Kevin Schneider

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The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active so far this hurricane season, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Meanwhile, the Atlantic remains mostly quiet, as record wind shear continues to tear apart tropical waves moving off Africa. While shear is high in the MDR, it hasn't been as robust farther north, where a new tropical storm developed early Sunday morning (above).<h1>Atlantic Basin</h1>Fay will slowly drift in the open Atlantic before turning back to the southwest and moving away from the Azores. This system won't directly affect landmasses but could send some waves to the Azores or Canary Islands in the coming days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/tropical storm fayyyy -1789950549431.png">The end of September and start of October could get interesting in the Atlantic Basin, as more widespread lift is expected to develop. Wind shear is still at a record high, which should be able to crush any waves coming off of Africa. Tropical development will have better potential in the western Atlantic and Gulf, where shear is much lower.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-17 091009-1789657855421.png"><h1>Eastern &amp; Central Pacific Basins</h1>Several systems are being monitored in the Pacific, with some impacts to land possible this week. Odalys formed Sunday morning, too, and we now have tropical depression 17 to the south of Mexico, and another area behind that with a 20 % chance of formation. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/0 AND 20 -1789950291503.png">The question is: what do these systems do to (a) each other and (b) land? When two systems develop this close to each other, there will be some interaction, where both spin around an imaginary point in the Pacific Ocean. But after that interaction, what else will be in place? A few things, actually. All of these factors lead to sizable spread in the outcomes, from landfall in western Mexico to a hurricane climbing northward.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-20 070952-1789909809568.png"><h1>El Niño Fueling Pacific Activity</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-20 071102-1789909874054.png">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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-16 073748-1789565873978.png">This year’s El Nino has already strengthened considerably, and forecasts indicate it could become exceptionally strong later this year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-12 063433-1789216512410.png">

Jackie Brown

Tropics: Watching Multiple Systems

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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.

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WHAT TO EXPECT Record rainfall was set today in Charleston, WV, and South Bend, Indiana. Charleston saw 1.59" inches, beating out the old record of 1.25 inches, and South Bend saw 1.42 inches, beating out the old record of .99". More rainfall is on the way, increasing the risk of more flooding. <h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/mondayyy-1789951035679.png">Storms &amp; Timing</h1>We will continue to see a frontal boundary linger, and one again more rain with heavy rain embedded in some of the storms that develop. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/jfjssss-1789950960845.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>RAINFALL TOTALSThere will be local areas of heavy rain! Spots like West Virginia can see upwards of 4 to even 5 inches through Wednesday morning. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WED 7 AMMMM -1789951092570.png">For more info on your central regional forecast, tune into WeatherNation :30 past the hour every hour.

More Flooding Concerns Out East

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<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT </h1>Things will be active in the southeast on Monday and Tuesday as a surface cold front combines with instability to bring strong to severe storms for cities like Nashville, Atlanta, and Chattanooga. Damaging winds will be the main concern both days. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/se 1 -1789953665054.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/se 2 -1789953671162.png"><h1>TIMING</h1>The best chance of seeing the strongest storms will be in the afternoon with the help of diurnal heating! There will also be some pockets of heavy rain embedded in these storms as this low-pressure system and its associated cold front move through.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/dddssss-1789953765808.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Our model data shows most folks seeing around a half-inch of rain or less through Tuesday morning. Raleigh will potentially see some of the heaviest rainfall, with multiple inches possible. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/southeast everrr-1789953693509.png">For more info on your eastern regional forecast, tune into WeatherNation :10 past the hour.

Severe Storms For The Southeast To Start Your Week

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Severe storms and heavy rain have been targeting the Rockies since Thursday, when large hail began battering portions of Utah and Idaho. Two tornadoes were even captured on video in Utah on Friday, including the mountainside twister you see below!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/TORNADOINFRUITHEIGHTSUT-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter-1789822080945.gif"><h1></h1><h1>Severe Storms &amp; Timing</h1>Overnight, we have a severe threat in place for portions of CO, KS and OK. Storms fired up today, bringing damaging winds and hail. Any storms that stick around into the overnight hours can see damaging winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado or two will be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/sssa-1789954285946.png">A few storms will linger in the overnight hours, with some heavy rain possible embedded in the storms.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/overnightss-1789954388198.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Storms Continue to Pummel the Rockies

