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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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Observations

First large staffed fire in Alaska this season threatens buildings
The Oskawalik Fire near Crooked Creek in southwest Alaska has expanded from 350 to over 1,400 acres, threatening Native allotments and prompting a large-scale firefighting response under windy conditions.
Crooked Creek, Bethel Census Area, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

Major washout closes road to Alaska’s North Slope oil fields
A significant flood-induced washout at milepost 315 on the Dalton Highway has closed the only road link to Alaska’s North Slope oil fields between mileposts 305 and 356, with emergency repairs and ongoing monitoring underway.
North Slope Borough, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Fairbanks is under a Weather Service heat advisory. That's a first for Alaska.
The National Weather Service has issued its first-ever heat advisory for Alaska, covering Fairbanks as temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-80s this weekend.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Residents of Noyabrsk Complain of Urban Flooding After Heavy Downpour
On June 13, heavy rain with hail hit Noyabrsk, leading to localized flooding that submerged sidewalks, parking lots and even entered apartment entrances.
Noyabrsk, Yamalo-Nenetskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia
Yamal-Media

Wild Roses Blooming
Despite cooler weather in late May and early June, wild roses are blooming near Fairbanks, Alaska, only slightly later than usual, contrasting with previous observations of late blooming due to warmer temperatures.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

Glenferness wildfire sparks call out for Scottish Fire and Rescue crews from Nairn, Forres and Grantown-on-Spey
Five appliances from Nairn, Grantown-on-Spey and Forres battled a moorland wildfire near Glenferness from around 4 pm until after 10:41 pm on June 12, fully extinguishing the blaze.
Glenferness, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inverness Courier

Whaling: Minke Whales in the Barents Sea Unusually Thin
This season’s minke whales caught in the Barents Sea are notably underweight, with experienced whalers and marine scientists observing unusually thin blubber layers and visible ribs.
Barents Sea, Norway
NRK

Sockeye yet to make an appearance on Russian, Kenai rivers
Fishing on the Kenai and Russian rivers opened June 11, but as of the previous evening only one sockeye salmon had been counted at the Russian River weir—compared to more than 700 at this time last year.
Kenai, Alaska, United States
Homer News

Two Villages Flooded in Anadyrsky District
On June 10, rising water levels on the Anadyr River flooded the villages of Markovo and Ust-Belaya in Anadyrsky District, inundating roads, the airport runway, and riverfront infrastructure but causing no disruption to vital services.
Markovo and Ust-Belaya, Anadyrsky District, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia
ProChukotku

Second Attempt Planned to Help Stranded Orca Return to Sea
Rescue teams in Reykjavík will make a second, high-tide effort this evening to nudge an orca stranded since Tuesday night in the shallow cove of the Grafarvogur neighbourhood back into open waters.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Iceland Review

RCMP investigating as Squamish, B.C., wildfire doubles in size
A wildfire near Squamish, B.C., has expanded to over 50 hectares, prompting the evacuation of Alice Lake Provincial Park as crews battle the Dryden Creek fire.
Squamish, British Columbia, Canada
CTV News

Agencies complete initial cleanup of diesel spill following work train derailment near Talkeetna
The Alaska Railroad believes between 800 and 1,000 gallons of fuel were spilled, according to a situation report released Monday by the state.
Talkeetna, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Ship Runs Aground in Siberia’s Yenisei River, Spilling 30 Tons of Diesel
A vessel towing two barges ran aground in the Yenisei River near Kazachinsky District, Krasnoyarsk Krai, on June 8, 2025, spilling around 30 metric tons of diesel fuel over a 50-km stretch of shoreline.
Kazachinsky District, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
The Moscow Times

Out-of-control wildfire near Port Alberni grows to 15 hectares, believed to be human-caused
A human-caused wildfire on Nahamint Mountain south of Sproat Lake grew overnight from about 10 to 15 hectares, remaining out of control as BC Wildfire Service crews and helicopters respond.
Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

