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  • 2025 Atlantic hurricane wrap-up; no hurricane made landfall in the U.S.

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    For the first time in a decade, there was no direct landfall on the U.S. from a hurricane. Despite no landfalls, it was still an active season overall with 13 named storms and three Category 5 hurricanes.

    What You Need To Know

    • NOAA and Colorado State University forecasted above normal activity this year

    • First year since 2015 that no hurricane made a direct landfall on the United States

    • Hurricane Melissa was the most intense hurricane of the 2025 season, with winds of 185 mph and a pressure of 892 mbar


    Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) predicted 2025 would have above-normal activity during their pre-season forecasts. With the latter predicting 16 named storms. 

    Total storms

    In the end, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was slightly above average with 13 named storms, five hurricanes and four major storms.

    However, the season didn’t feel all that busy, and that’s because most of the storms stayed out to sea, with no direct landfalling hurricanes this year. Thanks to a persistent weaker Bermuda High, many storms came close to the coast but curved northward out to sea before making direct landfall.

    Notable storms

    Even though storms did not make landfall, that doesn’t mean they didn’t cause damage to the United States. Hurricanes Erin and Imelda came close to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, causing coastal erosion. In the past five years, at least 11 homes have toppled into the surf in Rodanthe, N.C.

    Both storms ended up curving northward and then northeast out to sea.

    Two houses sit out in the heavy surf as Hurricane Erin passes offshore at Rodanthe, N.C., on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

    Although no hurricanes made landfall in the U.S. this year, one tropical storm did—Chantal. It made landfall just one day after forming, moving inland near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, as a tropical storm with winds of 60 mph on July 6.

    Flooding from Chantal in Saxapahaw. (Spectrum News 1/Jordan Kudisch)

    Heavy rainfall and flash flooding were the biggest impacts from Chantal. Radar-estimated rainfall totals up 9 to 12 inches were recorded in parts of North Carolina between Raleigh and Greensboro, causing significant flooding around Chapel Hill and nearby rivers.

    Fujiwhara Effect

    As Hurricane Imelda was churning off the coast of North Carolina, it was also about 400 miles from Hurricane Humberto, creating a semi-rare phenomenon called the Fujiwhara Effect. With the two hurricanes so close to each other, it looked as if a mega-hurricane was going to develop, but Bay News 9’s Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay said back in September, we should not be concerned about these storms colliding and forming a mega-hurricane.

    “In the Atlantic, if two tropical systems are close enough, they can ruin the environment for both, just like we are seeing right now with Humberto and Imelda. There just isn’t enough ocean space.”

    Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto are located about 400 miles from each other in the Atlantic. (NOAA)

    The smaller or weaker storm will usually circle around the bigger one, as the larger storm will eventually dominate or potentially even fully absorb the smaller system. In this case, Imelda was the larger storm and fully absorbed Humberto.

    Category 5 storms

    Three hurricanes this year reached Category 5 status with wind speeds over 155 mph. Those storms include Hurricane Erin, Humberto and Melissa.

    Erin formed in the western Atlantic on Aug. 11 and rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on Aug. 16 with winds of 160 mph. It brushed past the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola before moving past the U.S., bringing life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents up the East Coast.

    Coastal flooding was worse along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, especially during high tide, forcing thousands to evacuate and closing Highway 12 on Hatteras Island, and tidal flooding led to rescues in Margate City, New Jersey.

    A section of N.C. 12 at the north end of Buxton is flooding before the Tuesday afternoon high tide as Hurricane Erin continues moving northwest across the Atlantic Ocean. (N.C. Department of Transportation)

    Hurricane Humberto became a hurricane two days after forming into a tropical storm. It rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm and then, 24 hours later, it reached peak intensity as a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 160 mph. It moved between the United States and Bermuda and brought large swells and dangerous rip currents to the U.S. East Coast and squally weather to Bermuda.

    Melissa was a late-season Category 5 hurricane and the most intense storm of the season. It became a tropical storm on Oct. 21 and by Oct. 25 it had undergone rapid intensification, becoming a Category 4 hurricane. Melissa nearly stalled in the Caribbean Sea and, thanks to favorable conditions, it achieved Category 5 status on Oct. 27.

    The church of Lacovia Tombstone, Jamaica, sits damaged in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

    It reached peak intensity with winds of 185 mph and is now tied for third for the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record (since 1851) with a pressure of 892 mbar. It made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on Oct. 28. Over 100 fatalities were reported due to Melissa.

    Forecast models

    The forecast for Melissa was notably a challenge. Weather models were showing inconsistent tracks run-to-run.

    The National Hurricane Center, surprisingly, relied on Google’s DeepMind, a new AI weather model-over more traditional models. Data showed the AI model outperformed traditional physics-based models and aligned with the National Hurricane Center’s forecasts when came to track error.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

     

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Thanksgiving Travel Forecast

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    According to AAA, more Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year than ever before. Whether you’re flying or driving, the weather could impact your trip. Here’s what to expect across the country this week.

    What You Need To Know

    • An early week system will bring rain from the Plains to East Coast

    • Thanksgiving looks mostly quiet across U.S.

    • Much colder air after Thanksgiving


    Here are the weather highlights for Thanksgiving travelers this week. 


    A more detailed forecast for each day can be found below.

    Monday

    A system will be on the move and bring widespread rain from the Southern Plains to Great Lakes. Scattered storms could create travel issues for places like Dallas, St. Louis and Memphis. 


    Tuesday

    By Tuesday, our system will continue its path to the east with showers and storms expected in the Southeast and up the East Coast. Areas farther north will see mostly showers, so nothing too concerning other than a wet commute up and down I-95.

    Wednesday

    By Wednesday, the system will be mostly gone with only a few areas of lingering rain chances in the East and lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes. Attention turns to the Pacific Northwest where the next system will be moving on shore. Rain and mountain snow will be likely in this region.


    Thanksgiving Day

    If you are traveling short and far on Thanksgiving Day, most of the country thankfully looks quiet and uneventful. The Pacific NW system will be pushing inland bringing snow across the northern Mountain West. Additionally, the lake-effect machine will continue in the Great Lakes.


    Black Friday

    Black Friday shoppers may need to deal with some winter weather from the Northern Plains to Great Lakes. Temperatures will be far colder behind the early week front setting this one up.

    Saturday

    Forecast info.


    Sunday

    Forecast info.


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Decaying leaves: The gift that keeps on giving

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    When you think of autumn, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Pumpkin spice? Cooler weather?

