Coming up on the last evening of February, Mother Nature will treat us to another astronomical phenomenon known as “planets on parade.”
What You Need To Know
Six planets will align on the evening of Feb. 28
Planets lining up happens a couples times per year
Two of the six planets can only be seen through binoculars or a small telescope
It’s nicknamed as such because several planets appear to form a fairly straight line in the early evening sky. However, Spectrum News Space Expert Anthony Leone says it’s all about perspective. “In reality (and out in space), they are not lined up. It only appears that way to us.”
This ‘parade’ is unique because six planets (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) will align. He recommends looking west to southwest 30 to 60 minutes after sunset and finding a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing. The earlier the better, as Mercury will dip below the horizon not long after sunset. Jupiter will appear as a bright star to the east of the waxing gibbous moon.
And make sure you bring binoculars or a telescope. “With the naked eye, you can see planets Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as stars,” Leone says. “The more distant planets like Uranus and Neptune will need binoculars or a telescope to view.”
Adding, “Free astronomy apps like ‘Sky Guide,’ ‘Planets’ and ‘SkyPortal’ are great at helping people see when and where the planets will rise.”
How frequently does this event occur?
“Believe it or not, planet alignments are not too rare, and they happen a couple of times each year. It just depends on how many planets will be in alignment for a parade,” explains Leone.
If the weather doesn’t permit you to view this February, there will be another opportunity in August. The next one will be Aug. 12 with Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all aligning.
Happy viewing everyone!
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.
Coming up on the last evening of February, Mother Nature will treat us to another astronomical phenomenon known as “planets on parade.”
What You Need To Know
Six planets will align on the evening of Feb. 28
Planets lining up happens a couples times per year
Two of the six planets can only be seen through binoculars or a small telescope
It’s nicknamed as such because several planets appear to form a fairly straight line in the early evening sky. However, Spectrum News Space Expert Anthony Leone says it’s all about perspective. “In reality (and out in space), they are not lined up. It only appears that way to us.”
This ‘parade’ is unique because six planets (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) will align. He recommends looking west to southwest 30 to 60 minutes after sunset and finding a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing. The earlier the better, as Mercury will dip below the horizon not long after sunset. Jupiter will appear as a bright star to the east of the waxing gibbous moon.
And make sure you bring binoculars or a telescope. “With the naked eye, you can see planets Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as stars,” Leone says. “The more distant planets like Uranus and Neptune will need binoculars or a telescope to view.”
Adding, “Free astronomy apps like ‘Sky Guide,’ ‘Planets’ and ‘SkyPortal’ are great at helping people see when and where the planets will rise.”
How frequently does this event occur?
“Believe it or not, planet alignments are not too rare, and they happen a couple of times each year. It just depends on how many planets will be in alignment for a parade,” explains Leone.
If the weather doesn’t permit you to view this February, there will be another opportunity in August. The next one will be Aug. 12 with Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all aligning.
Happy viewing everyone!
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.
A month later, with his friends still in jail, Woodruff was called to testify before a grand jury. Detectives spoke with him beforehand, and in their subsequent reports they claimed that he gave them new details about the crime. According to a detective’s memo, Woodruff said that one of his friends had suggested they all go to Fillmore Avenue that night, because “maybe somebody in one of the bars has cashed a check,” and that two of them went into the Golden Nugget, after which they told the others about “an old white dude at the bar with some money.” The teen-agers allegedly “waited till the white man crossed Fillmore Avenue,” and, when he did, Gibson “hit the man about the head and face with the piece of pipe he had up his sleeve.”
When Woodruff was brought before the grand jury, he repeated some of those details. Timothy J. Drury, the lead prosecutor, was taking notes that day, and even he appears to have had doubts about the veracity of Woodruff’s testimony. Drury’s notes reveal that he was still considering two other suspects—Watson and another man. If they were culpable, that would mean, he wrote, using Woodruff’s nickname, that “Tony is lying.”
Walker and the other three friends could not understand why Woodruff was telling lies that could send them to prison for decades. In March of 1976, Walker wrote from jail to a friend that he did not know what was happening with Woodruff. Remembering that time, Walker recently told me, “We couldn’t believe it. How could he do something like this?” The four would talk about what they “wanted to do to Tony, at the time, for what he was doing to us.”
