The California Highway Patrol is once again holding its Christmas Day Maximum Enforcement Period, or MEP.
This additional enforcement initiative aims to enhance the safety of the public on California’s roads during the busy travel period.
The MEP began at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25.
While the primary focus of the MEP is on speed enforcement, CHP officers will also be vigilant for impaired drivers.
Throughout this period, all available officers will be deployed on the roadways, intensifying enforcement efforts, and assisting motorists.
"As we celebrate the joy of the season, let's make a collective commitment to prioritize safety on our roads,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Your loved ones are waiting for you at home — buckle up, drive responsibly, and have a plan that includes a safe, sober ride before you head out for the evening.”
The annual surge in holiday travel brings with it an increased risk of crashes and alcohol-related incidents on our roadways.
Poor choices behind the wheel such as speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving can have tragic results.
During last year’s Christmas MEP, 26 people were killed in crashes within the CHP’s jurisdiction and nearly half of all the vehicle occupants killed were not wearing a seat belt.
Additionally, during last year’s Christmas MEP, CHP officers made 639 arrests for DUI — the equivalent of one arrest for DUI nearly every seven minutes throughout the holiday weekend.
Celebrate responsibly to help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely. Always designate a sober driver or use public transportation, rideshare services, or taxi.
The CHP encourages the public to call 9-1-1 to report impaired drivers, excessive speeding, and unsafe behavior on the roadways. The life you save could be your own.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Just in time for Christmas, Habitat for Humanity Lake County is celebrating the completion of its 40th home.
Jessica Hammes had a dream and a goal for herself, to own a home for herself and her sons by the time she reached 30.
However, as the years passed, she began to believe that goal would remain out of reach. Then she discovered Habitat for Humanity Lake County.
Working through the nearly yearlong process, Hammes and her boys learned so much about dedication to a project and community involvement.
Having moved into their home with plenty of time to make it their own for Christmas, they are now learning the joys of homeownership.
“The boys are so happy to finally have a yard to play in and space of their own,” Hammes said. “They are making friends in the neighborhood and talk about how much they love the house almost every day. They now have room to grow. I feel so thankful and blessed; the future is so bright for us now. We will be forever grateful to Habitat for everything they have done and for everything they have helped me accomplish.”
As Habitat for Humanity Lake County celebrates the completion of 40 homes in Lake County and looks ahead toward 2024 and the increasing challenges of assisting low-income families to become homeowners, as well as providing critical home repair services to qualified homeowners, they look to the community for ongoing support.
Habitat for Humanity Lake County is in need of buildable properties, wheelchair ramps and lifts for veterans and seniors, and funding to continue its housing mission.
If you or someone you know is interested in homeownership, requires repairs to your home, or would like to volunteer or donate, please call 707-994-1100, Extension 108, for more information. Your participation and support are immensely appreciated.
Tammy Brigham is administrator for Habitat for Humanity, Lake County.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — In a unanimous and enthusiastic vote, the Yuba Community College District Board last week approved the contract with the new president of Woodland Community College.
The board took about 10 minutes to finalize the contract with Dr. Lizette Navarette at its Dec. 14 meeting.
Navarette was named the new Woodland Community College president last month following a nationwide search that Chancellor Dr. Shouan Pan said involved several months of work.
The Yuba Community College Board oversees both Yuba Community College and Woodland Community College, the latter responsible for managing the Lake County Campus in Clearlake.
“I’m so very pleased today to recommend a fabulous leader” who has given her expertise and time to serve community colleges in California for many years, Pan said of Navarette, whose most recent position was as executive vice chancellor at the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, leading the Office of Institutional Supports and Success.
Pan recommended the board approve the contract, which is for an initial term of two and a half years, from Jan. 8, 2024, to June 30, 2026.
Navarette’s annual salary will be $208,869, plus benefits, including a $500 monthly auto allowance and a phone allowance, Pan said.