    For many, it’s the leaves transforming.

    With most of the country past peak foliage, those leaves have likely fallen and are littering lawns and streets. It’s a great time to think about what to do with the leaves as they fall.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fall foliage has reached peak or past peak across most of the country

    • Fallen leaves are biodegradable

    • Composting is one of the many options for decaying leaves

    While stepping on a crunchy leaf is extremely satisfying, the leaves take over yards, sidewalks and streets.

    Sometimes when it rains, fallen leaves clog storm drains and can be a hazard while walking. So, it’s no surprise that many want to clean up these dead leaves.

    People commonly bag the fallen leaves and consider the leaves trash.

    But what if there were more environmentally friendly ways to take care of these dying leaves?

    (Pic by Remi Lynn)

    When you bag the dried autumn leaves and put them on the curb, they end up as trash in a landfill. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, yard waste accounts for nearly 20% of all garbage generated in the United States each year. That’s over 31 million tons.

    As the leaves and other yard waste sit in landfills, they produce methane, which can pollute nearby air and soil.

    So what are the alternatives?

    Alternatives to leaf bagging

    Realistically, leaves can remain in the yard where they fall. You can chop them with a mulching mower or even a regular lawnmower.

    Leaves are biodegradable, meaning that bacteria or other living organisms can decompose them. While whole leaves take a longer time to break down (about two to three years), cut-up leaves decompose faster (about one year) and can provide plenty of nutrients for the soil.

    (Photo by Chris Thompson)

    You can use whole and/or chopped leaves in gardens and flower beds as mulch.

    If you still don’t want leaves scattered all across the lawn, composting is a great way to beautify your lawn and garden in multiple ways.

    To compost decaying leaves, chop them with a mower and combine them with green material (grass clippings work great here). Keep the combination moist and well mixed. It will probably take until spring to break down, but the result is a nutrient-rich fertilizer for any plants or crops.

    If DIY composting isn’t your thing, check out local groups that collect leaves for composting. Happy leaf collecting!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Britney Hamilton

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  • Decaying leaves: The gift that keeps on giving

    [ad_1]

    When you think of autumn, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Pumpkin spice? Cooler weather?

    For many, it’s the leaves transforming.

    With most of the country past peak foliage, those leaves have likely fallen and are littering lawns and streets. It’s a great time to think about what to do with the leaves as they fall.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fall foliage has reached peak or past peak across most of the country

    • Fallen leaves are biodegradable

    • Composting is one of the many options for decaying leaves

    While stepping on a crunchy leaf is extremely satisfying, the leaves take over yards, sidewalks and streets.

    Sometimes when it rains, fallen leaves clog storm drains and can be a hazard while walking. So, it’s no surprise that many want to clean up these dead leaves.

    People commonly bag the fallen leaves and consider the leaves trash.

    But what if there were more environmentally friendly ways to take care of these dying leaves?

    (Pic by Remi Lynn)

    When you bag the dried autumn leaves and put them on the curb, they end up as trash in a landfill. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, yard waste accounts for nearly 20% of all garbage generated in the United States each year. That’s over 31 million tons.

    As the leaves and other yard waste sit in landfills, they produce methane, which can pollute nearby air and soil.

    So what are the alternatives?

    Alternatives to leaf bagging

    Realistically, leaves can remain in the yard where they fall. You can chop them with a mulching mower or even a regular lawnmower.

    Leaves are biodegradable, meaning that bacteria or other living organisms can decompose them. While whole leaves take a longer time to break down (about two to three years), cut-up leaves decompose faster (about one year) and can provide plenty of nutrients for the soil.

    (Photo by Chris Thompson)

    You can use whole and/or chopped leaves in gardens and flower beds as mulch.

    If you still don’t want leaves scattered all across the lawn, composting is a great way to beautify your lawn and garden in multiple ways.

    To compost decaying leaves, chop them with a mower and combine them with green material (grass clippings work great here). Keep the combination moist and well mixed. It will probably take until spring to break down, but the result is a nutrient-rich fertilizer for any plants or crops.

    If DIY composting isn’t your thing, check out local groups that collect leaves for composting. Happy leaf collecting!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Britney Hamilton

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  • Catch the dazzling Leonid meteor shower

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    The Leonid meteor shower is one of the most famous and historically significant celestial events, occurring every November, with tons of meteors available to view.

    What You Need To Know

    • Meteors appear to radiate from a point within the constellation Leo

    • Best viewing hours are between midnight and dawn
    • The Leonids are known to feature fast-moving meteors



    We’re lucky enough to witness this celestial show from now until Nov. 20. This meteor shower is caused by Earth’s passage through the dusty trail left behind by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This small comet orbits the Sun roughly every 33 years, creating a river of cosmic stardust in its wake.

    How to see the shower

    The best time to look is typically in the hours after midnight and before dawn when the constellation Leo climbs highest in the eastern sky. The shower is active throughout this month, but its peak usually occurs around Nov. 18. Below is a forecast loop of cloud cover through early morning of the 21st. 

    For optimal viewing, find a location far from city lights, lie flat on your back, and simply look up, allowing about 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark. 

    Science behind the shower

    The Leonids are renowned for their exceptional speed, clocking in at around 158,000 mph, making them one of the fastest annual meteor showers. This high velocity directly results from the comet’s orbit, going around the Sun in the opposite direction to Earth.

    Because the comet’s debris hits our atmosphere nearly head-on, the resulting flashes are typically bright and leave behind glowing trails or produce colorful fireballs. These meteors appear brighter than the brightest stars and the planet Venus.

    Even in a typical year, when observers might see a modest rate of 10 to 20 meteors per hour, the sheer intensity of the Leonids ensures a captivating display.

    Why this shower is so special

    The Leonids are in a class of their own among other meteor showers for the sheer volume of meteors to see. While most meteor showers are consistent year over year, the Leonids are capable of bursts of activity where the rate of visible meteors skyrockets to over 1,000 per hour.

    This phenomenon occurs approximately every 33 years, coinciding with the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle’s closest approach to the Sun. During these rare events, Earth passes through a particularly dense, fresh debris field. Historically, these storms have been awesome, with the 1833 and 1966 events being among the most famous, where meteors “fell like rain.”

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Nathan Harrington

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  • Catch the dazzling Leonid meteor shower

    [ad_1]

    The Leonid meteor shower is one of the most famous and historically significant celestial events, occurring every November, with tons of meteors available to view.

