Latest news with #Farmers'Almanac

Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Perseid meteor shower brings celestial fireballs to Tennessee. Here's the best time to view
With broiling temperatures during the day, maybe it's time to plan a cooler nighttime excursion. Say, watching the popular Perseid meteor shower? Backyard astronomers and stargazers can look to the night sky for the next several weeks to watch the prolific Perseid meteor shower. The celestial fire show started on July 17, but the meteor shower is almost a month long. "The Perseids, which peak in mid-August, are considered the best meteor shower of the year," according to NASA. "With swift and bright meteors, Perseids frequently leave long 'wakes' of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth's atmosphere." Usually, this fairly prolific celestial show is a fiery sight producing large, bright meteors during peak viewing, but for 2025 that light will be dimmed due to the moon. Here's what to know. When is the peak of the Perseid meteor shower? The Perseid meteor shower will peak on the night of Aug. 12 into the early morning of Aug. 13. How many meteors can be expected during Perseid's peak? People can expect to see 50 to 75 meteors per hour under ideal conditions during the peak, according to the American Meteor Society. The large, bright meteors, usually referred to as fireballs, won't be as spectacular this year due to how close the Perseid peak is to the August full moon. When is the next full moon? August's full moon, known as the Sturgeon moon, reaches peak at 3:55 a.m. ET/2:55 CT on Aug. 9. When is the best time to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Tennessee? Stargazers can catch the meteor shower between midnight and dawn, according to the society. The Perseid meteor shower can be seen anywhere with a clear sky and not a lot of light pollution. Considering the peak is just a few days after the full moon, a good day to have a great view happens on July 24. That's when the new moon rises, according to the Farmers' Almanac. If you are looking for a different experience, multiple Tennessee state parks are holding a couple of nighttime events for the peak of the meteor shower. You can find information on night hikes and viewing events across the Volunteer State. Some of the events do cost to participate. Night hike at Burgess Falls State Park Viewing at Burgess Falls State Park Kayak float at Old Fort When is the last night of the Perseid meteor shower? The Perseid meteor shower ends on Aug. 21 USA TODAY contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Perseid meteor shower: Here's where, when to view celestial fireballs Solve the daily Crossword


Boston Globe
a day ago
- Climate
- Boston Globe
A weather ‘tug of war'? Here's what the farmers' almanacs are predicting this fall in New England.
Or as the Could another dry fall spell trouble? Astronomical fall officially begins at 2:19 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22, with the arrival of the fall equinox, and lasts through the winter solstice, which occurs on Sunday, Dec. 21. Meteorological fall begins Sept. 1. The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts that the Northeast region of the United States will run cool and dry during the fall, except for New Jersey and Delaware. Advertisement September is forecast to see an average temperature of just about 59 degrees across the Northeast, about 2 degrees below the seasonal average for the region. There may be 'brief warm spells, but overall chilly weather.' A small stream burbles over the Bernard Farm Trail of the Mount Greylock State Reservation in North Adams, Mass., on Oct. 17, 2023. Lane Turner/Globe Staff The forecast also points to a dry autumn, averaging about 3½ inches of rain for the month, heaviest near the Canadian border, and lighter in the south. October will run even further below average, reaching 3 degrees shy of the monthly norm and only accumulating 2½ inches of rain. Advertisement The rainfall is especially important after last fall, when the In terms of hurricane season, the forecast calls for above-normal activity with a high count of named tropical storms. The Old Farmer's Almanac is calling for a cool and dry fall for the Northeast. Old Farmer's Almanac This fall will 'keep us on our toes' In short, 'this fall will keep us on our toes,' detailed the forecast. September will kick off with a thunderstorm chance across the Northeast over Labor Day weekend, and the month will continue to see a 'tug of war' between fair weather and storm systems. There is also an elevated hurricane threat along the Eastern Seaboard. October will 'begin to flirt with' an early shot of snow, especially in the higher elevations of Northern New England by mid- to late month. Halloween may be pretty chilly across the region this year. The almanac also forecasts that November may bring a bout or two of wet snow across the region with colder temperatures in place. The early fall weather outlook from