Wildfires in the Prairies Having Impact on Air Quality in Several Provinces
Smoke from wildfires burning in the Canadian Prairies is degrading air quality in northeastern British Columbia, prompting Environment Canada to issue special air quality statements and advise residents to limit outdoor exposure.
Northeastern British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

Unusually Heavy Hail Triggers Large Landslides
An intense hailstorm in Hov caused multiple large landslides, blocking roads, dislodging a septic tank, and cutting off traditional sheep routes to the sea.
Hov, Suðuroy, Faroe Islands
Dimma.fo

Tulip Lake fire doubles in size as gusting winds continue
The Tulip Lake wildfire in Northwest Territories has grown to over 13,000 hectares under gusting winds, prompting installation of high-volume sprinkler systems in Fort Fitzgerald and Fort Smith as crews work to secure containment lines.
Tulip Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada
CKLB Radio

Air quality worsens in the eastern U.S. as Canadian wildfire smoke hangs over the Midwest
The fires have forced thousands of Canadians to flee their homes and sent smoke as far as Europe.
Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Salvage crew bound for cargo ship that caught fire off Aleutians
The vessel remained afloat as of Thursday morning, and images gathered by the U.S. Coast Guard showed it was still “alight with smoke emanating” from it.
Adak, Alaska, United States

This is precipitation that can be expected every few decades
Unusually heavy rainfall struck northern Iceland’s town of Ólafsfjörður on 4–5 June 2025, prompting fire brigade pumping operations, minor debris flows, and continued landslide and avalanche hazards. A debris-flow specialist warns such downpours occur only once every few decades.
Ólafsfjörður, Fjallabyggð, Iceland
Vísir

May brought record-breaking rain to parts of Southeast Alaska
Petersburg, Ketchikan, Haines, and Skagway all received record amounts of rainfall in May. Across the panhandle, many communities saw double or triple the amount of rainfall they normally get during the month. Most communities also experienced colder-than-average temperatures.
Petersburg, Alaska, United States
KRBD

Whitehorse saw driest June in nearly a century
Whitehorse recorded its lowest June precipitation since records began in 1941, leading to extremely dry conditions but stopping short of an official drought.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
CBC News

Avian Influenza suspected on Buldir Island
Researchers on Buldir Island have discovered dead and sick seabirds, including crested auklets and black-legged kittiwakes, exhibiting symptoms consistent with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, such as unusual behavior and hemorrhages, marking a concerning event in this remote Aleutian location.
Buldir Island, Alaska

Where's all this smoke coming into Yellowknife from?
Smoke drifting into Yellowknife on May 29, 2025, mainly originated from wildfires in Alberta, with additional smoke forecast from northern British Columbia, according to FireSmoke Canada projections.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
NNSL Media

Tomtasjön north of Uppsala is back – after 165 years
Tomtasjön, a lake north of Uppsala drained in the 1860s, has been restored to a 40-hectare waterbody. Landowners, with support from the County Administrative Board and EU funds, excavated the basin, and wildlife is now thriving.
Uppsala, Uppsala County, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

Bears in the backyard: Sightings on the rise in southwest Finland
A brown bear was filmed running through downtown Loimaa after emerging from the Loimijoki River, one of several recent sightings in Southwest Finland this spring.
Loimaa, Southwest Finland, Finland
Yle News

Geologist on the situation in the Lötschental: "Tidal waves and debris flows could threaten"
A massive landslide from the Birch Glacier in Blatten has created a debris cone threatening nearby villages with potential tidal waves and debris flows, as the glacier's movement could lead to further catastrophic events.
Blatten, Valais, Switzerland
Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF)

Heavy rains bring landslides, flooding to Ketchikan
Heavy rains in late May triggered multiple small landslides in Ketchikan, Alaska, blocking roads and damaging a home but causing no injuries.
Ketchikan, Southeast Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

