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<div>Lucy is originally from the Boston area but has spent the last four years forecasting and living in Colorado! She stayed in the northeast for her education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Meteorology. Just a few days after graduation, she made the cross country move to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career at KKTV, the CBS affiliate. Lucy has covered historic blizzards, tornadoes, windstorms, the largest wildfires in Colorado state history and dust storms ... they truly "get it all" in Colorado! Lucy is excited to forecast on a national level and continue her passion of explaining the science behind the weather!</div>
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Lucy Bergemann

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The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical outlook for a small, but persistent area of low pressure over the Atlantic Ocean that is about 900 miles away from the Cabo Verde Islands over open waters. It is NOT expected to strengthen into anything tropical and will dissipate over the next few days. Still, with the hurricane season just 37 days away, starting on June 1st, it is a good reminder that tropical activity is knocking on our doorstep. Official outlooks from the NHC start on May 15. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1783227611633549361" src="https://twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic/status/1783227611633549361?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet"></div>There have been very few Atlantic tropical cyclones in April - only 3 in the last 50 years. Storms are more common in the offseason months of December and May which bookend the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Most tropical systems that form in the off months are tropical storms in May or hurricanes in December. Our most recent off-season tropical cyclone was an unnamed storm in January of 2023 off the coast of New England. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/atlantic activity-1713990590600.jpg">As we head into May, tropical development is uncommon, but not impossible. Below are the historical locations of tropical systems in the month of May, most forming in the warm Caribbean and Gulf waters. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/may climo-1713990590601.jpg">The peak of hurricane season is in September, when waters are climatologically warm. As a reminder, the first seasonal forecast from Colorado State University calls for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/atlantic-hurricane-season-2024-expected-to-be-well-above-average">ABOVE AVERAGE hurricane season</a> with the potential for 23 named storms thanks to El Nino and warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/chart-1713990590597.jpg">For the latest on tropical forecasts and outlooks, join WeatherNation always streaming 24/7.

Steve Glazier

Tropical Update: Early Area of Interest in the Atlantic

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The spring season often means rounds of strong and severe storms in the heart of the country, with this April being no exception. A potent upper-level low-pressure system will eject from the Rocky Mountains and move across the Plains midweek creating wind shear and lift in the atmosphere. At the surface, a well-developed dryline is forecast from west Texas to west-central Kansas. This is the boundary between dry air and muggy air where storms could form from mid to late afternoon.Related article: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/wet-weekend-in-the-lone-star-state">Front Sparks Storms in Texas Tuesday &amp; Wednesday </a>and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/weekend-forecast-more-severe-weather-in-the-plains">Weekend Severe Threat</a><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-23 07-39-30-1713879817199.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Thursday is highlighted as an ENHANCED RISK (level 3 out of 5) on the threat scale with pockets of large hail, strong winds, and a few tornadoes all on the table. We start Thursday with heavy rain in the Texahoma before daytime heating helps to develop more individual storm cells through the afternoon and evening hours. Those individual storm cells pose the risk of rotation, creating tornadoes and damaging hail and downburst winds.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-24 11-39-10-1713980401679.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Our in-house model depicts one of the worst-case scenarios, with multiple rounds of severe storms possible. On the other hand, another model, the HRRR, isn't so sure we'll get storms much before midnight when the front arrives. Here's another example of what the commute home could look like on Thursday (below).<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-24 11-38-37-1713980424670.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The severe weather trend continues on Friday for the Midwest and Mississippi Delta. Cities under risk again on Friday include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City, and Dallas. Once again all modes of severe weather are possible. Please have numerous ways to get alerts.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-24 07-31-26-1713965949044.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Significant Storm Threat Thursday

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Snow is in the forecast for Denver, which could be our last snowfall of the year - right on track. The Mile High City is no stranger to some wild temperature swings and this week is no different. After snow and frosty conditions this past weekend and the start of the work week, highs jump into the 70s for the Front Range and wider Southwest through Thursday. We could hit records in New Mexico on Tuesday afternoon too! Temperatures have been in the 90s and 100s for Phoenix and that heat will linger a bit longer before a cool down arrives in time for the weekend.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot 2024-04-24 170055-1713999663409.png">The cooldown is thanks in part to a couple of areas of low pressure that slid into the Southwest from the Pacific this week. Our first low through Thursday will aid in thunderstorm development along I-80 in northern Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming but doesn't knock temperatures too much. A second area of low pressure arrives Thursday through the weekend and packs a bigger punch.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-24 11-42-48-1713980619657.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>As mentioned above the first area of low pressure through Midweek impacts the northern tier of the Southwest with isolated showers and a rumble of thunder. Storms bubble up in the heat of the day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, moving from Northwest to Southeast around the flow of our low. More moisture arrives Thursday night on the West Coast making its way into the Four Corners Friday and continuing into Sunday for Colorado and New Mexico.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-24 11-42-05-1713989279109.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Our heaviest snow will be in the Colorado Rockies with snow in the Sierra Nevada and Wasatch Range of Utah. A bit of snow could make it down into Denver and SLC, which isn't uncommon for late April. The average last snow in Denver is April 28th and in Salt Lake City on average in April 16.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/SNOW-1713980594150.jpg">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest information on our warm temperatures and weekend snow potential.