“It’s my honor and pleasure to recommend her to you for approval to be our next president for Woodland Community College,” Pan said.
Trustee Jesse Ortiz said Navarette brings experience that will benefit the district. “I’m really excited to start a new chapter at Woodland Community College under Dr. Navarette’s leadership.”
Trustee Doug Harris, whose district includes Lake County — he’s also a former instructor at the Lake County Campus — said he wanted to second Ortiz’s comment.
“I think we are exceedingly fortunate to have someone with this breadth of experience and knowledge of systemwide issues and processes,” Harris said of Navarette.
Board President Susan Alves said she hopes Navarette has her running shoes on and that they’re laced up tightly.
Community members are ready to meet Navarette and it’s an exciting time for Woodland Community College, Alves said.
The board then unanimously approved Navarette’s contract.
Navarette, who was on hand for the meeting, said she was honored to be selected.
“It is a surreal moment that someone like me could become a president of a college that helps families like mine really advance,” said Navarette, a first-generation college graduate.
She said she’s excited to work with the board, Dr. Pan, colleagues, faculty, students, staff and the community to share the vision.
“With the power of partnerships I know that we will take Woodland Community College to the next level of success. More importantly, I’m just very excited to transform lives. That’s what I know this district does,” she said.
Navarette thanked the board members for their trust and confidence.
Ahead of Navarette’s contract approval, the board had its annual organizational meeting.
Guided by Dr. Pan, board members went through the process of choosing their leadership for 2024.
The board elected Trustee Susan Alves as president for the coming year, with Trustee Richard Teagarden elected vice president and Trustee Rita Andrews selected as the board clerk.
They also approved the 2024 calendar of board meetings, with Harris advocating for holding two meetings — not just one — at the Lake County Campus during the coming year.
The Lake County meetings are generally among the best attended of the year, which board members acknowledged.
At the Dec. 14 meeting, the board agreed that, in addition to the Nov. 14, 2024, meeting planned to take place at the campus in Clearlake, the board also will meet at the Lake County Campus on March 14, 2024.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Clearlake Animal Control has many dogs waiting for new homes at Christmas.
The Clearlake Animal Control website lists 34 adoptable dogs.
The adoptable dogs include “Brutus,” a male American pit bull terrier mix with a short white coat. He has been neutered.
There also is “Ninja,” a 1-year-old male pit bull terrier mix with a black and white coat. He’s also neutered.
The shelter is located at 6820 Old Highway 53. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
For more information, call the shelter at 707-762-6227, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., visit Clearlake Animal Control on Facebook or on the city’s website.
This week’s adoptable dogs are featured below.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
As the holiday season approaches, Cal Fire extends a crucial reminder to our community, emphasizing the importance of safety.
Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this joyous time of year into a devastating one.
In the spirit of joy and celebration, it is paramount to ensure that our gatherings are not only enjoyable but also safeguarded, by adopting safety practices to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
Across the nation, nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays claiming more than 500 lives, 2,200 injuries and costing over $500 million in property damage, per the American Red Cross.
“This holiday season is meant to bring joy to family and friends,” said State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “By adhering to some straightforward safety guidelines, you can reduce the likelihood of accidents and enjoy a safe holiday celebration.”
Here are a few safety tips for the holiday season:
• When incorporating candles into your holiday décor, remember to place them in open areas, at least three feet away from any flammable decorations. Extinguish candles before leaving a room and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
• In the kitchen, where the heart of holiday cooking resides, stay vigilant and avoid distractions. Unattended cooking is a leading cause of home fires, so it's crucial to keep potentially flammable items away from cooking surfaces. Additionally, always check the oven before turning it on and be prepared with a fire extinguisher in case of a fire.
• For those decorating this holiday season, prioritize safety by keeping the tree hydrated with daily watering. Check lights for damage, and position the tree away from exits, fireplaces, and other heat sources. Promptly remove decorations after the holiday season to minimize fire risks.
