Scientists have identified a previously unknown group of polar bears in southeast Greenland living in an environment with relatively little sea ice, potentially pointing toward a way to preserve some of the iconic species as Arctic sea ice melts.
Why it matters: The research suggests polar bears can live in a wider variety of conditions than scientists previously thought — and, some scientists say, raises the possibility that some groups of polar bears in select locations could be more resistant to global warming's sweeping changes.
More than 100 million people are under heat warnings and advisories Wednesday, as an "extensive" heat wave is expected to bring above-normal to record-breaking temperatures in many places from Michigan to northern Florida, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The big picture: The heat wave is expected bring with it thunderstorms along its periphery, making "several tornadoes, large to very large hail, and damaging winds all appear likely" across parts of the Upper Midwest into Upper Michigan, according to the Storm Prediction Center.