Currently in Philadelphia — October 17, 2023: Cloudy but mild

The weather, currently.

More of the same. Temperatures will reach a high of about 64˚F today. That’s warm enough to get away with a light jacket, but if you’re planning on going anywhere tonight, think about packing something heavier, as temperatures will drop into the low 50s.

Relative humidity will remain around 60%, and cloud cover will continue to increase today, with the possibility of fog tonight and tomorrow morning.

I noticed today that the Weather Service website has added new forecast modules for snow, sleet, and freezing rain. We’re in the clear for now, but I guess people who like cold hands and wet feet can start getting excited about winter weather.

— Abe Musselman

What you need to know, currently.

Grist released the latest story in their series — “Uninsured” — which delves into how the climate crisis destabilizes the global insurance market.

The latest installment focuses on how extreme weather and climate change are impacting farmer’s crops and their wallets.

According to reporter Lois Parshley, severe weather cost farmers in the U.S. around $22 billion last year, however only half of that was covered by insurance.

This destabilization impacts farmers, their families, and global food security.

The entire series is worth a read.

In brighter news, last week was Fat Bear Week, the annual competition to find the brown bear at Brooks River in Katmai National Park, Alaska who “best exemplifies fatness.”

If you weren't making a bracket and following closely, what were you doing?

Here’s a photo of this year’s winner, Grazer, who was crowned last Tuesday, just in case you missed it:

— Abbie Veitch

What you can do, currently.

Currently Sponsorships are short messages we co-write with you to plug your org, event, or climate-friendly business with Currently subscribers. It’s a chance to boost your visibility with Currently — one of the world’s largest daily climate newsletters — and support independent climate journalism, all at the same time. Starting at just $105.

One of my favorite organizations, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief, serves as a hub of mutual aid efforts focused on climate action in emergencies — like hurricane season. Find mutual aid network near you and join, or donate to support existing networks: