Latest news with #National Weather Service
Fast Company
14 hours ago
- Climate
- Fast Company
Why ‘corn sweat' will make this week's heat wave even worse
Another crushing heat wave is hitting the United States this week. The so-called 'dog days of summer' are in full swing for much of the eastern two-thirds of the U.S., as a heat dome over the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys gradually builds over the eastern U.S. later in the week, according to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). One unlikely culprit for the high humidity, especially in the Midwest, is 'corn sweat.' What is corn sweat? 'Corn sweat' is the term used to explain how corn, like other plants, excretes water vapor through its leaves via a process called evapotranspiration, which increases humidity in regions where corn is grown during the summer; namely, the Corn Belt, which stretches from North and South Dakota east to Ohio, including Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, according to The Washington Post. Where is the heat wave? Nearly 60 million Americans are under heat-related warnings, watches, and advisories this week with oppressive heat forecast across the Central Plains, Midwest, and deep South, according to the WPC. What is the weather forecast this week? Heat indices from the Central Plains to the Southeast are predicted to range between 100 and 110 degrees each day, with localized readings potentially reaching 115 degrees. The National Weather Service's HeatRisk, which ranks heat-related risks on a map, forecasts its most extreme heat level for the Deep South and lower Mississippi Valley on Tuesday, with a major heat risk across the Midwest through Wednesday. Extreme heat warnings are also in place for parts of the Central Plains and lower to mid-Mississippi Valley, along with extreme heat watches across the Midwest, including the majority of the Chicago area. Meanwhile, heat advisories encompass much of the Deep South and northern Florida. That ' dangerous, long lasting heat ' is expected to persist the longest over the mid-Mississippi Valley and mid-South regions from Tuesday through Thursday, when the heat is expected to be the most intense and widespread, with heat waves that last multiple days in a row with little to no relief. Meanwhile, temperatures into the upper 90s will be high enough to set some local daily records in the Southeast for late July. As if that weren't enough, thunderstorms could also pose a flash flood threat in portions of the Southwest, Midwest, and Southeast, with severe storms likely in the Northern Plains and Midwest. The Northeast, which should have comfortable temperatures in the 80s in the first half of the week, is forecast to hit 97 to 98 degrees on Friday, in a number of cities including Boston and New York.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tornado warnings issued in Des Moines, Ames Saturday morning. Are more storms on the way?
A severe weather front rolled across Iowa early Saturday morning. The system brought heavy rainfall, lightning and thunder to parts of the state as well as a few tornado warnings. A radar indicated tornado warning was issued for Story County, specifically Ames and Huxley, at 5:52 a.m. while another was issued for parts of Polk County, including Des Moines, at 6:22 a.m. Sirens went off in Ames around 6 a.m. and near the Drake neighborhood in Des Moines around 6:30 a.m. No tornadoes were confimred to have actually touched down, although the National Weather Service in Des Moines is investigating reports of possible weak tornadoes in Gilbert and northeast of Polk City. More: Madison petition for special election gets signatures, but county mistakes could derail it Strong wind gusts downed tree limbs in the Nevada and Pilot Mound areas but there are no reports of significant damage, according to the National Weather Service. Pea sized hail was reported in Madrid, according to Boone County Emergency Management. How much rain fell in central Iowa? Des Moines saw 0.66 inches of rain Saturday morning, according to reports from the National Weather Service. significantly higher rainfall, with Bode topping the charts. The cities with the most rain were: Bode: 4.85 inches Garner: 2.86 inches Pilot Mound: 2.5 inches More: A movement for college kids to ditch their smartphones is coming to an Iowa college Swaledale: 2.12 inches Eagle Grove: 2.07 inches Ames: 1.64 inches Boxholm: 1.5 inches Is more severe weather headed for Des Moines? Lingering storms are expected to dissipate by midday Saturday, with the possibility of a return in the evening. A severe weather outlook from the National Weather Service predicts a slight risk for severe weather in central and southeastern parts of the state. The NWS warns residents to be on the lookout for 'damaging winds,' and notes that 'brief' tornadoes are possible. Excessive rain is expected as well. More: RAGBRAI Day 1: A look at what's ahead on the journey from Orange City to Milford Thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rainfall across the state throughout the weekend. Three to five inches of rainfall could be expected into Sunday. The NWS forecasts at least a half inch to an inch of rain, 'especially south of U.S. 20.' Flash flood watch