Record Warmth to Weekend Snow in the Four Corners

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The plains are experiencing an ongoing threat of severe weather as a weather pattern has set up. If it seems like April has been particularly busy with severe weather, that would be correct - except for two days, each day has seen some level of severe weather. More than one-third of those days have been Level 3 or higher.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/April Risk Calendar-1713961832872.png">On Wednesday, an area of low pressure will linger across Texas,&nbsp;leading to&nbsp;showers and storms throughout the day.&nbsp;Daytime heating will aid in fueling these storms as temperatures reach the upper 70s to mid-80s across the Plains. The strongest storms will be in the afternoon and evening with some storms lingering overnight. Please have multiple ways of receiving severe weather alerts that can wake you up in&nbsp;an emergency.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/0424-1713989815510.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The primary threats on Wednesday include significant size hail and tornadoes, especially in West Texas from Lubbock down to I-20 including Midland and Abilene.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot 2024-04-24 141727-1713989854592.png">The severe weather threat <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-returns-to-the-plains-thursday-friday">continues into Thursday, Friday</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/weekend-forecast-more-severe-weather-in-the-plains">even the weekend</a> for similar areas. Please stay weather-aware!

Storms in Texas, Oklahoma Today

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Kara has always been passionate about weather and knew from an early age that she wanted to become a meteorologist. Living in different regions of the country and experiencing weather events ranging from ice storms to tornadoes drove her to pursue a bachelor's degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma. Throughout college, storm chasing became a regular event for Kara, where she saw first-hand the power of the atmosphere. Kara graduated cum laude from OU and decided to further her meteorology education with a Master's degree from Mississippi State University. The deadly April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak struck while Kara was studying at MSU; her first “Dixie Alley” tornado event and an up close glimpse into the destruction of the storms she so closely studied. Her broadcast career began in Elvis’ birthplace, Tupelo, Mississippi, where she earned her Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal from the American Meteorological Society. Kara's career has included coverage of all types of severe weather including tornado events, flooding and tropical systems across multiple southern states. Recently she helped cover the 2020 Easter Sunday deadly tornado outbreak in southeast Mississippi. In her free time, you can find Kara outdoors exploring new areas with her mini poodle,Truffles. Kara is also an avid runner and frequently races in 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons. Say hi to Kara on <a href="https://twitter.com/wxkara">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/karajameswx">Facebook</a>!

Kara James

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We are looking at the threat of another severe weather outbreak for the final weekend in April. Historically, our highest number of tornadoes occur in April and May, so we are deep into severe weather season.Related Article -<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-returns-to-the-plains-thursday-friday"> Severe Weather Thursday - Friday</a>The Storm Prediction Center has issued severe weather outlooks for both Saturday and Sunday across the Plains, indicating confidence in the threat of severe weather potential. These are similar areas that are under the severe weather threat on Thursday and Friday. Once again all severe weather hazards--hail, wind, and tornadoes, are possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/04-24 Sat SPC-1713991025660.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/04-24 Sun SPC-1713991066195.png">Storms develop around an area of low pressure in the Plains on Saturday. Storms are mainly focused in Oklahoma and Texas. More severe weather looks likely on Sunday as the front hits warm, moist air over the central and southern Plains. Severe weather will continue into Monday morning in an overnight severe weather threat so please look ahead to the weekend and have multiple ways to get alerts.In addition to the severe weather, there is also a flood threat, especially in Missouri, eastern Kansas, and Oklahoma. This is thanks to heavy rainfall in combination with saturated soils from heavy rain already falling earlier in the week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/GFS Rainfall amount-1713961289144.png">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the severe weather threat and forecast information.

