LEO Network

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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

Brief tuna bounty in Southeast Alaska spurs excitement about new fishing opportunity
Waters off Sitka were warm enough to lure fish from the south, and local anglers took advantage of conditions to harvest species that make rare appearances in Alaska.
Sitka, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Extreme drought grips parts of Maine as lengthy dry spell worsens
More than 5% of Maine is now in extreme drought and about 58% in severe drought, covering all of southern and coastal areas. Forecasters expect little to no rain through early next week, with potential showers later but uncertainty about meaningful relief.
Augusta, Maine, United States
The Portland Press Herald

Pumpkins this year might be a little punier than you're used to, depending where you go
As leaves start to turn and fall settles in slowly but surely, farmers in the region say the size of pumpkins and health of other crops will vary greatly depending on how much rain a particular area got.
London, Ontario, Canada
CBC

Second glacial outburst flood expected to cause ‘minor flooding’ in Juneau
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning Monday morning, saying that water gauges indicate the Suicide Basin had started to release into Mendenhall Lake.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Bright light seen in the sky over Finnmark: “It had incredible speed”
Residents across Finnmark reported a bright, fast-moving light in the sky on Saturday evening, with sightings from Alta, Lakselv, Tana and other places. The nature of the object remains unclear.
Alta, Finnmark, Norway
iFinnmark

Farmed Salmon Caught in Iceland’s Blanda River
An angler caught a farmed Atlantic salmon in the Blanda River, North Iceland, renewing concerns about escapes and hybridization with wild stocks. Local monitors report over 7% hybrids among juveniles in a key fishing zone following earlier sea-pen damage.
Blanda River, Northwestern Region, Iceland
Iceland Review

Historic tropical night in Northern Norway – latest ever recorded
A tropical night was recorded in Reipå, Meløy, Nordland on 12 September, with temperatures staying above 20°C and a minimum of 20.4°C—the latest such event ever measured in Northern Norway. September temperatures across the region are 4–5°C above normal, aided by warm southerly air, wind, and föhn effects.
Reipå, Meløy, Nordland, Norway
NRK

Flooding and landslides across Buskerud
Heavy rain triggered flooding and multiple landslides across Buskerud, Norway, closing roads in Norefjell, Sigdal, Flå, and Nesbyen and prompting helicopter evacuations. Authorities warn of further slides and advise travelers to avoid steep areas and follow closures.
Buskerud, Norway
NRK

Southern Manitoba communities flooded by as much as 135 mm of rain overnight
A narrow band of training thunderstorms dumped up to 135 mm of rain overnight, flooding streets, basements and businesses in Steinbach and nearby southern Manitoba communities. An animal rescue reported nearly two metres of water in its basement; infrastructure struggled to keep up but waters receded after the downpour ended.
Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada
CBC News

EHD, bluetongue reported in deer in Eastern Washington
Washington wildlife officials report outbreaks of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue in Eastern Washington deer, linked to hot, dry conditions that favor biting midges. Hunters and residents are urged to report sick or dead deer.
Eastern Washington, United States
The Spokesman-Review

Bear sighted near Yakutsk
A bear was reportedly seen about 34 km from Yakutsk near a gas pipeline. Officials confirmed the report but, with no damage reported and the animal not found, no culling decision will be made.
Yakutsk, Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russia
Yakutia.Info

Village of Kubbe flooded — river rose four meters
Intense downpours in Ångermanland flooded the village of Kubbe northwest of Örnsköldsvik, reportedly dropping about 120 mm of rain and raising the local river by four meters. Residents self-evacuated, power was cut for safety, and protections were added to a bridge; additional heavy rain is expected.
Kubbe, Västernorrland County, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

A plague is wiping out white-clawed crayfish in a river near Limerick city
A crayfish plague caused by a water mould is devastating white-clawed crayfish in the River Maigue near Limerick, with locals reporting hundreds of deaths. Researchers are using environmental DNA to track the species and say reducing pollution could help remaining populations persist.
River Maigue, County Limerick, Ireland
The Irish Times

Special air quality statement continues for much of B.C.
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for much of British Columbia as wildfire smoke from B.C., Yukon and the Northwest Territories spreads over the next 24–48 hours. Officials warn of health impacts, especially for vulnerable groups, and advise reducing outdoor exertion and keeping indoor spaces cool and sealed.
Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada
Lake Cowichan Gazette