issued for Polk County, several central Iowa counties A flood watch was issued for Polk County and nine other central Iowa counties at 2:52 p.m. on Saturday. Strong thunderstorms are expected to drop heavy rainfall, according to the National Weather Service, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding. The watch extends across portions of central, northeast, south central, southeast, southwest and west central Iowa. The flood watch goes into effect at 7 p.m. and will remain active until 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 20. More: Attorney General Brenna Bird drops lawsuit against Winneshiek County sheriff The National Weather Service said rain is supposed to sweep through central Iowa starting at 7 p.m. with a chance for strong storms developing after 10 p.m. Damaging winds, up to 70 mph, are likely along with a chance for large hail. The storm will move southeast across the state at 25 mph. The National Weather Service predicts rainfall up to two to five inches, with the potential to exceed five inches in some areas. The NWS said a tornado or two is possible. The highest chances for flash flooding is for communities between U.S. Highway 20 and U.S. Highway 34. More storms expected Sunday The threat of severe weather continues through Sunday, July 20 across much of Iowa. The National Weather Service expects scattered severe storms to develop in the early morning hours, producing damaging winds and heavy rain. More storms are expected to roll through in the late afternoon and early evening. The storms will move across the state to the east at 30 mph. (This story was updated to add new information, a video and a photo gallery.) Norah Judson is a reporter for the Register. Reach her at njudson@ This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How much rain fell in Des Moines? More storms are on the way Saturday
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Storms possible Saturday across Southeastern Michigan
The Brief Storms are possible Saturday afternoon and evening across Southeastern Michigan. Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Damaging winds will be a primary threat, with some storms producing large hail and even an isolated tornado. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Storms are possible Saturday afternoon and evening across Southeastern Michigan. Saturday will start off cooler, with morning temperatures in the 60s and plenty of sunshine. Clouds will gradually increase throughout the day, leading to a chance of storms by the afternoon. Temperatures will reach around 80 degrees by noon. Timeline According to the National Weather Service, isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. All of Southeast Michigan is under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather. Pockets of heavy rain could impact Detroit, Macomb, Sterling Heights and Downriver near Flat Rock, Taylor, Monroe and Southgate. Storms will linger and spread north toward Utica, New Baltimore and Port Huron by 8 p.m. Heavy rain extends from Garden City east toward Windsor by 10 p.m. with more rain overnight moving out of state in time for Sunday morning services. The NWS reports that damaging winds will be the primary threat, though some storms may also produce large hail and even an isolated tornado. Looking Ahead Sunday will begin with some morning clouds but is expected to stay mostly dry, with gradual clearing and temperatures hovering in the low 80s. The heat and humidity returns next week. Stay with FOX 2 for more weather coverage and download the FOX 2 Weather App for free HERE. The Source FOX 2 used information from the National Weather Service for this story. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Ex-tropical disturbance could still unleash flooding rains over Louisiana's coast
A former tropical disturbance being watched by hurricane forecasters failed to form into a tropical depression before reaching the Louisiana coast, but it still threatens downpours and flash flooding as it marches inland on July 18, forecasters said. The system, previously called Invest 93L, is already causing thunderstorms and scattered showers just southwest of New Orleans, the Storm Prediction Center said. Flood watches blanket much of the southern half of Louisiana through midday July 19, according to the National Weather Service. The risk for excessive rainfall and flash flooding from this system is highest along the I-10/12 corridor and south of it, the weather service office in New Orleans said. Flooding concerns extend along the coastal plain from Houston, Texas, to Pensacola, Florida, forecasters said. Downpours with rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour could lead to ponding of water in areas that are low-lying and have poor drainage, leading to flooding of some roads, the weather service said. In areas with the heaviest rainfall, some structures could also become flooded. The risk of rain continues through the weekend, but the flash flooding threat over the weekend will depend on how much total rain falls between July 17 and 18, the weather service in New Orleans said. "Even a poorly organized tropical rainstorm can still produce localized torrential downpours that can lead to incidents of dangerous