WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p>If it felt like this summer was relentless and never-ending, it's true! A new report from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) compiled data from June-August 2026 and found that it was the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-202608"><strong>Warmest meteorological summer on record for the contiguous U.S.</strong></a> It was also a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/global-climate-202608"><strong>record-setting warm August for the entire globe</strong></a> and its oceans. The current El Niño pattern helped drive ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific to extreme levels and has all but shut down the Atlantic hurricane season so far.</p><h1><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-202608">CREDIT: NOAA/NCEI</a></h1><h2><strong>UNITED STATES Key Takeaways:</strong></h2><ul><li><p>Warmest summer on record: The average temperature for meteorological summer (June–August) 2026 was the warmest for the contiguous United States (CONUS) in the 132-year record, exceeding the previous records, set in 1936 and 2021, by 0.4°F.</p></li><li><p>Warmest August on record: August 2026 averaged 75.6°F, the warmest August on record (1895–present) for the CONUS. Daytime maximum temperatures averaged 88.6°F across the CONUS, which was also the warmest on record.</p></li><li><p>August precipitation contrasts: While portions of the Midwest and Ohio Valley regions recorded much-above-average August precipitation totals, large areas of the southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley received much-below-average precipitation.</p></li><li><p>Hawaiʻi exceptionally wet: Hurricane Lala brought heavy rainfall to Hawaiʻi, contributing to its second-wettest August on record (1991–present). Year-to-date precipitation averaged across the island chain was more than three feet above the 1991–2020 average (91.7% above normal), making it the wettest January–August period on record.</p></li><li><p>Drought expanded: Drought covered 59.1% of the CONUS on September 1, an increase of more than 10 percentage points from early August.</p></li></ul><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Notable-Weathe-Climate-US-082026-1789070071157.png"></p><h2><strong>Other Highlights:</strong></h2><h3><strong>Temperature</strong></h3><p>The average temperature for the CONUS in August was 75.6°F, 3.5°F above the 20th-century average, while the average for meteorological summer (June–August) was 74.4°F, 3.0°F above average. Both August and summer were the warmest in the 132-year record.&nbsp;</p><p></p><p><em><img src="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/grid-ranks-tavg-202608.png" alt="Map of the U.S. showing temperature percentiles for August 2026 with warmer areas in gradients of red and cooler areas in gradients of blue." title="Map of the U.S. showing temperature percentiles for August 2026 with warmer areas in gradients of red and cooler areas in gradients of blue.">August 2026 U.S. Mean Temperature Percentiles Map.</em></p><p>Most of the CONUS experienced above- to much-above-average August temperatures, with near-average conditions confined to parts of the northern Plains and Midwest. Record-breaking warmth was widespread across the West, Southwest, southern Rockies and southwestern Plains, as well as the southern Florida Peninsula. California, Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado each set records for their warmest August average temperature. California and New Mexico also recorded their warmest average daytime maximum temperatures on record, while average nighttime minimum temperatures were record warm in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado.</p><p>Summer saw widespread above-average temperatures. Much-above-average nighttime minimum temperatures spanned most of the CONUS, while average daytime maximum temperatures remained near average across much of the Midwest, Ohio and Tennessee valleys. Record-breaking heat extended across much of the Southwest, with Arizona (tied), New Mexico, Utah and Colorado each recording their warmest summer on record.</p><p>Alaska’s average temperature during August was 52.4°F, 2.9°F above the 1925–2000 average, ranking in the warmest third of the 102-year record. Alaska’s June–August average temperature was 51.6°F, 1.1°F above average and ranking in the warmest third of the record.</p><p>Hawaiʻi’s average temperature during August was 70.8°F, 1.4°F above the 1991–2020 average, ranking as the third-warmest August in the 36-year record. Hawaiʻi’s June–August average temperature was 69.4°F, 0.8°F above average and ranking in the warmest third of the record.</p><h2><strong>Precipitation</strong></h2><p>Total precipitation averaged across the CONUS in August was 2.30 inches, 0.32 inches below the 20th-century average, ranking in the driest third of the 132-year record and making it the driest August since 2000.</p><p></p><p><em><img src="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/grid-ranks-prcp-202608.png" alt="Map of the U.S. showing precipitation percentiles for August 2026 with wetter areas in gradients of green and drier areas in gradients of brown." title="Map of the U.S. showing precipitation percentiles for August 2026 with wetter areas in gradients of green and drier areas in gradients of brown.">August 2026 U.S. Total Precipitation Percentiles.</em></p><p>Below-average precipitation was observed across portions of the West, Upper Midwest, and the broad region from the southern Rockies and southern Plains into the Lower Mississippi Valley. Meanwhile, above-average precipitation fell across portions of the central tier, from central California to the Mid-Atlantic region.</p><p>Statewide, Indiana and Ohio received their highest August precipitation on record, about twice their average August totals. Neighboring Illinois and West Virginia, along with New Jersey, also had much-above-average precipitation, receiving more than 50% above their average August totals. In contrast, Texas and Oklahoma received less than 30% of their average August precipitation, ranking as their third- and fifth-driest Augusts, respectively. Both states recorded their lowest statewide August precipitation totals since 2000.</p><p>The CONUS received 8.11 inches of precipitation during summer, 0.21 inches below the 20th-century average, ranking in the driest third of the record. California received just 0.20 inches, 26% of its average summer precipitation, ranking as its fifth-driest summer on record and driest since 2002. In contrast, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia received much-above-average precipitation for the season.</p><p>Alaska’s average precipitation was 4.57 inches in August, 0.20 inch above the 1925–2000 average, ranking in the middle third of the 102-year record. Alaska’s June–August precipitation averaged 10.67 inches, 0.67 inches above average, also ranking in the middle third of the record.</p><p>Hawaiʻi received 16.01 inches of precipitation in August, 10.84 inches above the 1991–2020 average, making it the second-wettest August on record (1991–present). Hurricane Lala brought heavy rainfall to Hawaiʻi, with rainfall peaking at 43.54 inches at Laupāhoehoe on the Big Island. June–August precipitation averaged 28.24 inches across the island chain, 14.83 inches above average, ranking as the second-wettest summer on record. Year-to-date precipitation averaged 75.83 inches, 36.28 inches above average, making January–August the wettest such period on record.</p><h3><strong>Drought</strong></h3><p>According to the September 1 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="ext" href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DmData/DataTables.aspx"><u>U.S. Drought Monitor</u></a>, about 59.1% of the CONUS was in drought, an increase of about 10.5 percentage points since early August. Drought persisted across much of the interior West, including portions of the Southwest, Great Basin, Northwest, and Rockies. Drought expanded or intensified across the northern Plains and parts of the Upper Midwest, as well as much of the southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley and Deep South. In contrast, drought contracted or decreased in intensity across portions of the Southwest, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. In Puerto Rico, more than three-quarters of the island was in drought, with more than 40% classified as extreme drought.</p><h1><strong>GLOBAL August Highlights:</strong></h1><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/global-climate-202608"><strong>CREDIT: NOAA/NCEI</strong></a></p><ul><li><p>August was the warmest on record for the globe, eclipsing the previous tied records of 2023 and 2024 by 0.14°F (0.08°C). The June–August three-month season was also record-warm.</p></li><li><p>Global sea surface temperature reached an all-time high in Aug.</p></li><li><p>El Niño conditions persisted during the month, driving record-high temperatures across vast areas of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.</p></li><li><p>Global land surface temperature was near-record warm for Aug and Jun–Aug.</p></li><li><p>The Northern Hemisphere experienced its warmest summer, while the Southern Hemisphere had a near-record warm winter.</p></li><li><p>The Arctic and Antarctic had a below-average sea ice extent.</p></li><li><p>Global tropical cyclone activity was above average with 19 tropical storms.</p></li></ul><p><em><img src="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/Notable-Weather-202608.png" alt="Map of world showing locations of temperature highlights in August 2026 with text describing each event and title at top stating “Notable Weather and Climate Events: August 2026”. " title="Map of world showing locations of temperature highlights in August 2026 with text describing each event and title at top stating “Notable Weather and Climate Events: August 2026”. ">Map of global notable weather and climate events in August 2026.</em></p>

Tracey Anthony

NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

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Alana Cameron was born and raised in Canada in the city of Mississauga, just outside of Toronto. Alana is the oldest of 4 siblings, all close in age, and grew up playing outside with them in all types of weather. After graduating high school, Alana moved to study at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna for a year before transferring to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Upon completion, Alana moved back to Toronto where she completed a post-grad degree in Meteorology at York University. After her post-grad, she went on to complete another post-grad in Broadcast Journalism - TV News at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. During her final year of studies she had the privilege of interning with the best in the business in Canada at The Weather Network. Once she finished her internship, she got the call from small-town Denison, Texas where she accepted a job as an on-air meteorologist at KTEN-TV, right in tornado alley, covering severe weather from Sherman/Denison (North Texas) to Ada (Southern Oklahoma). After the most active tornado season Oklahoma had seen in May 2019 (105 tornadoes!) Alana is excited to join WeatherNation to cover weather all across the nation. If you're interested in following her on social media she can be found @alanacameronwx!