Weekend Forecast: More Severe Weather in the Plains

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More people die from heat every year than ALL other extreme weather COMBINED. So how do you know how hot it is it really going to be?&nbsp;The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control [CDC] worked collaboratively to produce a new HeatRisk tool rolling out this summer from coast to coast. The tool had previously been used on the West Coast, but the 2024 summer will bring this experimental product to all cities across the U.S. According to Kimberly McMahon, the NWS Public Weather Services Program Manager, "HeatRisk is a great tool to just put into context, how hot it's going to be compared to what they're used to." The HeatRisk scale ranges from minor to extreme impacts and is color-coded from yellow to magenta. For reference, a MINOR impact day is your typical summer day.&nbsp;MODERATE days bring impact to vulnerable populations, especially people who are in the sun for long periods or without A/C. On these days, fans and open windows help to alleviate heat impacts inside.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/major-1713896597233.jpg">MAJOR impact days can be deadly for those without A/C and power interruptions are possible due to the heat stress. Hospitals are likely to see an increase in the number of ER visits due to heat-related illnesses. Outdoor activities should be shifted to cooler times of the day.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/mod-1713896597231.jpg">Finally, EXTREME impact days are for long-duration or potentially record-breaking heat events. There will be little to no relief from the heat overnight... and power outages are likely due to the stress on the grid. Outdoor activities should be canceled, and you should stay in cool spaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2023 during Phoenix's month-long stretch of 100°+ degree days, more people died in their un-air conditions homes than outdoors. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/xtreme-1713896597235.jpg">The HeatRisk tool incorporated heat forecast and historical data from NOAA to include: how above normal the temperatures are, the time of year, the duration of the heat, and overnight relief potential.&nbsp;It also considers at what temperature heat deaths occur for over 700 cities in the U.S.. That data was imperative in designing the tool to know at what level heat becomes deadly, unique to geographic location. For example, Phoenix's 110°, though hot, wouldn't be an "extreme" day during the summer. Take that same 110° but for Chicago? The risk becomes extreme. Look for the new HeatRisk product and temperature forecasts this summer on WeatherNationTV. For more information from NOAA, visit the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/#:~:text=The%20NWS%20HeatRisk%20is%20an,both%20daytime%20and%20nighttime%20temperatures">HeatRisk Dashboard.</a>

NOAA Debuts "HeatRisk" Tool Nationwide

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Kevin Schneider

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It’s the soundtrack to the summer. Nature’s noisemakers are set to return in a big way this year as not one, but two sets of periodical cicadas will emerge in the Midwest and Southeast. It is the first time these two specific broods have surfaced together since 1803! This is the first time since 2015 that a 13 year cycle brood emerges at the same year as a 17 year brood.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o5jJPrP5rfE" start="0"></iframe></div>The southern brood emerges every 13 years and is known as the Brood XIX, the largest brood in the U.S.. The Northern Illinois brood has a period of 17 years, making these two broods overlap uncommon. They will only overlap in central Illinois, where is expected to be the noisest!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Closer look at Illinois locations overlap.mp4_snapshot_00.01.232-1713196589008.jpg"><blockquote>Katie Dana, a researcher with the Illinois Natural History Survey who studies the cicadas says, “We have broods emerging across the U.S. almost every year, but we don’t often have broods emerging at the same time. Just like how birds have different songs, cicadas have different songs...we have over 3,000 different species of cicadas so we have so many different songs.”</blockquote>Periodical Cicadas are large, loud insects with bright red eyes. They live underground for years. Once the cicadas take to the skies, they will be in the air for about 3-4 weeks, mating before laying eggs and reburying themselves for another 13 or 17 years.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Slow zoom east coast brood locations.mp4_snapshot_00.06.391-1713196589005.jpg">Depending on where you live, the double brood emergence could start as soon as April but will happen whenever the ground temperatures reach 64°. According to Katie, “It’s those warm soils that push them out of the ground, but they’re also looking for some moisture. If you have really dry soil, it’s going to make it hard for them to dig out.” Given that we've had some of our warmest winters on record in the Midwest we are looking at the opportunity for earlier emergence of the broods.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Warmest Winter on Record.mp4_snapshot_00.05.538-1713196589007.jpg">If you’re less than thrilled about these beaty-eyed bugs, focus on the positives. They provide extra nutrition for birds and animals and spark a reset for oak trees allowing them to produce more acorns a few years after they emerge. If that’s not enough to get you through... the next time these two broods will be out at the same time won't be for another 221 years, which will give you plenty of time to learn to appreciate the cicada screams.

Double Trouble: Cicadas Take to the Skies this Spring

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<img class="alignnone wp-image-97285 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/09/919A-2-728x408.jpg" alt="Wednesday's Severe Weather Update" width="728" height="408" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-97286 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/09/919B-2-728x408.jpg" alt="Wednesday's Severe Weather Update" width="728" height="408" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-97287 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/09/919C-2-728x408.jpg" alt="Wednesday's Severe Weather Update" width="728" height="408" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-97288 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/09/919D-1-728x408.jpg" alt="Wednesday's Severe Weather Update" width="728" height="408" />

There is a marginal risk of severe weather in the high plains and upper Midwest, today. This means isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible within the dark green area. The potential for damaging winds around 58 mph exists within some of these storms. There is also a potential of of seeing hail up to an inch in diameter. Last, but certainly not least, a tornado potential also exists for Iowa and Nebraska. Although the percentage looks very low, it is still above zero percent which means it is definitely possible that we might see a tornado, today.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-97269 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/09/919E-1-728x408.jpg" alt="Wednesday's Severe Weather Update" width="728" height="408" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-97270 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/09/919F-1-728x408.jpg" alt="Wednesday's Severe Weather Update" width="728" height="408" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-97271 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/09/919G-1-728x408.jpg" alt="Wednesday's Severe Weather Update" width="728" height="408" />

The threat of storms exists all day long. They started up very early this morning and will continue into our evening hours, tonight. Make sure to stay weather aware throughout the day. Rain could be heavy so ponding on the roads could occur on top of the potential for damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes.

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