    What You Need To Know

    • Meteors appear to radiate from a point within the constellation Leo

    • Best viewing hours are between midnight and dawn
    • The Leonids are known to feature fast-moving meteors



    We’re lucky enough to witness this celestial show from now until Nov. 20. This meteor shower is caused by Earth’s passage through the dusty trail left behind by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This small comet orbits the Sun roughly every 33 years, creating a river of cosmic stardust in its wake.

    How to see the shower

    The best time to look is typically in the hours after midnight and before dawn when the constellation Leo climbs highest in the eastern sky. The shower is active throughout this month, but its peak usually occurs around Nov. 18. Below is a forecast loop of cloud cover through early morning of the 21st. 

    For optimal viewing, find a location far from city lights, lie flat on your back, and simply look up, allowing about 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark. 

    Science behind the shower

    The Leonids are renowned for their exceptional speed, clocking in at around 158,000 mph, making them one of the fastest annual meteor showers. This high velocity directly results from the comet’s orbit, going around the Sun in the opposite direction to Earth.

    Because the comet’s debris hits our atmosphere nearly head-on, the resulting flashes are typically bright and leave behind glowing trails or produce colorful fireballs. These meteors appear brighter than the brightest stars and the planet Venus.

    Even in a typical year, when observers might see a modest rate of 10 to 20 meteors per hour, the sheer intensity of the Leonids ensures a captivating display.

    Why this shower is so special

    The Leonids are in a class of their own among other meteor showers for the sheer volume of meteors to see. While most meteor showers are consistent year over year, the Leonids are capable of bursts of activity where the rate of visible meteors skyrockets to over 1,000 per hour.

    This phenomenon occurs approximately every 33 years, coinciding with the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle’s closest approach to the Sun. During these rare events, Earth passes through a particularly dense, fresh debris field. Historically, these storms have been awesome, with the 1833 and 1966 events being among the most famous, where meteors “fell like rain.”

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Nathan Harrington

    Source link

  • Georgia up to No. 4 in AP poll, Sooners back in top 10

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    Georgia moved up one spot to No. 4 in The Associated Press poll Sunday, Oklahoma returned to the top 10 and North Texas, ranked for the first time since 1959, is among three Group of Five teams in the Top 25.

    Ohio State, Indiana and Texas A&M were the top three teams for the fifth straight week. Georgia earned its highest ranking since the first week of September and Mississippi was back in the top five after spending three weeks there at midseason.

    Oregon and Texas Tech were tied for No. 6, and Oklahoma rose three spots to No. 8 following its win at Alabama. The Sooners were last in the top 10, at No. 6, the second week of October.

    Notre Dame remained No. 9 after a 22-point win at Pittsburgh and Alabama dropped six spots to No. 10 after the Sooners ended its eight-game win streak.

    Ohio State, which rolled past UCLA to improve to 10-0 for the fourth time in seven seasons, received 57 of 66 first-place votes. Indiana, which beat Wisconsin to go 11-0 for the first time, got eight first-place votes. Texas A&M, whose comeback from a 27-point deficit to beat South Carolina was its largest ever, got one first-place vote, three less than last week.

    Georgia’s 35-10 win over Texas was its sixth straight and second over a top-10 opponent. Mississippi, which lost at Georgia a month ago, defeated Florida and is more than 100 points behind the Bulldogs at No. 5.

    The Group of Five hadn’t had three teams in the Top 25 since four appeared in last season’s final poll.

    The Sun Belt Conference’s James Madison blew out Appalachian State and moved up three spots to No. 21. North Texas is next at No. 22. The Mean Green of the American Conference clobbered UAB 53-24 on the road and have matched their best start in program history.

    The last time UNT was 9-1 was in 1959, when the team then known as the Eagles was ranked two straight weeks in November, reaching No. 16. That team lost to New Mexico State in the Sun Bowl to finish 9-2. This year’s UNT team already is eligible for a second straight bowl game and is in the thick of the race for the Group of Five’s automatic CFP bid.

    In and out

    — No. 22 North Texas’ first appearance in the poll in 66 years ends the longest drought by a Bowl Subdivision team.

    — No. 23 Missouri returned after a one-week absence following a win over Mississippi State in which Ahmad Hardy became the first player since 2022 to rush for 300 yards.

    — No. 24 Tulane has won two straight since losing to UTSA and is ranked for the first time this season.

    — No. 25 Houston, fifth among teams also receiving votes last week and idle, were ranked for one week in October.

    Louisville (19), Cincinnati (22), Pittsburgh (23) and South Florida (25) dropped out.

    Poll points

    — Voters did what the CFP selection committee did last week, jumping Miami over Georgia Tech to make the Hurricanes the highest-ranked Atlantic Coast Conference team. Miami easily beat North Carolina State and moved up two spots to No. 14. Georgia Tech, which needed a field goal in the final seconds to edge one-win Boston College, slipped a spot to No. 15.

    — No. 13 Utah has outscored three opponents by a combined 153-49 since losing at BYU and has its highest ranking of the season.

    — No. 17 Texas took the biggest plunge, dropping seven spots.

    Conference call

    SEC (9): Nos. 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17, 20, 23.

    Big Ten (5): Nos. 1, 2, T-6, 16, 18.

    Big 12 (4): Nos. T-6, 11, 13, 25.

    ACC (3): Nos. 14, 15, 19.

    American (2): Nos. 22, 24.

    Sun Belt (1): No. 21.

    Independent (1): No. 9.

    Ranked vs. ranked

    No. 16 Southern California (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten, No. 17 CFP) at No. 6 Oregon (9-1, 6-1, No. 8 CFP): Winner strengthens its position for a CFP at-large bid and keeps alive slim hopes of sneaking into the Big Ten championship game.

    No. 23 Missouri (7-3, 3-3 SEC) at No. 8 Oklahoma (8-2, 4-2, No. 11 CFP): Sooners did wonders for their playoff resume by knocking off Alabama on the road and now go for a fifth win over a Top 25 opponent.

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    Associated Press

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  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

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    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this Wednesday. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 5th.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on December 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

    [ad_1]

    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this Wednesday. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 5th.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on December 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

    [ad_1]

    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this week. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon, will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Even though its peak is Wednesday morning, it will appear full on both Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of the three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on Dec. 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall, and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

    [ad_1]

    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this week. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon, will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Even though its peak is Wednesday morning, it will appear full on both Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of the three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on Dec. 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall, and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • BYU, Texas Tech give Big 12 two top 10 teams for 1st time in 2 years

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    The Big 12 had two teams in the top 10 of The Associated Press Top 25 college football poll for the first time in two years Sunday, Notre Dame was back in the top 10 after a two-month absence and Oklahoma and Texas made the biggest upward moves.