Alana Cameron

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<p><strong>SEPT 1 -</strong> Today marks the beginning of <strong>meteorological fall</strong>. Meteorologists measure seasons using three-month periods for easier record-keeping, which means meteorological fall lasts from September 1 to November 30.</p><h2>A Look Back at Meteorological Summer</h2><h3>June 2026</h3><p>So how did this summer shape up for many Americans? Starting with <strong>June</strong>, the average temperature of the CONUS was 70.6°F. This ranks June 2026 as the third-warmest June on record, with temperatures 2.2°F above average.</p><h3><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-31 162715-1788215448140.png">Other Notable Events of June 2026</h3><ul><li><p>Record June tornado activity in the Midwest , with 91 tornadoes in Illinois and 69 in Indiana.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2068830531098436001" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2068830531098436001"></div></li><li><p>June 16 - 19: the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur produced 10-20 inches of rain along the central Gulf Coast.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2067812111733149721" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2067812111733149721"></div></li><li><p>June 29: a derecho moved across South Dakota producing 131 mph winds in Highmore.</p></li><li><p>Wildfires burned more than 120,000 acres in Utah and Colorado late June, including the Cottonwood Fire.</p></li></ul><h3>July 2026</h3><p>According to the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/national/202607"> NCEI</a> where these statistics were retrieved, <strong>July</strong> was also well above average. In fact, it was the <strong>hottest July on record,</strong> with an average temperature of 76.89°F, 3.3°F above normal.</p><p>The average daily maximum temperature was 89.5°, and the average daily minimum temperature was 64.2°. </p><h3><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-31 163826-1788215986705.png">Other Notable Events of July 2026:</h3><ul><li><p>July 9-11: training thunderstorms in IL, KY, and MO caused widespread flash flooding.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2075761995668726223" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2075761995668726223"></div></li><li><p>July 12: multiple sites across ID, WY, UT, and MT set all-time high temperature record, including Salt Lake City (109°), Sheridan, WY (109°), Billings, MT (111°), Idaho Falls, ID (103°), and Miles City, MT (115°).</p></li><li><p>July 13 - 17: persistent rain in the Texas Hill Country produced 28" near Knippa, causing major flash flooding.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2077913674120135043" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2077913674120135043"></div></li><li><p>July 27: An EF-3 tornado struck Appleton, WI, causing extensive damage</p></li></ul><h3>August 2026</h3><p>NCEI's climate report for August has yet to be released, but several notable weather events took place this month.</p><ul><li><p>August 11: A Midwest derecho produced widespread damaging winds and power outages.</p></li><li><p>Wildfires near Spokane, WA forced approximately 64,000 people to evacuate.</p></li><li><p>Persistent rain, flooding, and severe weather impacted portions of the Midwest throughout the month.</p></li></ul><h2>Meteorological Summer</h2><p>The Southwestern United States experienced some of the hottest and driest conditions of the summer. Cities like Aspen, Colorado, averaged temperatures about 7 degrees above normal.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-31 162726-1788218275334.png"></p><p>Aspen also experienced its driest summer on record, receiving only 1.28 inches of rainfall. Several other cities recorded their driest summer on record as well, including Spokane, Washington; Los Angeles; and San Diego.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-31 162738-1788217624611.png">Meanwhile, in the Northeast, some locations experienced their wettest summer on record. Paducah and Cape Girardeau received more than 22 inches of rain this summer.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-31 162753-1788217686842.png">For more on what to expect this fall, be sure to join us on WeatherNation for the latest outlooks!</p>

A Look Back At Meteorological Summer 2026

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Brittany Lockley

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<p>NOAA is not changing its outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, continuing to forecast fewer tropical storms and hurricanes than what is typically seen during an average year.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><p>Forecasters say the overall pattern across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans still supports a quieter season. The ongoing influence of El Niño is expected to create stronger upper-level winds over the tropical Atlantic, making it harder for developing tropical systems to organize and strengthen into hurricanes.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-06 085032-1786027844121.png"></p><p>NOAA continues to predict&nbsp;<strong>7 to 13 named storms</strong>&nbsp;this season. Of those,&nbsp;<strong>2 to 6 are expected to become hurricanes</strong>, while&nbsp;<strong>0 to 2&nbsp;could reach major hurricane strength</strong>, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2085374878392172899" src="https://x.com/NOAA/status/2085374878392172899/photo/2"></div><p>The agency says there is a&nbsp;<strong>75% chance of a below-average season</strong>, a&nbsp;<strong>20% chance of near-average activity</strong>, and only a&nbsp;<strong>5% chance of an above-average season</strong>.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><p>Although the season has been relatively quiet, with only two Gulf storms in the Atlantic basin thus far (Arthur &amp; Bertha), NOAA&nbsp;cautions that the busiest stretch of the Atlantic hurricane season is just beginning. Historically, tropical activity ramps up in August and peaks around mid-September before gradually declining through the fall.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-06 085119-1786027891236.png"></p><p>NOAA also reminds residents that seasonal forecasts are meant to estimate the total number of storms, not where they will track. It only takes one hurricane making landfall to produce significant damage and life-threatening impacts, regardless of whether the season ends below average.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><p>With several months remaining in hurricane season, emergency officials encourage people living along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts to have a hurricane plan in place, review evacuation routes, and keep emergency supplies ready in case a storm threatens their area.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p>

Kevin Schneider

NOAA holds steady with below-average Atlantic hurricane season forecast

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<p>Are you ready for a total eclipse of...Spain?</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/TOTAL ECLIPSE GFX-1784071966889.png"></p><p>We're now less than a month away from the next total solar eclipse. While this event won't be taking place in North America, millions are expected to flock to places like the Iberian Peninsula on August 12th to watch the total eclipse. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/ECLIPSE PATH-1784071975317.png"></p><p>According to NASA, "A total solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small area of Portugal, while a partial eclipse will be visible in Europe, Africa, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean." </p><p>The eclipse will be a big moment for European space enthusiasts as the continent hasn't seen a total solar eclipse since 1999. </p><p>A total eclipse occurs when the Moon sits between the Sun and Earth. The moon then casts a shadow onto a portion of the Earth's surface. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/eclipse explainer-1784071982699.png"></p><p>Eclipses are one of those celestial events, it's either all or nothing. Unless you are in the path of 100% totality, you won't see much difference around you. So while cities like Madrid will have 99.96% of coverage, that will still look like regular daylight. As we inch closer to the day of totality, we'll have a better idea of the forecast.</p><p>If you're unable to make it to this solar eclipse, there's another chance in 2027, however the path of totality stays out of the continental U.S. hitting places like <span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">southern Spain, North Africa (including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt), Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.</span></p><p>The next U.S. total solar eclipse? That's not until August 12th 2045. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/next north american eclipse-1784071991364.png"></p>

Brian Hartman

Next Total Solar Eclipse Is Less Than A Month Away

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<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #454545;">Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a></span></p>

