Environment & Science

Philadelphia set a record Saturday with its wettest March day on record, eclipsing 3 inches just before 2 p.m. The Lehigh Valley didn't get quite that much, but set a record of its own for the day, according to the National Weather Service.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

While not federally recognized, residents across the country for the last half-century have acknowledged Earth Day by demonstrating for more environmental protections, cleaning up their communities or learning more about the planet they call home through educational initiatives.

When excessive rain falls, the Lehigh Valley can see flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. These area roadways are usually impacted.

The Lehigh Valley is under a flood watch in effect from late Friday through Sunday morning, with excessive rainfall on the way and gusty winds following the storm that could result in power outages.

A coastal system is expected to bring heavy rain to the Lehigh Valley and much of the region this weekend, prompting concerns of flooding and power outages.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America released its Allergy Capitals report this month. Allentown ranked in the Top 15 nationwide.

Late Tuesday marks the astronomical beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere, but forecasters say winter isn’t quite done with us yet.

A section of Institute Drive will be closed through most of April to protect breeding amphibians. Experts said the road-closing conservation effort is not only important for the animals, but also for the region’s overall landscape and ecosystem.

According to experts, the only way to view the total eclipse on April 8, 2024, is to be inside the 120 mile-wide path of totality. Outside of it, you won't have nearly the same experience.

While a full report is expected next year, researchers behind Lehigh Valley Breathes have released a data analysis, which includes three comparisons looking at fine particulate pollution across eight monitoring locations.

The Environmental Advisory Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to send City Council a letter stating the EAC’s intent to work on a dark skies ordinance and urging city officials to consider collaborating, then adopting it when the time comes.

A reinforcing cold front has triggered a freeze watch in the Lehigh Valley from Thursday evening through Friday morning, bringing our coldest overnight temperatures since mid-April.

State environmental officials are calling on residents to nominate their favorite waterway to be 2026 River of the Year. The effort aims to elevate public awareness of specific rivers and recognize important conservation needs and achievements.

Between changes in federal policy and an unprecedented demand for energy, it's a tough time for sustainability. An hour-long panel Monday with industry experts focused on how to address those changes.

Days of temperatures in the mid to lower 80s will be wiped out by a cold front later this week, forecasters say, ending a bonus stretch of warmth and finally ushering in classic fall weather in the Lehigh Valley.

This week on Watching the Skies, WLVR's Brad Klein and Bethlehem's "Backyard Astronomy Guy" Marty McGuire dive deeper into the details of the upcoming Lehigh Valley Space Fest. The event will take place at Lafayette College Oct. 11-12.

More than two dozen events are scheduled, all focused on mitigating the impacts of climate change through educating and engaging the community.

Property-owning residents in Environmental Justice Areas are eligible for one free tree. The giveaway is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the city’s Recycling Drop-off Center.

City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a $200,000 contract for Bethlehem-based WSP USA Inc. to help officials develop a comprehensive strategy to meet climate-related goals.

Some 51 acres of the Unangst Tree Farms in East Allen Township raised the total of preserved farmland in Northampton County to 21,000.

This week on Watching the Skies, WLVR's Brad Klein and Bethlehem's "Backyard Astronomy Guy" Marty McGuire look forward to this year’s Lehigh Valley Space Fest at Lafayette College in Easton, set for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12.