    The top seven teams were unchanged in the final poll before the College Football Playoff committee releases its first rankings Tuesday night to kick off the run-up to the CFP bracket release Dec. 7.

    No. 1 Ohio State, which pulled way in the second half to beat Penn State, is at the top of the AP poll for a 10th straight week. Indiana, which scored 50-plus points against a Big Ten opponent for the third time while hammering Maryland, is No. 2 for a third straight week.

    The Buckeyes and Hoosiers again were followed by Texas A&M, Alabama, Georgia, Oregon and Mississippi. Losses by Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt and Miami shuffled the Nos. 8, 9 and 10 spots, now held by BYU, Texas Tech and Notre Dame.

    The distribution of first-place votes was the same as last week. Ohio State received 54, Indiana got 11 and Texas A&M one.

    No. 8 BYU and No. 9 Texas Tech gave the Big 12 two teams in the top 10 for the first time since Oct. 29, 2023. The Cougars, who were idle, have their highest ranking of the season. The Red Raiders won at Kansas State and re-entered the top 10 for the first time in three weeks. The two teams face each other this weekend.

    Notre Dame, winner of six straight, was pushed by a one-win Boston College on the road before it won by 15 points and moved up two spots to No. 10. The Fighting Irish were last in the top 10 in Week 3, at No. 8, before a home loss to Texas A&M dropped them to 0-2 and dropped them to No. 24.

    No. 11 Oklahoma and No. 13 Texas received seven-spot promotions for their wins Saturday. The Sooners beat Tennessee on the road and the Longhorns knocked off Vanderbilt at home. Tennessee took the biggest fall, dropping nine spots to No. 23.

    In and out

    — No. 24 Washington, which was idle, is in the poll for the first time since it finished the 2023 season at No. 2 following its loss to Michigan in the national championship game. The Huskies’ only losses are to No. 1 Ohio State at home and to a then-unranked Michigan on the road.

    — Houston, whose No. 22 ranking last week was its first Top 25 appearance since 2022, dropped out after losing at home to West Virginia.

    Poll points

    — BYU has risen in the poll six straight weeks since making its debut on Sept. 21. The Cougars have gone from No. 25 to No. 8 over that span.

    — Miami’s losses to two then-unranked opponents in three weeks have caused a 16-spot plummet, from No. 2 to No. 18.

    — Ohio State is in the Top 25 for a 90th straight poll, third-most on the active list. Notre Dame is in a 50th straight time, fifth on the active list.

    — Texas made its 800th appearance in the poll, seventh all-time.

    Conference call

    SEC (9 teams) — Nos. 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, 19, 23.

    Big Ten (6) — Nos. 1, 2, 6, 20, 21, 24.

    Big 12 (4) — Nos. 8, 9, 17, 25.

    ACC (4) — Nos. 12, 14, 16, 18.

    American (1) — No. 22.

    Independent (1) — No. 10.

    Ranked vs. ranked

    — No. 8 BYU (8-0, 5-0 Big 12) at No. 9 Texas Tech (8-1, 5-1): The game of the year in the Big 12. The Red Raiders have lost 16 straight against top-10 teams.

    — No. 3 Texas A&M (8-0, 5-0 SEC) at No. 19 Missouri (6-2, 2-2): The Aggies embarrassed Missouri in College Station last year, getting out to a 34-0 lead and winning 41-7.

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    Associated Press

    Source link

  • How to reuse your pumpkins after Halloween

    [ad_1]

    Halloween was a few days ago, but don’t throw out those pumpkins. There are lots ways to reuse your pumpkins or jack-o’-lanterns now that the trick-or-treating is done. 

    What You Need To Know

    • There are several ways to recycle your pumpkins

    • Leftover pumpkins can make tasty dishes

    • Pumpkin scraps are also an excellent fertilizer for your garden.

    Turn pumpkins into food

    If you didn’t carve the pumpkins yet, consider using it for food. You can scoop out the guts of the pumpkin and turn it into a puree.

    To make a puree, you need to cut up the pumpkin and roast the halves. After they’ve roasted, scoop out the flesh and blend it to turn into a puree.

    The puree could then be used to make pies, soups and sauces.

    (Pexels)

    You can also the roast the pumpkin seeds too after taking out the guts and rinsing them. One cup of pumpkin seeds is equivalent to approximately 12 grams of protein. 

    Pumpkin for animals

    Leftover pumpkins can also become bird feeders.

    You just have to cut off the top third of the pumpkin, empty the cavity, fill it with bird seeds and hang it in the yard for the birds.

    Check with your local zoo. Some will take donated pumpkin scraps and use them as feed for animals. Polar bears enjoy them as a snack.

    Composting pumpkins

    Pumpkins are also good for composting. You can use the pumpkin scraps to help fertilize your garden.

    You can even make it a game for kids to smash leftover pumpkins and use it as compost.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Keith Bryant

    Source link

  • How to reuse your pumpkins after Halloween

    [ad_1]

    Halloween was a few days ago, but don’t throw out those pumpkins. There are lots ways to reuse your pumpkins or jack-o’-lanterns now that the trick-or-treating is done. 

    What You Need To Know

    • There are several ways to recycle your pumpkins

    • Leftover pumpkins can make tasty dishes

    • Pumpkin scraps are also an excellent fertilizer for your garden.

    Turn pumpkins into food

    If you didn’t carve the pumpkins yet, consider using it for food. You can scoop out the guts of the pumpkin and turn it into a puree.

    To make a puree, you need to cut up the pumpkin and roast the halves. After they’ve roasted, scoop out the flesh and blend it to turn into a puree.

    The puree could then be used to make pies, soups and sauces.

    (Pexels)

    You can also the roast the pumpkin seeds too after taking out the guts and rinsing them. One cup of pumpkin seeds is equivalent to approximately 12 grams of protein. 

    Pumpkin for animals

    Leftover pumpkins can also become bird feeders.

    You just have to cut off the top third of the pumpkin, empty the cavity, fill it with bird seeds and hang it in the yard for the birds.

    Check with your local zoo. Some will take donated pumpkin scraps and use them as feed for animals. Polar bears enjoy them as a snack.