Rob Bradley

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<p>Life-threatening flash flooding developed last week on Thursday and Friday in Missouri to the SSW of St. Louis. Parts of Iron and Reynolds counties recorded upwards of 6-12 inches of rain, leading to water surging into homes and businesses. This resulted in numerous water rescues by emergency personnel, over 90 in fact, but the great news is everyone has been accounted for! With that being said, more rain and storms will continue over the next few days.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2075552085597429997" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2075552085597429997"></div><h2><br>Forecast</h2><p>Heavy rain and storms will continue to slowly follow the frontal boundary south into Monday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-12 195751-1783907912974.png">Severe storms are possible each day, with damaging winds expected as the primary hazard, but large hail and an isolated tornado can't be ruled out.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/07-12_rse bams forecast-1783907918779.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Several inches of rain will be possible. With the grounds very saturated, it will not take much to cause more flooding. So remember, TURN AROUND AND DON'T DROWN.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-12 195846-1783907935905.png"></p>

Flooding Rain, Severe Storms Continue to Track Across the South

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Karissa is the Director of On-Air Operations at WeatherNation. Karissa grew up loving math and science, but really fell in love with Meteorology while attending the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. After two summers of storm chasing in the central plains, she knew that it was the career path for her. Standing in front of a thunderstorm and feeling the cool outflow knock her over was an experience she will never forget. After two years at COD, she transferred to Metropolitan State University of Denver. Karissa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology. Her high school and college speech and meteorology professors were extremely supportive and pushed her to succeed. Before joining the WeatherNation team, she previously worked as the Morning Meteorologist at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa and at WMBD-TV in Peoria, IL. She recently was part of a National Edward R. Murrow award winning team for breaking news for their coverage of the EF-4 tornado in Washington, Illinois. In her free time, Karissa enjoys cooking and trying new foods. She is a self proclaimed 'TV Junkie' who can get into just about any show. She is a die hard Chicago sports fan who loves attending professional sporting events.

Karissa Klos

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<p>We're only half way through 2026 and Illinois has already broken its record for the most tornadoes in a single year. According to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://stateclimatologist.isws.illinois.edu/climate-of-illinois/tornadoes-in-illinois/">Illinois State Climatologist</a>, the Land of Lincoln averages 54 tornadoes each year (1991-2020 data). As of June 21, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/summary/">Storm Prediction Center</a> has the count at 196.</p><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/4404339883174541" data-width="500" src="https://www.facebook.com/reel/4404339883174541" style="display: flex; justify-content: center"></div><p></p><p>We spoke with Trent Ford, the Illinois State Climatologist, about why the state has seen an increase in tornadoes. See the full interview:</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nd534_navdI" start="0"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-22 124536-1782153951050.png"></p><p>The previous record was 142, set recently in 2024. In 2025, there was still more than double the yearly average. Last year saw 126 tornadoes in Illinois.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-22 093725-1782142687281.png"><em>Courtesy: Illinois State Climatologist</em></p><p>It's not surprising that June is an active month in Illinois. 63% of their tornadoes come between April, May and June.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-22 094023-1782142838106.png"><em>Courtesy: Illinois State Climatologist</em></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2069080473997844793" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2069080473997844793"></div>

Patrick Crawford

Illinois Smashes Yearly Tornado Record in 2026

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<h1><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-marches-toward-artemis-iii-mission-in-2027-names-crew-members/">COURTESY: NASA</a></h1><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">This morning, NASA announced the four crew members who will be leading their Artemis III mission.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">NASA astronaut&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/randolph-komrade-bresnik/"><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Randy Bresnik</span></a><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)"> will serve as commander. European Space Agency astronaut&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Luca_Parmitano"><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Luca Parmitano</span></a><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)"> as pilot. NASA astronauts&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/nasa-astronaut-andre-douglas/"><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Andre Douglas</span></a><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)"> and </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/frank-rubio/"><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Frank Rubio</span></a><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">, will serve as mission specialists.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">They also named NASA astronaut&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/bob-hines/"><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Bob Hines</span></a> will work and train alongside these four as a backup crew member.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2064385973366976916" src="https://x.com/NASA/status/2064385973366976916"></div><p>"Over the next year they will train for their mission, ensure the lessons learned from the prior crew are implemented, and assist in the development of the landers and operational procedures that will be necessary for their colleagues on future Artemis missions. Artemis III will be an extraordinary demonstration of what is possible when the greatest Aerospace companies across the United States alongside our European partners come together to showcase the technological might and ambition of the free world." said Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator  </p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">During Artemis III, NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket will launch the Orion spacecraft and its crew from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to low earth orbit.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">After Orion systems checkouts, the spacecraft will, for the first time, demonstrate rendezvous and docking capabilities with commercial partners.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">While Artemis II brought ‘moon-joy’, Artemis III will bring ‘earth-joy’ by studying the earth’s atmosphere in ways we never have before.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">"We will study earth's atmosphere, the environment around Orion during the mission, and the impact of space's influence within the Orion capsule..</span>. We'll be doing an observation campaign of the dynamic phenomena on the earth, on our sun and around the environment in space from Orion by using the processes we developed for Artemis II. Having the Artemis crew observe the earth, will be another great exercise for our teams to help guide the way for similar observations on the moon." </p><p>"We'll be focused particularly on understanding our earth's atmosphere and the space environment in and around Orion through their observations. By observing earth's atmosphere and how space weather impacts it, we can better understand how to protect the critical space based technology there and all of that we rely on as well as our future astronaut crews travelling through that region." said <span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Dr. Nicky Fox Associate Administrator, NASA Science. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">The mission will undertake a series of challenging tests in low earth orbit in 2027, essential for Artemis IV, the first planned crewed mission to the lunar south pole in 2028.</span></p>

NASA Names Artemis III Astronauts

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<p>NOAA has released <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-below-normal-2026-atlantic-hurricane-season">their predictions for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season</a>. They are calling for a below normal season with 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes. For probability, they predict a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season. As a reminder, even below average seasons can have major impacts. All it takes is one storm making landfall for it to be a devastating season in the U.S.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 100455-1779379504114.png"></p><p>NOAA sites several factors in their forecast, including the burgeoning El Ni­­ño, and possible Super Ni­­ño, shaping up in the tropical Pacific. The expectation for an El Ni­­ño event during the peak of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season is a big factor in keeping numbers lower than previous years, along with near normal sea surface temperatures, which have been much above average in recent seasons.</p><p>The confidence in an El Niño developing this summer is quite high, but the remaining question is how strong will the event be? A weak El Ni­­ño typically has a lower impact on the tropics in the Atlantic, while a strong El Ni­­ño has a more consistent impact. Each updated forecast from the Climate Prediction Center shows higher confidence in this year's El Ni­­ño being on the strong side.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 083641-1779374209515.png"></p><p>Why does El Ni­­ño typically reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin? The warmer water in the equatorial pacific often leads to a more energetic sub-tropical jet, leading to stronger winds in the upper-atmosphere over the Caribbean. Surface winds in the Caribbean most often comes from the east, known as the trade winds. When these winds lay under strong winds from the opposite (or even the same direction), it leads to strong wind shear which tears hurricanes apart.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 063418-1775740706915.png">“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”</p><p>If this year's name list looks familiar, it's the same one from the historically active 2020 season. There is one difference: the name "Laura" was retired after Hurricane Laura devastated the Louisiana coast. It was replaced with "Leah".</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065301-1775741404492.png"></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/csu-releases-first-hurricane-forecast-for-2026">Colorado State University's Tropical Weather Department has already released their early forecast for the Atlantic Hurricane Season.</a> They are calling for a near normal to slightly below average season with 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. Even with a slightly below average season, major hurricanes are expected with many other named storms. Any named storm that hits land can have major to extreme impacts, so join us here on WeatherNation for Hurricane Prep Week! We'll be talking science with the experts, preparations and so much more. Be sure to check us out <strong>LIVE </strong>on<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/watch-us"> these platforms</a> or on our YouTube stream June 1-7!</p><p></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CcuXpHBtV9o" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p>

