1/15 Snowdrop, hot year, expensive climate, insurance woes, democracy watch.

 

Snowdrop

Snowdrop Gallantus
The first bulbs to bloom here in Western Washington are typically snowdrops often emerging in January but coming into their full bloom in late February. Whether planted in clumps or a massive drift, snowdrops are a sure sign that spring is on the horizon. Snowdrops are always white with green or yellow markings, the double-flowered varieties are particularly charming. (WSU Master Gardener)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Heartbreak, rage and shame as community mourns death of Renee Good, protests ICE

2025 among world's three hottest years on record, WMO says 
Last year was among the planet's three warmest on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Wednesday, as EU scientists also confirmed average temperatures have now exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming for the longest since records began. Kate Abnett reports. (Reuters) 

Sooner-than-expected climate impacts could cost the world trillions
The impacts of climate change are occurring sooner than expected, but governments and businesses continue to underestimate the risks, which could add up to trillions of dollars in economic losses by 2050. A report by climate scientists and financial experts has warned that the world may have seriously underestimated the rate of warming and faces “planetary insolvency”, where global warming begins to severely damage both the environment and economic growth. Alec Kuhn reports. (New Scientist) 

Insured losses from wildfire, storms and floods hit record high globally
Record insured losses from wildfires, storms and floods hit $98 billion globally last year, with L.A. County's January wildfires the costliest disaster of 2025. Climate change is driving these secondary perils to become more severe and frequent, according to Munich Re's analysis of rising global temperatures. Stephan Kohl reports. (LA Times) 

Democracy Watch

• US suspends immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance (AP) 
• New RFK Jr. pick for vaccine panel: ‘I was not anti-vaccine. I am now.’ (Washington Post) 

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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  211 PM PST Wed Jan 14 2026    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH  THURSDAY EVENING    
THU  E wind 15 to 20 kt, with frequent gusts to 25 kt. Seas 4  to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E 3 ft at 4 seconds and W 5 ft at 13  seconds.  
THU NIGHT  E wind 15 to 20 kt, with frequent gusts to 25 kt.  Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E 4 ft at 5 seconds and W 4 ft at 12  seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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