the Farmers' Almanac. Farmers' Almanac The Old Farmers' Almanac, which was founded in Dublin, N.H., in 1792, is the oldest almanac in the country, starting when George Washington was president. The Lewiston, Maine-based Farmers' Almanac is also over 200 years old, having been started a few years later in 1818. Both guides rely heavily on solar activity and climatology in preparing their long-term seasonal outlooks. Advertisement Sunspots, recurring weather observations, and even lunar cycle information are incorporated into a 'secret' algorithm that the almanacs utilize. Keep in mind that the accuracy of these long-range forecasts months in advance is usually half right, at best. Each almanac was established to support agriculture efforts for farmers beginning in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The user guides provided advice on planting and harvesting times, when to expect frost, and leveraged moon phases and sun positioning to help time the crop cycle for particular crops. We'll have to see how this fall plays out, but until then, enjoy the second half of summer! Ken Mahan can be reached at
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Will fall be warm or cool in Texas? What the Farmers' Almanac fall 2025 forecast says
Although triple-digit temperatures arrived about six weeks early, Texas has seen a relatively mild summer overall, with wetter-than-normal conditions for this time of year. But in the coming weeks, the Climate Prediction Center expects a shift. Much of the state is forecast to see consistently warmer weather, with highs in the upper 90s to low 100s. For at least the next four weeks, above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall are likely across Texas. The center's seasonal outlook for August through October shows continued heat, though it projects equal chances of rainfall for this time of year — a promising sign as September and October are typically wetter months in many parts of the state. If the Farmers' Almanac is accurate, fall may bring gradual relief. Its newly released extended forecast, titled Flirty, Flurry Fall, predicts a dry and 'fair' start to the season, ending on a wetter note. The almanac has been forecasting weather — with varying accuracy — since 1818. What is the Farmers' Almanac predicting for Texas' upcoming summer forecast? "As summer fades and the crispness of autumn settles in, Fall 2025 is shaping up to be a season of contrasts across the United States," the almanac states. "From early chills in the North to lingering warmth in the South, and from stormy skies to tranquil stretches, this fall will keep us on our toes." The almanac's 200-year-old formula — based on mathematical and astronomical patterns — predicts a 'fair, dry start' to fall with a 'wet finish' in the South Central, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana. Throughout the season, the coldest conditions are expected to settle over the North Central states and the interior Northeast, especially from late October into November. In contrast, the Southeast and Southwest are forecast to experience milder, more stable weather — though not without the occasional storm. The wettest regions this fall will likely include the Great Lakes, Northeast, and parts of the Southeast, while the driest conditions are expected across the Southwest and portions of the West Coast, according to the almanac. Already counting down to spooky season? The almanac forecasts 'wet, then clearing skies' from Oct. 28–31 — so you might want to keep an umbrella or raincoat handy this Halloween, just in case. When do temperatures normally cool down in Texas? Across most of Texas, temperatures finally begin to cool in October, with average highs finally dipping below the triple-digit mark. Here's a look at the earliest, latest and average last 100-degree day recorded across the state since 1940, according to data from the National Weather Service. Austin Earliest: June 13 (1942) Latest: Oct. 13 (2024) Average: Aug. 24 Amarillo Earliest: June 14 (2004) Latest: Sept. 19 (2024) Average: Aug. 5 Dallas-Fort Worth Earliest: July 13 (2004) Latest: Oct. 3 (1951) Average: Aug. 29 El Paso Earliest: June 18 (1941) Latest: Sept. 27 (2024) Average: Aug. 11 Houston Earliest: June 13 (2006) Latest: Sept. 27 (2005) Average: Aug. 15 Lubbock Earliest: May 11 (1962) Latest: Oct. 3 (2000) Average: Aug. 2 Midland-Odessa Earliest: June 9 (1988) Latest: Oct. 8 (1979) Average: Aug. 21 San Antonio Earliest: July 4 (1970) Latest: Oct. 4 (2023) Average: Aug. 26 Tyler Earliest: July 12 (1955) Latest: Sept. 26 (2005) Average: Aug. 21 Waco Earliest: July 22 (1971) Latest: Oct. 15 (2024) Average: Aug. 31 Wichita Falls Earliest: June 27 (1950) Latest: Oct. 17 (1972) Average: Sept. 5 This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When will Texas start to cool? What the Farmers' Almanac says for fall Solve the daily Crossword


USA Today
6 days ago
- Science
- USA Today
Perseid meteor shower 2025: When is it and where can you see it?
