Environment & Science

Mostly sunny skies on Tuesday may be dimmed slightly as another plume of wildfire smoke drifts over the region, the National Weather Service warned.

Storms pounded eastern Pennsylvania, including the Lehigh Valley, with widespread flooding before the heavy rainfall pushed to the east and gradually weakened overnight.

Berks County recorded the highest rainfall totals locally, with storm total accumulations at 10 inches near Oley Township and surrounding areas just after 5 p.m., according to social media reports.

It is predicted that there will be numerous flash floods on Sunday, affecting the area.

Plans to demolish three dams in the Easton area on Bushkill Creek are set to improve water quality, remove hazards and allow species to once again move upstream

While the Lehigh Valley is no stranger to the effects of climate change, the new record is a startling reminder about how how global warming has local impacts.

“A very hot, soupy environment is going to lead to high precipitable water content and that means heavy rainfall,” one forecaster said of Friday's Lehigh Valley weather forecast.

Easton's Karl Stirner Arts Trail is an ever-popular destination for locals and travelers seeking a quaint and quick trip through a museum set along a strip of wilderness in the city.

June was cool, but July is proving to be HOT! When the weather switches from mild to extreme in a matter of days, doctors say more people come in with heat-related illnesses.

The tool and seed library at Bethlehem Area Public Library's South Side branch, 400 Webster St., includes free seeds for all. Patrons can check out tools for a week with a library card.

“An isolated tornado is not entirely out of the question," the National Weather Service said of Saturday's threat. But non-English speakers may not be aware of warnings for severe weather.

The Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary is closed to the public following a Tuesday bridge collapse. Wildlands Conservancy has launched a website where updates will be posted.

Excessive rainfall during drought can trigger flash flooding, forecasters say. The concern is that prolonged dry conditions can make the soil hydrophobic, meaning it repels water.

Terry Hart, of Lower Saucon Township, is a NASA astronaut who flew aboard the space shuttle Challenger in 1984. Today he's a professor in Lehigh University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, mentoring a new generation heading into the field of science and technology.

Led by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Sustainable Energy Fund, The Lehigh Valley Sustainability Summit drew economic and industry leaders from across the region to engage on topics like waste reduction, energy and economic growth.

The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report shows air quality got worse in the Lehigh Valley. The report was released Wednesday.

This week, an update on two astronauts who captured the world’s attention when their stay on the International Space Station went from a couple of days to the better part of a year.

The Growing Greener Plus grant program aims to address critical environmental concerns, like flooding, as well as protect waterways and watersheds. Applications are due June 20.

The first winner of the Good Farmer Award U.S. was announced on Earth Day. The competition sought beginner farmers who exemplify sustainable farming practices.

A Lehigh County resident's collection of more than 150 conifers, assembled over decades, will soon be moved to the Louise Moore Park arboretum in Lower Nazareth Township.

The Lyrid meteor shower is at its peak this week. Looking to catch a shooting star? Brad Klein and Marty McGuire talk about prime viewing times on this week's Watching the Skies.