Weather

How are power grids in the western U.S. handling the current heat dome, and what needs to happen to ensure that power grids can keep up with rising temperatures and extreme weather?

Much of the Southwest U.S. is experiencing extreme heat this week — with temperatures blazing past 100 degrees. And a phenomenon known as a heat dome is to blame.

June 6, 1944 the Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy and took the Nazis by surprise in the largest sea-to-land invasion in history. This would be remembered as D-Day and would ultimately lead to the end of World War II in Europe. However, this planned attack wouldn't have been possible without deep knowledge of ocean tides! We get into the whole story, including why tides sit at the intersection of astronomy and marine ecology — and why understanding tides are key to a greener future.

Want to hear us cover more science history? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

Heading into what's forecast to be an extraordinary season, the Air Force’s Hurricane Hunters weather reconnaissance squadron is stretched to meet increasing demands to respond to climate disasters.

South Asia is vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather made worse by climate change. That was brought home this week when a heat wave affecting Pakistan and India became even more intense.

As Texas deals with the aftermath of a series of deadly storms, NPR’s Steve Inskeep checks in with Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington.