WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p>Heavy rain continues across parts of Central and South Texas for the rest of the weekend. Moisture continues to pile up along the Gulf Coast from an area of low pressure in the Gulf. Luckily, a cold front is heading south to try to dry things out heading into next week. The best chances of rain and storms will be along the immediate coast.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-04 04-11-01-1791108693923.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Through Tuesday, Deep South Texas can see rainfall amounts between 3-6" of rain closer to the coast.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-04 041145-1791108721890.png"></p><p>Right on queue, another MODERATE (level 3 out of 4) risk for flash flooding has been issued in Texas again. This time, well to the south, where the heaviest of the rainfall is expected.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-04 041315-1791108808781.png"></p><p>Just like for the Southeast, Texas and the rest of the Southern Plains looks very soggy for the long term in the next 7-10 days.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-04 041343-1791108842343.png"></p><p>For more on this forecast, tune in :30 past the hour for your full Central Regional.</p>

Kevin Schneider

Stalled Front Heightens Flood Risk Today

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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><span style="color: black">The effects of El Niño are being felt along the West Coast. Everything from unusual marine life, warmer ocean temperatures and storms that can accelerate coastal erosion. The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has declared a state of emergency for the potential of this historic El Nino season. </span></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2102087880307011690" src="https://x.com/CAgovernor/status/2102087880307011690"></div><p><span style="color: black">There's another piece of the El Niño puzzle scientists are watching closely, a Kelvin wave moving through the Pacific. These waves can change sea levels and ocean conditions along the coast. Meteorologist Taban Sharifi spoke with Dr. Michael Jacox, a research oceanographer with NOAA, to better understand what these waves are and what they could mean for the West Coast during this El Nino. </span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6COLBbZxgE" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: start"><strong>What is a Kelvin wave?</strong></h3><p style="text-align: start">These waves are very different from the waves we think about crashing on the beach. These waves originate off the equator.</p><p style="text-align: start"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 161553-1790115735795.png">“They are very long and they travel huge distances,” said Jacox. These waves are important in the formation of El Niño. Jacox said, “The movement of these waves helps to transmit heat from west to east.”</p><p style="text-align: start">Jacox said, “These waves themselves, it’s not like a tsunami or something that you’re going to see this big wave come in and wash over your balcony. When they come through, they can raise sea level by 6 to 12 inches. So then when you have really high tides, you have storm surge, you have these other effects, they’re happening on top of this extra 6 to 12 inches of sea level. This is sort of one ingredient in the recipe that amplifies the risk from those other factors.”</p><p style="text-align: start">The biggest impacts will come around high tides and ongoing storms, increasing the risk of sea level rise and flooding. This current Kelvin wave is expected to be near San Diego in early to mid-October. You won’t be able to see it with the naked eye, but it will be detectable through ocean measurements.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2100404373692240294" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2100404373692240294"></div><p style="text-align: start">Jacox wants people to know that Kelvin waves are not new. Scientists have known about Kelvin waves for 150 years. “The Kelvin waves are one piece of El Niño. El Niño will also change storm tracks, change wind patterns, and things like that. This is one we are able to track better than we have before, and we will be on top of watching it come through,” said Jacox.</p><p style="text-align: start">Stay with WeatherNation through the hurricane season and the rest of the potential effects of El Niño on the West Coast.</p>

Tracey Anthony

Incoming Kelvin Wave for Southern California: One Piece of the El Nino Puzzle

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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>The second largest reservoir in the United States now sits at its lowest level on record, following a dismal year for snowfall in the Central Rockies. Images released by NASA (top of page) show the contrast with 2017, which saw heavy snow during the preceding winter and thus, plentiful runoff during the spring and summer.<br><br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-18 131721-1789759308683.png"></p><p>Downstream, Lake Mead and the Parker Dam are both at their lowest levels at to-date over the past 30 years. Both are also fed by the struggling Colorado River. River managers have had to take action to keep water levels above the threshold necessary to generate power, including releasing extra water from upstream basins and cancelling timed releases set to help native species survive on the river.</p><h1>Snowpack Determines River Levels</h1><p>While the Southwest Monsoon has had a solid season in 2026, those hit or miss thunderstorms are only a drop in the bucket compared to the water supplied to the Colorado River from melting snow. The river is fed by numerous mountain ranges in the Central and Southern Rockies, though most of the water comes from the mountains west of the continental divide in Colorado.</p><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-18 131656-1789760441419.png"></h2><p>Snowpack in Colorado got a late surge in the Spring but was still near record lows, especially in Southwestern Colorado. Many ski resorts were forced to shut down a week to a month ahead of normal. The melt-off of the snowpack was the second earliest on record. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-18 134932-1789760993718.png"></p><p>The deficit of precipitation is tremendous in many areas, but western Colorado stands out with the bright red colors, indicating at least 2 feet of water missing over the last year. Other mountain ranges that send runoff into the Colorado are also lagging well behind, with deficits of 1-2 feet widespread across the west. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-18 131534-1789761117664.png"></p><h1>Winter Outlook</h1><p>The surging El Niño could offer some help in the form of heavy precipitation. Wetter than average conditions are favored across much of the west, with near normal precipitation favored for much of the Upper Colorado River Basin. Unfortunately after many years of below average precipitation, it would likely take many successive seasons to help the river return to normal. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-18 135826-1789761517713.png"></p>

Lake Powell Drops to Record Low

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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><p></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 2026-09-20 071102-1789911143975.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 continues 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 2026-09-16 074742-1789566465249.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>

No Hurricanes Yet in the Atlantic, A New Record

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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>

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>

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>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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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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<h3>WHAT TO EXPECT</h3><p>A ridge of high pressure will build this week, keeping temperatures above average across the central U.S. Temperatures across the south will run 5°-10° above average, but in the northern Plains and Midwest, 10°- 20° above average! This will make for some warm weather for any fall activities you have planned.</p><h3>NORTHERN PLAINS AND MIDWEST:</h3><p>Temperatures will be quite warm in the coming days for this portion of the country. Most cities will see highs in the upper 60s and 70s! Rapid City normally has an average high of 59°, and on Thursday will have a high of 79°.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-20 184836-1792543719967.png"></p><p>As we look ahead through the end of October, there is high confidence that much of the country will remain above average. That looks to include and Trick or Treaters if the pattern holds up!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-20 184851-1792543735783.png"></p>

Warmer Than Average: Above-Normal Temperatures Across the Central U.S. This Week

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<p>Isaias ended the late-season streak of no hurricanes in the Atlantic, but how will the rest of the season shape up? Record-breaking wind shear is likely to continue to limit most tropical systems in the Atlantic, but a few more storms are still possible.</p><h3><strong>Invest 94-E</strong></h3><p><strong><em>Invest 94-E</em></strong> is expected to form into a tropical storm over the next day or so as conditions are conducive for development. Models have this system staying just west of Mexico.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-20 184523-1792543531771.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-20 184543-1792543547938.png"></p><h1><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">El Niño Fueling Pacific Activity</span></strong></h1><p>The Eastern Pacific has set a new record for the most energetic season since record-keeping began. The ACE has surpassed 318, which was the previous record set in 2018.</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 2026-09-28 194202-1790646127358.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: Pacific Staying Active

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<p>Looking ahead to this week, a low-pressure system will drop south from Canada down into Southern California. WPC favors most of the Western United States for above-average precipitation, which is good news after the fires that broke out across Southern California last week.</p><h2>FORECAST TIMING</h2><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/1020-1792518751443.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>SEVERE STORMS</h2><p>There are two areas to watch out for in relation to severe storms on Wednesday. There is an <strong>Enhanced</strong> risk for severe storms across Central Arizona. The enhanced is due to significant hail potential, along with isolated to scattered tornadoes, and strong damaging winds. There is also a <strong>Marginal</strong> risk for severe weather across Southern California. Isolated tornadoes and damaging winds will be possible here.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-20 122052-1792520458510.png">A <strong>marginal to slight </strong>risk for severe weather will stick around through Thursday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-20 184256-1792543380965.png"></p><h2>EXCESSIVE RAINFALL &amp; SNOW</h2><p>The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has a <strong>marginal </strong>to <strong>slight</strong> risk for heavy rainfall and flooding across portions of the Southwest Wednesday and Thursday. Precipitation should really get going on Wednesday, especially in Central and Southern California. Throughout the week, the precipitation will slide eastward into the Four Corners. Thankfully, these alerts die off by Friday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/10201-1792518804409.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-20 115332-1792518817113.png">This event could bring some snowfall to the Sierra Nevada.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-20 184340-1792543424556.png">This also means some decent totals for the Rockies as well! Our in-house models suggest some isolated spots getting up to a foot by Friday!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-20 184352-1792543436739.png"></p><p>For all the latest details, tune into the West Regional forecast every hour, at :50 past the hour.</p>

Severe Weather & Heavy Rainfall Aims for the West This Week

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<h1>SETUP</h1><p>An upper-level low broke off from the flow aloft earlier this week. This helped spin up a surface low that will remain largely stationary into Wednesday. That could buy it enough time to acquire subtropical characteristics sometime this week. Regardless, the impacts will be felt, especially along the coasts.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/LOOLLL-1792543668099.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p></p><p></p><h1>IMPACTS</h1><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-18 113555-1792344980113.png"></p><p>High winds with a stubborn low will wear down many beaches along the eastern seaboard. What's of most concern are the beaches in North Carolina, which stick out farthest, and places like Virginia, which will have to endure days of breezy winds agitating the seas. Waves of 10-15 feet can be expected, which will help push a few feet of seawater onshore into normally dry stretches of the coast.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-20 050623-1792494397482.png"></p><p></p><p>Wind gusts could reach 40-50 mph at times throughout the week as well. The questions about rainfall hinge on the location of the low. At this time, only areas along the coast could get a few showers, with the best chance looking like Monday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-20 050707-1792494439890.png"></p><h1>JOSEPHINE? IS THAT YOU?</h1><p>But if the low develops some tropical characteristics, it would need a name. Josephine is the next name on the list in the Atlantic basin. The NHC has started to increase these chances, dubbing it Invest 93-L in its latest update.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/WEB 1-1792505146913.png"></p><p>Right now, a majority of models struggle to develop the traits needed to qualify as a subtropical system, but that could change. Ultimately, the impacts won't change with or without officially naming it.</p>

Nor'Easter Riles up the Waves This Week

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<p>Santa Ana winds helped several fires grow quickly on Thursday and Friday around Southern California, forcing a closure on I-5 near Camp Pendleton. Unfortunately, more fires grew on Friday, one of which was the Norte Fire near San Juan Capistrano. Evacuation orders remain for the Norte Fire and the Bryson Fire. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/"><strong><u>Check on the latest status with CalFire</u></strong></a>. Santa Ana winds are expected to continue into Saturday before backing off into Sunday. Warm and dry conditions are also increasing the fire danger. Power is being shut off to prevent additional fires from getting started, primarily in areas around northern Los Angeles into the Simi Valley and surrounding mountain communities. Weather conditions will help in containment efforts moving forward.</p><p><strong>Bryson Fire: </strong>146 acres, 74% contained. This fire began in Los Angeles County near Encinal Canyon Rd. in Malibu on Thursday, Oct. 15.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2110928718306615510" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2110928718306615510"></div><p><strong>Norte Fire: </strong>570 acres, 60% contained. The Norte fire began in Orange County, right along the border between San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. This fire started on Friday, October 16th. Orange County fire officials say six homes have been damaged or destroyed. The burn scar remains an active fire hazard area and is closed until further notice.</p><p></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2111192490997125311" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2111192490997125311"></div><p><strong>Henderson Fire: </strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">3,260 acres, 85% contained. This was the largest of the fires that broke out. The Henderson fire began on Thursday afternoon near Camp Pendleton. The fire forced closures of north and southbound lanes of I-5 as it grew rapidly. All evacuation orders are now lifted.</span></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2111479851412832613" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2111479851412832613"></div><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-18 183715-1792370245286.png">Fire Outlook</h1><p>There is a <strong>Elevated</strong> risk for fire danger across portions of Northern California, Nevada, and Southeastern Oregon on Monday. A strong trough is dropping down the coast today, kicking up the winds in these locations.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-19 073620-1792417058638.png">Keep checking with WeatherNation for more updates on the California wildfires.</p>

Several Fires Break Out in SoCal Last Week Amid Santa Ana Wind Event

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<p>Across portions of the Ohio Valley through the Mid-Atlantic, temperatures will be cool to start your Monday morning. There are widespread frost and freeze alerts for temperatures into the 30s.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-18 185729-1792371454398.png">Ridge of high pressure builds back in by Wednesday, bringing temperatures back above average across the central U.S.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-18 185752-1792371502912.png">Temperatures start to climb on Wednesday and will continue to stay warm through the work week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-18 185829-1792371519268.png">It's not just the south, the north will climb well above normal too. Minneapolis will reach the 70s when temperatures should be under 60 by now.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-18 185834-1792371541054.png">The longer-range outlook holds on to a higher confidence that temperatures will remain above normal through the end of October across a large portion of the country.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-18 190004-1792371633934.png">Tune into WeatherNation :10 past the hour for more on your eastern regional forecast.</p>

Another Cold Morning Before Things Warm Back Up

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<p></p><h1>Severe Storm Potential</h1><p>Severe risk is decreasing into Saturday morning. Some lingering storms still could produce some heavy rain and strong winds as the cold front departs the region.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/PIC 4-1792198726852.png"></p><h1>Timing</h1><p>You can see the lingering storms through the first half of Saturday into the Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Northeast. Some rain could be heavy enough to impact travel and produce some isolated flash flooding.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/FORECAST-1792198978545.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><h1>Cooler Air</h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/PIC 4-1792198992928.png"></p><p>Temperatures will drop quickly behind the front, dropping into the 40s for highs this weekend parts of the Northeast and Great Lakes!</p><p></p>

Severe Risk Diminishing Saturday Morning for the Northeast

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<p>Extreme rainfall has been hitting areas of Texas and Oklahoma over the past 3 days. This is tropical moisture out of the Eastern Pacific that is feeding into this heavy rain set-up. Heavy rain will stay a factor into Friday for many of these same areas. Flash flooding and ponding will be likely.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/PIC 4-1792105981174.png"></p><p>On Wednesday, a tornado was captured on video near Fort Stockton. Preliminary reports indicate this tornado caused some damage.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2110471661556498786" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2110471661556498786"></div><p></p><h1>Outlook &amp; Timing</h1><p>Even though there were no outlooks for severe, intense thunderstorms will be possible overnight into Friday morning for areas of West Texas. Rainfall rates could get over 1" per hour and lead to flooding conditions.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/FORECAST-1792106185285.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Flood Threat</h1><p>With the added moisture from Simon in the Pacific, heavy rainfall rates appear likely at times through Friday. Rain could fall at more than 2 inches per hour in some areas overnight, with totals surpassing 3 inches in a few locations.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-15 063540-1792068465522.png">There is a <strong>moderate</strong> threat for heavy rain and flooding across portions of SW Texas, while the slight risk encompasses much of west Texas into Southern Oklahoma.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/PIC 4-1792106287609.png"></p><p>Tune in to WeatherNation for your top weather headlines. Your full Central Regional Forecast can always be found :30 past the hour.</p>

Flooding & Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains

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<p>A digging trough is bringing cooler temperatures and rounds of snow across the Rockies. So far, portions of Montana have seen 1 to 2 feet of snow. Snow is still lingering in Wyoming and Colorado. In fact, parts of these states are under <strong>Winter Weather Advisories </strong>through Thursday afternoon.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-15 075003-1792072220461.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/montana snow reports -1791912601730.png">As this low-pressure system moves through, expect rounds of rain and snow over the next few days, with things tapering off by Thursday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/FORECAST-1792023424748.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Our in-house model shows isolated snowfall totals up to a foot of across the higher elevations.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/PIC 4-1792023498486.png">Cool temperatures will continue to be below average as this low-pressure system moves through. Denver normally has a high of 66° and will only see a high of 54° on Thursday afternoon after starting the day with lows in the 30s. Freeze Watches have now been issued for parts of the Rockies and Western Plains into Friday morning!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-15 075157-1792072328421.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-15 075100-1792072300854.png"></p><p>For the latest updates on this forecast, tune into WeatherNation.</p>