• When dealing with electrical components, repair or replace worn outlets, cords, and appliances immediately. Use surge protectors for lights to prevent overloads and follow safe practices with extension cords. Unplug lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Visit www.fire.ca.gov for more ways you can keep your holidays merry and bright.
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Police have arrested two juveniles with gang connections on weapons charges.
The names of the two juveniles have not been released because of their ages.
The Lakeport Police Department reported that on Friday, Dec. 15, officers received a tip that there were images posted on a social media page of two juveniles who were posing with firearms.
The officers viewed the images and found them to be as reported. They showed the juveniles with common indicators of being associated with a criminal street gang, including specific items of clothing and displaying.
On that same day at approximately 1:42 p.m., Lakeport Police officers were dispatched to a report of shots fired at a residence in the 300 block of Armstrong Street — in a neighborhood located near the Lake County Fairgrounds — that was associated with the juveniles.
At the time of the officer’s response to this location, no additional shots were heard, police said.
Lakeport Police officers continued to investigate this case and gathered additional evidence that the two juveniles were in possession of firearms and were associated with criminal gang activity.
Officers applied for a search warrant for the address in the 300 block of Armstrong Street as well as two other addresses they were able to determine through their investigation that the juveniles commonly resided.
On Tuesday, Dec. 19, at approximately 10:45 a.m. before the service of the search warrant at the three locations, there was an additional shots fired call at the Armstrong Street address, police said.
Officers responded to the address and found one of the suspect juveniles leaving the location. This juvenile, a 16-year-old male out of Lakeport, had an unserved warrant for his arrest. The juvenile was arrested for his warrant at that time. No firearms were located on the juvenile when he was arrested, according to the police report
Police said the juvenile was subsequently transported to the Mendocino County Juvenile Hall by Lake County Probation.
At 1:30 p.m. that day, Lakeport Police officers, Lake County Sheriff’s detectives, Lake County Probation officers and investigators from the Lake County District Attorney’s Office responded to the three locations and simultaneously executed searches authorized under a warrant.
At the conclusion of the searches, police said two of the firearms the juveniles posed with in the images on social media were recovered as well as a box containing various rounds of ammunition.
One firearm was a Walther P22 .22 caliber pistol which had a laser pointer/flashlight attachment on it and the other was a .38 caliber revolver. The Walther P22 was found to be loaded at the time it was located. Police said there were also .22 caliber casings found at the location on Armstrong Street.
During the service of the search warrant, Lakeport Police officers received information that the other juvenile, a 17-year-old male, was somewhere in the Ukiah area. Officers contacted the Ukiah Police Department and briefed them on the nature of this case and the search warrant.
Lakeport Police officers also completed a probable cause declaration for the arrest of the other juvenile for a felony violation of being a minor in possession of a firearm.
At 5:30 p.m., Ukiah Police Officers located the other juvenile and placed them under arrest per the Lakeport Police officers’ probable cause declaration. The juvenile was also transported to the Mendocino County Juvenile Hall for booking.
Lakeport Police officers then completed a probable cause declaration for the 16-year-old who was arrested in Lakeport initially for the warrant for his arrest. The 16-year-old was charged with felony violations of being a minor in possession of a gun and negligent discharge of a firearm.
The Lakeport Police Department thanked its partners with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Probation Department, Lake County District Attorney’s Office and Ukiah Police Department for their assistance with this investigation and apprehension of the teen suspects.
Did you know that we often have more control over our feelings and anxiety than we think?
’Tis the season ... for stress. Between bright lights, airport security lines and fallen souffles, we are more overscheduled, overstretched and overwhelmed during the holiday season than at almost any other time of the year.
But there’s good news. We have much more control over stress and our emotions than we think, says UC San Francisco Professor of Psychiatry Elissa Epel, PhD. Epel’s book, The Stress Prescription: Seven Days to More Joy and Ease was recently named a favorite book of 2023 by Greater Good Magazine.
She explains how we can make taking control of our stress — and cultivating joy — a habit this holiday season.
