reet kaur

Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.

gigantic jet from iss on july 3 2025 vapor ayers close

Extremely rare gigantic jet captured from the International Space Station over Mexico and U.S. Southwest

ByReet Kaur

An extremely rare gigantic jet, powerful bolt of upward lightning, was captured from the International Space Station as it soared above a thunderstorm over northern Mexico and the U.S. Southwest on July 3, 2025. The striking image, taken by NASA astronaut Nichole Vapor Ayers, shows the jet piercing into the ionosphere, offering a rare glimpse of one of Earth’s most elusive atmospheric phenomena.

Snapshot of the simulated landfall of an atmospheric river along the west coast of North America on February 11, 2020. Credit: DOE Office of Science, Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) project.

U.S. West flood risk increases sharply with wet soils during atmospheric river storms

ByReet Kaur

Wet antecedent soil moisture increased streamflow magnitudes by 2–4.5 times during atmospheric river storms across 122 U.S. West Coast watersheds between 1980 and 2023, according to a new analysis. The study, published in the Journal of Hydrometeorology on June 4, 2025, establishes a nonlinear threshold effect in soil moisture, above which flood response to atmospheric rivers increases sharply.

europe satellite image with rainfall radar at 0940 utc on july 7 2025

Severe thunderstorms forecast for northern Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine

ByReet Kaur

Severe thunderstorms, accompanied by heavy rainfall, large hail, and damaging wind gusts, are forecast to affect northern Italy, southern Slovenia, western Croatia, northeastern Hungary, eastern Slovakia, western Ukraine, and eastern Poland on July 7 and 8, 2025. Widespread weather alerts have been issued by national agencies, with impacts expected in both urban and rural regions.

A firefighter battling a wildfire in Turkey on July 4, 2025. Credit: Orman Genel Müdürlüğü

Major wildfire near Çeşme, İzmir Province, Turkey leaves at least 2 dead

ByReet Kaur

At least 2 fatalities have been reported as multiple wildfires were brought under control in Turkey on July 4, 2025. A massive wildfire ignited near Çeşme, İzmir Province, Turkey on July 2, burned over 10 500 ha (26 000 acres) before being brought under control on July 4, following strong winds and record heat that complicated firefighting operations.