NOAA Predicts Below Normal 2026 Hurricane Season

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<p><strong>MAY 2026: </strong>Meteorological spring officially ends on May 31st before giving way to meteorological summer (June-July-August). As we wrap up the season, we're taking a look back at May, typically the most active tornado month of the year in th United States, to see how this year compared to average.</p><p>First, it's important to understand the baseline. April, May, and June, account for more than half (54%) of the average annual tornado totals in the U.S. May alone averages 268 tornadoes nationwide.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 142144-1780258994499.png"></p><h3>2026 vs. Average</h3><p>According to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/summary/">SPC</a> this year we've had 166 tornadoes reported this May, which is about 100 less than an average year.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-01 171050-1780355486229.png">That doesn't mean the month has been without impact. Several notable tornadoes occurred across the country:</p><ul><li><p><strong>May 6 - Mississippi:</strong> An EF3 tornado tracked from Sibley to Monticello, injuring 23 people and destroying numerous homes, mobile homes, and vehicles.<br></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2052569172065042760" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2052569172065042760"></div></li><li><p><strong>May 17 - Nebraska:</strong> An EF3 tornado struck near St. Libory, damaging or destroying homes and a rural housing development.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056185501854650512" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056185501854650512"></div></li><li><p><strong>May 19 - Texas:</strong> An EF3 tornado impacted Mineral Wells, damaging homes and businesses throughout the community.</p></li></ul><p>While May 2026 was less active than average by the numbers, a few statistics stand out: Oklahoma recorded just 2 tornado reports this month, compared to its May average of 32. States that had an above average May were: Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming, Florida, and Mississippi.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-01 171054-1780355538677.png"><br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 141202-1780260236683.png"></p><p>Looking at the past four years, Oklahoma has been below average in three of them. The exception was 2024, when the state recorded 54 tornadoes.<br><br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 140939-1780259933980.png">For more on what to expect for the rest of this severe weather season, be sure to join us on WeatherNation, we stream 24/7.</p>

May 2026 Tornado Recap: Below Average, But Not Without Impact

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<h1>Heading to Churchill Downs this Weekend?</h1><h3>Derby Day Weather Outlook</h3><p>Current forecasts call for partly cloudy to partly sunny skies throughout the day on Saturday, with temperatures expected to top out in the upper 50s Fahrenheit. Morning temperatures are likely to be brisk, with overnight lows dipping to around 40°F, before gradual warming during the late morning and afternoon hours. Don't let those temperatures in the upper 50s fool you - with a north wind it should feel pretty cool for most of the day.</p><p>Perhaps most importantly, the chance of rain appears low, representing a significant improvement from earlier in the week, when unsettled weather threatened to dampen the weekend’s flagship event. While isolated sprinkles cannot be completely ruled out, the forecast is expected to be mostly dry.</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 041851-1777717143387.png"></h1><h1>Impact on Track Conditions</h1><p>Earlier rainfall during the week may have some lingering effects on the Churchill Downs surface. However, with Saturday shaping up to be dry and cool, track conditions are expected to improve steadily. A dry forecast on Derby Day allows the dirt track to firm up, reducing the likelihood of the kind of muddy, sealed surface that can dramatically influence race strategy and outcomes.</p><p>For horsemen, a drying track generally leads to more predictable footing, which can be especially important in a 20‑horse field like the Kentucky Derby, where traffic, pace, and positioning are already major variables.</p><h1><strong>Impact on the Horses</strong></h1><p><strong>From blazing sunshine to torrential rain, the conditions on Derby Day can significantly influence the race's outcome and the experience for horses, jockeys, trainers, and fans alike 🏇</strong></p><p style="text-align: start">🏇 <strong>Precipitation:</strong> Track conditions are the most immediate and noticeable way weather affects the Derby. Rain can quickly turn the usually fast dirt track into a sloppy or muddy surface, altering the performance of certain horses and jockeys. Some horses, known as “mudders,” thrive in wet conditions, while others struggle. For instance, in the rain-soaked 2019 Derby, the muddy track played a role in a dramatic finish that included the controversial disqualification of Maximum Security. Handicappers and bettors pay close attention to forecasts, knowing that a change in weather could shift the odds significantly.</p><p style="text-align: start">🏇 <strong>Temperature</strong> is another critical factor. A warm &amp; humid race day can drain a horse's stamina, especially those not acclimated to the heat and humidity. Trainers often adjust their preparation and hydration strategies depending on the expected weather. Cooler temperatures, on the other hand, may benefit certain horses with more endurance and less speed.</p><p style="text-align: start">🏇 <strong>Wind</strong> also plays a subtle but real role in racing dynamics. A strong headwind down the backstretch can tire front-running horses earlier than expected, while a tailwind might benefit late closers. Though less obvious than mud or rain, wind direction and speed can change race strategies and even alter the pace of the race.</p><p style="text-align: start">In a race where every fraction of a second matters, weather isn’t just a background variable—it’s a potential game-changer. Whether the sun is shining or rain is pouring, the conditions on Derby Day can leave a lasting imprint.</p>

Rain or Shine? Your 152nd Kentucky Derby Forecast

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<p>This year, Earth Day (April 22nd) and Arbor Day (April 24th) mark an action packed week of environmental holidays, and here at WeatherNation, we're taking time to celebrate our planet and the plants and animals that live on it. Join us as we dive into the wonderful world of trees, the Earth, and what we can do to celebrate it.</p><h3><strong><u>Planting Trees:</u></strong></h3><p>One of the most popular ways to celebrate Earth and Arbor Day is by planting trees, but before you start digging, there's a few things to keep in mind. We spoke with experts at Davey Tree Company to learn more about planting the right tree in the right place.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QbcPLjzl95I" start="0"></iframe></div><h3><strong><u>Creating a Plant and Animal Friendly Environment:</u></strong></h3><p>Planting native plants isn't just a fun and sustainable way to enjoy the outdoors, it helps keystone species specific to our areas thrive. Braelei Hardt, with the National Wildlife Federation has a few reminders as we head out and start planting this year.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6gqYcSEEpfU" start="0"></iframe></div><h3><strong><u>Trees and Our Mental Health:</u></strong></h3><p>It may seem odd, but trees have a huge impact on our mental health. Research shows that being around trees can lower our levels of cortisol, the body's main stress hormone. Whether you go as far as practicing shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) or just spending time in your own backyard, trees can reduce anxiety, improve your mood, and make you feel more connected.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXfpxUNe-UM" start="0"></iframe></div><h3><strong><u>Sequoia National Park: Celebrating America's Most Iconic Trees:</u></strong></h3><p>As America celebrates it's 250 birthday, we're celebrating some of our nation's most iconic trees this Arbor Day. We spoke with Holly Streit with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to talk about these incredible trees.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z1bZFbD8s9g" start="0"></iframe></div><h3><strong><u>Clean Water:</u></strong></h3><p>Rich "Raz" Gazgaitis has made it his mission to improve water quality for everyone. He sat down with Meteorologist Taban Sharifi to talk water conservation, how drought impacts our drinking water supply, and what we can do at home to improve our water quality.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_xI1-yNCCNU" start="0"></iframe></div>

Celebrating Earth and Arbor Day 2026

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<p>The cold front that generated the severe storms in the Midwest and Southern Plains on Friday will keep moving east into the Ohio Valley on Saturday. The front will interact with more unstable and showers and storms could quickly turn severe. Not many severe warnings as the threat has been lowered to a Marginal. However, the biggest threat will be gusty winds.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1png-1776546181046.png"></p><h1>Timing</h1><p>The cold front continue eastward towards the Interstate 95 region into the nighttime hours. Rain and snow (yes, snow) will shift farther east on Sunday with the front, keeping precipitation in the forecast for quite a few east coast residents.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-18 04-37-14-1776508746880.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Rain totals could surpass an inch or two, especially form western PA into NY. Isolated flooding is possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776546593051.png"></p><p></p><p>Get the latest forecast for the East with the WeatherNation app anytime - or tune into our broadcast at :10 past the hour!</p>

