WeatherNation Meteorologists

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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">Warmest meteorological summer on record for the contiguous U.S.</a> It was also a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/global-climate-202608">record-setting warm August for the entire globe</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.<h1><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-202608">CREDIT: NOAA/NCEI</a></h1><h2>UNITED STATES Key Takeaways:</h2><ul><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>Drought expanded: Drought covered 59.1% of the CONUS on September 1, an increase of more than 10 percentage points from early August.</li></ul><h2>Other Highlights:</h2><h3>Temperature</h3>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;<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.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.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.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.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.<h2>Precipitation</h2>Total precipitation averaged across the CONUS in August was 2.30 inches, 0.32 inch below the 20th-century average, ranking in the driest third of the 132-year record and making it the driest August since 2000.<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.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.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.The CONUS received 8.11 inches of precipitation during summer, 0.21 inch below the 20th-century average, ranking in the driest third of the record. California received just 0.20 inch, 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.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 inch above average, also ranking in the middle third of the record.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.<h3>Drought</h3>According to the September 1 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="ext" href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DmData/DataTables.aspx">U.S. Drought Monitor</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.<h1>GLOBAL August Highlights:</h1><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/global-climate-202608">CREDIT: NOAA/NCEI</a><ul><li>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.</li><li>Global sea surface temperature reached an all-time high in Aug.</li><li>El Niño conditions persisted during the month, driving record-high temperatures across vast areas of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.</li><li>Global land surface temperature was near-record warm for Aug and Jun–Aug.</li><li>The Northern Hemisphere experienced its warmest summer, while the Southern Hemisphere had a near-record warm winter.</li><li>The Arctic and Antarctic had a below-average sea ice extent.</li><li>Global tropical cyclone activity was above average with 19 tropical storms.</li></ul><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.

Administrator

NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

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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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Storms will continue to track through the Eastern United States to end the week, with some storms lingering into the weekend as frontal boundary and low pressure system move through. Isolated severe storms are possible, along with heavy rainfall rates that could lead to flash flooding. <h1>Thursday</h1>A low that moved through the Northeast on Wednesday will drag a frontal boundary through the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic through Thursday night. Scattered thunderstorms are expected, with isolated severe storms possible. Wind and hail damage will be the main hazards.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-10 061900-1789043874920.png">Storms have already produced flash flooding early Thursday, with another round expected through the afternoon and evening. The strongest storms are mostly expected during the day, but overnight convection could still create issues. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-10 06-25-36-1789044374362.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Scattered flash flooding is possible from Kentucky into West Virginia (dark green area below), while isolated flash flooding is possible east through southern New Jersey.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-10 062300-1789043903602.png"><h1>Friday - Sunday</h1>The low pressure system dropping through the Plains Thursday will kick east Friday into Saturday, bringing another round of rain and storms. Storms look to target the Southeast and Mid-South on Friday with strong storms and heavy rain. These storms will lift to the northeast on Saturday, brining heavy rain back to Ohio and Pennsylvania, while storms will continue to move through the South. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-10 07-34-27-1789047300933.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rainfall totals look impressive where several rounds of rain are possible. Some regions could see 2-3 inches widespread, with 4-5 inch totals possible in smaller areas. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-10 062617-1789044050666.png">This rain will be coming down quickly, increasing the chance for isolated flash flooding. A large section of the east will have the chance for flooding Friday into Saturday (below). <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-10 062608-1789044041924.png">

Low Pressure Keeps the East Stormy into the Weekend

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Tracey Anthony

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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 Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active so far this hurricane season and it shows no sign of slowing down. Meanwhile, the Atlantic remains mostly quiet, as wind shear continues to tear apart tropical waves moving off Africa. <h1>LOWELL</h1>Lowell is moving through the open waters of the Pacific after a close brush with Kauai that brought the Hawaiian island hurricane force wind gusts and over 20" of rain. Power restoration took a big step forward on Wednesday after being knocked out for over 30k households, more than 85% of the population. Over half of the islands households are now back up and running. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/hawaii highest gusts-1788918010468.png"><h1>Current Activity</h1>Norbert formed on Wednesday several hundred miles south of the Baja Peninsula, while two other areas are being monitored for potential development. Another system could form in the wake of Norbert, while another wave is being monitored farther west, in the Central Pacific basin. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-10 053807-1789040301407.png">Norbert is expected to track west as it slowly gain strength this weekend, potentially reaching hurricane status by Sunday or Monday. It is too early to determine where Norbert will eventually head, but residents in Hawaii should monitor Norbert's progress. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-10 054050-1789040464131.png"><h1>El Niño Helping Fuel Pacific Activity</h1>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 2026-09-02 105616-1788368212978.png">This year’s El Niño has already strengthened considerably, and forecasts indicate it could become exceptionally strong later this year.

Tropics: Power Restoration Underway in Kauai, Norbert Forms to the East

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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.

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

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Did you miss any of the incredible footage we showed this week on WeatherNation? No worries! We take a look at the top 5 most compelling weather videos for the week of August 19-25.

https://youtu.be/NJefNfIjCDM

Want more? <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/news/top-5-of-the-week/">Here is a link to last week's top 5 videos.</a>

For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Steve Glazier

Top 5 Weather Videos of the Week

NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

If it felt like this summer was relentless an

Low Pressure Keeps the East Stormy into the Weekend

Storms will continue to track through the Eas

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

Temperatures not only broke records on Wednes

Tropics: Power Restoration Underway in Kauai, Norbert Forms to the East

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

The plains have had an active summer. Severe

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

A relentless ridge of high pressure has been

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

The unofficial end of summer is bringing anot