Weather & Science

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Sperm whales alter click patterns near boats, scientists find

Researchers off Dominica found sperm whales changed their click patterns and vowel-like sounds when ships were nearby, allowing scientists to predict vessel presence.

5 min read

Three sperm whales swimming just under the surface of the sea

Brazil's Amazon burned area drops sharply in 2025

MapBiomas says Brazil's Amazon burned area fell to 3.1 million hectares in 2025, down from 15.8 million hectares in 2024, the lowest level since records began in 1985.

4 min read

An aerial view of lush green trees and a windy river winding through it, in the indigenous village of Pykany on the banks of Brazil's Xixe River in the Menkragnoti Indigenous Territory, south-western Pará State, in May.

Smoke from mountain wildfire smelled 30 miles away in Cardiff

A wildfire on Mynydd Garnclochdy in Torfaen has spread across 80 hectares, with smoke smelled 30 miles away in Cardiff and crews protecting nearby properties.

2 min read

Composite image of fire with image on the left showing flames on a hill in the dark and image on the right showing fire in daylight across the top of a grassy hill

Drones to help tackle urban gull problems in south-west Scotland

Dumfries and Galloway Council will use drones to survey urban gull nesting and breeding sites across the region to help guide future management and conservation work.

1 min read

A white drone with four propellors and a camera looking down underneath it

Weather warnings as tropical depression forms along US Gulf coast

A tropical depression along the Gulf coast was expected to become a tropical storm Monday, with storm surge and rainfall warnings in effect. Separately, Tropical Storm Fausto strengthened off Mexico’s Pacific coast.

3 min read

Is the UK heading for another summer drought?

Much of the UK has seen an exceptionally hot, dry summer, with low rainfall, hosepipe bans and concerns over a possible drought.

4 min read

Dry, cracked earth with a few blades of grass coming through in a field which seems to be greener further back. There is a house and trees in the background with blue sky above

UK bumblebees face heatwave threat, but gardeners can help

UK bumblebees face bigger risks from more intense heatwaves, with 2022 data showing sharp population falls. Experts say flower-rich habitats, ponds and shade can help.

4 min read

A bumblebee sits on a purple flower and feeds on the nectar. The background is blurred greenery

Does Scotland have the helicopters it needs to fight wildfires?

A Cairngorms wildfire has burned for nearly a week as helicopter support raises questions over Scotland’s wildfire response, funding, access and callout delays.

7 min read

A helicopter demonstrates water bombing on a moorland in Aberdeenshire

UK's 20th Century Climate Has Disappeared, Met Office Confirms

The Met Office reports that the UK's 20th-century climate has vanished, with 2025 marking the warmest year on record and unprecedented heatwaves impacting infrastructure and health.

4 min read

A woman with a bandana holding a blue fan sitting on the London underground

Scots Urged to Stay Vigilant as Wildfire Risk Remains Very High

Scotland faces a very high wildfire risk this week as temperatures rise and dry conditions persist. Authorities urge vigilance and caution to prevent fires amid ongoing heatwave challenges.

3 min read

A firefighter standing in front of a wildfire surrounded in smoke

Could Changes in the Atlantic Amplify Britain's Extreme Weather After Record Heat?

Scientists monitor the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) amid concerns it may weaken or collapse, potentially causing more extreme UK weather despite global warming.

15 min read

Two treated images of a large wave and a large fork lightning strike at night.

Over 50,000 Fish Killed in NI Rivers Due to Pollution Over Five Years

Over 50,000 fish have died in Northern Ireland's rivers over five years due to pollution from agriculture, industry, and NI Water. Enforcement actions remain limited, prompting calls for stronger penalties and environmental protections.

6 min read

Plunket Scullion is an older man. He is wearing a light blue check shirt with a green sleeveless vest over it and a straw hat on his head. He is standing outdoors with a wooden fence and trees behind him.