Environment & Science

Based on history alone, fans of winter should be optimistic. But El Niño doesn't just affect one season, and scientists warn its possible return is a major cause for concern. Here's what we know so far.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection lifted a drought watch for five counties, including Northampton County.

The rule was published earlier this month and applies to all 3,117 water systems. Both chemicals belong to the group of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS, which are used in products such as nonstick cookware, carpets, firefighting foam and fast-food wrappers.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. Wednesday, with snow coming down in a predicted burst across much of the Lehigh Valley.

The Palmer Township supervisors rejected a proposal for a 185,000-square-foot manufacturing center near a housing development in the northern end of the township.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's comprehensive planning committee gave preliminary approval for a warehouse development in Upper Saucon Township and a recycling plant in Plainfield Township.

A storm system is forecast to approach the Lehigh Valley on Wednesday and bring with it a variety of wintry hazards, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a winter weather advisory.

A complex storm system is taking aim at the Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, and the midweek event could bring an extended period of snow to the area. But forecasters caution the "warm nose" of the storm could spoil the event for some.

With all the precipitation that's fallen — 5.86 inches since Dec. 1 — we could've been buried under 58+ inches of snow so far this winter. But those storm systems haven't had much cold air to interact with, and it's made all the difference.

Trails are still up and skiers are still coming, just not at full capacity

Sen. Bob Casey toured Infinera's Upper Macungie Township packaging facility while urging for CHIPS Act investment in Pennsylvania.

The Lehigh Valley is no longer under a winter weather advisory Friday except in parts of Northampton County, as the precipitation in the area will mostly be rain. But heavy snow is expected in the Poconos.

Northampton County is approved to join other municipalities and residents who have a legal standing in opposing the proposed landfill in Lower Saucon Township.

Local high schools are participating in the Central East Pennsylvania Science Olympiad on March 16 at Kutztown University.

The North Whitehall Planning Commission tabled one waiver for the Strawberry Acres 55-plus residential development plan and recommended denial for another.

“The long-term period looks to be defined as a more active and unsettled timeframe compared to the middle of this week,” the National Weather Service said in its latest forecast discussion, noting confidence has increased for a system that will impact the region late Friday through early Saturday morning.

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The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory between 7 tonight and 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Bald eagle populations in Pennsylvania and the United States have rebounded over the years, but they’re still dying from lead poisoning, including an eagle Centre Wildlife Care in central Pennsylvania had tried to treat.

Fifty-seven residents and entities in and around Lower Saucon Township received status this week to join a legal battle against the proposed expansion of the Bethlehem Landfill.

The Bethlehem Parking Authority was granted $15,000 to buy two electric vehicles.

The meteorological winter of 2022-23 is now in the books as the 7th warmest on record in the Lehigh Valley, but a potent storm system is heading this way.