Ferry port calls to Unalaska, Akutan cancelled after fall storm reroutes aging Tustumena
A powerful fall storm with hurricane-force winds forced the M/V Tustumena to cancel port calls to Unalaska and Akutan, turning back at Cold Bay. The aging ferry will remain in Cold Bay until Sept. 7 before heading back up the Aleutian Chain.
Unalaska and Akutan, Aleutians East Borough, Alaska, United States
KUCB

Maritime Authority says Havila Biogass manure spill is among the largest they’ve seen
About 3.5 million liters of livestock-based biomanure leaked from Havila Biogass in Molde, spreading from a marsh into waterways and a small-boat harbor, causing fish and crab deaths. Norway’s Coastal Administration called it one of the largest such spills they’ve encountered and will order cleanup; the company is conducting remediation and investigating a failed pipe gasket as the likely cause.
Eidsvåg, Molde, Norway
NRK

Oodles of bears caught on camera at JBER cemetery
A video captured an unusually large group of bears at Fort Richardson National Cemetery on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage on Friday evening. The filmer said he regularly sees bears there in summer and fall but never so many at once.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (Fort Richardson National Cemetery), Anchorage, Alaska, United States
KTUU

Humpback whale beached in Eyjafjörður
A dead humpback whale washed ashore on the outer Eyjafjörður coast near the farm Áshól over the weekend. Police notified relevant agencies; the carcass will be left in place as it poses no immediate hazard.
Áshól, Eyjafjörður, Iceland
mbl.is

Diesel spill near Kodiak-area hatchery disrupts salmon fishery
A fishing vessel that ran aground near Afognak Island on Monday has leaked an estimated 3,000 to 3,500 gallons into Izhut Bay, according to state officials.
Izhut Bay, Alaska
Anchorage Daily News

Researcher from Italy missing after being swept into hole on Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier
The man’s travel companions lost sight of him after he fell into a stream and was swept into a vertical opening in the ice, Alaska State Troopers said.
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

Video: Cod stomach found full of stones
An Icelandic deckhand was surprised to find a cod whose stomach was completely filled with small stones. The rare find occurred aboard the trawler Skinney SF 20 while fishing off East Iceland.
Höfn, Hornafjörður, Iceland
Morgunblaðið

Human Disturbance and Shorebird Decline in the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Human disturbances, such as off-leash dogs and increased tourism, are causing a decline in shorebird populations at the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary, disrupting their critical stopover habitat and reflecting broader global biodiversity challenges.
Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada

Large egg producer detects bird flu in flock: All hens to be culled
High-pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed on 4 September at an egg farm in Hadsel, Nordland, Norway, with 7,500 laying hens to be culled. Authorities established 3 km and 10 km control zones; human infection risk is assessed as very low.
Hadsel, Nordland, Norway
Nordlys

West Nile detected in Grant County mosquitos
West Nile virus was detected in mosquito samples north of Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington—the first county detection since 2023. Mosquito control increased larvicide and adulticide treatments; officials advise prevention steps and note no recent human cases in the county.
Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington, United States
The Spokesman-Review

100-ton rock block fell onto Ofoten Line: ‘It’s so large it must be blasted’
A roughly 100‑ton rock fell onto the Ofoten Line in Norddalen near Narvik. Bane NOR is securing the area and plans to blast the boulder to clear the tracks.
Narvik, Nordland, Norway
Fremover

B.C. hits Canadian September heat record again as smoke warnings persist
British Columbia set a new national September heat record with 40.8 C in Cache Creek, as wildfire smoke triggers widespread air-quality alerts. Multiple heat warnings remain in effect across the province.
Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

Major B.C. routes including Coquihalla Highway closed due to wildfires
Wildfires forced closures of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt and Highway 20 east of Bella Coola in B.C., as the Mine Creek fire grew rapidly and jumped Highway 5. Evacuation orders and alerts were issued, and air quality degraded across the province.
Coquihalla Highway corridor (Hope–Merritt), British Columbia, Canada
CBC News

Not normal: Ashcroft sets record for hottest September day ever in Canada
Ashcroft, British Columbia hit 40.8 C (105 F) on Sept. 3, setting the hottest September temperature ever recorded in Canada. A regional weather observer called the late-season heat highly unusual and linked it to a blocking high-pressure system.
Ashcroft, British Columbia, Canada
Lake Cowichan Gazette