What does stress do to our bodies?
We have looked at stress under the microscope, investigating how it can change our cells, right down to our telomeres — the “shields” at the ends of our chromosomes’ that protect the DNA inside. Telomere length is an important index of a cell’s health and ability to keep dividing. Telomeres naturally shorten with age, but chronic stress wears them out faster.
In short, when we’re too stressed for too long, it accelerates biological aging. Diseases like diabetes, heart disease and depression can develop or develop early.
What are micro-acts of wellness?
Micro-acts are quick practices of just a few minutes that can reduce stress and cultivate happiness, often involving focusing on the beauty and joy in life. People who performed just one micro-act daily for a week reported about a 25% increase in emotional well-being and feelings of connectedness to others, according to early results from a large, crowd-sourcing study we have conducted with colleagues at UC Berkeley. As part of the study, more than 20,000 people from 30 countries tried a micro-act for five minutes each day for one week. Anyone can join.
Why are micro-acts so powerful?
When we see that we can do something for just a few minutes, and that it can change how we feel, we actually alter our belief about our capacity to control our wellness. We call this a growth mindset: We increase our confidence in our ability to have some control over our well being. This new mindset, in turn, has a potent effect on whether we’re likely to make micro-acts a habit or not.
What are some examples of micro-acts?
Do something kind for someone. Think of people you might see today and list one thing you could do to brighten their day. For example, during the holidays it’s incredibly powerful to reach out to people we suspect don’t have friends, local family or social plans.
Tune in to what matters. Choose three values in your life — for example, kindness, community and social justice — and think of an example of how you are living them. Make a plan of how you want to embody one of them more in the coming year.
Reframe your perspective. Recall a recent moment when you felt upset and frustrated. Think about or write out three positive things about that experience. Focusing on the hidden positives is powerful. It can lessen your painful narrative of what happened.
The holidays are stressful, there are more demands on us, and we set higher expectations for how the holidays should go. But this is also an opportunity to realize the joy inherent in holiday stress and that it’s a privilege to be able to take time away from work to reflect and relax.
Breathe. People have used various breathing practices for millennia to energize, relax and even create ecstatic states.
Here’s a slow breathing technique that can calm our body immediately.
Try sitting up straight with your chest up, chin down.
Breathe slowly and gently with your mouth closed, drawing a deep breath into your diaphragm. Breathe in for four seconds and out for six seconds for maximal stress release.
Meditate. Meditation has long been a part of my stress-management plan, both short daily practices and, when I am lucky, overnight retreats. Consider planning a retreat in 2024, for a deeper recalibration of your nervous system. There are many local opportunities in the Bay Area.
Dwell in awe. Watch an awe-inspiring video or, if possible, get out in nature. Make it a point to stop and marvel at the trees or views, feel the temperature of the air on your skin and listen to the birds chirping. If you don’t have a lot of nature near you, there’s always sky.
Our bodies are not only very attuned to having a relaxation response to nature, but increasing research shows that awe is a transformative emotion — the feeling of being in the presence of and part of something larger than oneself can snap things into perspective for us. When we are reminded of the world’s grandeur, personal issues that seemed large and looming may suddenly shrink.
If you can’t get out into nature, set up a quiet, comfortable “chill” space at home and search YouTube or Spotify for your favorite relaxing music with nature sounds.
Expose yourself to positive stress. When we are exposed to short-term manageable positive stressors, called hormetic stress, our body turns on different responses than it does with chronic stress. During our recovery period from hormetic stress, good things happen. It has an anti-anxiety effect on our nervous system, and an anti-aging effect in our cells. Hormetic stress triggers processes akin to cleaning crews gobbling up waste from the day’s metabolic processes and recycling it.
To create positive stress, try a quick seven-minute high-intensity exercise or take an ice-cold shower: After the ice-cold shower, wrap up in a warm towel: Stress then recover and relax. It feels good, and it’s good for our cells.
