Pacific region

A new report says global temperatures have reached record highs as the El Niño climate pattern strengthens in the Pacific. El Niño, which warms ocean surface waters and alters weather worldwide, is adding to the underlying warming trend driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists warn the combination could push average temperatures to new extremes in the coming months, with implications for heatwaves, droughts and storms across many regions.

Investors across the Asia-Pacific region continue to put money into real estate even as interest rates push up borrowing costs. Analysts point to resilient regional demand, attractive valuations after price corrections, and long-term growth prospects in key markets as reasons capital keeps flowing in. The trend has drawn attention among global property investors weighing where to deploy funds amid tighter monetary conditions.

New research points to the Earth's crust actively stretching and tearing beneath the Pacific Northwest, the region sitting atop the Cascadia subduction zone. The finding has drawn attention from science readers concerned about earthquake risk in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, and what deep tectonic activity could mean for future seismic hazards.

Hurricanes off the Pacific coast are sending heavy surf to Southern California beaches and bringing rain to parts of the Southwest, according to the Los Angeles Times. Coastal communities are watching for dangerous rip currents and high waves, while inland areas of the Southwest could see much-needed rainfall from the tropical moisture. Residents are being urged to use caution near the water as conditions develop.

The U.S. Geological Survey is examining how a super El Niño could affect the Midwest region of the United States. The pattern, marked by unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters, typically alters rainfall and temperature across North America, raising questions about flooding, drought and agricultural consequences for Midwestern states.