flash flooding," AccuWeather said. Flooded streets were reported in LaPlace, Destrehan, Luling and New Sarpy, Louisiana, on July 17, according to the National Weather Service. About an inch of water made it into some Luling homes, the preliminary local storm reports said. Video posted to social media showed streets and yards flooded in Luling. The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will last through the end of November. Active hurricane weather typically peaks between mid-August and mid-October. How much rain could fall? Lingering moisture from the weather system will bring rainbands to the Texas and Arkansas borders, impacting the lower and mid-Mississippi Valleys with potential flash flooding this weekend, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. Some parts of southeastern Louisiana have already seen between about 4 and 8 inches of rain in the last 48 hours, with another 1 to 3 inches possible through July 19, AccuWeather said. Here are some recorded rainfall totals for the last 48 hours, according to AccuWeather: 7.91 inches of rain in Pierre Part, Louisiana 6.21 inches of rain in Little Woods, Louisiana 5.94 inches of rain in Desire Area, Louisiana 4.70 inches of rain in LaPlace, Louisiana 4.67 inches of rain in Houma, Louisiana 4.33 inches of rain at University of Louisiana Lafayette 3.99 inches of rain in Prairieville, Louisiana 3.86 inches of rain in Gonzales, Louisiana 3.74 inches of rain in Thibodaux, Louisiana 2.89 inches of rain in Iota, Louisiana Rip currents a threat along Gulf Coast As the system brings heavy rains along the Gulf Coast, dangerous rip currents are also a hazard for swimmers headed to beaches in states along the coast. The National Weather Service office in Mobile, Alabama, said on July 18 that rip current risk is high for several Alabama and Florida beaches but will improve over the weekend. "The best idea... Just stay out of the water," forecasters there said. Rip currents, fast-moving channels of water that flow away from the shore, can drag a swimmer way out into the ocean and exhaust them trying to fight their way out. At least three dozen other people have died so far in 2025 in surf zone-related incidents, with the majority caught by rip currents, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Prepare now for potential hurricanes Experts say it's important to be prepared for potential future hurricanes before the threat is imminent. 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. Stay prepared: Here's what you should do to prep for hurricanes Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said. Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation. Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home's ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Louisiana sees flash flood risk from former tropical disturbance
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Duke Energy warns Hoosiers of possible 'widespread outages' due to severe weather
Duke Energy is warning Indiana residents about severe weather and possible widespread power outages. The utility said Friday afternoon it was 'preparing for potential severe weather, including strong thunderstorms and damaging winds, that may bring widespread outages to its Indiana service territory this weekend.' Hazardous weather outlook issued The National Weather Service in Indianapolis issued a hazardous weather outlook Friday for nearly half of Indiana's counties, including Monroe and all neighboring counties. The NWS said showers and thunderstorms were possible Friday night but it did not expect severe weather until Saturday. Stay weather aware with the Herald-Times app The agency said thunderstorms are possible most days through Thursday, with damaging wind gusts possible Saturday night and possible flash flooding Saturday through Monday. After that, a heat wave is expected to build in the state. 'Heat indices over 100 degrees may become common next Tuesday afternoon,' the NWS said. Prepare now for power interruption Duke Energy urged people to prepare for possible power interruptions. 'A critical part of being safe in severe weather is being prepared,' Clint Carnahan, the utility's general manager of emergency preparedness, said in a news release. 'We do regular storm planning throughout the year, and we want our customers to be prepared as well The utility recommended that people: Charge their phones Have an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable food and medicines Determine what action to take if someone in your home has special needs or relies on electric life support equipment. You may want to consider alternate shelter arrangements. How can I report a power outage? The utility said customers who lose power can report the outage by: Texting OUT to 57801 Using the Duke mobile app. Visiting Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 800-343-3525 Duke Energy also said people can get the latest information by: Signing up for outage alerts at Visiting the utility's outage map at For additional storm safety tips, you can visit and Boris Ladwig can be reached at bladwig@ This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Duke Energy warns of possible 'widespread outages' from weekend weather Solve the daily Crossword
