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![A digitally enhanced NASA image of hurricane Michael in 2018.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sYfovjPgE2QwNwyzJau2cd-320-80.jpg)
How are hurricanes named?
By Patrick Pester published
Hurricanes often have surprisingly common human names that don't sound very threatening. But where do these names come from?
![two satellite images show a region with a lake to the west and a river running at an angle to the east. The left photo shows the region prior to extreme flooding, whereas the right photo shows the lake and river overflowing into one another and the surrounding area](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GreKo3E9zhiRye4s4x36d5-320-80.jpg)
'Monsoon on steroids' has flooded vast swaths of Pakistan, disturbing satellite images show
By Nicoletta Lanese published
New satellite images capture the extensive flooding in Pakistan.
![Three sequential photos of a 'gigantic jet' lightning bolt blasting out of the top of a cloud over Oklahoma, and shooting directly into space.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GJ5oSNN2RYobXcZjwudE3Z-320-80.jpg)
'Gigantic jet' that shot into space may be the most powerful lightning bolt ever detected
By Brandon Specktor published
Scientists detected the most powerful gigantic jet lightning bolt — a lightning bolt that shoots up out of a cloud into the ionosphere — ever.
![Genghis Khan](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cGCVrfZpDALnu6QtTrfLaQ-320-80.jpg)
Wet Climate May Have Fueled Mongol Invasion
By Stephanie Pappas last updated
Abundant grasslands could have fueled Genghis Khan's armies.
![This is fir timber from a historical building in southern Poland.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xAcHUwBm2zZpqHBnXQQe3G-320-80.jpg)
Mystery of Mongol Retreat from Hungary Solved
By Stephanie Pappas last updated
A swampy spring thaw kept the Mongols from taking over Hungary in 1242.
![A British flag flies amongst the smoldering ruins of houses as fire services tackle a large blaze on July 19 in Wennington, England. A series of grass fires broke out amid an intense heatwave.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3iNsN4QAte9onKKA4AqruM-320-80.jpg)
Wildfires blaze in London during record heatwave
By Ben Turner published
Fires such as those caused by a recent record-breaking heatwave in Europe will likely become more common as the climate warms, scientists say.
![A sprite glows red (inset) in this image captured by astronauts on the International Space Station on April 30, 2012.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NwswWg6haL5dCr2UM4vs4X-320-80.jpg)
Elusive Sprite Lightning Caught On Film
By Live Science Staff last updated
Sprites are ultra-fast bursts of electricity born edge of space.
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zvAX7ijGh8btkHUPMv7hQd-320-80.jpg)
Video Reveals 'Sprite' Lightning Secrets
By Dave Mosher last updated
Ultra-fast, ultra-bright sprites caught forming in the act.
![Mineral deposits from Lake Mead, showing drop in water levels from drought.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/X5DBBu277L75rKUPHKvXTG-320-80.jpg)
Rare 'triple-dip' La Niña could bring another year of intense hurricanes and drought to the US
By Joanna Thompson published
The cooler climate pattern is predicted to persist for the third winter in a row, bringing an increased risk of powerful hurricanes to the eastern U.S. and flooding to Australia.
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