Brittany Lockley

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BREAKING NEWS: Bertha made landfall within the Biloxi Wildlife Management in St. Bernard Parish Louisiana with winds of 45 mph.<h1>Atlantic</h1>Tropical Storm Bertha is moving slowly westward along the northern Gulf Coast, bringing periods of heavy rain, gusty winds, rough surf, and coastal flooding to portions of the central Gulf Coast. As Bertha continues to move inland, the tropical storm will gradually weaken over the coming days. However, the southerly winds on the backside of Bertha will still cause some storm surge issues for the rest of Wednesday from Alabama west to Louisiana.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-22 144836-1784753331146.png">There are Tropical Storm Alerts in effect. Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect from the Alabama-Florida border westward to Morgan City, Louisiana, including New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. A Tropical Storm Watch continues farther west into Southwest Louisiana.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-22 144911-1784753358560.png">Although water temperatures remain warm enough to support tropical development, the atmosphere surrounding Bertha is becoming increasingly hostile. Strong southwesterly wind shear is disrupting the storm’s vertical structure by pushing the deepest thunderstorms away from the center of circulation. Satellite imagery continues to show that the bulk of the strongest convection remains displaced east of the center, preventing Bertha from developing a more organized inner core.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-22 101540-1784736954337.png">Even without strengthening, Bertha will continue to produce a wide range of hazards across the northern Gulf Coast. Bands of tropical downpours are expected to bring periods of heavy rainfall capable of producing localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying and urban areas where drainage is poor. The threat will be greatest where multiple rain bands move over the same locations.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-22 145009-1784753417566.png">The biggest threat to watch for along the coast is storm surge. Peak storm surge could reach 1-3 ft for portions of Louisiana and Mississippi.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784749189935.png"><h1>Pacific</h1>There are a few other areas we are monitoring in the Eastern Pacific. Hurricane Fausto has officially formed, along with another area behind Fausto that has a high chance of tropical development in the next 7 days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-22 145053-1784753461525.png">Now a hurricane, Fausto is expected to track westward and remain at Category One strength. It's still way too soon to tell if it's going to have any effect on the Hawaiian islands.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-22 145111-1784753478464.png">

Alana Cameron

Tropical Storm Bertha Makes Landfall Along Gulf Coast

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Adrian Hernandez

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Conditions have been really dry out west. We've been tracking some major fires across the state of Oregon. With multiple fires burning in the same general region, they form complexes. We have two large ones we're tracking now with containment improvements.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-22 140428-1784750837836.png">One of the biggest issues we're going to track with these fires will be the smoke. Unfortunately, upper-level winds will send this moderate to even dense smoke across the Pacific Northwest.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/07-22 rnw hrrr-1784750885123.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This smoke is expected to lower the air quality considerably across the area. As of Tuesday evening, Bend and Baker, OR are under sensitive AQI (Air Quality Index) category.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-22 140849-1784750945427.png">Dry conditions are expected to persist. Unfortunately, we have enough moisture to wring out a thunderstorm or two. This could pose an issue as there is a likelihood of lightning reaching the ground and causing more fires. Dry thunderstorm outlooks will be in place throughout Tuesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-22 140914-1784750991008.png">Stay tuned to the forecast here on WeatherNation at :50 past the hour for your full Western U.S. breakdown!

Jackie Brown

Pacific Northwest Fires Bringing Down the Air Quality

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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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Tuesday brought severe weather again across parts of the Northeast and Mid Atlantic region. Multiple tornadoes were spotted, including one in Summerville, PA. More severe weather is possible along the Atlantic seaboard for today.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2078640402845114541" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2078640402845114541?s=20"></div>The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted two slight risks for severe weather across the Mid Atlantic region and in northern Maine. The main hazards will be damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1png-1784749658694.png">This evening, the stalled boundary draped across parts of Virginia and the Carolinas will the focal point for thunderstorm activity into the evening and overnight hours. Along with the severe threat, heavy rain and flooding will be an issue that needs to be monitored. The Maine risk for severe storms should end in the next few hours.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/BARON 5-1784750354049.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Along the stalled boundary, heavy rainfall will be possible with the training showers and thunderstorms and flooding could occur. Some pockets of rainfall between 3-6" will be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784750513254.png">

Jesse Kelley

Another Round of Storms Targets the Northeast

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Another stalled front in the Carolinas is forecast to keep storms in the forecast. While we do have severe weather chances, models are showing high rainfall rates and a flood risk for the area.<h1>Flooding</h1>With the front sticking around for the long haul, rainfall chances will be in the forecast daily. This stretch makes it all the way out to the weekend! Rainfall totals across the South will average between 3-6 inches of rain. However, some isolated totals over ten inches can't be ruled out. Make sure you have a plan of action if high water becomes an issue in your neighborhood.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784747957149.png">With a large amount of rain in the forecast, the risk for flash flooding will be present. More than likely, these outlooks will extend into the end of the week! They have upgraded to a MODERATE (level 3 out of 4) risk for portions of North Carolina and Virginia for Wednesday and Thursday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/BARON 5-1784748044315.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Despite this last week, it's been pretty dry for the Carolinas. Recent updates from the drought monitor show an extreme to even exceptional drought across the Carolinas. Hopefully, all this rain can offset some of those concerns.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-22 044550-1784717162590.png">Make sure to tune into WeatherNation for the full east breakdown at :10 past the hour! Always remember, turn around and don't drown!

