2025-08-13 06:00:41.262

MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Erin formed Monday in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean and could become the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season later this week, forecasters say. In the Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Henriette strengthened well away from Hawaii. But the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said no coastal watches or warnings are in effect for either storm. By Monday afternoon, Erin was about 430 miles (690 kilometers) west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (72 kph), according to the hurricane center. It said Erin was moving westward at 20 mph (32 kph) and is expected to continue on that general path for several days. Gradual strengthening was forecast over the next several days and forecasters said Erin could reach hurricane intensity by the latter part of the week. The hurricane center said it remains too early to determine possible impacts, if any, from Erin as it moves closer to the northern Leeward Islands. Elsewhere, Hurricane Henriette was a Category 1 storm in the central Pacific on Monday and was expected to retain hurricane status for another day or two before weakening. Henriette had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph), the NHC said. The storm was located about 595 miles (945 kilometers) northwest of Honolulu. Also in the Pacific, remnants of onetime Tropical Storm Ivo degenerated on Monday about 615 miles (990 kilometers) west of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Forecasters said the remains of Ivo pose no threat to land.

2025-06-20 00:00:39.65

A major heatwave is set to engulf the United States this week, bringing dangerously high temperatures and humidity to millions. The Midwest, particularly Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, will be hardest hit this weekend, with forecasters warning of extreme temperature impacts. This marks the arrival of true summer weather for many across the region and the East Coast. The humidity will make temperatures exceeding 90°F (30°C) feel up to 20 degrees hotter. A heat dome, a high-pressure system trapping heat and humidity, is the culprit. Daytime temperatures in the 90s°F (30s°C) and overnight lows in the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C) are expected from the Great Lakes to the East Coast, lasting into next week. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico is fueling the muggy conditions. The heat will be widespread, with Denver potentially reaching 100°F (38°C) on Friday, Chicago 96°F (36°C) on Sunday, and Washington, D.C., and New York City reaching near 100°F (37°C) by Tuesday. Several Midwest states face the highest risk levels for dangerous heat, particularly Nebraska and Kansas on Saturday, and Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Illinois on Sunday. High humidity hinders the body's ability to cool down through sweating, increasing the risk of heatstroke. The article advises minimizing sun exposure, wearing light clothing, staying hydrated, and seeking air-conditioned spaces to mitigate the risks. The difference between humid and dry heat is explained, with the latter being less dangerous due to faster sweat evaporation. Even crops contribute to humidity, a phenomenon known as "corn sweat", though this is less significant than the moisture from the Gulf.

2025-06-19 18:00:41.236

Hurricane Erick has rapidly intensified, doubling in strength in less than a day and continuing to grow stronger as it approaches Mexico's southern Pacific coast. This rapid intensification, while not unusual for the region, is becoming more common due to climate change, particularly in the Atlantic. Erick gained 50 mph in just 18 hours, and is expected to be the strongest storm to hit that part of Mexico this early in the season. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season is experiencing higher-than-normal activity, with Erick being the fifth named storm, exceeding the average for this time of year. While Erick's rapid intensification is concerning, it is not comparable to the devastating Hurricane Otis in 2023, due to differences in timing and water temperatures. Erick's ideal atmospheric conditions, including abundant moisture, are contributing to its growth. While a direct link between global warming and Erick's intensification requires further study, scientists have generally linked climate change to more frequent rapid intensification events.

2025-04-03 06:00:55.871

Severe storms, including intense and violent tornadoes, have caused widespread destruction across Missouri, Arkansas, and Indiana. Homes and farms have been destroyed, and a radio tower in Indiana was toppled. Approximately 14 million people were initially under tornado watches stretching from Ohio to Mississippi. The storms are also expected to trigger multiple days of near-nonstop rain, leading to "generational" flooding in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi. At least one death has been reported in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, though the circumstances are still unclear. A tornado watch remains in effect for parts of several states, with the potential for tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. Several people were rescued from a partially collapsed warehouse in Indiana, and others were injured in Kentucky. Heavy damage has been reported in Craighead County, Arkansas, affecting multiple cities. Over 200,000 customers are without power across several states. Flash flood warnings are in effect for millions, and a high risk of flooding is forecast for several states. The National Weather Service office in Paducah, Kentucky, had to shelter in place due to a tornado passing nearby. A tornado also caused significant damage in Lake City, Arkansas, and Potosi, Missouri. The storms are described as having an almost textbook look for a tornado-producing storm, with a hook echo visible on radar. A meteorologist at a CNN affiliate in Missouri reported on the tornado while sheltering in place at the station. The tornado threat has ramped up to extreme levels in the lower Mississippi Valley, with multiple "large and extremely dangerous" tornadoes reported. A tornado emergency was issued for Lake City, Arkansas, due to a large and destructive tornado. Drone shots show significant damage in Owasso, Oklahoma, following a storm.