Great white shark feasting on whale in Digby Neck adds twist to whale watching season
Whale watchers in Digby Neck, Nova Scotia, witnessed a great white shark feeding on a dead humpback whale, leading to daily shark sightings in early September. Guides also reported an endangered leatherback sea turtle and noted warmer waters are changing species seen in the Bay of Fundy.
Digby Neck, Nova Scotia, Canada
SaltWire

With N.S. brooks and streams drying up, some fish are struggling
A provincewide drought in Nova Scotia has dried up brooks and streams, stranding trout and white suckers and stressing native fish, while a woods ban limits access to assess impacts. Warmer water favors invasive chain pickerel, and restoration work is paused; Atlantic salmon migration is also being blocked by low flows.
Cambridge, Nova Scotia, Canada
CBC News

Heavy rain eases, but the risk of landslides persists in the Eastfjords
Heavy rain in East Iceland has eased, but the Icelandic Meteorological Office warns that landslide risk remains in the Eastfjords following several minor slides yesterday. Travelers are urged to use caution near steep slopes and stream channels.
Seyðisfjörður, Eastfjords, Iceland
Iceland Monitor

“I didn’t hear the usual grinding of ice”
A Norwegian research vessel reached the North Pole and found extensive open water and thin sea ice, allowing unusually easy navigation compared to 30 years ago. Scientists warn the rapid loss of Arctic sea ice is unprecedented and threatens polar bear habitat.
North Pole, Arctic Ocean, International Waters
The Barents Observer

State issues alert for toxic shellfish found in Kachemak Bay
Alaska health officials issued an alert after wild shellfish from Kachemak Bay’s inner bay tested above regulatory limits for paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins. Residents are warned not to harvest or eat untested wild shellfish; monitoring and test results are being posted by the Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom Network.
Homer, Alaska, United States
Homer News

Rovaniemi resident surprised by globeflower blooming in September — botany professor is, too
In Rovaniemi, a resident observed globeflowers (Trollius) blooming again in early September, an unusual second flowering for this early-summer species. The rare late bloom drew comment from a botany professor.
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Lapin Kansa

Fort Providence ordered to evacuate as wildfire bears down
An out-of-control wildfire within two kilometres of Fort Providence prompted a full evacuation order, with residents directed to Hay River as winds threaten to push flames toward the community.
Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, Canada
NNSL Media

Basking sharks captured on video off Nairn in rare sighting
Up to 10 basking sharks were filmed close to shore off Nairn in the Moray Firth, offering rare, close-up views to tour passengers and beachgoers. The late-summer sightings featured large sharks circling near idle boats in calm water.
Nairn, Highland, United Kingdom
Inverness Courier

Seven salmon confirmed as farmed escapees
Icelandic authorities report that 7 of 22 salmon submitted for testing were confirmed as farmed escapees, caught in several North/West Iceland rivers. Tracing suggests six fish share a common origin in Dýrafjörður; investigations continue and anglers are asked to turn in suspect fish whole for analysis.
Búðardalur, Western Region, Iceland
mbl.is

Rising river floods Allakaket, prompts disaster declaration for area
Heavy rain caused the Koyukuk River to flood Allakaket, prompting Alaska’s governor to declare a disaster, evacuations of residents, and emergency aid operations. Nearby areas also faced high water, with Denali National Park campgrounds briefly reopening before being closed again.
Allakaket, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Whatì issues evacuation order as wildfire threat grows
Whatì, Northwest Territories declared a state of emergency and ordered a full evacuation as a nearby wildfire threatens the community. Residents were told to register at the Whatì Cultural Centre before leaving, with reception centres set up in Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife.
Whatì, Northwest Territories, Canada
CKLB Radio

Mining shock in Kiruna – a further 6,000 must move
LKAB says ground deformation from the Kiruna iron ore mine will extend farther than previously forecast, forcing relocation of about 2,700 homes and 6,000 residents. The expanded impact zone must be replaced within 10 years at an estimated cost of SEK 22.5 billion.
Kiruna, Norrbotten County, Sweden
Fremover