Severe Storms Shift East on Saturday

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<p>Welcome home, astronauts! Friday, April 10th, the Orion spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, where the U.S. Navy assisted in the recovery of the crew. The weather thankfully allowed for an efficient recovery, even if the seas were a bit choppy.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/WEB 1-1775822977156.png">The descent of the Orion spacecraft was impressive, entering the atmosphere at around 24,000 mph before slowing down and deploying multiple parachutes.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-10 123205-1775845963897.png"></p><p><strong>NEW RECORD</strong> - At 1:56 PM ET on Monday, April 6, 2026, the Artemis II crew broke the record for the farthest distance anyone has traveled from Earth. The previous record was 248,655 miles during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. At 7:07 PM ET, they reached their maximum distance of 252,756 miles from Earth. Later that day, the crew experienced a 40-minute communications blackout with mission control in Houston as they passed over the far side of the Moon before reestablishing contact.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2041225429772882179" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2041225429772882179"></div><p><strong>LIFTOFF -</strong> At 6:35 PM ET on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, NASA launched astronauts on an historic mission to the Moon. This marks the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years, dating back to the Apollo era.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2039477801787769177" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2039477801787769177"></div><p>NASA’s Space Launch System sent four astronauts, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, aboard the Orion spacecraft on a test flight around the Moon and back. This 10-day mission will demonstrate life support systems and help lay the foundation for future deep space exploration.</p><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-28 091928-1774711352235.png">Artemis II Flight History</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Day 1: </strong>focused on launch and entering Earth orbit.</p></li><li><p><strong>Days 2-4: </strong>outbound transit toward the Moon.</p></li><li><p><strong>Days 5-6</strong>: Orion will fly by the Moon, entering its sphere of influence, where the Moon becomes the dominant gravitational force.</p></li><li><p><strong>Days 7-10</strong>: return trip to Earth, followed by re-entry and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, where the U.S. Navy will recover the capsule.</p></li></ul><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-01 180532-1775088336863.png"></p><h2>What is the Future of the Artemis Program?</h2><p>In simple terms, Artemis is the first step in a broader effort to send humans to Mars. Before that, NASA aims to return astronauts to the Moon and establish a sustained presence while testing humanity’s ability to live and work beyond Earth’s orbit. Artemis II, specifically, will send astronauts around the Moon and back.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-28 091131a-1774710738504.jpg">This will be the first mission since 1972 to take humans beyond low Earth orbit, and potentially farther from Earth than any human has traveled before. NASA currently plans a series of Artemis missions, with Artemis IV expected to land astronauts on the Moon.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-01 180027-1775088036041.png">Artemis II marks a major step forward in human space exploration, pushing us farther than we’ve gone in decades, and bringing us one step closer to returning to the Moon… and eventually, reaching Mars.</p>

Artemis II Splashes Down After Journey Around the Moon

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<h1><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-202603"><strong>SOURCE: NCEI, NOAA</strong></a></h1><h2><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></h2><ul><li><p><strong>Warmest March:</strong> The contiguous U.S. (CONUS) average temperature was 9.4°F above the 20th-century average, making March 2026 the warmest March in the 132-year record.</p></li><li><p><strong>Prolonged warmth:</strong> The April 2025–March 2026 period now stands as the warmest 12-month span ever recorded for the CONUS (since 1895).</p></li><li><p><strong>Record daily heat:</strong> 1,432 counties—over half the CONUS area and one-third of the population—observed their single warmest March day on record (1950–present).</p></li><li><p><strong>Record-dry year to date:</strong> The January–March period was the driest on record for the CONUS—less than 70% of average—breaking the previous record set in 1910.</p></li><li><p><strong>Notable drought footprint:</strong> Dry conditions expanded drought to nearly 60 percent of the CONUS—the largest extent of drought since November 2022.</p></li><li><p><strong>Cold in Alaska:</strong> Alaska had its fourth-coldest March on record (since 1925) and the coldest since 2007.</p></li></ul><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Notable-Weathe-Climate-US-032026-1775758116333.png"></p><h3><strong>Temperature</strong></h3><p>The CONUS average temperature in March was 50.85°F, 9.35°F above the 20th-century average, marking the first time any month’s average has exceeded 9°F above that baseline. Maximum daytime temperatures were especially high, averaging 11.4°F above the March average and 0.9°F above the April long-term average.</p><p>Much of the country south of the far northern tier, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, experienced much-above-average temperatures. A broad region spanning the central Pacific Coast, Great Basin, Southwest, and parts of the Rockies and southern Plains observed record warmth, highlighting the widespread extent of the month’s exceptional temperatures.</p><p>Ten states recorded their warmest March on record: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Across all of these states, average temperatures exceeded their respective April averages, with California also eclipsing its average May temperature by 0.7°F.</p><p>At the county level, more than 500 counties—covering over one-quarter of the CONUS and affecting an estimated 79 million people—recorded their warmest March on record, reflecting the broad geographic footprint of the month’s record warmth.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/cty-record_count-mly-tmax-20260301-20260331-1775758164280.png"></p><p>Hawai‘i’s statewide average temperature was 65.0°F, 1.5°F above the 1991–2020 average, ranking as the fifth-warmest March in the 36-year record. Daytime temperatures were near average, but statewide average minimum temperatures stood out at 59.2°F—the warmest March nighttime temperatures on record (1991–present), more than 1°F above the previous record set in 2006.</p><p>In contrast, Alaska’s statewide average temperature was 0.6°F, 10.2°F below the 1925–2000 average. While the North Slope remained near average, much of the state experienced much-below-average temperatures, with parts of the southeast interior, southern coast and panhandle recording record-cold conditions. Minimum temperatures were especially notable, ranking as the third-coldest March on record and the coldest since 1972.</p><h3><strong>Precipitation&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>The average precipitation total for the CONUS in March was 1.83 inches, 0.68 inch below the 20th-century average, ranking as the eighth-driest March in the 132-year record. Combined with January and February deficits, this period marks the driest first three months of any year on record for the CONUS.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/grid-ranks-prcp-202603-1775758208567.png">March precipitation was much below average across much of the West, Southwest, portions of the Plains, Deep South and Southeast. In contrast, above-average precipitation totals fell across parts of the Northwest and northern Rockies, as well as across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region.</p><p>In total, nine states across the Lower-48 ranked among their 10-driest Marches. California received less than a quarter-inch of precipitation statewide—less than 10% of its 20th-century March average and the lowest March total in the 132-year record. Colorado and New Mexico each tied their second-driest March on record, while North and South Carolina each experienced one of their five-driest Marches. In contrast, Michigan received nearly twice its average March precipitation—its third-highest March total on record.</p><p>Simultaneously hot and dry conditions affected 12 states, where much-above-average temperatures occurred alongside much-below-average precipitation, with potential impacts on snowpack and water resources in the coming months. California exemplified these extremes, recording both its warmest and driest March on record.</p><p>Precipitation across Hawai‘i was much above average for the month, with many areas—including large portions of the Big Island, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu—experiencing their wettest March on record (since 1991). This exceptional wetness was driven by back-to-back Kona low systems mid-month that triggered widespread major flooding and landslides across the island chain.</p><p>Alaska’s statewide precipitation was much lower than average, especially over portions of the Southwest, the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutians. However, the cold air over mainland Alaska brought above-average snowfall to much of Southeast Alaska, with several locations recording their highest March totals in more than a decade.</p><h3><strong>Drought</strong></h3><p>According to the March 31 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="ext" href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DmData/DataTables.aspx"><u>U.S. Drought Monitor report</u></a>, about 59.9% of the CONUS was in drought, an increase of about 5.0% from the beginning of the month. Drought conditions persisted or intensified across much of the interior West, the Plains, Mississippi Valley, South and Southeast, with notable degradation across the Rockies and central Plains. In contrast, drought contracted or eased across portions of the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast.</p>

Jesse Kelley

March 2026: Warmest March on Record for U.S.

