Latest news with #AlexDaSilva
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tropical development possible near Southeast coast as August begins
After a quiet stretch in the Atlantic, AccuWeather hurricane experts are monitoring three areas for tropical development into the first part of August, including near the Southeast coast. In a pattern similar to what led to the formation of Tropical Storm Chantal back in early July, a slow-moving front is expected to move towards the Southeast coast and stall, which could be enough to generate tropical activity during the beginning of August. Disruptive breezes (wind shear) in the region are anticipated to be weaker in early August as the front stalls. In turn, there is a low chance of tropical development Aug. 2-5. "The good news is that if anything develops, it is likely to move away from the U.S.," said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva. Regardless, as the front moves into the region on Friday before stalling over the weekend into early next week, rounds of showers and thunderstorms will spread from eastern Louisiana into eastern North Carolina. Due to the persistent nature of storms, there will be a heightened risk of localized flash flooding. Individuals visiting area beaches will need to be on alert for rough surf and rip currents. •Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+ Elsewhere across the Atlantic, two additional areas are being monitored for potential tropical activity. A cluster of showers and thunderstorms currently east of the Bahamas has a short window for tropical development through Tuesday. While wind shear is low in the area, there is a copious amount of dry air, which will inhibit how much this cluster strengthens. Meanwhile, a tropical wave that has emerged off Africa will track westward over the coming days, approaching the Lesser Antilles during the middle to late parts of the week. "Conditions are marginal for development between July 30 and Aug. 2 as the wave moves west," adds DaSilva. "Any interests in the Lesser Antilles will want to keep an eye on this wave as it moves east." The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season has been off to a relatively fast start so far, with three named storms in the basin. The historical average for formation of the third named storm is early August. Meanwhile, the average date for the first hurricane is Aug. 11. The next name on the list is Dexter. The average date for the fourth named storm is Aug. 15, meaning an additional storm into early August would set this season just over two weeks ahead of average. AccuWeather's team of hurricane experts expects 13 to 18 tropical storms, of which seven to 10 will become hurricanes and three to five are likely to evolve into major hurricanes, for the 2025 season. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. Solve the daily Crossword
USA Today
2 days ago
- Climate
- USA Today
NHC is tracking Tropical Storm Iona, 3 other systems in Pacific
While the Atlantic Ocean is calm for now, the same cannot be said of the Pacific Ocean, according to the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters are currently keeping tabs on four systems in the Pacific, including Tropical Storm Iona, the hurricane center said in a July 28 advisory. Iona, located about 915 miles southeast on Honolulu, Hawaii, has maximum sustained winds near 50 mph with higher gusts, and is expected to strengthen some in the next 48 hours, the NHC said late Sunday night. "Steady strengthening is forecast tonight and Monday, with Iona forecast to become a hurricane by Monday night," the July 27 advisory said. "Some weakening is expected to begin by late Tuesday or Tuesday night." According to AccuWeather, while no direct impacts are expected to the Hawaiian Islands, Iona will cause gusty winds that could increase wildfire risks on the islands through this week. 'Gusty trade winds can start to pick up across the Hawaiian Islands on Tuesday and can last through the end of the week and into the start of next weekend," according to AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva. AccuWeather forecasts that the increased trade winds combined with moderate or greater drought conditions across over half of the Hawaiian Islands will "heighten the wildfire risk," as the dry grass and vegetation will provide "plenty of fuel for any fire that sparks." There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect and no hazards affecting land, according to the hurricane center. Hurricane season to ramp up: Hurricane season warning signs pile up. Brace for a dangerous August. NHC keeping tabs on three other systems in Pacific The hurricane center said an area of low pressure located well east-southeast of the Hawaiian Islands is producing "disorganized showers and thunderstorms." Gradual development of this system is possible and a tropical depression could form during the next couple of days as the system moves generally westward. The NHC gives this system a 40% chance of formation through the next seven days. A second disturbance is currently located several hundred miles south-southwest of the Gulf of Tehuantepec and is producing a "large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms," according to the NHC. "During the next day or two, an area of low pressure is forecast to form from this area of disturbed weather, well off the coast of southwestern Mexico," forecasters said in the July 28 advisory. Forecasters also said environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression is likely to form late this week as the system moves west-northwestward. The NHC gives this system a 70% chance of formation through the next seven days. Lastly, the hurricane center said a small area of low pressure has formed about 1,000 miles southeast of the Hawaiian Islands. "If deep convection persists, a short-lived tropical depression or tropical storm could develop later today," hurricane center forecasters said, giving the system a 50% chance of formation through the next 48 hours. Tropical Storm Iona tracker This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. Tropical Storm Iona spaghetti models This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. How do hurricanes form? Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression. A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reaches 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane. Prepare now for hurricanes Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends. Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows Heavy Rain as Flash Floods Hit Three States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flash flood warnings for parts of Iowa, Illinois and Missouri, as thunderstorms in the region bring heavy, rapid rainfall. Why It Matters Flooding is the second deadliest weather hazard nationwide, with most fatalities occurring when vehicles are swept away by rising waters. On July 4, Texas flash floods killed at least 135 with three still missing. As of mid-July, the NWS has issued a record number of flash flood warnings year-to-date, with 3,160 warnings issued through July 16, according to Iowa State University's Iowa Environmental Mesonet tracker. What To Know In a Saturday advisory, the NWS warned that portions of the three states are under flash flood warnings due to expected thunderstorms that will bring heavy rain. As of Saturday morning, "between 2 and 5 inches of rain have fallen," and the "expected rainfall rate is 0.25 to 1 inch in 1 hour." For parts of southeastern Iowa, west central Illinois, and northeastern Missouri flash flooding is already occurring, the NWS warned. Missouri Department of Transportation reported that portions of some roads have been closed due to water on the roadways. NWS warned people to "turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads," noting that "most flood deaths occur in vehicles." Nearly half of Iowa is also under extreme heat watch on Saturday, as July continues to bake the area with frequent heat indexes into the triple digits. Heat index values reflect how hot it feels when both temperature and humidity are factored in. What People Are Saying NWS Des Moines wrote in a Friday X, formerly Twitter, post: "Dangerous heat & humidity builds across Iowa through early next week. Maximum heat index values are expected to exceed 100 degrees everywhere, with a few locations potentially exceeding 110F! An Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for western/central Iowa beginning Sunday." AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva previously told Newsweek: "When the atmosphere is getting warmer as a what it's doing is making summer warmer and the shoulder seasons warmer as well. What's happening is those seasons, especially in the summertime, the [atmosphere's] ability to hold more moisture is going up as well. It doesn't guarantee we will see more rain over a certain area, it rains, it's going to rain heavier." Michael Lowry, hurricane specialist and storm expert, wrote in a July 15 X post: "So far in 2025, more flood warnings have been issued by @NWS than any year on record (since 1986)." AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jon Porter said in a July 21 AccuWeather article: "So far in 2025 across the U.S., there's been a 70% increase in reports of flash flooding when you compare that to the 10-year historic average through mid-July." What Happens Next? Many of the flash flood advisories are until 11:30 a.m. local time.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where 100-Year Floods Have Hit Across the US Over Past Year
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The term "100-year flood" implies that the event is a rare occurrence; however, dozens of such storms have inundated the United States over the past year alone, prompting concern that they are occurring more frequently as the Earth's climate continues to warm. Why It Matters Flooding is the second-deadliest weather hazard in the U.S., next to extreme heat. Devastating flood events have made headlines numerous times this year, including a 1,000-year atmospheric river event that hit the Midwest and South in April and the deadly floods that inundated Central Texas over the July 4th weekend. The frequency of such flooding rainstorms, which often go hand-in-hand with death and destruction, is alarming. What's even more concerning is that AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva told Newsweek that these events are happening more frequently. What To Know In 2024, dozens of 100-year rainstorms struck the U.S. Each point is marked on the map below, created by Colorado State University. The points marking each event are widespread, with only a few states escaping unscathed. Last year wasn't a one-time occurrence, either. This year is also "shaping up to be one of the most flood-impacted summers on record in the United States," AccuWeather reported. A map from Colorado State University shows where 100-year rainstorm events were