2020 Arctic and Boreal Extreme Weather and Fire

A warming global climate has brought longer and sometimes more dramatic fire seasons to Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Russia.
Another Intense Summer of Fires in Siberia
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Another Intense Summer of Fires in Siberia

Following an active 2019 season, fires in 2020 have again been abundant, widespread, and have produced abnormally large carbon emissions.

Published Aug 6, 2020

Image of the Day Heat Land Drought Fires Temperature Extremes

Heat and Fire Scorches Siberia
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Heat and Fire Scorches Siberia

Fires are raging in eastern Siberia in the midst of an unusually long-lived heat wave.

Published Jun 23, 2020

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Land Drought Fires Remote Sensing Temperature Extremes

Frozen Finland Thaws
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Frozen Finland Thaws

After a harsh winter in northern Finland, warm temperatures rapidly melted snow to cause significant flooding.

Published Jun 5, 2020

Image of the Day Atmosphere Land Water Drought Fires Human Presence Snow and Ice Temperature Extremes

A May Landslide in Alaska
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A May Landslide in Alaska

Warm spring weather may have helped trigger a landslide on Yudi Peak.

Published May 28, 2020

Image of the Day Land Drought Fires Snow and Ice Temperature Extremes

Unusual Weather Leads to Ozone Low Over the Arctic
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Unusual Weather Leads to Ozone Low Over the Arctic

While such low concentrations of ozone are unusual, they are not unprecedented.

Published Apr 16, 2020

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Drought Fires Remote Sensing Temperature Extremes

Snow-Parched Scandinavia
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Snow-Parched Scandinavia

Winter is loosening its grip on the Northern Hemisphere, but the seasonal change in Northern Europe is less dramatic than most years.

Published Mar 23, 2020

Image of the Day Atmosphere Land Drought Fires Snow and Ice Temperature Extremes