Bad air quality prompts advisory from chief public health officer
Wildfire smoke drove air quality in Yellowknife to high-risk levels, prompting Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola to issue an advisory urging residents to limit outdoor activity and take health precautions. The advisory highlights vulnerable groups and directs people to the Air Quality Health Index for up-to-date information.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
NNSL Media

Major emergency response in Nuuk due to fuel spill
Police and fire crews responded Thursday night to a large jet fuel spill at Polar Oil near Nuuk’s harbor. About 7,069 liters leaked but were contained in a spill basin and mostly pumped back; police are investigating the cause.
Nuuk, Sermersooq, Greenland
Sermitsiaq.AG

Massive Iceberg Spotted Near Iceland Triggers Shipping Warning
A huge iceberg—about 300 m long, 300 m wide and 75 m high—was spotted in a key shipping route north of Iceland, prompting a warning to mariners. The Icelandic Coast Guard located it roughly 42 nautical miles north of Hornbjarg during an aerial patrol.
Hornbjarg, Westfjords, Iceland
Iceland Review

Airline: Kaldoaivi accident caused by wind gust; captain got life jackets to everyone
Arctic AirService says a strong wind gust in the Kaldoaivi wilderness caused its floatplane to tip over while taxiing on a lake. The captain evacuated everyone, provided life jackets, and the group swam to shore; one person was checked at Kirkenes hospital.
Inari, Lapland, Finland
Lapin Kansa

Road under water: Dozens of tourists assisted
Rescue teams assisted dozens of travelers in the Fjallabak/Landmannalaugar highlands as heavy rain and high water submerged roads. Advisories to avoid the area appear to have worked, with few vehicles present and all travelers getting through safely.
Landmannalaugar, Southern Region, Iceland
mbl.is

Found large amounts of cloudberries
Researchers report unusually abundant cloudberries in Svalbard this year, with monitoring at Colesbukta indicating the berries did well. The exact locations are being kept secret and picking is not allowed due to protections.
Colesbukta, Svalbard, Norway
Svalbardposten

The Dalton Highway is cut off after record rains hammered Interior Alaska
Record rains in Interior Alaska overwhelmed culverts and flooded the Dalton Highway near the Yukon River, closing the road between mileposts 112 and 156. Crews are responding, but there is no reopening estimate.
Dalton Highway near Yukon River, Interior Alaska, United States
KUAC.org

Feared that another house will be washed out to sea
A sheep house east of Vík í Mýrdal was washed out to sea amid heavy surf, and rescuers fear a nearby horse stable could be lost at the next high tide as winds strengthen. No animals were inside; valuables were cleared and yellow weather warnings are in effect for South and Southeast Iceland.
Vík í Mýrdal, South Iceland, Iceland

Woman mauled by bear near her Kenai Peninsula home
A 36-year-old woman was seriously injured in a suspected brown bear attack near her home on Chinook Drive in Kenai early Tuesday. Authorities are searching for the bear and urging residents to stay vigilant and secure attractants.
Kenai, Alaska, United States

Eel record in the Dalälven — highest count in 50 years
A record 3,000–4,000 European eels have been counted this year in the eel ladder at Älvkarleby on the lower Dalälven— the highest level in 50 years. Researchers at SLU call the surge remarkable but say it’s too early to know if the rebound will last.
Älvkarleby, Uppsala County, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

“Once in a lifetime to see this” – a rare hoopoe landed in a Pello resident’s yard
A Eurasian hoopoe, rare in Finland, has been visiting a yard in Pello, Lapland, for a week, likely carried north by southerly airflows.
Pello, Lapland, Finland
Lapin Kansa

Bear attacked a hunter in Posio — police say the hunt was legal
During a bear hunt in Posio, Finland, a bear attacked a hunter. Police said the hunt was legal; details were still limited as the investigation began.
Posio, Lapland, Finland

Low water impacting salmon run
The Chinook salmon run in the Napanee River is being impacted by unusually low water levels.
Napanee, Ontario, Canada

Iceland on Alert as Glacial Waters Surge from Langjökull
A sudden glacial outburst flood from a marginal lake near Langjökull sent water into the Svartá and downstream into the Hvítá in Borgarfjörður, peaking above 400 cm overnight before easing to just over 300 cm. Authorities warn further river flooding is possible in coming days, with increased landslide risk in southeast Iceland.
Húsafell, Borgarfjörður, Iceland
Iceland Review

