Brittany Lockley

BrittanyLockleyjpeg-1679519515040.jpeg

A Nor'easter...in September? While most people think of winter when it comes to these intense coastal storms, they can happen in the fall. The impacts will only be a little different, mainly with heavy rain instead of snow, but coastal flooding, huge surf, and strong winds will continue to create significant hazards.A developing nor’easter is creating dangerous conditions along the Eastern Seaboard, with communities from the Mid-Atlantic to New England facing coastal flooding, gusty winds, and periods of heavy rainfall.&nbsp;The storm is moving slowly along the East Coast, allowing its impacts to stretch across multiple days. Persistent winds blowing toward the shoreline are pushing ocean water into coastal communities, increasing the threat of flooding, beach erosion, and hazardous travel.&nbsp;Wind gusts have topped 60-80 mph across several states, leading to downed trees and power lines. Winds are expected to remain strong through Sunday before they begin to lessen.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-27 072250-1790515486525.png">Some of the greatest concerns were along the Mid-Atlantic coastline, where repeated high-tide cycles sent water into neighborhoods and businesses and washed out roadways. Communities that frequently experience tidal flooding like Bethany Beach saw conditions worsen as the storm churned offshore.&nbsp;<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2103462018682703967" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2103462018682703967"></div>The timing of the nor’easter is adding to the coastal flooding threat. Higher astronomical tides associated with the full moon are combining with strong onshore winds, allowing water levels to rise above what would normally be expected. In some locations, water levels could reach 2 to 4 feet above normal during high tide.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-27 072557-1790515567147.png">Coastal Flood Warnings and Advisories are in effect through Sunday. Several areas have seen significant high tide flooding, including Norfolk, Ocean City, and the Outer banks.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-27 072619-1790515593096.png">Strong winds are another concern as the storm impacts the Northeast. Coastal communities could experience gusts reaching 40 to 60+ mph, particularly across portions of New Jersey, Long Island, and southeastern New England. These winds could bring down tree limbs and power lines, resulting in power outages and difficult driving conditions.&nbsp;Wind alerts have been issued along the coast, but gusts over 40 mph are possible inland as well. The I-95 corridor from Delaware through Massachusetts could see gusts over 40 mph. Secure loose objects.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-27 072643-1790515617812.png">Heavy rainfall will also accompany the storm, increasing the potential for flooding beyond the immediate coastline. Portions of the Northeast could experience several rounds of rain as the system slowly tracks through the region. Urban areas and locations with poor drainage may be especially vulnerable to standing water and flooded roadways.&nbsp;Rainfall totals are also expected to be higher along the coast as well, especially from New Jersey through Massachusetts. Scattered flash flooding is possible tonight and Sunday, when the heaviest rainfall rates are expected. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-27 072718-1790515648890.png">Unlike a fast-moving storm that clears an area within several hours, this nor’easter is expected to linger near the Northeast coastline through Sunday. That prolonged duration could allow flooding and wind-related impacts to continue through multiple tidal cycles.&nbsp;Rounds of heavy rain and strong winds will continue off and on for the rest of the weekend. As the low weakens and stalls, the rain should break up and become less heavy into Monday. Lingering gusty winds, light rain, and strong surf are expected to last into early Tuesday as the low moves out of New England.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-27 07-27-40-1790515707077.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Conditions should gradually improve as the storm weakens and moves away from the coast heading into Monday, more so Tuesday. However, dangerous surf and lingering coastal flooding could remain concerns even after the heaviest rainfall and strongest winds subside.&nbsp;Residents and travelers along the East Coast are encouraged to monitor local weather alerts, avoid flooded roadways, and use caution near beaches and other coastal areas as the storm continues to impact the region.&nbsp;Tune into WeatherNation TV for the latest.

Powerful Nor’easter Slams East Coast, Bringing Coastal Flooding, Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Screenshot20260927072301png-1790515386176.png