It's devastating: Saskatchewan hunting camp captures bears fleeing wildfires
A family-run hunting camp in northern Saskatchewan faces potential total loss as two major wildfires merge, with trail cameras capturing bears fleeing the flames.
Northern Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada
CTV News

Unusually Warm Current North of Iceland
A spring survey by the Icelandic Marine Research Institute recorded a sea surface temperature of 7.8 °C at Siglunes—3.2 °C above the 1991–2020 average—and found unusually warm, saline water flowing onto the northern continental shelf.
Siglunes, Northwest Iceland, Iceland
Morgunblaðið

Evacuation order issued in northern Alberta as wildfire rages
A fast-moving, out-of-control wildfire north of Swan Hills, Alberta, prompted a full evacuation order Monday as strong winds and high temperatures fueled the blaze.
Swan Hills, Alberta, Canada
CBC News

Old Crow, Yukon, residents evacuated to local school return home as flood risk decreases
Residents in Old Crow, Yukon were evacuated to a local school early on May 24 after Porcupine River levels rose sharply, but returned home later the same day as flood risk diminished under an ongoing evacuation alert.
Old Crow, Yukon, Canada
CBC News

Dead whale near Yakutat
A dead grey whale was discovered near the mouth of the Akwe River, raising concerns about a possible ship collision due to increased marine traffic from cruise ships and fishing boats in the area.
Mouth of Akwe River

Tsunami warning after magnitude 6 earthquake strikes off Crete coast in Greece
Crete, Greece earthquake today: Tsunami warning after magnitude 6 earthquake hits coast
Crete, Greece
The Independent

Unusual catch in Pangnirtung: Student angler harvests polar bear
During a Grade 11 outdoor education fishing trip near Pangnirtung on May 22, a student unexpectedly harvested his first polar bear after the animal repeatedly approached their campsite.
Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Reykjavík Just Misses May Temperature Record
Reykjavík’s temperature yesterday came within half a degree of the city’s May record amid warm, dry, and bright conditions, with similar weather expected until rain arrives Thursday.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Vísir

Snow clearing resumes in Iqaluit after blizzard shuts down city
After a blizzard knocked out power for six hours and closed city facilities, crews have resumed snow clearing in Iqaluit, though residents are advised to stay off the roads.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Shifting Dominance in Ponderosa Pine Forests
An environmental impact assessment near Okanagan Lake reveals an unexpected shift from Ponderosa Pine to Douglas Fir dominance, attributed to fire suppression and climate change, challenging traditional forest dynamics.
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Whale species never before seen in B.C. washes up on Vancouver Island
A young Bryde’s whale washed up dead in Port McNeill Bay on northern Vancouver Island, marking the first known sighting of this warm-water species in B.C. waters.
Port McNeill, British Columbia, Canada
CTV News

Spill of treated water reported at Red Dog Mine in Northwest Alaska
Up to 1,000 gallons of water used in mining operations reached a creek and tundra, as an estimated 400,000 gallons spilled into containment areas and a gravel road.
Red Dog Mine, Alaska, United States

Risso's dolphins observed near Juneau
An unusual sighting of Risso's dolphins near Benjamin Island.
Benjamin Island, Alaska
Barb Lake, Barbara Mahoney, Bruce Wright, Michelle Dutro

Wildfires Tear Across Russia's Far East
Authorities in Buryatia have declared a state of emergency as rapidly spreading wildfires, blamed on human activity, devastate the Zabaikalsky region and the Republic of Buryatia, producing heavy smoke and burning homes.
Buryatia, Siberia, Russia
The Moscow Times

Yesterday was a terrible day: Lac du Bonnet wildfire leaves cottages, homes destroyed
A fast-moving wildfire near Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba forced multiple evacuations and destroyed several homes and cottages, as fire crews and water bombers work to contain the blaze.
Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, Canada

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