The Perseids meteor shower is starting, and backyard astronomers will soon be able to catch a glimpse of the annual event. The meteor shower starts on Thursday, July 17, and ends Saturday, August 23, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). "The Perseids, which peaks in mid-August, is considered the best meteor shower of the year," according to NASA. "With swift and bright meteors, Perseids frequently leave long 'wakes' of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth's atmosphere." The Perseids meteor shower is set to peak on the night of August 12 into the early morning of August 13. Nearly 100 meteors per hour at its peak Usually, during the Perseids' peak, there will be up to 50 to 75 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, Michael Hankey, American Meteor Society Operations Manager, told USA TODAY in an email. The meteor shower is known to produce very bright meteors, often referred to as fireballs. However, in 2025, the showers' peak will not meet these ideal conditions because the moon will be too bright, Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society's newsletter editor and fireball report coordinator, told USA TODAY. This year's peak will occur just three days after the full moon. When is the best time to see the Perseids? The best time to view the Perseids is between midnight and dawn, according to Hankey. However, one of the the best days to see the Perseids is on Wednesday, July 30, because two other meteor showers, alpha Capricornids, Southern delta Aquariids, will be happening at the same time, according to Lunsford. The new moon will also fall on July 24, according to the Farmers' Almanac. Making the night skies darker and optimal for stargazing. "With the moon bothering the Perseids this year, the last couple of days of July might be a good opportunity to see some meteors without any moon," said Lunsford. Where should you face to see the Perseids? The meteors can appear from anywhere, "Lie back, look up, and scan the entire sky," wrote Hankey. "Meteors can appear in any part of the sky, though they will appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, in the northeast." But the moon's light could affect your chances of seeing a meteor. "You should face away from the moon," said Lunsford. Those hoping to see the shower should also do the following, according to Hankey: For optimal comfort, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray, and bring a blanket or a reclining chair. Do you need any equipment to see the meteor shower? No, onlookers will not need any equipment to see the meteor shower, according to Hankey. But, Lunsford said those interested in purchasing equipment should stay away from telescopes that cheaper than $500 and recommends purchasing from Celestron. He advises beginners to opt for a telescope with a lens instead of a mirror, and for those seeking a more affordable option, he recommends a pair of binoculars.

USA Today
15-07-2025
- USA Today
Summer heat could damage your smartphone. Here's how to protect it
According to long-range forecasts from the Farmers' Almanac, we are expecting to see a "scorcher of a summer" across the country this season, which could cause overheating phones and battery damage. Both the iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy line of smartphones are built to operate from 32 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, reporting from the USA TODAY Network shows. Apple notes using your iPhone in very hot conditions "can permanently shorten battery life." Apps and games can also clunk up processing capabilities of your phone, causing it to heat up. Apple also warns users to start their device within a specific temperature range: minus 4 degrees to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't leave your device in your car, the company warns, because temperatures in parked cars can exceed this range. The new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 devices: Thinner, lighter and packed with power Here's what to know about keeping your phone cool this summer: What causes your phone to warm up? Leaving your device in a car on a hot day, leaving in direct sunlight for an extended period of time and using certain features in hot conditions or direct sunlight for an extended period of time are all factors that contribute to a hot phone. Charging your device can cause it to heat up a bit, too, whether wirelessly or via a cord. How do I know whether my smartphone is heating up? Your iPhone or Galaxy phone will give away signals that it's starting to reach a point where they're getting too hot. Samsung notes that "access to certain features/functions may temporarily freeze as a means to protect the device" when it crosses heat thresholds. On the iPhone, Apple said the device will make several adjustments, including slower charging, dimmer displays, and the flashlight and flash for photos are disabled. Once your phone gets too hot, it will display warnings that the device needs to cool down before you can use it again. Both iPhone and Galaxy models will still allow you to make emergency calls during that time. "If the device overheats or reaches a certain temperature, a warning message will appear to prevent device failure, skin irritations and damages, and battery leakage," Samsung says. "To lower the device's temperature, the screen brightness and the performance speed will be limited and battery charging will stop. Running apps will be closed and all calling and other features will be limited, except for emergency calls, until the device cools down. "If a second message appears due to a further increase of the device's temperature, the device will turn off. Do not use the device until the device's temperature drops below the specified level," the company adds. What should I do if my phone gets too hot? If your device gets too hot, turn it off, move it to a cooler environment (away from direct sunlight), and allow it to cool down, according to Apple. "iOS and iPadOS devices have built-in protections to prevent overheating. If the interior temperature of your device exceeds the normal operating range, your device will protect its internal components by attempting to regulate its temperature," Apple says. My phone shut down from the heat — now what? Don't panic. Most modern devices have safeguards, and automatic shutdowns are part of the plan. Take your smartphone out of your pocket and put it somewhere out of the sun as soon as possible.