Make a gratitude list. List anything, big or small, you feel grateful about. Gratitude is one of the most potent ways to increase positive emotions. For a bigger boost, tell someone how much you appreciate them.
Celebrate another’s joy. Ask someone to tell you about something good that happened to them recently or about something they are happy about. “What made you smile today?” Let them tell the story. You will find their happiness is re-ignited, and you may smile too!
How can we make micro-acts a habit?
• Notice how it feels after you’ve completed a micro-act. Savor any positive feelings. • Set aside a time each day to pause for a wellness micro-act. Put a reminder on your daily calendar and a Post-it note in the place where you want to practice it. • Try “stapling” micro-acts to another habit you already do. For example, try two minutes of slow breathing while you start your commute or before you turn off your light at night.
Laura López González writes for the University of California, San Francisco.
The new strain is now the fastest growing in the US, but the latest vaccines are still your best bet to reduce your risk of getting sick.
A new COVID-19 variant is now estimated to make up about 20% of COVID-19 cases in the United States.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently named the strain, JN.1, a variant of concern – meaning that the global body is monitoring the variant closely but hasn’t yet added it to its “watchlist” of high-risk strains. Still, the WHO warns the fast-spreading variant could lead to an uptick in cases during winter months as people spend more time indoors at family and group gatherings.
In California, the proportion of people testing positive for COVID-19 has been on a steady rise since November, coinciding with flu season.
We recently spoke with three UC San Francisco COVID-19 experts, Vivek Jain, MD, MAS; George Rutherford, MD, and Peter Chin-Hong, MD, to get the rundown on this COVID-19 season and the latest variant.
What are the symptoms of the new JN.1 COVID-19 variant?
Chin-Hong: The symptoms of JN.1 are thought to be similar those of other members of the Omicron family of COVID-19 variants: Typically, illness starts with a sore throat, followed by congestion and a dry cough.
People may also experience other symptoms such as a runny nose, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, fever, diarrhea and an altered sense of smell. But probably what is more important than the symptoms is who has it: A patient who is older than 75 or is immunocompromised and who has not been recently vaccinated against COVID-19 may experience more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing. Folks like these can get very ill.
How worried should we be about the new variant?
Chin-Hong: There is no evidence that the new variant causes more serious disease, hospitalizations or a higher fatality rate than other Omicron variants.
Will COVID-19 vaccines work against the new variant?
Chin-Hong: Yes. Although the vaccine was developed against another Omicron strain (XBB.1.5), studies have shown that the new COVID-19 vaccine generates a robust immune response to JN.1. I have full confidence in the new formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine for the variants that are circulating right now.
Will current COVID-19 treatments work against the new JN.1 strain?
Chin-Hong: Yes, the current slate of COVID-19 antivirals such as Paxlovid and – for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, remdesivir – are also very effective against JN.1. Remember, it’s important to take Paxlovid as soon as possible after showing symptoms of COVID-19, ideally within the first five days. You’ll need a prescription for both these medications.
Who should get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Jain: Broadly, everyone 6 months and older should get the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are very safe and lower peoples’ risk of death and hospitalization, especially those who are older or who have medical conditions.
Can I get my flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?
Jain: Yes, if that’s convenient. It’s also okay to space them slightly apart.
If you’re 60 and over or in weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy, you may also qualify for the new RSV vaccines.
How often should people be vaccinated against COVID-19?
Jain: Everyone should strongly consider staying up to date with annual COVID-19 vaccines. People should talk with their health care providers and consider factors like age, and medical conditions, including whether they are immunosuppressed, live with other people at high risk for serious COVID-19 and their COVID-19 history.
Do kids really need the COVID-19 vaccine?
Rutherford: Yes. COVID-19 was the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. between 2021 and 2022. It’s the number one vaccine-preventable cause of death among children in the U.S.
Can I still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free?