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active so far this hurricane season, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Right now, Hurricane Polo is churning southwest of Mexico. This storm underwent rapid intensification and reached peak winds 180 mph with a central pressure of 892mb. <h1>Pacific Basin</h1>Several systems are being monitored in the Pacific, with some impacts to land possible this week. We are monitoring Odalys, Polo and Nolo.<h3>Polo</h3>Hurricane Polo became yet another category 5 hurricane on Tuesday morning after undergoing extremely rapid intensification. Shortly after formation late Sunday night, it added 115 mph to its sustained wind speed by Tuesday morning.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2103235525821816869" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2103235525821816869"></div><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 182941-1790123384605.png">Polo once had a central pressure of 892 mb, the second-lowest on record (behind Patricia's insane 872 mb) in the satellite era in the Eastern Pacific. At the same time, its 180 mph sustained winds tie for third-strongest in the Basin.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-25 110849-1790356214761.png">Even though Polo is a monster lurking off the coast, direct impacts will likely not be felt. However, periodic heavy rain and angry seas will affect the Mexican beaches as Polo moves northwest and maintains major hurricane status over the next several days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-27 073304-1790516006176.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-27 073334-1790516040341.png"><h1>Nolo</h1>Nolo is just south of the Big Island of Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands are breathing a sigh of relief as Nolo is now moving westward away from Hawaii. However, high waves and some heavy rain will still be possible.For more on NOLO: <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/nolo-expected-to-brush-hawaii-as-a-hurricane-major-flooding-expected">Nolo Expected to Brush Hawaii as a Hurricane: Major flooding Expected</a><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-27 073427-1790516081113.png"><h1>Atlantic Basin</h1>Meanwhile, the Atlantic remains kind of quiet, as record wind shear continues to tear apart tropical waves moving off Africa. In fact, there is now a new record for the year since there has not been a hurricane formation. This is the first time in 60 years the Atlantic Basin has not seen a hurricane since the satellite era in 1966. Fay is now a post-tropical cyclone. There is another area to track in the Atlantic. An area of low pressure is located east of Bermuda. This area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms has chance to develop in the 30% in the next two days. Environmental conditions are favorable for development, but as of now it will be no threat to land.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-27 073615-1790516754642.png"><h1>El Niño Fueling Pacific Activity</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075045-1790085064967.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">

Tropical Update: Eastern Pacific Stays Active; Another area to watch in the Atlantic

Screenshot20260927073508png-1790516773510.png

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

RobBradleyjpeg-1679518597323.jpeg

Weather Nation Correspondent Jonathan Petramala was in Hawaii on Saturday. Here is the latest: <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/LL_TRT 1.14_JP GIVES UPDATE ON NOLO_MS_E092626-1790520644996.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Forecast / Impacts</h1>Even though this storm did not make landfall in Hawaii, it is still bringing impacts of heavy rain and wind. The latest forecast cone also shows that Nolo could reach up to Category 4 strength. Some heavy rain could push into the Northern Islands, but as of right now there are no flood watches for that area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1790473278481.png">Heavy rain will continue to batter the Big Island into early Sunday before the core of the system heads farther west. The western Hawaiian Islands could see additional impacts as Nolo swings back to the north into Monday and Tuesday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/FORECAST-1790470324211.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Flooding</h2>Flash flooding is expected, particularly on the Big Island, which will see increasing rainfall through Saturday. Flood watches have been issued for the eastern islands in the chain, which do not include Oahu.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-24 075029-1790259359063.png">Heavy rain will hit the Big Island, but forecasts have been trending down for totals. Heavy rain will still be a major impact; the Big Island could see an additional 5-6 inches.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-26 063026-1790425833380.png"><h2>Wind / Waves</h2>Tropical storm winds aren't likely for many areas in Hawaii, however the varied terrain in Hawaii could funnel gusts at certain directions, increasing wind impacts away from the center of the storm. Sustained winds near tropical storm force (39 mph and above) are possible for the southern Big Island.The southern tip of the Big Island up to Kailua will see the greatest wind impacts, where residents and tourists should be prepared for debris and a better chance for power outages.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-24 082221-1790259752120.png">Waves and a high risk for rip currents will be present through the weekend, diminishing next week. Swells around some beach areas could top 12 feet!

Nolo Moving West; The Big Island Seeing Impacts

pic4png-1790459800369.png

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

TabanSharifijpeg-1679519287847.jpeg

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

Patrick Crawford

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

Screenshot20260922161553png-1790115887099.png

Meteorologist Jesse Kelley is excited to join the talented staff at Weather Nation. Jesse spent most of his childhood in Birmingham, Alabama. The state of Alabama is prone to seeing various types of weather from severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter weather. For college, Jesse attended the University of South Alabama where he received his degree in Broadcast Meteorology along with minors in Math and Geography. From Alabama, Jesse started his broadcast television working three years at KAVU-TV in Victoria. Recently, he finished a stint in Shreveport, LA. Jesse and his wife are looking forward to making the Rocky Mountains and Colorado home. If you would like to follow me, you can follow me on Twitter @JesseKelleywx and on Facebook at Meteorologist Jesse Kelley.

Jesse Kelley

JesseKelleyjpeg-1679519197409.jpeg

In the last month, the southwestern states of New Mexico and Arizona have seen their fair share of monsoon showers and storms. While the rain chances have lowered afternoon highs, the grounds are becoming very saturated quickly. Lately, the Eastern Pacific has been the primary source for storms. Next week, a strong digging trough will pick up the moisture from Odalys and Polo and push it eastward.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1790473828631.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic3-1790474004424.png">Models are still in disagreement on what region of the United States will see the heaviest rainfall from the hurricanes. Either it will be Texas or the Desert Southwest. Either way, we need to prepare for another round of flooding next week!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PDS Red Flag Warning-1790474125909.png">The moisture arrives for Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico on Sunday. The Northern Mexico mountains will tear apart Polo as it moves inland on Monday and Tuesday. The heavy rain really ramps up Tuesday-Thursday as what is left of Polo is now in the Southern United States. Typically, deep tropical moisture should result in heavy rain. In addition to moisture being drawn in from the Gulf, flooding issues will be likely for some parts of the region next week, so something to look out for and keep up with the forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1790474288037.png">

Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest Next Week

1-1790372428462.png

Tracey Anthony

Tracey2jpeg-1737574224773.jpeg

<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2102759898367095088" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2102759898367095088"></div><h2>FLASH FLOODING</h2>It has been a very active week across portions of the Southwest. Multiple flash flood warnings remain in place, and record-breaking daily rainfall in several cities across the region. Flood alerts remain in place across most of New Mexico through the end of the work week. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 4-1790256321105.png">Heavy rain will continue to funnel into New Mexico Friday, with isolated rain continuing through the weekend.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/FORECAST-1790210920539.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This is rich, tropical moisture inundating these areas. We're expecting heavy totals and high rainfall rates. Because of this, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 4) risk for flash flooding in areas of New Mexico and Texas for Thursday. A marginal risk remains for portions of Texas and New Mexico for Friday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/WEB 5-1790256253930.png">As for totals, some spots can see up to 4" of rain by the time Saturday rolls around. That's a lot to pick up anywhere in the country, but especially dangerous in the desert southwest.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-23 070049-1790168468650.png">Going forward, it's very important to know the difference between a flash flood warning and a flash flood emergency. Doing so will get you better prepared for flood events.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 100158-1790085766480.png">Make sure to keep alerts on through this week, and have multiple ways to get them. Also, stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest. We'll have your full western U.S. breakdown and :50 past the hour.

Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

PIC5png-1790211033465.png

Kevin Schneider

A021DDE71AA34C50BB5468289EA6B1D7jpeg-1699372868991.jpeg

<h2>WHAT TO EXPECT</h2>Record rainfall fell this weekend across the Ohio River Valley and the Mid-Atlantic. On Monday, Ohio tacked on almost 4 more inches in spots. More rainfall is on the way, continuing the risk of flooding. Because of this risk, flood watches remain in place over the next few days across OH, PA, and WV for additional rainfall.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075632-1790085405907.png">Storms &amp; Timing</h2>A frontal boundary will continue to linger, bringing more rain, with heavy rain embedded in some of the storms that develop. Rounds of rain will continue to develop through Wednesday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-22 07-58-32-1790085533334.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>RAINFALL TOTALS</h2>While heavy rain will be possible in some spots the next few days, at least the bulls eye is moving. The heftiest totals look to come down in Virginia down to parts of the Carolinas through Wednesday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075700-1790085436091.png">

More Flooding Concerns Out East

Screenshot20260922075508png-1790085317934.png

Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

JackieBrownjpeg-1679518619427.jpeg

<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1>Severe storms developed Monday afternoon and evening as a surface cold front combined with instability. More storms will redevelop along this boundary this afternoon, capable of damaging winds and some small hail again.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075949-1790085612308.png"><h1>TIMING</h1>As a front continues to linger more storms will continue. Things will taper off overnight, but more storms will pick up again on Wednesday afternoon.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-22 08-02-33-1790085774602.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Raleigh will potentially see some of the heaviest rainfall, with multiple inches possible. That could add a flooding concern onto a damaging wind threat today.

Severe Threat Continues In The Southeast

eastttbennpng-1790038510445.png

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

Screenshot20260919063225png-1789821148278.png

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

20260920073508ezgifcomvideotogifconvertergif-1789911397551.gif

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

ezgif3dfd7e7864788820gif-1789758638505.gif

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

Screenshot20260910125802png-1789066688561.png

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">

Summer Heat Holds it's Grip on the South

1png-1789784040267.png

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

Screenshot20260329062145png-1789642801741.png

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

Screenshot20260915034852png-1789466100514.png

WeatherNation Meteorologists

headshotspng-1676305264677.png

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><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Notable-Weathe-Climate-US-082026-1789070071157.png"><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 inches 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 inches below the 20th-century average, ranking in the driest third of the record. California received just 0.20 inches, 26% of its average summer precipitation, ranking as its fifth-driest summer on record and driest since 2002. In contrast, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia received much-above-average precipitation for the season.Alaska’s average precipitation was 4.57 inches in August, 0.20 inch above the 1925–2000 average, ranking in the middle third of the 102-year record. Alaska’s June–August precipitation averaged 10.67 inches, 0.67 inches above average, also ranking in the middle third of the record.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.

Powerful Nor’easter Slams East Coast, Bringing Coastal Flooding, Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Powerful Nor’easter Slams East Coast, Bringin

Tropical Update: Eastern Pacific Stays Active; Another area to watch in the Atlantic

Tropical Update: Eastern Pacific Stays Active

Nolo Moving West; The Big Island Seeing Impacts

Nolo Moving West; The Big Island Seeing Impac

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

Incoming Kelvin Wave for Southern California:

Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest Next Week

Another Round of Flooding Possible for the So

Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwe

More Flooding Concerns Out East

More Flooding Concerns Out East

Severe Threat Continues In The Southeast

Severe Threat Continues In The Southeast

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

NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record