Environment & Science

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with reporter Will Oliver and managing producer Stephanie Sigafoos.

Wells Fargo Festplatz will host opening ceremonies Friday for Musikfest’s 40th year, but severe weather is targeting the region.

Called “Lehigh Valley Breathes,” the more than $100,000 project includes installing 40 PurpleAir monitors throughout the region. Officials plan to collect data for a year.

The update on the damage from the severe flash flooding that struck on July 16 has seen more municipal and residential damage costs.

A completely dry stretch of weather is almost unheard of this time of year, said meteorologist Bobby Martrich of EPAWA Weather Consulting, the official forecaster of Musikfest.

Pennsylvania may not be the most vulnerable state during the Atlantic hurricane season, but emergency planners were particularly blunt Monday about the dangers it faces.

The center's annual Bake Oven Knob Autumn Hawk Watch begins in just over two weeks. Officials are hosting an informational Zoom session at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 to share the history of the count and volunteer opportunities, as well as how to count migrating raptors and some tips for identification.

While the Canadian wildfire smoke is only the latest threat, experts and professionals said there are ways to monitor and improve the indoor air residents are breathing.

In the Lehigh Valley, one vape is thrown away every 105 seconds. When they end up as litter or in landfills, hazardous materials can leach into soil and contaminate groundwater.

Extending from Allentown to north of Coplay, the gap, made up of two main sections delineated by the Lehigh River, is expected to be closed in a little over a decade, officials said.

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.

Lehigh Valley Zoo officials this week publicly announced the birth of a bison calf, adding to the population boom of new animals at the zoo this year.

The greater potential impact with heavier showers and thunderstorms looks to be Friday and Monday, meteorologists say, with scattered storms over the weekend.

Pools around the Lehigh Valley participated in the World's Largest Swim Lesson with free sessions Thursday. Kids jumped in the wave pool at Dorney Park and Cedar Beach Pool in Allentown.

The danger of lightning is being highlighted by the National Weather Service during Lightning Safety Awareness Week, with five lightning fatalities nationwide so far this year and storms in the forecast in the days ahead.

The industrial waste discharge permit between the city of Bethlehem and Bethlehem Landfill is set to expire June 30. Experts demand more thorough water testing as well as accountability from the landfill.

Senator Bob Casey visited the chemical and gas company Air Products at its headquarters. Company engineers took him for a drive in a new hydrogen-powered Toyota.

The next two Wednesdays in June, Ott will be hosting "Breathe Easy" Lunchtime Plant Therapy workshops at A Little Bit of Local at ArtsWalk, 21 N. Seventh St. in Allentown.

Following a record dry May and a declaration of drought in June, forecasters say the Lehigh Valley is looking at an extended period of warm, humid and wet weather ahead.

While environmentalists and researchers said impacts on the region’s crops and water may be few due to the short duration of smoky days, it’s a largely understudied topic.

Easton's West Ward Market and Easton Farmers' Market will celebrate National Pollinators Week with special events for children and families.

Officials are marking 10 years on the farm in Bethlehem, supporting the Lehigh Valley's hungry and spreading education about sustainable farming practices.