    Composting pumpkins

    Pumpkins are also good for composting. You can use the pumpkin scraps to help fertilize your garden.

    You can even make it a game for kids to smash leftover pumpkins and use it as compost.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Keith Bryant

    Source link

  • Tech Traveler’s Guide to Austin: Where to Stay, Eat, and Recharge

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    There’s no denying that an Austin tech scene, which has been simmering for decades, has reached a boiling point in the past few years. As of 2023, tech jobs accounted for 16 percent of all jobs in Austin—almost double the national average, according to the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Tech giants like Apple, Google, and Oracle all have a presence in the Texas capital, and startups like Mio, Closinglock, and MadeIn are garnering hype and VC funding. The Wall Street Journal may be hedging its bets on the hype it previously bestowed upon the city in the wake of the pandemic, but Austin persists as a kind of Babylon for burned-out techies who are tired of the Silicon Valley rat race.

    The scrappy “Keep Austin Weird” era is on the wane, but there’s still plenty that feels authentic and lovable in this once-sleepy college town that was content with doing its own thing in the shadows of nearby metropolises like Dallas and Houston. If your heart isn’t dead-set on reliving the hazy glory days of the city portrayed in Richard Linklater’s classic 1993 film Dazed and Confused, you’re all but guaranteed to have a blast while bar-hopping, basking in the sun, and stuffing your face with some of the best barbecue in the world. And of course there’s live music. So, so much live music.

    Jump to Section

    Where to Stay

    Video: Pete Cottell

    Austin’s tech scene initially caught a spark in the sprawling hills west of the city—hence the “Silicon Hills” tag—but the influx of Gen X and millennial workers has created an explosion of incubators, coworking spaces, and urban lifestyle hubs that are more centrally located than the environs preferred by the suburbanized old guard that came before them. Whether you prefer a quick drive to the office park or a quick walk to your new “coffice” for the day, our picks have you covered.

    1901 San Antonio St., (512) 473-8900

    Situated near the Texas State Capitol on the Southwest corner of the University of Texas at Austin, the Otis is a comfortable middle ground between a boutique hotel and an international chain operation. It’s far enough from the commotion of both downtown and campus to feel calm, yet just a stone’s throw from both. The rooftop pool is clutch for winding down with a Lone Star after a long day of meetings, which can be conveniently hosted onsite at one of the six event spaces, and Acre 41 is the kind of multiuse restaurant that’s great for checking emails over coffee in the morning and brokering big deals over a Texas ribeye at night.

    700 San Jacinto St., (512) 476-3700

    Austin is growing upward at an unprecedented clip, but until it starts putting up New York–style pencil skyscrapers, the Omni Hotel stands out as one of the most iconic pieces of its skyline. This glistening 20-story marvel is just a few blocks from the core of Austin’s entertainment district on West 6th Street, though you wouldn’t be faulted for hardly leaving the property if a bar crawl on “Dirty 6th” isn’t your thing. The rooftop pool offers stunning views of the city and beyond, and the three onsite restaurants provide an array of dining options suitable for all occasions.

    1108 E 6th St., (737) 205-8888

    Many maverick tech workers are in the sole proprietor/bootstraps phase of their career, which means cutting costs while still feeling luxe (or at least presenting as such) is important. East Austin Hotel offers traditional rooms for a slight upgrade, or you can save some serious cash by booking a “cabin” room with a suite of shared private bathrooms in the middle of the floor. You’ll still have access to the pool in the middle of the property, and the hotel’s proximity to the laid-back, neighborhood-y vibe of East 6th Street makes it a great pick for aspiring professionals who would prefer to commingle with locals rather than pound the pavement with office drones.

    Photograph: Sarah Kerver/Getty Images

    605 Davis St., (512) 542-5300

    Rainey Street ain’t what it used to be, but this charming enclave of bungalows turned bars still packs more character into a tiny city block than most midsize cities can muster in their entire downtown footprint. It’s a solid all-purpose pick for moderate luxury in the middle of one of Austin’s most charming and memorable downtown-adjacent neighborhoods.

    10901 Domain St., (855) 596-3398

    Most out-of-towners would be quite bummed to find out their work trip in Austin is centered around a lifestyle mall that’s a 45-minute drive from downtown, but The Domain is actually a pretty great place to spend a few days if duty calls. It’s a simulacrum of a walkable city right near blue-chip operations like Apple and Chase, so you might as well lean into the whole thing and shack up at a cool hotel that doesn’t feel like a suburban motor inn off the freeway. Lone Star Court is fashioned in the likeness of a hill country lodge, with a pair of conjoined courtyards that center around a teal oval-shaped pool with its own bar and lounge.

    7415 Southwest Pkwy., Building 8, Suite 100, (512) 551-4009

    Nestled atop a main thoroughfare in the “Silicon Hills” of West Austin is a shiny new AC Hotel that checks all the boxes a techy business traveler might have. It’s a short drive to heavyweights like AMD and Dell, and a handful of VCs like LiveOak and Cavvy dot the rolling hills that are on stunning display from the pool and the rooftop bar. The adjacent strip mall offers handy essentials like a local market that serves coffee and sandwiches all day, an upscale Mexican spot with great happy hour specials, and a movie theater with a bar that’s a great place to kill a few hours between meetings.

    Where to Work

    What to Do in Austin if Youre Here for Business

    Photograph: Pete Cottell

    Whether you’re looking for a quiet desk for the day or a parachute into a bustling tech-y social scene, the variety of coworking options available in Austin is staggering and has something for everyone. Before you walk in off the street, we strongly suggest checking their website for availability and pricing, and while you’re surfing the web, you might as well check out Austin Coworking and Deskpass, as they’re excellent resources for updates on events, newcomers to the scene, and deals on participating offices.

    310 Comal St., Floor 2, (512) 399-6320

    Bond Collective is a solid choice for the post-hipster techies who prefer the laid-back vibe of East Austin over the corporate thrum of downtown or the West Austin hills. Day passes start at $35 for quick drop-ins, and monthly memberships offer access to almost all Bond Collective locations in the US—with many locations in New York, Philly, and the DC area—along with 24/7 access and ad hoc conference rooms if needed.

    701 Brazos St., (512) 548-9675

    This startup social hall functions more so as an IRL hub for meetups and events for the entrepreneur set, but it also offers quite a few open coworking events throughout the week if you prefer a more lively and interactive environment while you tap away at your laptop. You might meet your next full-stack developer here, or (more realistically) you might swill some beers and play pop-a-shot with some dudes who ditched California for the booming startup scene the Texas capital has been riding high on for several years now.