Cooler Air & Lingering Snow for The Rockies

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<p>Rachel came ashore in far northwestern Mexico, but the moisture, wind, and coastal hazards have brought impacts across the Southwest. Heavy rain has already prompted flash flooding, with elevated winds reportedly leading to some damaged trees. Remnants of Rachel are also significantly impacting the Southern California coastline.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2109372509783232854" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2109372509783232854"></div><p></p><p>The California coast remains under <strong>Coastal Flood Advisories </strong>through Tuesday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-12 121608-1791828991428.png"></p><h1>Rain &amp; Flood Forecast</h1><p>The Remnants of Rachel brought heavy rainfall. Las Vegas saw 1.08" of rainfall on Sunday, breaking the old record of .78". This ties the all-time wettest October Day!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-12 121715-1791829042950.png"></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2109622612250988652" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2109622612250988652"></div><p></p><p>More on your Western Regional forecast can be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p>

Rachel Spreading Moisture Across the Southwest

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<p>Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, FL, around 8:30 pm CT as a Category 2 hurricane. Maximum sustained winds were reported at 105 mph with a minimum central pressure of 971 mb.</p><p>On Wednesday evening, <strong>Isaias</strong> became the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season. This breaks the decades-old record of the latest to form in the modern, satellite era.</p><p>The storm got off to a slow start, but quickly strengthened Friday, becoming a Category 3 storm with winds of 120 mph. Although it weakened slightly as it came ashore, there are widespread reports of wind damage and power outages along the coast. Isaias is now a post-tropical cyclone as it continues moving northward into the Mid-South.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2108724199535919547" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2108724199535919547"></div><p></p><h1>Flooding/Storm Surge Recap</h1><p>Isaias brought heavy rainfall totals across the southeast. Heaviest totals stayed stuck down into Alabama and Florida, with Bellwood getting real close to that 13" mark!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-12 051330-1791803624676.png"></p><p>The flooding concerns extended down to the coastline. Places like Panama City Beach in Florida, say peak storm surge up to 5.5 feet!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-12 051029-1791803632011.png"></p><h1>Severe Weather Recap</h1><p>Isaias made landfall as a strong category 2 hurricane. The max wind gusts definitely reflected that, with some spots across the Sunshine State picking up category 3 level wind gusts!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-12 051502-1791803779120.png"></p><p>The remnants of Isaias brought flooding and many severe storm reports. North Carolina saw numerous tornado and wind reports. Flash flooding was also a concern as the tropical moisture moved through.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/remnantssss -1791769459868.png"></p><p>Stay tuned to the forecast here on WeatherNation. We'll bring you the details you need, and cut out all the hype.</p>

Isaias Makes Landfall as A Category 2, Recapping it's Impacts

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<p>A strong upper-level trough digging south from the Gulf of Alaska will bring some noticeable changes to the weather pattern. Wind, snow, and fire weather are possible, and this pattern will last into early this week.</p><h1>Upper-Level Trough</h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-12 051918-1791803974115.png"></p><h1><strong>Snowfall Totals</strong></h1><p>After this weekend, Montana picked up quite a bit of snow with this system! Elk Peak got up to 19"!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-12 052056-1791804157531.png"></p><h1>Forecast Snowfall</h1><p>Our in-house model is showing significant snowfall further south through Thursday. In combination with some tropical moisture, a lot of what ends up in higher elevations, will fall as snow. As for now, we could see totals above a foot across the Rockies by the end of the week!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-12 123137-1791829901402.png"></p><p>Stay tuned to WeatherNation at :50 past the hour for your full Western U.S. breakdown!</p>

Digging Trough Brings Wind and Snow to the Rockies this Week

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<p>Deep tropical moisture streaming north from the Gulf is combining with a slow-moving front, setting the stage for widespread showers and thunderstorms along the Gulf Coast. Apalachicola, Florida, saw 7.49 inches of rain on Monday; this was the wettest October day on record! More heavy rainfall and flash flooding are possible Thursday into Friday, along with an isolated tornado or two. </p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2107561532381090282" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2107561532381090282"></div><p>A stalled front is taking the moisture from Isaias and pulling it across Central and Northern Florida. For more info on Isaias and its impacts, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Gulf-Braces-For-Tropical-Impact">read here</a>.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-08 09-10-32-1791472273083.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Some localized totals of 5-6 inches of rain will be possible. Watch out for localized flash flooding and ponding on the roads in the usual spots.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 085923-1791472325822.png">In addition to heavy rain, extra rotational energy from Isaias could spawn a few tornadoes on Thursday. Stay tuned to WeatherNation TV for additional details and live coverage.</p>