Jain: Yes, health insurance and pharmacies will cover the cost of the new COVID-19 vaccines. People without insurance or who might face a difficult co-payment should contact their local health department for places to get free COVID-19 vaccinations. You can also check the federal government’s Bridge Access Program for free COVID-19 vaccines at thousands of locations nationwide.
Laura López González writes for the University of California, San Francisco.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — True to the forecast, it’s been a rainy week in Lake County, with slight chances that the rain could continue through the Christmas holiday.
The National Weather Service had predicted that a storm front over the region would keep the rain falling, which it has done over the last several days.
Rainfall totals in inches for the 72-hour period ending at 2 a.m. Thursday are as follows:
• Hidden Valley Lake: 3.09. • Indian Valley Reservoir: 2.94. • Kelseyville: 3.86. • Lake Pillsbury: 4.66. • Lower Lake: 4.50. • Lyons Valley: 4.43. • Middletown: 3.65. • Whispering Pines: 6.40.
Thursday is expected to be clear, with a chance of rain during the day on Friday.
Saturday is forecast to be clear and sunny, with slight chances of rain on Sunday and Sunday night, Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Day and again that night, and continuing into Tuesday and Wednesday the forecast calls for still more possibility of rain.
Temperatures are expected to reach into the low 60s during the day this week, dropping into the high 30s at night.
Christmas day is forecast to see daytime temperatures in the low 50s, dipping into the low 40s on Christmas night.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
This whirling image features a bright spiral galaxy known as MCG-01-24-014, which is located about 275 million light-years from Earth.
In addition to being a well-defined spiral galaxy, MCG-01-24-014 has an extremely energetic core known as an active galactic nucleus, or AGN, and is categorized as a Type-2 Seyfert galaxy. Seyfert galaxies, along with quasars, host one of the most common subclasses of AGN.
While the precise categorization of AGNs is nuanced, Seyfert galaxies tend to be relatively nearby and their central AGN does not outshine its host, while quasars are very distant AGNs with incredible luminosities that outshine their host galaxies.
There are further subclasses of both Seyfert galaxies and quasars. In the case of Seyfert galaxies, the predominant subcategories are Type-1 and Type-2. Astronomers distinguish them by their spectra, the pattern that results when light is split into its constituent wavelengths.
The spectral lines that Type-2 Seyfert galaxies emit are associated with specific ‘forbidden’ emission lines.
To understand why emitted light from a galaxy could be forbidden, it helps to understand why spectra exist in the first place.
Spectra look the way they do because certain atoms and molecules absorb and emit light at very specific wavelengths.
The reason for this is quantum physics: electrons (the tiny particles that orbit the nuclei of atoms and molecules) can only exist at very specific energies, and therefore electrons can only lose or gain very specific amounts of energy.
These very specific amounts of energy correspond to the wavelengths of light that are absorbed or emitted.
Forbidden emission lines should not exist according to certain rules of quantum physics. But quantum physics is complex, and some of the rules used to predict it were formulated under laboratory conditions here on Earth.
Under those rules, this emission is ‘forbidden’ — so improbable that it’s disregarded. But in space, in the midst of an incredibly energetic galactic core, those assumptions don’t hold anymore, and the ‘forbidden’ light gets a chance to shine out toward us.
The year 2023 was marked by extraordinary heat, wildfires and weather disasters.
In the U.S., an unprecedented heat wave gripped much of Texas and the Southwest with highs well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius) for the entire month of July.
Globally, 2023 was the warmest year on record, and it wreaked havoc around the world. El Niño played a role, but global warming is at the root of the world’s increasing extreme weather.
So, how exactly is global warming linked to fires, storms and other disasters? I am an atmospheric scientist who studies the changing climate. Here’s what you need to know.
Dangerous heat waves and devastating wildfires
When greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from vehicles and power plants, accumulate in the atmosphere, they act like a thermal blanket that warms the planet.
These gases let in high-energy solar radiation while absorbing outgoing low-energy radiation in the form of heat from the Earth. The energy imbalance at the Earth’s surface gradually increases the surface temperature of the land and oceans.
