Environment & Science

Is there rain and wind, or something more interesting in store for the Lehigh Valley in the coming days?That’s what readers are wondering as a parade of storms begins to roll through the region.

While Monday will bring mostly sunny skies and dry weather to the region, meteorologists are tracking a series of storms that will make for a mostly soggy week in the Lehigh Valley — with a question of wintry weather by week's end.

A pattern change known as the "Greenland Block" could introduce cold air — and perhaps wintry weather — into the region by mid-December, meteorologists say. But what is the pattern and why could it bring snow?

Two seafood monitoring groups downgraded Maine lobster's sustainability ratings, prompting Whole Foods to pause purchases. Here's how environmental groups and state leaders are reacting.

Shopping not your thing? #OptOutside and join the movement started by specialty outdoor retailer REI in 2015 as a way to encourage people to reconnect with nature. We've got a list of places to check out across the Lehigh Valley.

Local officials warn residents never to pour fats, oils and grease (FOG), into the sink because it can harden and cause blockages in pipes.

Lafayette Junior Remy Oktay flew a Pipistrel Alpha Electro about 500 feet above Fisher Stadium on Saturday.

Animal response workers cared for up to 5 dogs and a cat at Nitschmann Middle School as they sheltered with their people.

A hot, dry July this year slashed yields for many Lehigh Valley farmers this year, just as prices for fertilizer hit all-time highs. Now, Northampton County is offering help them implement new practices that could let them use less.

The Lehigh Valley had its first taste of snow on Tuesday, and the National Weather Service says temperatures will run 10 to 15 degrees below normal through the weekend.

The Allentown EAC on Monday approved two letters to City Council with recommendations for the citywide parks plan, as well as the city's first Climate Action Plan, respectively.

Three African Servals escaped from Cricket Wildlife Center after a powerful storm last Wednesday damaged their enclosure. After dozens of reported sightings, two of the wild cats are back, leaving one left to capture.

For November, WLVR's Brad Klein and Bethlehem's "Backyard Astronomy Guy" Marty McGuire are taking a look at comets, with three getting a lot of attention as they pass through our inner solar system. This week, the subject is astrophotography.

The speaker series, which runs on select Thursdays through March, focuses on engaging residents about the local environment, as well as conservation efforts.

Craig Pfeiffer, Bethlehem's assistant director of planning and zoning, gave a presentation Thursday on the city's new subdivision and land development ordinance, more commonly known as a SALDO.

The baby alpaca was born Oct. 23. The zoo is taking suggestions for a name.

A Wednesday night storm brought damaging winds to the area, with gusts reaching up to 47 mph. The National Weather Service warned of damage to trees and utilities, and a wildlife center in Berks County suffered just that: A tree fell on an enclosure housing three African servals that have since escaped.

Current conditions, along with the continued drying of fine fuels, "could support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control," the National Weather Service said.

Mackenzie, along with officials from Wildlands Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, on Wednesday morning hiked a portion of the property, lauding the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund that helped preserve it.

Easton's Environmental Advisory Council is continuing to work on an ordinance aimed at decreasing light pollution throughout the city.

Following a wind advisory Wednesday night, forecasters say the Lehigh Valley will see a fairly active pattern continuing through the weekend and into early next week as temperatures tumble.

For this year’s event, set for Sunday, officials are cutting out single-use water bottles and trading plastic medal packaging for paper, among other sustainability initiatives.