Fairbanks sets rainfall record as rivers rise across the Interior
Fairbanks received 1.52 inches of rain in three days, setting a daily record on Aug. 24 and pushing area rivers toward crests early this week. The National Weather Service expects additional rain later in the week, with officials urging residents to prepare for high water.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Northerners asked to be bear aware after four animals culled in Norman Wells
After four habituated black bears were killed in Norman Wells on Aug. 23–24, GNWT officials urged residents to secure attractants and follow bear-safety practices. The community has logged 29 bear-related calls this summer.
Norman Wells, Northwest Territories, Canada
NNSL Media

High winds knock out electric lines, tumble trees in Fairbanks
A windstorm in Fairbanks on Aug. 23, 2025 felled trees and caused widespread power outages, with more than 7,300 meters down at the peak. Crews cleared a large spruce that blocked Cushman Street and restored most electricity within a day.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

High lead levels confirmed in water at third Yellowknife school
Testing found lead above Health Canada’s limit in several classroom sinks at N.J. Macpherson School in Yellowknife, the third city school affected. The N.W.T. chief public health officer ordered daily flushing and alternate drinking water while fixes are pursued.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Considered sinking it with gunfire
Norway’s Coast Guard considered using a machine gun to sink a drifting mooring buoy near Svalbard before eventually hauling the rusty steel structure aboard. The incident highlights marine debris hazards in Arctic waters.
Hinlopen Strait, Svalbard, Norway
Svalbardposten

'Zombie squirrels' covered in strange growths spotted in US and Canada
Hairless, wart-like tumours have been reported on squirrels across parts of the United States and Canada; veterinarians and wildlife officials say the condition is caused by a poxvirus (squirrel fibromatosis) and is usually not a threat to humans or common pets.
Multiple locations, United States and Canada
NZ Herald

Rare recreational opening on Lower Fraser due to huge sockeye run
Fisheries and Oceans Canada authorized a rare recreational sockeye opening in the non-tidal Fraser River from Mission to Hope (Aug. 22–Sept. 1, 2025) after unexpectedly large sockeye returns; retention is two sockeye per day and four pinks per day, with restrictions to avoid impacts on non-target stocks.
Lower Fraser River (Mission to Hope), British Columbia, Canada
Lake Cowichan Gazette (Black Press Media)

Hail, wind left 200-km 'scar' across Alberta that's visible from space
An Aug. 20, 2025 hail and wind storm carved a 15-km-wide, 200-km-long “hail scar” across southern Alberta, visible in NASA satellite imagery. The storm devastated about 425,000 acres of crops and grassland, with severe impacts near Brooks, and recovery may take a year or more.
Brooks, Alberta, Canada

Trail of destruction in Brooks, Alta., after golf ball-sized hailstorm rips through
A fast-moving supercell brought golf ball-sized hail and 113 km/h winds to Brooks, Alberta, toppling power lines, damaging homes, vehicles and crops, and killing two animals at a local fun farm. Cleanup continued Thursday as highways were disrupted and about 1,000 customers remained without power.
Brooks, Alberta, Canada

Emma was on the fast ferry that hit the whale: "Terrible to see"
A passenger, Emma, says a routine fast-ferry trip near Hammerfest turned dramatic when the vessel struck a whale; the whale was visibly injured with blood in the water.
Hammerfest, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
Nordlys

Fast-spreading fungus deadly to endangered butternut trees attacking 3 areas of P.E.I.
Butternut canker, a fast‑spreading fungal disease with no known cure, has been detected in multiple locations on Prince Edward Island; Islanders are urged to take precautions to limit spread.
Charlottetown and Stratford, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Delaney Kelly (with files from Jackie Sharkey)

Bat as tourist in Sisimiut
Users at the Sanaluttarfik workshop in Sisimiut found an unexpected visitor after a cruise-ship group left: a bat. The bat spent a night in the workshop and was later thrown away after staff discovered lice in its fur.
Sisimiut, Qeqqata, Greenland
Sermitsiaq

Rock fell again onto the road where a fatal accident occurred
A rockfall struck Suðurlandsvegur at Holtsnúp under Eyjafjöll on August 17 at the same spot where a fatal accident occurred in March, prompting calls for urgent safety upgrades on this stretch of the South Coast Road.
Holtsnúp, Southern Region, Iceland

Earthquake near Langjökull: “This is the largest since 2007”
A magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck northeast of Langjökull near Djöflasandur this morning, marking the strongest quake in the area since November 2007.
Langjökull, Iceland
Vísir

Four wildfires are currently active in Yakutia
Firefighters extinguished one 17 ha wildfire in Vilyuysky District over the past day, while aerial monitoring detected another 1 ha fire in Olekminsky District; four fires remain active across three districts covering 711 ha.
Sakha Republic, Russia
Yakutia.Info

Century’s Heat Record Broken
A temperature of 29.8 °C was recorded at Egilsstaðir Airport on August 16, 2025, marking the highest August temperature measured in Iceland this century.
Egilsstaðir, Eastern Region, Iceland
Vísir

Pakistan’s monsoon flooding death toll rises to 220 as forecasters warn of more rain to come
Pakistan has experienced higher-than-normal monsoon rainfall, likely linked to climate change, which has triggered floods and mudslides. Hundreds of rescue workers were still searching for survivors in Buner.
Muzaffarābād, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Despair over sick and dead birds – call for gull patrol
Residents in Tromsø find sick and dead seagulls after avian influenza detection and urge the Norwegian Food Safety Authority to deploy a weekend gull watch.
Tromsø, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
itromso.no

Call to Stockholm residents: Save tap water
Stockholm Vatten och Avfall warns that unusually high water temperatures in Lake Mälaren have strained water production, urging residents and businesses across multiple municipalities to conserve tap water immediately.
Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

Low Water Levels in the Mackenzie River
Unusually low waters in the Mackenzie River during late summer 2025, disrupting traditional and commercial river transport and indicating a shift from riverbed to riparian areas.
Norman Wells, Northwest Territories, Canada

Three caravans destroyed by wind on Holtavörðuheiði
Severe winds on the Holtavörðuheiði pass in Húnaþing Vestra, Iceland, blew apart three caravans, prompting a multi-hour rescue response by the Húnar Hvammstanga search and rescue team.
Holtavörðuheiði, Húnaþing Vestra, Iceland
Vísir

As a mountain crumbled Sunday, Alaska experienced its largest landslide-caused tsunami in a decade
Seismic stations more than 600 miles away picked up the rumbling as a mountainside collapsed upon South Sawyer Glacier and into the ocean at the head of Tracy Arm.
Tracy Arm, Alaska

Dead Reindeer Found Near Lapland Border – Preliminary Study Points to Poisoning or Bacteria
Several dead reindeer carcasses were discovered on the Puutosuo mire in North Ostrobothnia following a heatwave, and water samples showed tenfold elevated intestinal bacterial levels, suggesting possible poisoning or bacterial contamination.
Puutosuo, North Ostrobothnia, Finland

Dead bison in N.W.T.'s North Slave region might have had anthrax
Crews plan to burn a bison carcass suspected of anthrax on Highway 3 between Fort Providence and Behchokǫ̀ this weekend, with lab results pending; drivers are warned of smoke and reduced visibility.
North Slave Region, Northwest Territories, Canada

Over 400 lightning strikes: 'Unusually heavy precipitation'
Over 400 lightning strikes were recorded in a powerful thunderstorm across southwest Iceland, with roughly half on land and heavy rainfall of 10–15 mm per hour.
Suðvesturland, Iceland

Evacuation order lifted for St. John's suburb; wildfire destroys Newfoundland school
Residents of Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador, were allowed to return home on August 15 after an evacuation order due to the Paddy’s Pond wildfire was lifted, even as the fire continued to burn and other wildfires raged across Atlantic Canada.
Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
CTV News

Water Damage at Kjarvalsstaðir and 17 Other Locations
Reykjavík fire department responded to 18 water damage calls over two hours during heavy rain, including flooding in the basement of the Kjarvalsstaðir art museum.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland

Kittiwakes in Every Nook and Cranny: It Can't Be Easy to Sleep
A rooftop in Berlevåg is packed with common kittiwakes occupying every nook and cranny. The scene highlights seabirds’ increasing use of urban structures for roosting in coastal northern Norway.
Berlevåg, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
iFinnmark

