Environment & Science

An active weather pattern will continue in the Lehigh Valley through the weekend and beyond as a plume of moisture surges into the area, forecasters warn.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's Environmental Committee on Wednesday heard a presentation about two climate action plans that must be completed over the next two years to meet the funding's requirements.

Palmer Township has earned a Tree City USA designation for 2022 through the Arbor Day Foundation. Officials said the advantages of healthy trees can range from environmental benefits to enhancing the visual appeal of a neighborhood and increasing property values.

The Pa. Fish and Boat Commission awarded a $175,000 Boating Facility Grant to Northampton County for the Minsi Lake Access project, specifically for improvements to the boat launch area.

Community leaders gathered to walk around — literally — and brainstorm ways to make things safer for those who don't drive. The effort will last into the fall and involves several communities in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

The Lehigh Valley is locked in a prolonged period of chilly and unsettled weather, and forecasters say a coastal storm could bring significant and much-needed rain for the weekend.

People who stayed up late Sunday night were treated to an incredible display of the northern lights, which were visible in the Lehigh Valley.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe and several other eastern Pennsylvania counties.

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

Mayors in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton are coming together to fight against worsening climate change and strengthen sustainability across the region. Two of the three cities have their own climate action plans.

“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.

Humidity has ramped up in a big way as the region is mired in a prolonged period of unsettled weather. But it's this or smoke, meteorologists say.

State environmental officials, along with conservationists across the U.S., are partnering this summer for a firefly observation program called the Firefly Watch Community Science Project.

The Schnecksville zoo's annual Independence Day Celebration included patriotic enrichment for the animals, free flags for guests, as well as live music from the Allentown Hobo “Almost” Marching Band.

More people are clamoring for drone shows, which are quieter and safer than fireworks, but Chris Hopkins has the ability to deliver both, and more.

Earlier this month, the state Senate approved Sen. Lisa Boscola's bill, which would increase the fine and direct any fees collected towards bald and golden eagle conservation efforts across the commonwealth.

Fireworks shows in Allentown and Bethlehem could be in jeopardy on Tuesday as the Lehigh Valley continues to be at the mercy of Mother Nature in a sticky, sultry pattern that won’t relent.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several counties in eastern Pennsylvania, including Lehigh and Northampton. The watch will remain in effect until 11 p.m. Sunday.

Three high school interns have been working at the Easton Urban Farm at the Easton Area Neighborhood Center. This is the third year for the high school program.

Lehigh Valley prepares for a humid Sunday with the possibility of severe thunderstorms and damaging winds. Showers and thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon, with a line of storms forming and moving eastward. There is also a small chance for brief spin-ups.