    1700 S Lamar Blvd., #338, (512) 596-2683

    Tucked in the back of a new build in the cozy Zilker/South Lamar neighborhood is Fibercove, a bright and buzzy coworking space that boasts off-street parking, a Google Fiber-powered network, a cafe, and a podcast studio where you and your best buds can chat about food and politics with the hopes of going viral. Local favorites like Odd Duck, Tiki Tatsu-Ya, and an Alamo Drafthouse outpost are within a short walk, and the space shares walls with a location of the boozy brunch chain Snooze if mimosas and chilaquiles are in order.

    Where to Get Your Coffee

    What to Do in Austin if Youre Here for Business

    Courtesy of Radio Coffee and Beer

    1115 E 11th St.

    Austin is home to a staggering number of excellent coffee shops that focus solely on brewing great coffee. It’s also chock-full of multiuse all-day drinking spots where the hours melt away and your taste for a cortado in the morning and a cafe de cachapa in the afternoon is joyously accommodated. Radio Rosewood falls in the latter camp. Coffee (and coffee cocktails, no judgment) start flowing at 7 am daily, and the Shortwave Diner truck parked outside slings a variety of diner staples like smash burgers, hot dogs, and breakfast sandwiches throughout most of Radio Rosewood’s generous hours of operation.

    Multiple locations

    Figure 8 is one of the most popular purveyors for cafés that don’t roast their own beans, which makes it easy to find just about anywhere, but the opportunity to try its outstanding espresso and drip coffee right at the source is one you must enjoy if possible. This low-slung rectangle of a building sits on the edge of a quiet residential area, but the inside is always buzzing gently with activity and caffeination. Order a shot made from African or Central American beans if possible, and keep an eye out for a bin of fresh breakfast tacos near the register if you need a snack.

    Multiple locations

    With a decade-plus of explosive growth in their rear view, it’s fair to say Houndstooth is akin to third-wave roasters like Stumptown, Blue Bottle, and Intelligentsia, all of which are synonymous with their respective cities. Their downtown location lives in the lobby of an office tower right smack in the middle of Austin’s business district, which makes it a great place to sip a cortado between meetings or escape the grind of the workday with a cold brew and a croissant.

    1505 Town Creek Dr.

    Nature is healing, and one of Austin’s most beloved all-night hangs has finally resumed its 24/7 schedule. As its name denotes, The Buzz Mill is a lumber mill–themed coffee bar that’s great for late-night study sessions, marathon coding sprints, work drinks with the crew, or a mellow place to sip on a drink or two while you wait for whatever it is you were doing all day to flush out of your system.

    Where to Eat

    What to Do in Austin if Youre Here for Business

    Photograph: Pete Cottell

    1201 S Lamar Blvd.

    This South Lamar bistro casts a wide net in terms of influence, with contemporary riffs on Texan comfort classics serving as the backbone of the dozen-or-so items that populate its menu. Look no further than the climax of their current dinner offerings—a wagyu strip steak that’s plated with tater tots and masa queso—for a cheeky tell of what to expect from their delightfully low-brow iterations on high-minded chefiness.

    1900 S 1st St.

    Austin is located in Texas, and people in Texas love animal products. On the other hand, Austin is also a hot spot for well-heeled progressives, which means the vegetarian and vegan food is on point if you know where to look. Bouldin Creek Cafe is a funky and colorful mainstay for eco-friendly fare that’s elegant enough for a dinner date yet also crunchy enough to please a table of hungover hippies who went a bit too hard at the day rave that dragged on until 4 in the morning.

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    Pete Cottell

    Source link

  • As we “fall back” this weekend, the time change debate continues

    [ad_1]

    It’s that time of the year again, when we “fall back” one hour, ending daylight saving time and returning to standard time and thus igniting the semi-annual debate.

    Do we proceed with the current standards and switch the clocks biannually in 48 of the 50 states? Or do we establish one standard and end this shifting of time? 

    19 states say yes, end the shifting and establish permanent daylight saving time. Federal law says no, and thus the debate continues. 

    Why we change the clocks

    The United States began the concept of daylight saving time in 1918, during World War I, to save fuel. The thought was that by advancing one hour ahead, coal-fired energy would assist the war effort rather than that hour at home.

    Standard time returned following the war and continued until World War II. After World War II, some states and even cities kept daylight saving time, creating various time zones within regions. Frustrated with no uniform time, the public pushed Congress to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966.

    This established the time frame for daylight saving time would begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October.

    In 1987, it extended to include the first Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October.

    Part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the modern daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

    This current time shift began in 2007, but this practice, according to millions of Americans, is outdated. 

    Not every state changes the clocks

    The law passed by Congress in 1966 allows states to opt out of observing daylight saving and stay in standard time year-round but not the other way around. Two states, Arizona and Hawaii, along with multiple U.S. territories have done so and thus stay in standard time the full year. 

    Hawaii doesn’t take part because of its location. With not much variation throughout the year between sunrise and sunset, it made little sense to switch the clocks. 

    Only the Navajo Nation in Arizona observes daylight saving time. The rest of the state exempted itself in 1968. 

    They cited the heat as their reason for opting out, adding that if they switched the clocks ahead one hour, the sun would not set until 9 p.m. in the summer, limiting nighttime activities.

    President Trump’s feelings on time change

    Even President Trump sees it from both sides of the debate.

    “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our nation,” he wrote on his social media back on Dec. 13, 2024. 

    However, his Truth Social post in April boasted something completely different.

    A hearing convened in April by the Senate Commerce Committee was debating this issue. Trump’s endorsement might help settle the debate for lawmakers. 

    Sunshine Protection Act and its opponents

    On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year to account for the time change. 

    While the Senate passed the bill, three and a half years later it remains stalled in the House and has not been signed into law by President Trump.

    Not everyone agrees with eliminating standard time.

    Earlier this week, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton was on hand to thwart a bipartisan effort on the chamber floor to pass a bill establishing permanent daylight saving time. 

    “If permanent Daylight Savings Time becomes the law of the land, it will again make winter a dark and dismal time for millions of Americans,” said Cotton in his objection to a request by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to advance the bill by unanimous consent.

    Adding, “For many Arkansans, permanent daylight savings time would mean the sun wouldn’t rise until after 8:00 or even 8:30 a.m. during the dead of winter,” Emphasizing, “The darkness of permanent savings time would be especially harmful for school children and working Americans.”

    Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called for the Senate to pass the bill this week, citing states’ rights as a major reason for his support for the so-called “Sunshine Protection Act.” 

    “It allows the people of each state to choose what best fits their needs and the needs of their families,” said Scott. “The American people are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year. It’s confusing, unnecessary and completely outdated.”

    Cotton strengthened his argument by bringing up the “abject failure” of the last time Congress enacted permanent daylight saving time in 1974, pledging to always oppose legislation that would do just that.

     

    Vote in Live Poll: Cancel daylight saving time or stay on it permanently?

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • As we “fall back” this weekend, the time change debate continues

    [ad_1]

    It’s that time of the year again, when we “fall back” one hour, ending daylight saving time and returning to standard time and thus igniting the semi-annual debate.

    Do we proceed with the current standards and switch the clocks biannually in 48 of the 50 states? Or do we establish one standard and end this shifting of time? 

    19 states say yes, end the shifting and establish permanent daylight saving time. Federal law says no, and thus the debate continues. 

    Why we change the clocks

    The United States began the concept of daylight saving time in 1918, during World War I, to save fuel. The thought was that by advancing one hour ahead, coal-fired energy would assist the war effort rather than that hour at home.

    Standard time returned following the war and continued until World War II. After World War II, some states and even cities kept daylight saving time, creating various time zones within regions. Frustrated with no uniform time, the public pushed Congress to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966.

    This established the time frame for daylight saving time would begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October.

    In 1987, it extended to include the first Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October.

    Part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the modern daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

    This current time shift began in 2007, but this practice, according to millions of Americans, is outdated. 

    Not every state changes the clocks

    The law passed by Congress in 1966 allows states to opt out of observing daylight saving and stay in standard time year-round but not the other way around. Two states, Arizona and Hawaii, along with multiple U.S. territories have done so and thus stay in standard time the full year. 

    Hawaii doesn’t take part because of its location. With not much variation throughout the year between sunrise and sunset, it made little sense to switch the clocks. 

    Only the Navajo Nation in Arizona observes daylight saving time. The rest of the state exempted itself in 1968. 

    They cited the heat as their reason for opting out, adding that if they switched the clocks ahead one hour, the sun would not set until 9 p.m. in the summer, limiting nighttime activities.

    President Trump’s feelings on time change

    Even President Trump sees it from both sides of the debate.

    “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our nation,” he wrote on his social media back on Dec. 13, 2024. 

    However, his Truth Social post in April boasted something completely different.

    A hearing convened in April by the Senate Commerce Committee was debating this issue. Trump’s endorsement might help settle the debate for lawmakers. 

    Sunshine Protection Act and its opponents

    On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year to account for the time change. 

    While the Senate passed the bill, three and a half years later it remains stalled in the House and has not been signed into law by President Trump.

    Not everyone agrees with eliminating standard time.

    Earlier this week, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton was on hand to thwart a bipartisan effort on the chamber floor to pass a bill establishing permanent daylight saving time. 

    “If permanent Daylight Savings Time becomes the law of the land, it will again make winter a dark and dismal time for millions of Americans,” said Cotton in his objection to a request by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to advance the bill by unanimous consent.

    Adding, “For many Arkansans, permanent daylight savings time would mean the sun wouldn’t rise until after 8:00 or even 8:30 a.m. during the dead of winter,” Emphasizing, “The darkness of permanent savings time would be especially harmful for school children and working Americans.”

    Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called for the Senate to pass the bill this week, citing states’ rights as a major reason for his support for the so-called “Sunshine Protection Act.” 

    “It allows the people of each state to choose what best fits their needs and the needs of their families,” said Scott. “The American people are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year. It’s confusing, unnecessary and completely outdated.”

    Cotton strengthened his argument by bringing up the “abject failure” of the last time Congress enacted permanent daylight saving time in 1974, pledging to always oppose legislation that would do just that.

     

    Vote in Live Poll: Cancel daylight saving time or stay on it permanently?

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • As we “fall back” this weekend, the time change debate continues

    [ad_1]

    It’s that time of the year again, when we “fall back” one hour, ending daylight saving time and returning to standard time and thus igniting the semi-annual debate.

    Do we proceed with the current standards and switch the clocks biannually in 48 of the 50 states? Or do we establish one standard and end this shifting of time? 

    19 states say yes, end the shifting and establish permanent daylight saving time. Federal law says no, and thus the debate continues. 

    Why we change the clocks

    The United States began the concept of daylight saving time in 1918, during World War I, to save fuel. The thought was that by advancing one hour ahead, coal-fired energy would assist the war effort rather than that hour at home.

    Standard time returned following the war and continued until World War II. After World War II, some states and even cities kept daylight saving time, creating various time zones within regions. Frustrated with no uniform time, the public pushed Congress to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966.

    This established the time frame for daylight saving time would begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October.

    In 1987, it extended to include the first Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October.

    Part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the modern daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

    This current time shift began in 2007, but this practice, according to millions of Americans, is outdated. 

    Not every state changes the clocks

    The law passed by Congress in 1966 allows states to opt out of observing daylight saving and stay in standard time year-round but not the other way around. Two states, Arizona and Hawaii, along with multiple U.S. territories have done so and thus stay in standard time the full year. 

    Hawaii doesn’t take part because of its location. With not much variation throughout the year between sunrise and sunset, it made little sense to switch the clocks. 

    Only the Navajo Nation in Arizona observes daylight saving time. The rest of the state exempted itself in 1968. 

    They cited the heat as their reason for opting out, adding that if they switched the clocks ahead one hour, the sun would not set until 9 p.m. in the summer, limiting nighttime activities.

    President Trump’s feelings on time change

    Even President Trump sees it from both sides of the debate.

    “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our nation,” he wrote on his social media back on Dec. 13, 2024. 

    However, his Truth Social post in April boasted something completely different.

    A hearing convened in April by the Senate Commerce Committee was debating this issue. Trump’s endorsement might help settle the debate for lawmakers. 

    Sunshine Protection Act and its opponents

    On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year to account for the time change. 

    While the Senate passed the bill, three and a half years later it remains stalled in the House and has not been signed into law by President Trump.

    Not everyone agrees with eliminating standard time.

    Earlier this week, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton was on hand to thwart a bipartisan effort on the chamber floor to pass a bill establishing permanent daylight saving time. 