Lake Mývatn Sees Largest Midge Swarm in Decades
Lake Mývatn experienced its largest midge swarm in decades, with calm, warm conditions triggering an unusually early emergence that blanketed the lake’s surface.
Mývatn, North Iceland, Iceland

Avian influenza detected in Tromsø
Avian influenza was confirmed in four seagulls in Tromsø, Norway, prompting authorities to advise the public against handling dead or sick birds without protection.
Tromsø, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
NRK Troms og Finnmark

10,000 lightning strikes included railway damage, travellers warned
Network Rail Scotland warns that some of the 10,000 lightning strikes across the north of Scotland on 14 August damaged signalling on the Highland Main Line between Inverness and Perth, causing delays of up to 35 minutes.
Highland Main Line, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inverness Courier

Cougar family causing safety worries in Mesachie Lake
A mother cougar and two adolescent cubs have been repeatedly sighted in Mesachie Lake, B.C., since August, prompting safety concerns from residents. Conservation officers are monitoring the situation and advise precautions but say there’s no evidence of aggression toward people.
Mesachie Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Lake Cowichan Gazette

Rabbits with ‘tentacles’ spotted in Colorado
Some rabbits spotted in Fort Collins, Colorado, appear to have growths or tentacles coming out of their heads, which Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirms is a type of virus, Shope papillomavirus. KUSA’s Amanda Gilbert reports.
Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
NBC News

Counted a hundred farmed salmon in the lower part of Haukadalsá
An inspector from the Icelandic Fisheries Agency counted around 100 farmed salmon in the lower section of Haukadalsá, marking the largest occurrence of escaped farmed salmon in an Icelandic river, and plans are underway for removal operations including using anglers and Norwegian divers.
Haukadalsá, Dalabyggð, Iceland
visir.is

Mystery in the Mountains: Tens of Dead Reindeer Found
Forty-eight reindeer from a Hardanger herd were found dead on a rock ledge and below a cliff near Breidablik in Kvam, and authorities are investigating starvation, disease, and predator involvement.
Kvanndalseggjane, Kvam, Vestland, Norway
NRK Vestland

Anglers fear up to 46,000 fish dead after 'devastating' kill on Blackwater in Co Cork
A large fish kill on a 30 km stretch of the River Blackwater in north County Cork has reportedly killed thousands of fish; Inland Fisheries Ireland estimates 8,000–10,000 wild fish, while local angling groups put mortality as high as 46,000. Preliminary sampling indicates fungal infection on many fish, but no evidence to date links the kill to a licensed discharge.
River Blackwater (between Lombardstown and Killavullen), County Cork, Ireland
The Irish Times

Olve (24) got a shock: The landslide went right in front of me
A landslide struck the Midnight Sun staircase in Lavangen, Norway, narrowly missing Olve Sletten (24) and scattering debris across the steps.
Midnattsoltrappa, Lavangen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
Fremover

Juneau's glacial outburst flood has crested, water levels now dropping
The flood reached a record-breaking crest of 16.65 feet at about 8 a.m. Wednesday. Water continues to seep into Valley neighborhoods.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

How the Mosquito Summer Was: "People Walked in the Mountains Without Being Bitten"
This summer brought unusually few mosquitoes to Norrbotten, allowing many to hike in the mountains without being bitten due to a dry spring and cool early summer.
Norrbotten, Sweden
Norrländska Socialdemokraten (NSD)

Water Shortage in Southern Sweden – Well Driller Overwhelmed
Low groundwater levels from spring rainfall deficits have left many wells on the Varaslätten plain in southern Sweden dry, prompting water shortage warnings in 14 counties and overwhelming local well drillers.
Varaslätten, Västra Götaland, Sweden

Alaska Airlines cancels flights to Nome, Kotzebue due to volcanic ash
The plume is expected to persist in the region for at least 18 hours, according to an advisory issued Tuesday morning.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka Volcano, Russia

New out-of-control wildfire south of Port Alberni grows to 630 hectares
The Mount Underwood wildfire south of Port Alberni grew to 630 hectares on August 11, prompting highway closures, campground evacuations, and a power outage affecting over 500 customers.
Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

Volcanic Ash Emission Halts Air Service Between Kamchatka and Chukotka
An eruption of ash from the Klyuchevskoy volcano prompted a red aviation alert and suspended flights between Kamchatka and Chukotka on August 11, 2025.
Kamchatka Krai and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia
Anadyr Online