The most direct consequence of this warming is more days with abnormally high temperatures, as many countries saw in 2023.
Extreme heat waves hit large areas of North America, Europe and China, breaking many local high temperature records. Phoenix went 30 days with daily high temperatures at 110 F (43.3 C) or higher and recorded its highest minimum nighttime temperature, with temperatures on July 19 never falling below 97 F (36.1 C).
Although heat waves result from weather fluctuations, global warming has raised the baseline, making heat waves more frequent, more intense and longer-lasting.
That heat also fuels wildfires.
Increased evaporation removes more moisture from the ground, drying out soil, grasses and other organic material, which creates favorable conditions for wildfires. All it takes is a lightning strike or spark from a power line to start a blaze.
Canada lost much of its snow cover early in 2023, which allowed the ground to dry and vast fires to burn through the summer. The ground was also extremely dry in Maui in August when the city of Lahaina, Hawaii, caught fire during a windstorm and burned.
How global warming fuels extreme storms
As more heat is stored as energy in the atmosphere and oceans, it doesn’t just increase the temperature – it can also increase the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.
When that water vapor condenses to liquid and falls as rain, it releases a large amount of energy. This is called latent heat, and it is the main fuel for all storm systems.
When temperatures are higher and the atmosphere has more moisture, that additional energy can fuel stronger, longer-lasting storms. This is the main reason for 2023’s record-breaking storms. Nineteen of the 25 weather and climate disasters that caused over US$1 billion in damage each through early December 2023 were severe storms, and two more were flooding that resulted from severe storms.
Tropical storms are similarly fueled by latent heat coming from warm ocean water. That is why they only form when the sea surface temperature reaches a critical level of around 80 F (27 C).
Hurricane Otis, which hit Acapulco, Mexico, in October 2023, was a devastating example. It exploded in strength, rapidly intensifying from a tropical storm to a destructive Category 5 hurricane in less than 24 hours. With little time to evacuate and buildings not designed to withstand a storm that powerful, more than 50 people died. The hurricane’s intensification was the second-fastest ever recorded, exceeded only by Hurricane Patricia in 2015.
A recent study found that North Atlantic tropical cyclones’ maximum intensification rates increased 28.7% between the 1971-1990 average and the 2001-2020 average. The number of storms that spun up from a Category 1 storm or weaker to a major hurricane within 36 hours more than doubled.
The Mediterranean also experienced a rare tropical-like cyclone in September 2023 that offers a warning of the magnitude of the risks ahead – and a reminder that many communities are unprepared. Storm Daniel became one of the deadliest storms of its kind when it hit Libya. Its heavy rainfall overwhelmed two dams, causing them to collapse, killing thousands of people. The heat and increased moisture over the Mediterranean made the storm possible.
Cold snaps have global warming connections, too
It might seem counterintuitive, but global warming can also contribute to cold snaps in the U.S. That’s because it alters the general circulation of Earth’s atmosphere.
The Earth’s atmosphere is constantly moving in large-scale circulation patterns in the forms of near-surface wind belts, such as the trade winds, and upper-level jet streams. These patterns are caused by the temperature difference between the polar and equatorial regions.
As the Earth warms, the polar regions are heating up more than twice as fast as the equator. This can shift weather patterns, leading to extreme events in unexpected places. Anyone who has experienced a “polar vortex event” knows how it feels when the jet stream dips southward, bringing frigid Arctic air and winter storms, despite the generally warmer winters.
In sum, a warmer world is a more violent world, with the additional heat fueling increasingly more extreme weather events.
The holiday season is meant to be filled with joy, connection and celebration of rituals. Many people, however, are starkly reminded of their grief this time of year and of whom – or what – they have lost.
While COVID-19-related stressors may have lessened, the grief from change and loss that so many endured during the pandemic persists. This can cause difficult emotions to resurface when they are least expected.
