The big picture: On Thursday, the last forecasting domino fell when the official U.S. government outlook from NOAA revealed its most aggressive seasonal forecast on record.
Multi-pronged attacks on the oil industry by Democrats have two common threads: homework assignments for companies, and requests for Justice Department investigations.
Why it matters: NewCapitol Hill probes seek lots of internal documents, but Democrats may lack power to pry much loose after public relations-heavy rollouts. And there's no sign yet that DOJ will act on their wishes.
Texas' power grid is expected to break demand records for the month of May as Texans turn to air conditioning during a scorching heat wave over Memorial Day weekend.
Why it matters: Human-caused climate changeis expected to heavily strain U.S. electrical grids, including Texas', which has been vulnerable to winter and summer weather extremes in the past.
Norfolk Southern has agreed to pay $310 million for damages from the 2023 derailment of a freight train carrying toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Thursday.
Why it matters: Several different toxic chemicals were released during the derailment and its aftermath, igniting concerns over potential long-term health ramifications for residents and environmental impacts.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season features an unprecedented combination of air and ocean conditions, and is likely to be extremely active, according to the U.S. government's official seasonal outlook released this morning.
Why it matters: Hurricanes are nature's largest and most expensive storms, and the odds of a U.S. landfall during an above average season may be generally higher this year.
Senior Capitol Hill Democrats are opening one new investigation of oil companies while urging the Justice Department to launch another.
Why it matters: The separate moves yesterday were heavy on public messaging, but might also bring more aggressive probes of the industry, during an era of industry consolidation and elevated oil prices.
Tuvalu is teaming up with a new player in weather forecasting to better prepare for extreme weather events and climate change.
Why it matters: The tiny South Pacific island nation is highly vulnerable to coastal flooding and sea level rise. More accurate forecasts could save lives and infrastructure in Tuvalu and similar countries, which are being swallowed by rising seas.
A tornado that struck Greenfield, Iowa, killed four people and wounded at least 35 others, officials said Wednesday.
The big picture: It was one of several tornadoes to hit Iowa on Tuesday in a damaging outbreak of severe thunderstorms, with several tornadoes, powerful straight-line windsand other deadly hazards striking the Midwest into Wednesday.
