it doesn't specify which standards it meets or whether they're Chinese or international. The basic version offers a 90-degree surveillance and elimination range, with a 10-foot reach. The professional version extends that range to 20 feet. Both models can operate in completely dark rooms and can withstand water immersion up to 5 feet for 30 minutes, thanks to their IP68 (dust-tight and waterproof) certification. The system draws power from wall outlets using a USB adapter or from portable batteries that provide between eight and 16 hours of autonomy, depending on the model. The laser system isn't perfect. The Photon Matrix's limited range means it can't protect extensive areas like large patios or public spaces. Its effectiveness also decreases with rain, which can interfere with optical sensors. World war against mosquitoes The Photon Matrix is just the latest invention that is trying to defend humans against mosquitoes. Other people have been trying to find solutions for ages, most of them using genetic modifications to stop their reproduction. Some scientists also went low-cost, like with ' ovillantas,' a term combining the words 'ovi' (a prefix in biology for 'egg') with 'llantas' (Spanish for 'tires'). Developed by Canadian chemistry professor Gérard Ulíbarri of Laurentian University in Ontario, this device exploits mosquitoes' strange attraction to old tires. Ulíbarri discovered that these insects are attracted to some chemical compound in rubber that drives them to lay eggs inside the hollow interior of tires. In fact, scientists have determined that this type of 'nest' can produce up to one-third of all mosquitoes in an area. The traps are built inside a section of a tire that's fitted with a drainage valve at the bottom. Next, it's filled with water and pieces of paper that float like 'landing strips' for mosquitoes—on which they lay their eggs in the stagnant water. The water is drained once or twice a week and filtered through a cloth to remove the larvae. That filtered water preserves the pheromones carried by the eggs and is reused, indicating to other mosquitoes that this is a good place to lay more eggs. Results from the pilot project in the Guatemalan town of Sayaxché were promising: Ovillantas destroyed seven times more mosquitoes than traditional traps, eliminating nearly 18,000 larvae per month. In fact, the project claims no new dengue cases were recorded in the area—where normally there would be two or three dozen cases a month. Ulíbarri estimates that two ovillantas per acre are sufficient to impact a local mosquito population, although 'the more you have, the better,' he says. Perhaps in the future, scientists and engineers will come up with a 100% effective solution. But for now, the ideal approach is combining multiple systems—home laser beams, reproductive traps, epidemiological surveillance, repellents, and physical barriers like netting—which can provide a layered defense against a present and growing threat. Multilayered defense Neither ovillantas nor this domestic 'Iron Dome' can completely eliminate the threat of mosquitoes, although plenty of people seem swayed by the latter. The crowdfunding campaign seeks $20,000—which it has far exceeded, at more than $758,000 right now—with a presale pricing of $497 for the basic version and $598 for the professional model. (The usual Indiegogo/Kickstarter 'might never reach market' caveat applies.) Wong acknowledges that price is the system's biggest problem. The production and selling costs of this product are relatively high, he says, and the only way to solve it is by manufacturing scale. He says that third parties have already approached him to build the Photon Matrix in large numbers. The big question is, of course: Will it really work? If the videos are true, then one day we could see them at much lower prices. Let's hope it all goes well. Not only because these viruses could soon become endemic—but also because I want to sit in my garden on a hot summer night and watch hundreds of these insects go down in flames after saying, 'You may fire when ready,' in my best Peter Cushing voice (from Star Wars: A New Hope).