Flash Flooding for the Carolinas This Week

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The upper-level low train continues to keep the weather pattern active for the Midwest. As this system moved through today, strong storms developed, bringing damaging winds, large hail, and tornado warnings.<h1>Severe Outlook</h1>Overnight, we have a slight risk for strong storms from the Midwest to the Great Lakes. The biggest concern will be damaging winds, but large hail and a few tornadoes are also possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/enhannfff-1784599474298.png">Some storms could be packing a significant punch. Hen-egg sized hail and hurricane-force wind gusts will be possible with the strongest storms. Some storms will have a chance to see large tracking tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/fjfjfjfjfsss-1784599821708.png"><h1>Forecast Timing</h1>Overnight, as the frontal boundary moves to the south/east, storms will continue to ride along it. Any storm that develops through the overnight will have the capability to be strong to severe.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/fprecccsss-1784599734885.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>More on your Central Regional Forecast can be found :30 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

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Kevin Schneider

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Wildfires burning in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, and northern Minnesota have been producing smoke, and upper-level winds in the atmosphere have been carrying that smoke into the Great Lakes, Midwest, and Northeast. Air quality has improved, but another mild push of smoke is moving through the region today ahead of another front. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-19 064723-1784458061933.png">Air quality is still poor enough to lead to air quality alerts today, but there is some hope on the horizon. Another front is dropping through, which should bring some rain, but most importantly, this rain could clear out some of the wildfire smoke. However, there is also the risk that is draws in more wildfire smoke. Our models have the outcome of conditions clearing.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/smoke and cat precip-1784576988880.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Alerts remain in place across the Great Lakes region and Midwest.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-20 134842-1784576951816.png"><h1>How Smoke from Wildfires Can Impact Breathing</h1><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GIU_Kz5gPzI" start="0"></iframe></div>“We know that air pollution in general can really trigger a number of health issues, including simple things that we think about like asthma or COPD, but they can actually also trigger cardiovascular events. And smoke from wildfires is no exception,” said Samuel Gurevich, MD, pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic. “They actually put into the air a lot of what we call particulate matter, which are these very, very fine particles of dust and other organic matter that then can easily be breathed in and can irritate the airways or even be absorbed into the bloodstream.”Dr. Gurevich said other groups that could be affected by the wildfire smoke include children with hard to control asthma, women who are pregnant, and people with pre-existing heart conditions.So, what can they do to help stay safe? He recommends checking the air quality for your city before going out for the day. That information can be found online or within many weather apps. If the air quality is bad, it’s best to stay inside.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/42cqyxmedcE" start="0"></iframe></div>“Make sure your windows are closed and your air conditioning is on. HEPA filters do a reasonably good job, as well, if you have access to that. Those are all those things you should be prepared with. And if you do already have a diagnosis of a respiratory illness like asthma, COPD, or emphysema, have a rescue plan in place,” he said.Dr. Gurevich said if you do have to go outside, try to make it as quick as possible. You could also wear an N95 mask. Anyone experiencing shortness of breath or worsening symptoms should seek medical attention right away.&nbsp;

Air Quality Improvements in the Forecast

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The monsoon has returned to the southwestern United States. This shift in the overall weather pattern is allowing deeper moisture to move north from the Pacific and Gulf, setting the stage for a daily chance of showers and thunderstorms across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, southern Utah, southern Colorado, and Nevada.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2076713264898363668" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2076713264898363668"></div>The North American monsoon is a seasonal wind shift that occurs each summer, transporting moisture from the eastern Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California into the Desert Southwest. As the moist air combines with intense daytime heating and mountainous terrain, thunderstorms become much more common during the afternoon and evening hours.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/FORECAST-1784415308949.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This surge of monsoonal moisture is expected to increase storm coverage through the coming days. While many of these storms will produce beneficial rainfall for areas experiencing drought, they will also be capable of dropping heavy rain over a short period of time. Because the Southwest’s dry soils do not absorb water efficiently, runoff can develop quickly, creating a heightened risk of flash flooding in washes, slot canyons, and other low-lying locations.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-18 064529-1784371545620.png">As the monsoon continues to strengthen through July, residents and visitors across the Southwest should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions each afternoon. Even short-lived storms can produce dangerous flash flooding, making it important to avoid flooded roadways and never enter fast-moving water.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/BARON 5-1784425522678.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Monsoon Moisture Brings Weekend Flood Threat

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https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/10156156888389874/

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One of Alaska's Warmest Decembers on Record 
If you live in Alaska or visited The Last Frontier State during the month of December you might have asked yourself, "where's the cold weather?". That's just it, there wasn't any! Of course there were a few nights and days where temperatures dipped into the typical Alaskan freeze, but overall, the state saw its fifth warmest December on record.

https://www.facebook.com/NWSAlaska/videos/1563489913704396/

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December 2017 was ranked as the fifth warmest December on record with an overall state temperature of 26.5 degrees. That's not to far behind the warmest December on record with an average temperature of 28.4 degrees set back in 1969. However, it's significantly higher than Alaska's average monthly temperature of 19.0 degrees.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-86243" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/01/AK-RECORD-DECEMBER-TEMPS-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

These averages take into consideration both the daytime highs and nighttime lows. If we break it down, December 2017's average high temperature for the state was 31.5 degrees with a low of only 21.4 degrees. That's significantly higher than the normal daytime average high of 24.8 degrees and a low of 13.2 degrees. Overall, Alaska saw 22 days above average with only seven days below average. There were only two days with normal average temperatures. Where did all the cold air go? Those living in the Upper Midwest during the month of December might have a clue of where the cold air went....

For <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WeatherNation</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JoshCozartWx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Cozart</a>