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<p>The National Hurricane Center is always improving and looking for better ways to communicate threats when it comes to Hurricane Season. This year, they're rolling out a handful of new products, with a new cone, website and symbology to talk about. </p><h2>NEW CONE</h2><p>They've been toying around with an experimental cone for the past 2 years. This year the National Hurricane Center making it operational. It makes it easier to show inland impacts, especially wind, of a landfalling tropical system. Watch and warnings that pertain to a certain tropical system will now be shown along the cone's path.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/NHC Cone-1774369916399.png"></p><h2>TRACK FORECAST ERROR</h2><p>Speaking of the cone, which again, is used to show where the center of any particular tropical system will be in the future, is getting trimmed. These cones are built in with a typical error within the forecast. This year, it's shrinking by 4-8% vs last year. In the Pacific Basin, it will be 3-8% smaller vs 2025. </p><h2>STORM SURGE ALERTS FOR HAWAII</h2><p>This one's pretty straightforward. The National Weather Service will have the ability to issue Storm Surge Watches and Warnings for the Hawaiian Islands like they do in the lower 48. This will also come with a peak storm surge graphic and a potential inundation map. </p><ul><li><p>Generally, a Storm Surge Watch will come out when the threat is within 48 hours of occurring</p></li><li><p>Generally, a Storm Surge Warning will come out when the threat is within 36 hours.</p></li></ul><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Example Peak Storm Surge-1774369995289.png"></p><h2>A NEW WEBSITE</h2><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Hurricanes.gov">Hurricanes.gov</a> will get a makeover of sorts. They're beginnging to work on a mobile version that will be more accessible with a bit of a different look. </p><p></p><h2>UPDATED SYMBOLOGY</h2><p>This one has some scary words, but is pretty simple too: anything that is not expected to develop in both the 2 &amp; 7 day timeframe will come with a grey/white X. So now the scale will go</p><p style="text-align: center"><strong>0% | Grey/White<br>10%-30% | Yellow<br>40%-60% | Orange<br>70%+ | Red</strong></p><p>Below is an example of what the Tropical Weather Outlook could look like this year</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Example Outlook-1774370071665.png"></p><p></p>

NHC Rolls Out New Products in 2026

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Taban Sharifi grew up in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego. She is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) with the American Meteorological Society (AMS). She has a B.S. in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Environmental Sciences with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Go Bruins! While in school, Taban was a meteorology intern with NBC LA. There she helped forecast daily weather for the greater Los Angeles region and created a playbook to deploy weather sensors for NBC owned-and-operated stations across the country. Her first on-air job took her to San Angelo, Texas, where she was a morning meteorologist and co-anchor. Working in West Texas gave her knowledge and experience covering severe storms. From there, she moved to Palm Springs, California. People think forecasting in California is sunshine all the time, but with temperatures in the 120’s, wildfires, damaging winds, floodings, and earthquakes, the forecasting kept her very busy! She also worked there as a general assignment reporter and told community stories. Taban is excited for the challenge and opportunity to forecast nationally with WeatherNation. She also looks forward to exploring all that Colorado has to offer!

Taban Sharifi

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<p>No surprise here: More records were broken across the Southern U.S. on Tuesday (above). Dallas, TX has had a very hot September. Not only did they break a record on Tuesday but 14 days in September have been at or above 100°. This is the most days at or above 100° the Dallas metro has ever seen. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 164302-1789512189730.png"><strong>Heat Advisories</strong> remain in place through this week. Temperatures will be hot and the humidity will make it feel even hotter.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 164541-1789512346870.png">On Wednesday, temperatures will be hot for many. But with the temperatures combined with the humidity, things are going to be hot. With the humidity spots like Little Rock will feel like 109°. New Orleans will have a high of 89°, but will feel like 105°.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 164553-1789512358865.png">The longer-range forecast does not bring much relief in sight. There remains a higher confidence that temperatures will stay above normal through mid-late September.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 164613-1789512377640.png"></p>

Summer Heat Holds it's Grip on the South

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<p>It's no secret that the Midwest has been the spot to watch for severe weather. However, when severe weather strikes, it's important to never sleep on that flooding threat. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC), has issued a <strong>MODERATE </strong>(level 3 out of 4) risk for flash flooding through tonight (above). This is the second-highest risk they can issue. </p><p>It's no surprise that we'll also have<strong> flood watches</strong> in place for cities along I-35 and I-29. These will stick around through Wednesday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 163838-1789511924778.png">With a stubborn ridge draped across the southeast, Gulf moisture will continue to get pushed into the central U.S. through the week. Multiple rounds of fronts will spark up showers and thunderstorm. When the same locations see a multi-day threat, you know the flood potential increases.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 105958-1789491679440.png"></p><p>The heaviest totals are looking to be across portions of Central to Southern Iowa, as well as Central Illinois. Another round of heavy rain continues through the week across portions of Missouri and Indiana.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 163943-1789511988844.png">The forecast stays active for the Midwest through Wednesday. The front that will trigger these storms on Monday is expected to stall into Tuesday, only to be replaced by another system by Wednesday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/0915-1789512050992.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Heavy rainfall and flooding will remain in the forecast over the next week. From Iowa to Wisconsin, totals could exceed 4-5 inches over the next 7 days.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 164058-1789512063012.png">Tune into WeatherNation for your full Central U.S. breakdown at :30 past the hour!</p>

Rounds of Storms Increase the Flood Threat in the Midwest

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<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active so far this hurricane season, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Meanwhile, the Atlantic remains mostly quiet, as wind shear continues to tear apart tropical waves moving off Africa.</span></p><h1>Atlantic Basin</h1><p>There is an area being monitored in the Atlantic Basin for a medium chance of tropical development. Right now, no deterministic models love this area, but plenty of AI models seem to. Worth watching, but again, not threatening unless you're going to Bermuda.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 105547-1789491356079.png"></p><h1>Current Activity: Pacific</h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 164137-1789512103048.png"></p><h1><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">El Niño Fueling Pacific Activity</span></strong></h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 105410-1789491264736.png"></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">The surge in tropical activity comes as El Niño continues to strengthen across the equatorial Pacific. El Niño is characterized by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures across portions of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Those unusually warm waters can influence weather patterns around the globe while also creating an environment that can favor tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific.</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-13 192918-1789349363728.png"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">This year’s El Nino has already strengthened considerably, and forecasts indicate it could become exceptionally strong later this year.</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-12 063433-1789216512410.png"></p>

Tropics: Medium Chance of Development in Atlantic

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<p>For the first time in the satellite era (since 1966), no hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic Basin to date, breaking the record for the latest date in the season. Two seasons previously held the record, with both Gustav (2002) and Humberto (2013) becoming the first hurricanes of their respective seasons at 8 am on September 11th. <br><br>For the real nerds and weather historians out there, 1907 and 1914 did not have hurricanes either, but records in these years relied on observations from ships in the ocean or if a hurricane made landfall. Hurricanes could have formed in these years, but may have been missed due to a lack of satellites.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2098422798066798906" src="https://x.com/philklotzbach/status/2098422798066798906"></div><h1>Current &amp; Mid-Range Outlooks</h1><p>Signs point to low activity in the Atlantic persisting for the foreseeable future. Record-breaking wind shear continues to tear up tropical waves that are able to wiggle between rounds of Saharan dust. We've got one wave out there to track. Signs point to low development but could ramp up this week, potentially.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-14 192801-1789435686103.png"></p><p>While there have been five named storms to date, they've all been tropical storms, producing limited energy. ACE (Accumulated Cyclone Energy) measures total energy released by tropical cyclones and can be a good way to compare seasonal activity. So far, the Atlantic has produced less than 10% of its average ACE, while the Pacific has been nearly doubling what's expected.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-14 073312-1789392812595.png"></p><h1>El Niño Continues to Crush Atlantic Activity, Set To Break Records</h1><p>It's not surprising the Atlantic has been quiet while activity in the Pacific has been exploding. El Niño conitnues to break records and is expected to be the strongest on record as it peaks from the fall into the winter. El Niño is a global weather pattern, characterized by a shift in wind direction which pushes warm water east across the equator toward South America. These warmer water temperatures fuel tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific, but the warm water also alters the behavior of trade winds in the Atlantic. The increased wind shear from the trades often tears apart tropical systems as they try to get organized.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-10 125101-1789066389882.png"></p><p>El Niño is expected to continue to intensify through the end of hurricane season, with a gradual wind down through the late winter and spring months. This should continue to limit tropical activity in the Atlantic, but that doesn't mean additional systems can't form and hit the United States. Remember, while wind shear increases over most of the Atlantic during strong El Niño events, the Gulf and western Atlantic (off the east coast of the US) can have less shear, leading to a better chance of systems forming closer to the coast. We've already experienced that several times this season with tropical storms.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-10 124853-1789066432246.png"></p>

