Environment & Science

Several Lehigh Valley schools are closing Tuesday because of the weather forecast.

Early Monday, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning in effect for the Lehigh Valley for 7 to 10 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts over the higher elevations.

One area of potential concern at the Allentown State Hospital had been the presence of dioxins in the soil. Dioxins are a group of toxic chemical compounds that take a long time to break down in the environment, and can cause health problems in people.

Betelgeuse is the red supergiant star at Orion’s ‘right shoulder.’

Lehigh and Northampton counties are under a winter storm watch in effect from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, with 4 to 8 inches of heavy, wet snow possible.

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.

It’s a special year for cicadas, insects known for their high-pitched mating songs. Two adjacent broods are expected to co-emerge for the first time in 221 years. Here's the next time they emerge in the Valley.

Northern flying squirrels are endangered, and the Pa. Game Commission works to improve their habitat. A group went searching for the species in the Poconos.

Stanley cups have skyrocketed in popularity, following other trends in reusable drinkware. But, fads like these can encourage overconsumption, experts said.

Right now, the overall pattern isn’t very conducive to significant snowfall for the Lehigh Valley and the Mid-Atlantic next week. Here's what will make or break the event for snow lovers.

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Program. Officials said the program addresses lead-based paint hazards in homes but also enhances affordable housing options, revitalizes communities and improves public health outcomes in Pennsylvania.

Watch for the full moon on Wednesday and Thursday nights, October 16 and 17. The October full moon is known as the Hunter’s moon.

Lehigh Valley space enthusiasts connect with experts at the second annual Space Fest, held at Lafayette College

Join Megan Frank at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. every Friday for Insights with LehighValleyNews.com on WLVR. This week, she's joined by Easton reporter Brian Myszkowski and environment and science reporter Molly Bilinski.

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. held its Fall Signature Event on Oct. 10, 2024, featuring a panel focused on cultivating and attracting top talent for the area's tech industry.

State officials this week called on residents to submit nominations for Pennsylvania’s 2025 “Trail of the Year.” In the last 10 years, a Lehigh Valley trail has only been picked once before.

Associated with an unusually strong geomagnetic storm, the northern lights were visible across our area Thursday night, even before the best viewing window advertised by the National Weather Service.

The Lehigh Valley is about to experience “a decidedly early November-like day,” according to the National Weather Service. A frost advisory has been issued from midnight to 9 a.m. Friday.

Hurricane Milton is expected to heavily disrupt air travel, including flights from Lehigh Valley International Airport to numerous destinations in Florida.

Da Vinci Science Center's newest exhibit, “Sharks,” will open Oct. 12. The display, organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, will offer "an up-close and personal look at one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures — offering a jaw-dropping experience for visitors of all ages."

Short-term outlooks suggest a cold front will make steady progress across the area Monday, with a reinforcing cold front to follow later this week. It could push overnight temperatures into the 30s for the first time since late April.

Ian Fetterman, of Palmer Township, has taken his passion for Halloween and combined it with his artistic talents, carving out his own niche. Now, Ian’s Pumpkin Carvings has customers all over the U.S.