Woodruff has described himself at the time as “quiet and confused.” He never confided in his parents about giving false testimony, because, he said, “I didn’t know how to go about it. I didn’t know how to communicate with them.” He told me that, before he testified, Drury shaped his story. When he tried to imagine details of the crime, the prosecutor would respond with guidance such as “It couldn’t happen like that. Well, maybe it happened like this.” (Drury has repeatedly denied any misconduct in the case.) Woodruff recalled thinking, about his predicament, “‘Man, I done dug myself into some bullshit that I don’t know how to get out of.’” He added, “I should’ve just said, ‘You know what? I ain’t doing nothing. Y’all do what y’all got to do.’ ”
Instead, in 1977, he took the witness stand at four separate trials to testify against his four friends. Each time, he was presented as the only eyewitness to the crime. Defense attorneys pointed out inconsistencies in his statements and argued that he was lying, with Boyd’s lawyer saying that the judge should dismiss the indictment because Woodruff’s testimony was “uncorroborated” and “unbelievable.” Woodruff gave an incorrect time, date, and place for the murder, the lawyer noted; “he couldn’t identify the victim, he could not identify the house.” Drury told the jurors, “Look, if we had fed Woodruff stuff, you wouldn’t have that blithering idiot up there talking like he did. He would be a lot smoother.”
Drury added, “He is a ghetto kid. . . . He is a snook. You saw him—he is an idiot, a nitwit.” But, the prosecutor continued, “I am asking you to believe him.” Walker, Gibson, and Boyd were convicted of second-degree murder and sent into the state’s adult-prison system. Martin, who went on trial last, was acquitted. Martin’s lawyer later explained that a crime-scene photo that he had received had been crucial to the acquittal but that he did not know if the other defense attorneys had been given it. As he recalled, the photo showed a single set of footprints in the snow walking from the crime scene—evidence, he argued, that there had been only one assailant.
Amid one of the most difficult eras in American history, the weather in the Southeast did nothing to ease the ongoing fight for justice.
What You Need To Know
The Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama occurred in 1965
It was an effort to register more Black voters in the South
Heavy rain soaked the protesters
What was the Selma to Montgomery March?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark achievement that ended segregation in public spaces and prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or sex.
It helped strengthen the voting rights of African Americans in the South, but even so, many southern states continued to deny African Americans their right to vote.
On Feb. 18, 1965, a peaceful protest for voting rights in Marion, Ala. turned deadly when white segregationists attacked the group. An Alabama state trooper shot an African American protester, Jimmie Lee Jackson.
In response, Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. to draw greater attention to the injustices faced by the Black community and to advance their voting rights.
Dr. Martin Luther Jr. hops over a puddle as it rains in Selma, Ala., March 1, 1965. King led hundreds of African Americans to the court house in a voter registration drive. At front is civil rights worker Andrew Young, and at right, behind King is Rev. Ralph Abernathy. (AP Photo)
The beginning of the march
The event began on March 1, 1965, with a voter registration drive. Pouring rain soaked the supporters and led to ponding on the roadways and sidewalks.
Even these miserable conditions couldn’t halt the movement. Thousands of people prepared for the journey with raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots, laying the foundation for one of the most important marches of the civil rights movement.
On March 7, the march from Selma to Montgomery began and ultimately stretched over more than two weeks. State troopers and segregationists repeatedly tried to stop the protesters, causing several interruptions along the way.
On March 15, President Lyndon B. Johnson voiced his support for the march, and military personnel then led the protesters the rest of the way, culminating in the march’s completion on March 25.
A big win for racial equality
After all of their hard work, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It guaranteed the right to vote for all African Americans in every state.
Southern states could no longer use literacy tests to stop African Americans from voting.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the greatest pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. It provided another way for the voice of the Black community to be heard.
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.
Amid one of the most difficult eras in American history, the weather in the Southeast did nothing to ease the ongoing fight for justice.