Adrian Hernandez

No Hurricanes Yet in the Atlantic, A New Record

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<p>Monday proved to be an active severe weather day for the plains. The significant wind threat definitely materialized across this region, giving us wind reports out of Nebraska, close to 90 mph!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 034852-1789466001637.png"></p><p>Tuesday, another <strong>marginal</strong> threat for severe weather stretches all the way from Texas to Southern Michigan. Cities in the risk include Kansas City, Chicago, and Indianapolis. Damaging winds will be the main concern on Tuesday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-15 034906-1789466030835.png"></p><p>These storms are expected to form and roll on through around dinnertime. This is also when we'll see the highest likelihood for some of these severe storms.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-15 03-49-33-1789466093879.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Stay with WeatherNation TV for the latest forecast, severe weather alerts and updates throughout the weekend.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p>

Active Pattern Takes Shape Across the Plains

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Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

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<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT </h1><p>Record rainfall has fallen across the Northeast. Bridgeport, CT, saw a daily rainfall record of 4.25" on Sunday! Multiple cities saw rainfall totals of 3-4 inches these past few days. Overnight, a few storms will be possible as the cold front moves through, but things will continue to taper off into the overnight hours. </p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-13 072247-1789305785489.png">GENERAL THUNDERSTORMS</h1><p>As a cold front works through, there is a general risk for thunderstorms overnight. This was downgraded by the SPC, as earlier on Sunday there was a severe threat. Now overnight, you can see a few storms and isolated heavy downpours. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/ne overngith-1789348423494.png"></p><h1>OVERNIGHT </h1><p>As the frontal boundary moves through, there will be a few storms developing along it. Expect dry conditions for your morning commute. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/cold front overngiht-1789348490359.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>For more on your eastern regional forecast tune in at :10 past the hour. </p>

Storms Winding Down Across Northeast

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<p>Temperatures not only broke records on Wednesday but the heat index for some Southern California cities hit near 120° (above). </p><p>While many do not associate tropical storms and hurricanes with the Desert Southwest, it's not unusual to see remnant moisture from these systems pulled into the region several times a year from decaying systems in the Eastern Pacific. The leftover moisture from <strong>Marie </strong>that streamed into the area over the holiday weekend is still lingering. Rainfall totals from Marie brought 2" in some locations. This also significantly increased the high surf and rip currents over the weekend holiday.  Beach erosion and coastal impacts have been significant! </p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2097052283859070982" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2097052283859070982"></div><p>The higher moisture is also impacting the heat across the region. Dew point temperatures have been in the 60s and 70s. Heat Alerts remain active through Thursday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 190346-1789002230793.png">Temperatures across this area are running 10-20° above average for Thursday, before more seasonable temperatures for Friday. Near 90 is expected for San Diego! When the humidity is factored in, temperatures could feel nearly 10 degrees warmer, and today that humidity is lingering. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 190400-1789002244390.png">Below are just a few of the records that broke in Southern California on Wednesday. Temperatures will start to reach near normal again for many by the weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 190417-1789002291052.png">Had plans to hit the beach and beat the heat? Might not be the best idea to head into the water. Beach hazards statements have been issued for coastal California. Mainly, large waves and dangerous rip currents will be the threats to watch out for. Some of these alerts will last through the rest of the work week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 190510-1789002316119.png">If you are going to the beaches, swim near a lifeguard! This is true even for more experienced swimmers.</p><p>If you ever find yourself caught in a rip current:</p><ol><li><p>Don't panic. If you panic and try to swim back to shore against the current, you will exhaust your energy.</p></li><li><p>Swim <em>parallel</em><strong><em> </em></strong>to the coastline. Once you're out of the grip of the rip you'll be able to move towards the shoreline.</p></li><li><p>If swimming parallel is too difficult. Float on your back and try to signal for help!</p></li><li><p>Listen to the lifeguards and monitor beach conditions before you go into the water.</p></li></ol><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 081848-1788368179615.jpg">Stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest in the forecast.</p>

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

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<p>The plains have had an active summer. Severe storms on Wednesday clocked in winds above 70 mph across portions of the plains. The risk for severe weather remains through the overnight (above). As Deep Moisture from the Gulf work north and meet this slow moving front across the southern plains, some much needed rain will be expected across the South. </p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2097822363782103054" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2097822363782103054"></div><p></p><h1>THURSDAY</h1><p>A <strong>Marginal</strong> risk for severe weather remains through cities like Fort Smith, AR and Paducah, KY through Thursday. Damaging winds are the primary threat. As you move farther west, closer to the Front Range, hail will also be a concern. </p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061922-1789044445622.png">TIMING</h1><p>Some storms will hold together overnight, and as the frontal boundary dips south, more storms will develop once again on Thursday. There is an isolated threat for severe weather including damaging winds and hail.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/FSAAA-1788997331944.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>FLOOD THREAT</h1><p>Rounds of severe storms are expected across much of the Plains and Northeast. As a result, the risk for flash flooding will be on the table Thursday &amp; again Saturday with a second system working through.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1789043845373.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061654-1789043852643.png"></p><p>Make sure to tune in at :10 and :30 past the hour for your full Eastern and Central U.S. breakdown!</p>

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

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<p>A relentless ridge of high pressure has been tormenting much of the middle and eastern portions of the lower 48 for the past week. Monthly records have already been broken in Wichita, KS.  With that being said, another round of record highs was set across portions of the central plains. Fort Smith, AR, had a record high of 105°, beating out the previous record of 100°. Multiple cities broke or tied records, including Dallas and Tulsa.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/RECORD HIGH TEMPS -1788997004359.png">More records will be challenged over the next few days across the country and more record potential early next week. Check out Dallas! </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/potementsssa-1788997081302.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-03-29 062145-1789044664836.png"></p><p>Temperatures across the Lone Star State are also going to remain in the triple digits for several spots. Over the next few days, expect the heat and humidity to remain. Thursday, spots like Little Rock, Dallas, and New Orleans will have feel-like temperatures digging into the 100s!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/thurssss -1788997154486.png">OK felt a brief cooldown for Thursday, but it won't last long. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-03-29 062111-1789044822647.png"></p><p>Unfortunately for the middle of the country, the middle of September likely won't bring any relief from the heat.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-08 032947-1788859802102.png">Tune in to WeatherNation for the latest.</p>

Will It Ever End? Heat Wave Persists for Much of the South & Plains

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<p>The unofficial end of summer is bringing another busy travel weekend across the country as Americans head out for Labor Day getaways.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span>Travel is expected to pick up beginning Thursday and remain busy through Monday, Sept. 7, as vacationers take advantage of the long holiday weekend. AAA booking data shows travelers are planning everything from road trips and national park visits to cruises and international vacations.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PKG_TRT 7.00_2026 AAA LABOR DAY TRAVEL_ADRIAN HERNANDEZ_RS_E083026-1788614961272.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Several major U.S. cities are attracting a large share of holiday travelers. Seattle is leading domestic bookings, with Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York also among the most popular destinations. Seattle’s popularity is being helped by travelers departing on cruises to Alaska.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-03 072348-1788441841652.png">Road trips will be a major part of the holiday weekend, and travelers should be prepared for periods of heavy traffic.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)"> </span>The first significant wave of congestion is expected Thursday afternoon as holiday traffic combines with the normal evening commute. The busiest conditions are expected between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday could be even more challenging, with heavier traffic possible from around midday through the evening.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span>Saturday afternoon could also bring slower travel, while Sunday is expected to offer some of the better driving conditions of the weekend. Traffic is forecast to increase Monday again as vacationers head home.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span>Some routes could take considerably longer than usual. In Colorado, the trip north from Denver to Fort Collins along Interstate 25 could take roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes around midday Thursday, nearly twice the typical travel time.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-03 072440-1788441889189.png">As far as the forecast goes, there are areas where severe storms will be possible throughout the day. One area is across the plains with the main threats being strong winds and large hail. Isolated tornadoes are possible in South Dakota. Another isolated threat for severe weather remains for portions of the Gulf Coast, including cities like New Orleans.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-07 080556-1788789966265.png"></p><p>It's still all about the heat from the Central U.S. to the Southeast. Here's a look at high temperatures for your Labor Day.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-07 080612-1788789980970.png"></p><p>National parks are another popular option for travelers looking to spend the final stretch of summer outdoors. Denver and Las Vegas are serving as major jumping-off points for visitors traveling to parks across the West, including Rocky Mountain, Arches, Zion and Grand Canyon.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-03 073709-1788442652697.png"></p><p>With millions of people expected to be on the move, travelers are encouraged to plan ahead. Leaving early in the day can help drivers avoid some of the worst congestion, while checking road conditions before departure can help identify delays or alternate routes.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span>Drivers should also make sure their vehicles are ready for a longer trip. Batteries, tires, and fluids are among the basics worth checking before hitting the highway. Keeping water, snacks, jumper cables, a flashlight, and first-aid supplies in the vehicle can also help if problems develop along the way.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p>The holiday weekend traditionally marks one of the final major travel periods of the summer season, and whether Americans are heading to the beach, mountains, national parks or another city, crowded roads and airports are likely to be part of the journey.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">Stay tuned for more of the forecast with WeatherNation TV.</span></p>