Flooding, Tornadoes Target Central Florida Thursday

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<p><span>A major temperature divide is unfolding across the United States as millions experience a true taste of fall while parts of the West continue to deal with summer-like heat.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span><span>A surge of cooler air has spread across much of the central and eastern United States, sending temperatures tumbling and bringing some of the chilliest conditions of the season so far. Meanwhile, unusually hot weather continues across portions of the West Coast, where temperatures are running well above what is typical for early October.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong><span>Summer Hangs On in the West</span></strong><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>While jackets are coming out farther east, residents across portions of the West are still dealing with significant heat.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Temperatures across parts of California and the interior West are running roughly 10 to 15 degrees above average in some locations. Triple-digit temperatures have even been recorded in portions of Southern California despite the calendar moving deeper into October.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span><span>Los Angeles experienced consecutive October days with temperatures reaching at least 100 degrees, highlighting the intensity of the unusual fall heat.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span><span>The persistent warmth stretches beyond Southern California, with above-average temperatures extending through portions of the Great Basin and toward the northern Rockies.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p>Over the next 3 days, many cities will be near, tie, or break the current records.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035357-1791366853404.png">Heat alerts remain in place through Friday. Los Angeles is under an extreme heat warning, meaning use caution if working outdoors and make sure to drink plenty of water.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035446-1791366898851.png">Check out temperatures in Los Angeles: the average high is normally 80°, but temperatures will flirt again with the century mark even in the next few days. Temperatures will remain in the upper 90s for Las Vegas, and Phoenix will dig into the 100s.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035550-1791366965841.png">The Northwest will also be threatening record-high temperatures. High temperatures will stay hot in most of the cities in the Northwest. These highs will be anywhere from 10-15° above average.</p><p><strong><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035630-1791367010235.png"></strong></p><p><strong>Meanwhile, in the Northeast, <span>Fall Air Settles In</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></strong></p><p><span>A strong cold front has helped usher cooler, drier air into a large portion of the country. Behind the front, daytime temperatures are struggling to climb out of the 50s and 60s in some areas.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span><span>The cooler air is especially noticeable during the overnight and early morning hours. Temperatures are dropping into the 30s and 40s across parts of the northern tier, Great Lakes and Northeast, creating the potential for frost in some of the coldest locations.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>For areas that have enjoyed a relatively warm start to fall, the change may feel especially dramatic.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span><span>The arrival of the cooler air is also pushing temperatures below seasonal averages across portions of the central and eastern U.S., signaling a more traditional October weather pattern.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 040003-1791367220514.png"></p><p><strong><span>A Coast-to-Coast Temperature Contrast</span></strong><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>The dramatically different conditions are creating a weather map that looks more like two different seasons.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span><span>Much of the East is experiencing crisp mornings, cooler afternoons, and increasing frost potential, while parts of the West remain firmly locked in a pattern more typical of late summer.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 040204-1791367341750.png"></p><p><span>Eventually, the western heat is expected to ease as the weather pattern shifts. Until then, millions of Americans will continue experiencing very different versions of October depending on which side of the country they call home.</span></p><p>Tune in to WeatherNation for the latest on this forecast and records that break throughout the days to come.</p>

Fall Chill Grips the East While Record Heat Bakes the West

CARECORDHIGHSpng-1791335712859.png

<p>A noticeable change in the weather is on the way for millions across the Great Lakes and Northeast as some of the coldest air since spring moves into the region.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p>After an unusually warm start to October, a push of Canadian air will send temperatures tumbling over the next several days. The transition could eventually bring the season’s first widespread frost and freeze to portions of the northern United States.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-03 073235-1791034366761.png">Check out how cold the temperatures will be for the Northeast early next week. This cold air could kill temperature sensitive vegetation.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-05 063050-1791203461967.jpg"></p><p>The cooldown marks a dramatic change following the recent stretch of unseasonably warm weather across the eastern United States.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span>October is typically when the first freeze becomes increasingly common across the Midwest and Northeast, although the exact timing varies considerably depending on elevation and location.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-03 073713-1791034643040.png">For many across the Great Lakes and Northeast, the upcoming cold snap could provide the clearest sign yet that the warm days of early fall are beginning to fade.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;Stay Tuned for more details in the Eastern Regional forecast on WeatherNation TV :10 past the hour.</span></p>

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