Smoke from Canadian wildfires drifting over Finland
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to drift over Finland by Saturday evening, brightening sunsets but not affecting air quality, according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
Yle

King salmon’s disappearance has changed the Kenai River, but a soaring sockeye run is keeping it in business
The traditional king salmon fishery on the Kenai River has collapsed for a third straight year, but unprecedented sockeye runs have buoyed local guides, processors and businesses—while also creating new infrastructure and sustainability challenges.
Kenai River, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States

3 tornadoes touch down in Manitoba this week
A Western University research team confirmed three EF-0 tornado touchdowns in Manitoba this week—near Melita, Birds Hill Provincial Park and Dugald—causing minor tree and crop damage.
Manitoba, Canada
CTVNews

For every wild salmon in the trap, there have been 30 pink salmon – Frightening
In Kvænangen river traps caught a 30:1 ratio of invasive pink salmon to wild Atlantic salmon, requiring up to three emptyings per day.
Kvænangen, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
Nordlys

Wesley Ridge wildfire grows, expected to bring smoke throughout the summer
The Wesley Ridge wildfire near Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island has expanded to nearly 590 hectares, and smoke is expected to linger across the region through the summer.
Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

Harvest begins unusually early
Berry farm owners Bjarni and Hrafnhildur at Vellir in Svarfaðardal report that this year’s wild blueberry harvest has started unusually early, with three shipments already arriving for sale.
Svarfaðardalur, Northeastern Region, Iceland

Watch roofs peel off cabins
Storm Floris struck Langesund in Telemark, Norway, ripping roofs off summer cabins at a Norsk Hydro holiday site, though no injuries were reported.
Langesund, Telemark, Norway

Rare white stork spotted in Dublin may be result of climate change, says expert
A white stork, normally native to Spain and Portugal, was photographed spending over 12 hours on a lamp-post in Lusk, Co Dublin, prompting experts to suggest climate change may be altering its migration behaviour.
Lusk, Dublin, Ireland
The Irish Times

Mountain biker suffers minor injuries in cougar attack near Squamish, B.C.
A mountain biker was attacked by a cougar near Squamish, B.C., suffering minor injuries before scaring the animal off with rocks.
Squamish, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK News

Increased bear activity closes several East Anchorage trails
Officials have indefinitely closed about 2.5 miles of popular biking, running and hiking trails in Far North Bicentennial Park and the Campbell Tract in East Anchorage due to heightened brown bear activity around salmon streams.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

There was debris spinning: Eyewitness shares close encounter with funnel cloud in Manitoba
Amateur storm chaser Brian Penner captured video of debris spinning as a funnel cloud crossed the road near Dugald and Anola during a violent thunderstorm in southern Manitoba.
Dugald, Manitoba, Canada
CTV News

Prairie smoke chokes Kivalliq
Wildfire smoke drifting east from Saskatchewan and Manitoba prompted air quality advisories across much of the Kivalliq Region but is expected to clear by Thursday.
Kivalliq Region, Nunavut, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Esja snow-free and unusually early
The snow patch at Gunnlaugsskarð in Esja melted out by early August 2025, marking one of the earliest disappearances on record, previously only in July of 1941 and 2010.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland

Photo Fact: Vilyuyskoye Cemetery in Yakutsk Continues to Flood
Photos taken by a local reporter show Vilyuyskoye Cemetery in Yakutsk remains flooded due to inadequate drainage, with more rain forecast to worsen the situation.
Yakutsk, Sakha Republic, Russia
Yakutia.Info

Smoke advisory issued for Iqaluit, Kinngait and Kimmirut
Environment Canada has issued an air quality advisory for Iqaluit, Kinngait and Kimmirut due to smoke from wildfires in the Prairies, reducing visibility; the smoke is expected to clear Wednesday night.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Kodiak breaks another rain record
On August 6, 2025, Kodiak recorded 2.31 inches of rain—shattering the previous daily record of 1.72 inches from 2013—and forcing the cancellation of slowpitch softball games.
Kodiak, Alaska, United States
Kodiak Daily Mirror

See the Waterspout Moving In off Kalix
At around noon on August 6, 2025, amateur runner Fredrik Blombäck filmed a rare waterspout moving across the sea near Frevisören outside Kalix.
Kalix, Norrbotten, Sweden

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