Labor Day Travel Underway as Americans Hit the Roads and Take to the Skies

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2095897171560477173" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2095897171560477173"></div><p>Severe storms have been following the same path this week, trekking from the Midwest into the Northeast. Another round of intense storms rolled through these areas on Thursday, with an EF-2 tornado in Detroit. Thursday's tornado was the first tornado within the Detroit Metro since July 1997!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/1-1788572871546.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-05 102531-1788625559173.png">The intense winds have led to numerous downed power lines, leaving around 500,000 households in the dark Friday morning. Those numbers have been steadily improving since, but many are still without power around Detroit.</p><h1><strong>Severe Threat Shifts South</strong></h1><p>Through Saturday, the overall pattern should begin to change, although a lingering threat for strong or severe thunderstorms may remain across parts of the Carolinas. With repeated rounds of thunderstorms possible, some communities could experience more than one episode of severe weather or flooding before conditions finally improve.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-05 102511-1788625519532.png"></p><h1>Storm Timing</h1><h2>Saturday</h2><p>New rounds of storms could get going early Saturday around the Great Lakes, dropping across the Ohio Valley through the day. Storms continue to dive farther south on Saturday as the front cruises down the east coast.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/FORECAST-1788568573869.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Sun - Mon</h2><p>While some overnight storms are possible, Sunday morning looks to start mostly quiet, with a few isolated storms. By the afternoon, the front will trigger a new round of scattered to numerous thunderstorms, with several of these storms turning severe. Monday's threat will follow the front south into portions of Florida, Southern Georgia, and Southern Alabama.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-05 10-42-55-1788626603869.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Flood Risk</h1><p>Heavy rainfall rates are expected to lead to flooding issues. The heaviest rain through Sunday morning is likely in the eastern Carolinas and SE Virginia. A level 2 out of 4 risk for excessive rain has been issued for these areas.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-05 102645-1788625617628.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-05 102648-1788625639295.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-05 104232-1788626567428.png"></p><p>For more on the severe and flooding threat across the Northeast, tune in to WeatherNation :10 past the hour for your Eastern Regional Forecast.</p>

Power Still Out for Thousands; Severe Storms Target the East Coast This Weekend

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<p>Intense rainfall has inundated parts of Texas this week thanks to, what was, Tropical Storm Edouard. Rain totals east of I-45, north of Houston, have come in at over 15 inches for a few areas.</p><p></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2095195048312995975" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2095195048312995975"></div><p><br>The heavy rain led to flash flood emergencies being issued this past Wednesday, as roads became impassable in some areas. High rainfall totals for East Texas due to the heavy rain. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1788473855278.png"><br>Additional heavy rain is expected for a few areas on Thursday, leading to a lingering flood threat, primarily due to saturated soils.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1788474026008.png"></p><p>The WPC has issued a moderate risk (level 3 out of 4) for parts of eastern Texas, with a level 2 threat that covers portions of the Dallas area. Isolated flooding may linger on Friday before the remnant moisture finally fades.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1788474917265.png"></p><h1>Landfall</h1><p><br><strong>Tropical Storm Edouard</strong> made landfall along the northwestern Gulf Coast on Tuesday, September 1st.<strong> </strong>The National Hurricane Center used radar data from Lake Charles, LA and Houston, TX to determine maximum sustained winds of 60 mph as it moved ashore around 2:20 PM CT near Johnson Bayou, LA.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 194333-1788399821665.png">Wind speeds across portions of Texas peaked to 90 mph. Multiple areas saw wind speeds over 70 mph, leading to power outages for over 75,000 households.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 074944-1788356992093.png"></p>

Flood Threat Lingers in Texas After Edouard

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<h1><strong>WHAT TO EXPECT</strong></h1><p>There is a significant severe threat for hail and winds Thursday. Hail 2 inches in diameter or larger will be possible, and gusts 75 mph + will also be possible. Have multiple ways to get alerts, as some storms will hold together into the overnight hours.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 195114-1788400331561.png">The Storm Prediction Center has a <strong>MARGINAL</strong> to <strong>SLIGHT</strong> risk for severe storms Thursday and Friday. Isolated tornadoes will also be possible on Thursday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 195118-1788400346486.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 195232-1788400358755.png">Below is the latest on the timing of these storms Thursday and Friday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/09-02 rnc thu-1788400367321.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>For the latest updates on these storms, make sure to tune into the central regional forecast:30 past the hour.</p>

More Severe Weather For The Plains

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<p><strong>Flood Watches</strong> are in effect throughout Arizona, Utah, and portions of Colorado (above). Watch for flash flood warnings, especially over recent burn scars. Many areas have been seeing heavy rainfall and flooding over the last few days.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2094198484853457139" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2094198484853457139"></div><p>Flooding in Bright Angel Canyon has led to two confirmed fatalities and over 15 people missing.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-31 134703-1788205659306.png">Pacific moisture continues to inundate the region, with days of heavy downpours for areas around the Four Corners. 1-4 inches of rain are expected in the favored locations, with scattered flash flooding possible.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-01 040659-1788257481476.png"></p><h1>Drought Relief</h1><p>September is favored for above-average precipitation across a majority of the Western United States. This would be a great way to end a solid monsoon season, which runs through the end of the month.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-29 075355-1788011658558.png">With more rain on the way, drought improvement is likely for some areas, while drought removal is even possible in others. Keep doing your rain dance (take video and tag us if you do!).</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-29 075403-1788011667031.png"></p>

Monsoon Moisture Brings Flooding Across the Four Corners

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<p>During El Nino, temperatures across the Eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer, or above normal. For the hurricane season, this means an increase in tropical activity across the Eastern Pacific.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-26 160007-1787781615977.png">These warmer sea surface temperatures also mean an increase in shark activity for Southern California beaches. Meteorologist Taban Sharifi spoke to Dr. Christopher Lowe, professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach on how El Nino brings changes to marine life along the coast.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1FcXy4BQcgA" start="0"></iframe></div><p>As the waters continue to warm through the Fall, Dr. Lowe talked about the changing species that will be seen across the Southern California waters that are not typically there. This includes hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and even manta rays. This also includes white sharks. The water farther south will get too warm for the white sharks, that are normally off the Baha of California, and they will begin to push north. Dr. Lowe said, "It's going to push those juvenile white sharks that are normally in Mexico into Southern California waters." This is something they have already started to see happen during July and August of this year, and the numbers of these sharks are increasing. Dr. Lowe said the sharks could reach as far north as Santa Cruz, CA.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-26 155905-1787784580682.png">There's a sweet spot for water temperatures for these sharks that sits between 64°-72°. Above 82° is when sharks begin to move north. Currently, water temperatures in the Eastern Pacific are significantly warmer than that 82° threshold.</p><p>A message to beach goers: "Believe it or not, having all those white sharks off that beach might actually keep people safer. Because they are eating sting rays, there are fewer sting rays that might hurt people," said Dr. Lowe.</p><p>Watch the full interview for more on how close these sharks get to the coastline and how scientists track their behavior.</p>

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