    “If permanent Daylight Savings Time becomes the law of the land, it will again make winter a dark and dismal time for millions of Americans,” said Cotton in his objection to a request by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to advance the bill by unanimous consent.

    Adding, “For many Arkansans, permanent daylight savings time would mean the sun wouldn’t rise until after 8:00 or even 8:30 a.m. during the dead of winter,” Emphasizing, “The darkness of permanent savings time would be especially harmful for school children and working Americans.”

    Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called for the Senate to pass the bill this week, citing states’ rights as a major reason for his support for the so-called “Sunshine Protection Act.” 

    “It allows the people of each state to choose what best fits their needs and the needs of their families,” said Scott. “The American people are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year. It’s confusing, unnecessary and completely outdated.”

    Cotton strengthened his argument by bringing up the “abject failure” of the last time Congress enacted permanent daylight saving time in 1974, pledging to always oppose legislation that would do just that.

     

    Vote in Live Poll: Cancel daylight saving time or stay on it permanently?

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • When will it snow? It depends where you live

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    The days are getting shorter, and temperatures are falling. Now that we’re heading toward winter, many parts of the country are going to begin to see snow in the forecast for the first time in months.

    Even though winter doesn’t begin until December, the first snow can arrive much earlier depending on where you live.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Mountain West usually gets snow before anywhere else

    • Interior New England and the Great Lakes also see snowfall earlier than most areas

    • If it snows in the Southeast, it normally comes after New Year’s



    The primary factors that influence your local snowfall climatology are elevation and latitude. High elevations, like the Rockies, are much more favorable environments for wintry weather than anywhere else in the continental U.S. Some parts of the Rockies could receive snow in all 12 months of the year.

    Of course, that’s not the case for everyone else. Aside from elevation, how far north do you live? Do you live off the eastern shores of the Great Lakes and get lake-effect snow? Do you see a milder maritime air mass from the Pacific, or a continental polar air mass from Canada? 

    The map below gives a good idea of when you can expect the first measurable (>0.1″) snow where you live based on the 1981-2020 U.S. climate normals.

    The map shows the ‘median,’ or average date of the first snowfall. This is when you could expect the first snow to arrive during a ‘normal’ year. Of course, every year is different, but this should give you a good idea of when to get the winter clothes ready. For an even better idea, you can check your local forecast.

    Snow in the Northeast usually arrives before winter does on the calendar, especially in the mountains. Interior New England the Adirondacks, usually sees the first snowflakes falling around early November, with the rest of New England seeing snow before Thanksgiving.

    Coastal areas might lag a little behind the rest of the Northeast since the temperatures run a bit warmer, but it only takes one Nor’easter to deliver the first snow for everybody.

    Great Lakes

    Aside from the Rockies and some other high elevations, the Great Lakes are among the earlier areas to see snow, especially near Lake Superior. When you combine arctic air and moisture over the warm Great Lakes early in the season, the lake-effect machine can pump some big snow totals onto the southern and eastern shores of the Great Lakes.

    Parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Upstate New York and northwest Pennsylvania are the lucky recipients of lake-effect snow that can arrive as early as October or November.

    Midwest

    The Upper Midwest and Northern Plains see strong cold fronts move in from Canada during the late fall and winter with bitter cold Arctic air that can dump feet of snow, but that’s not usually until later in the season. The first snow? The Dakotas and Minnesota usually get some snowfall in early November.

    Further south, in states like Iowa, Illinois, Ohio and Missouri, it can be a bit later, around or after Thanksgiving as we get into December.

    Northwest/Rockies

    The Rocky Mountains, Cascades and other high elevations across the Mountain West are the snowiest places in the U.S., some of which could see snow year-round. This is why some of the best ski resorts in the world are in states like Colorado, Utah and Montana. Snow usually starts falling by October, with the foothills and lower elevations seeing snow by November.

    The coastal parts of Washington and Oregon in the Pacific Northwest don’t see much snow until later, usually by December. The Pacific Ocean keeps areas west of the mountains much warmer, and much wetter with rain lasting into winter.

    Southwest

    If you’re expecting snow in the Southwest, elevation is an important factor. There are parts of Southern California, northern Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada where the high elevations and mountains see plenty of snowfall, some as early as late November or December. But a lot of the Southwest doesn’t see any, especially in California outside of the mountains.

    In Texas, the Panhandle could get some wild weather by late November or December, but further south into central Texas and the Gulf Coast, the snow chances are few and far between.

    Southeast

    Parts of the Southeast, especially in the Appalachians, could get snow in late November or December. States like Kentucky, North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia and North Carolina usually get a few good snows per winter, maybe even before changing your calendar.

    If you live anywhere else in the Southeast, especially Florida and along the Gulf Coast, the first time you see snow depends on when you buy a plane ticket! Big snows are much rarer once you get south of I-10. Other parts of the Deep South are lucky to see one or two snows per year, but it usually arrives in January or February.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Halloween Forecast: Is it a trick or a treat?

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    A chill will be in the air across much of the country for this year’s Halloween trick-or-treaters. The good news is we will see mostly dry conditions in time, but a few spots could still see rain lingering into the night.

    What You Need To Know

    • Below-average temperatures are expected from the Plains to the East Coast

    • Most of the country should be dry around sunset

    • Rain and wind will linger in the Northeast


    Northeast

    For much of Halloween, it will be a wet and windy day across the Northeast. Thankfully, much of the rain will clear in time for trick-or-treaters by sunset with only a few showers across Upstate New York and the northern parts of New England.

    For those heading out, be sure to bring an extra layer and hold on to those witches’ hats! A gusty northwest wind will bring temperatures down into the 40s and 50s along the coast with even colder temperatures farther inland (30s) after sunset. Winds could even reach 30-40 mph at times closer to the coast.

    Southeast

    The forecast is a lot less frightening for the Southeast, which will see clear skies and no chance of rain. However, it will be cool with temperatures slipping into the 50s in areas as far south as Central Florida.


    Central U.S.

    Most of the Central U.S. will also see dry and cool weather Halloween evening. The only exception will be parts of the Northern Plains, where some scattered showers may continue.

    Temperatures will range from the 30s and 40s in the Northern Plains to the 50s and 60s across Texas and the Mid-South.


    West

    Dry weather is likely for almost the entire West with high pressure in control. The only region that may be wet will be the coastal parts of Washington, where another atmospheric river is expected to move onshore.

    It will also be cool in the Pacific Northwest with temperatures falling into the 40s and 50s. Milder weather is expected in the Southwest.


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

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