I developed an online program that research shows has improved their well-being. And I’ve observed firsthand how much grief and sadness can intensify during the holidays.
Those who lost a loved one during the pandemic may not have been able to practice rituals such as holding a memorial service, further delaying the grieving process. As a result, holiday traditions may feel more painful now for some. Time off from school or work can also trigger more intense feelings of grief and contribute to feelings of loneliness, isolation or depression.
Sometimes feelings of grief are so persistent and severe that they interfere with daily life. For the past several decades, researchers and clinicians have been grappling with how to clearly define and treat complicated grief that does not abate over time.
In March 2022, a new entry to describe complicated grief was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, which classifies a spectrum of mental health disorders and problems to better understand people’s symptoms and experiences in order to treat them.
People with prolonged grief disorder experience intense emotions, longing for the deceased, or troublesome preoccupation with memories of their loved one. Some also find it difficult to reengage socially and may feel emotionally numb. They commonly avoid reminders of their loved one and may experience a loss of identity and feel bleak about their future. These symptoms persist nearly every day for at least a month. Prolonged grief disorder can be diagnosed at least one year after a significant loss for adults and at least six months after a loss for children.
I am no stranger to complicated grief: A close friend of mine died by suicide when I was in college, and I was one of the last people he spoke to before he ended his life. This upended my sense of predictability and control in my life and left me untangling the many existential themes that suicide loss survivors often face.
The feeling of grief and intense yearning may disrupt the neural reward systems in the brain. When bereaved individuals seek connection to their lost loved one, they are craving the chemical reward they felt before their loss when they connected with that person. These reward-seeking behaviors tend to operate on a feedback loop, functioning similar to substance addiction, and could be why some people get stuck in the despair of their grief.
One study showed an increased activation of the amygdala when showing death-related images to people who are dealing with complicated grief, compared to adults who are not grieving a loss. The amygdala, which initiates our fight or flight response for survival, is also associated with managing distress when separated from a loved one. These changes in the brain might explain the great impact prolonged grief has on someone’s life and their ability to function.
Recognizing prolonged grief disorder
Experts have developed scales to help measure symptoms of prolonged grief disorder. If you identify with some of these signs for at least one year, it may be time to reach out to a mental health professional.
Grief is not linear and doesn’t follow a timeline. It is a dynamic, evolving process that is different for everyone. There is no wrong way to grieve, so be compassionate to yourself and don’t make judgments on what you should or shouldn’t be doing.
Increasing your social supports and engaging in meaningful activities are important first steps. It is critical to address any preexisting or co-occurring mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression for longer than a few weeks and it is affecting your everyday life, work and relationships, it may be time to talk with your primary care doctor or therapist.
A sixth stage of grief
I have found that naming the stage of grief that someone is experiencing helps diminish the power it might have over them, allowing them to mourn their loss.
But “accepting” your grief doesn’t sit well for many. That is why a sixth stage of grief, called “finding meaning,” adds another perspective. Honoring a loss by reflecting on its meaning and the weight of its impact can help people discover ways to move forward. Recognizing how one’s life and identity are different while making space for your grief during the holidays might be one way to soften the despair.
When my friend died by suicide, I found a deeper appreciation for what he brought into my life, soaking up the moments he would have enjoyed, in honor of him. After many years, I was able to find meaning by spreading mental health awareness. I spoke as an expert presenter for suicide prevention organizations, wrote about suicide loss and became certified to teach my local community how to respond to someone experiencing signs of mental health distress or crisis through Mental Health First Aid courses. Finding meaning is different for everyone, though.
Sometimes, adding a routine or holiday tradition can ease the pain and allow a new version of life, while still remembering your loved one. Take out that old recipe or visit your favorite restaurant you enjoyed together. You can choose to stay open to what life has to offer, while grieving and honoring your loss. This may offer new meaning to what – and who – is around you.
If you need emotional support or are in a mental health crisis, dial 988 or chat online with a crisis counselor.