These Maps Show Just How Dry Southern California Is Right Now
In early January, soil moisture in much of Southern California was in the bottom 2 percent of historical records.
Los Angeles Will Remain at High Risk of Fire Into Next Week
The arrival of La Niña is starving California of rain, and more high Santa Ana winds could be on the way.
The Brightest Comet of 2025 Is Coming. Here’s How You Can See It Shine
On January 13, Atlas C/2024 G3 will reach its closest point to the sun.
Even Trump Can’t Stop America’s Green Transition, Says Biden’s Top Climate Adviser
As he prepares to leave the White House, Ali Zaidi is sober about what’s coming—but says too much has already been built and invested for Donald Trump to undo it.
How Wildfire Smoke Affects Your Health—and How You Can Protect Yourself
Exposure to smoke is dangerous regardless of your health status, so follow these steps to limit the risk.
Global Warming Is Wreaking Havoc on the Planet’s Water Cycle
In 2024, natural disasters related to variations in the water cycle caused more than 8,700 deaths and at least $550 billion of economic loss.
The Tide Could Finally Be Turning Against the LA Fires
With wind speeds falling, firefighting reinforcements arriving from out of state, and more water sources online, authorities now have a critical window to take control of the situation.
These Newly Identified Cells Could Change the Face of Plastic Surgery
Cartilage cells that contain fat explain why some skeletal tissues are less rigid than others, and could one day be grown in labs to produce better materials for performing reconstructive surgeries and rhinoplasties.
The Los Angeles Fires Will Put California’s New Insurance Rules to the Test
The state’s insurance industry was reformed in late 2024 to promote coverage in disaster-prone areas. Tens of billions in fire damage will stress-test the new regime.
The Devastating Los Angeles Fires in Pictures
More than 130,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, with the fires—which are still uncontained—having been declared a major disaster by President Biden.