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It's been a long, hot summer. That might be an understatement, actually, as<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-202608"> the U.S. experienced it's hottest summer on record</a>! Areas like the Southwest were especially warm, but even through September the South and Southeast have been scorching! Just in time for fall, a cold front will be cutting across the country to start the week, dropping highs from the 90s to the 60s in some areas! While it won't be completely dry behind the front, many people will feel a significant cool down.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-20 073324-1789911238058.png">Unfortunately, for folks along the Gulf Coast and down into Florida, this front won't be strong enough to reach that far south, but for areas like Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Virginia, this will usher in a major change!Highs will drop 20-30 degrees in many areas from Sunday through Tuesday, including Oklahoma City and Washington D.C.!<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-20 073414-1789911266216.png">Autumnal Equinox</h1>Fall begins on Tuesday, at 8:04 pm ET, which is the exact time the suns rays cross over the equator the southern hemisphere begins to lean more toward the sun.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-19 093856-1789832359623.png">Both the vernal and autumnal equinox (Latin for equal night) marks the point of the year when the earth gets hit equally by the sun in both hemispheres. This is different from the winter and summer solstice, when the hemispheres reach their point of maximum inclination toward the sun.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-19 093913-1789832367580.png">

Finally Cooling Down; Cold Front Arrives Just in Time for Fall

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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>

Rob Bradley

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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. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-18 131721-1789759308683.png">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.<h1>Snowpack Determines River Levels</h1>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.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-18 131656-1789760441419.png"></h2>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. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-18 134932-1789760993718.png">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. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-18 131534-1789761117664.png"><h1>Winter Outlook</h1>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. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-18 135826-1789761517713.png">

Lake Powell Drops to Record Low

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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. 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.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2098422798066798906" src="https://x.com/philklotzbach/status/2098422798066798906"></div>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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-20 071102-1789911143975.png"><h1>El Niño Continues to Crush Atlantic Activity, Set To Break Records</h1>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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-16 074742-1789566465249.png">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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-10 124853-1789066432246.png">

No Hurricanes Yet in the Atlantic, A New Record

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Tracey Anthony

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No surprise here: More records were broken across the Southern U.S. on Friday (above). The heat paired with very dry conditions, is now leading to brush &amp; wildfire issues for the South Central Plains<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2100336425468387653" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2100336425468387653"></div>Heat Advisories remain in place through Saturday. Temperatures will be hot and the humidity will make it feel even hotter.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/1-1789784154000.png">On Saturday, temperatures will be hot for many. But with the temperatures combined with the humidity, things are going to be hot. With the humidity spots like Little Rock will feel like 106°. New Orleans will have a high of 90°, but will feel like 96°.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/1-1789784197337.png">Weekend Sports games will still have brutal heat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 8-1789739906792.png">Some short term relief will be in the cards for some...<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 9-1789739883665.png">...but the longer-range forecast does not bring much relief in sight. There remains a higher confidence that temperatures will stay above normal through mid-late September.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-16 045119-1789555890283.png">

Jesse Kelley

Summer Heat Holds it's Grip on the South

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An area of low pressure in the Gulf of California is going to streamline moisture into the Four Corners this week. A SLIGHT threat for heavy rainfall and flooding has been issued for the Four Corners region through Friday morning as this increased moisture more rain on areas already dealing with excess water from storms the last few days.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/BARON 5-1789696910447.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2099906097209340139" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2099906097209340139"></div>Rainfall totals could exceed several inches. Do not drive through flooded waters. Be on higher lookout for mudslides and debris flows from recent burn scars.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/1-1789696808960.png">The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has added some Marginal risks for severe storms over the Northern 4 Corners into this weekend.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PIC 5-1789689038736.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PIC 4-1789689088585.png">Below is the latest on the timing of these showers and storms.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/FORECAST-1789689177972.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>More details can be found during your Western Regional Forecast, :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Significant Moisture Increases Flooding Threat for the Southwest This Week

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

Adrian Hernandez

Active Pattern Takes Shape Across the Plains

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

Storms Winding Down Across Northeast

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

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

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

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

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

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

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Brittany Lockley

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

Tropics: Watching Multiple Systems

Tropics: Watching Multiple Systems

More Flooding Concerns Out East

More Flooding Concerns Out East

Severe Storms For The Southeast To Start Your Week

Severe Storms For The Southeast To Start Your

Storms Continue to Pummel the Rockies

Storms Continue to Pummel the Rockies

Finally Cooling Down; Cold Front Arrives Just in Time for Fall

Finally Cooling Down; Cold Front Arrives Just

Lake Powell Drops to Record Low

Lake Powell Drops to Record Low

No Hurricanes Yet in the Atlantic, A New Record

No Hurricanes Yet in the Atlantic, A New Reco

Summer Heat Holds it's Grip on the South

Summer Heat Holds it's Grip on the South

Significant Moisture Increases Flooding Threat for the Southwest This Week

Significant Moisture Increases Flooding Threa

Active Pattern Takes Shape Across the Plains

Active Pattern Takes Shape Across the Plains

Storms Winding Down Across Northeast

Storms Winding Down Across Northeast

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

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

Will It Ever End? Heat Wave Persists for Much

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

Labor Day Travel Underway as Americans Hit th