documented in 2024. A map from Colorado State University shows where 100-year rainstorm events were documented in 2024. Colorado State University What Is a 100-Year Flood? The United States Geological Service (USGS) describes the term "100-year flood" as an attempt "to simplify the definition of a flood that statistically has a 1-percent chance of occurring in any given year." Where Did 100-Year Rainstorms Hit in 2024? On the CSU map, countless points pepper the Eastern Seaboard around North Carolina and South Carolina after Hurricane Helene struck in September. Others show the devastating impact of the summer monsoon season in New Mexico, which caused deserts to flood and cars to become stranded as water washed over a highway. Vermont faced catastrophic floods in late July. Central Texas, known as Flash Flood Alley, experienced several 100-year rainstorms last year, as did Florida, with a scattershot of points dated as occurring during the Atlantic hurricane season. There was also an onslaught of precipitation that hit South Dakota in June 2024, as well as a similar storm that measured as a 100-year event at several locations in Missouri in November, among others. Only a few states emerged unscathed, including Iowa, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts, but most of the U.S. experienced some form of severe flooding precipitation last year. Why Are 100-Year Floods Occurring More Frequently? The map's creator, Russ Schumacher, a professor of atmospheric sciences at CSU and a CSU climatologist, told Newsweek that improved technology, such as radar, provides better access to data, which can make it seem as if the flood events are happening more frequently. However, he also stressed the impact of climate change. "The physics of climate change tells us that we should see these extreme events more frequently," he said. As the atmosphere grows warmer through global warming, its ability to hold moisture increases, DaSilva told Newsweek. "This is why in the wintertime, we typically don't see too much flash flooding in the wintertime," DaSilva said. "It's too cold, and there's snow, of course, but it's hard to get the moisture content you need for heavy rain events in the wintertime because it's cooler out. In the summertime obviously the temperature is above freezing, but the atmosphere can hold more water content. There's more moisture to squeeze out." Which States Have Increased Flood Risk? As the atmosphere's ability to hold moisture increases, DaSilva told Newsweek that states in the Ohio and Tennessee valleys are becoming wetter, while areas like California are becoming drier. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva told Newsweek: "When the atmosphere is getting warmer as a what it's doing is making summer warmer and the shoulder seasons warmer as well. What's happening is those seasons, especially in the summertime, the [atmosphere's] ability to hold more moisture is going up as well." DaSilva added: "It doesn't guarantee we will see more rain over a certain area, it rains, it's going to rain heavier." The USGS in a webpage about 100-year flood events: "In other words, over the course of 1 million years, these events would be expected to occur 10,000 times. But, just because it rained 10 inches in one day last year doesn't mean it can't rain 10 inches in one day again this year." What Happens Next As the probability of heavy rain events increases, people are advised to have a flood plan in place before such an event occurs in their area. People should also never drive on a flooded roadway, as most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
Mint
6 days ago
- Climate
- Mint
130 million Americans under heat alerts: These 11 states are most affected
A relentless and expanding heat wave is impacting large swathes of the United States, with over 130 million Americans currently under Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). As per a report in Newsweek, the brunt of the heat is being felt across 11 states — Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama — where overnight temperatures are hovering in the upper 70s to low 80s, providing little to no relief from daytime extremes. The heat wave is driven by a persistent upper-level high-pressure system, commonly referred to as a heat dome, anchored over the eastern US. The NWS warns that this dome is pushing heat indices between 100°F and 105°F, with some regions in the Lower Mississippi Valley reaching 110°F or higher. In these areas, including parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana, Extreme Heat Warnings have been issued. "Recovery from daytime heat is nearly impossible, especially for those without air conditioning," AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex DaSilva told Newsweek, stressing the heightened risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. AccuWeather's latest forecast underscores the danger, projecting that more than 100 million people will face daily RealFeel® Temperatures of 100°F or more through the end of July. In parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee, RealFeel values are expected to soar between 110°F and 115°F due to the mix of extreme heat, high humidity, and minimal wind. 'This level of heat can be dangerous for many, particularly those exposed for extended periods,' said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson. He added that urban areas may not cool below 80°F at night, making sleep difficult and increasing the risk of heat exhaustion.