What You Need To Know
The Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama occurred in 1965
It was an effort to register more Black voters in the South
Heavy rain soaked the protesters
What was the Selma to Montgomery March?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark achievement that ended segregation in public spaces and prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or sex.
It helped strengthen the voting rights of African Americans in the South, but even so, many southern states continued to deny African Americans their right to vote.
On Feb. 18, 1965, a peaceful protest for voting rights in Marion, Ala. turned deadly when white segregationists attacked the group. An Alabama state trooper shot an African American protester, Jimmie Lee Jackson.
In response, Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. to draw greater attention to the injustices faced by the Black community and to advance their voting rights.
Dr. Martin Luther Jr. hops over a puddle as it rains in Selma, Ala., March 1, 1965. King led hundreds of African Americans to the court house in a voter registration drive. At front is civil rights worker Andrew Young, and at right, behind King is Rev. Ralph Abernathy. (AP Photo)
The beginning of the march
The event began on March 1, 1965, with a voter registration drive. Pouring rain soaked the supporters and led to ponding on the roadways and sidewalks.
Even these miserable conditions couldn’t halt the movement. Thousands of people prepared for the journey with raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots, laying the foundation for one of the most important marches of the civil rights movement.
On March 7, the march from Selma to Montgomery began and ultimately stretched over more than two weeks. State troopers and segregationists repeatedly tried to stop the protesters, causing several interruptions along the way.
On March 15, President Lyndon B. Johnson voiced his support for the march, and military personnel then led the protesters the rest of the way, culminating in the march’s completion on March 25.
A big win for racial equality
After all of their hard work, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It guaranteed the right to vote for all African Americans in every state.
Southern states could no longer use literacy tests to stop African Americans from voting.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the greatest pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. It provided another way for the voice of the Black community to be heard.
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.
Amid one of the most difficult eras in American history, the weather in the Southeast did nothing to ease the ongoing fight for justice.
What You Need To Know
The Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama occurred in 1965
It was an effort to register more Black voters in the South
Heavy rain soaked the protesters
What was the Selma to Montgomery March?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark achievement that ended segregation in public spaces and prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or sex.
It helped strengthen the voting rights of African Americans in the South, but even so, many southern states continued to deny African Americans their right to vote.
On Feb. 18, 1965, a peaceful protest for voting rights in Marion, Ala. turned deadly when white segregationists attacked the group. An Alabama state trooper shot an African American protester, Jimmie Lee Jackson.
In response, Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. to draw greater attention to the injustices faced by the Black community and to advance their voting rights.
Dr. Martin Luther Jr. hops over a puddle as it rains in Selma, Ala., March 1, 1965. King led hundreds of African Americans to the court house in a voter registration drive. At front is civil rights worker Andrew Young, and at right, behind King is Rev. Ralph Abernathy. (AP Photo)
The beginning of the march
The event began on March 1, 1965, with a voter registration drive. Pouring rain soaked the supporters and led to ponding on the roadways and sidewalks.
Even these miserable conditions couldn’t halt the movement. Thousands of people prepared for the journey with raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots, laying the foundation for one of the most important marches of the civil rights movement.
On March 7, the march from Selma to Montgomery began and ultimately stretched over more than two weeks. State troopers and segregationists repeatedly tried to stop the protesters, causing several interruptions along the way.
On March 15, President Lyndon B. Johnson voiced his support for the march, and military personnel then led the protesters the rest of the way, culminating in the march’s completion on March 25.
A big win for racial equality
After all of their hard work, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It guaranteed the right to vote for all African Americans in every state.
Southern states could no longer use literacy tests to stop African Americans from voting.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the greatest pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. It provided another way for the voice of the Black community to be heard.
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.
Amid one of the most difficult eras in American history, the weather in the Southeast did nothing to ease the ongoing fight for justice.
What You Need To Know
The Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama occurred in 1965
It was an effort to register more Black voters in the South
Heavy rain soaked the protesters
What was the Selma to Montgomery March?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark achievement that ended segregation in public spaces and prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or sex.
It helped strengthen the voting rights of African Americans in the South, but even so, many southern states continued to deny African Americans their right to vote.
On Feb. 18, 1965, a peaceful protest for voting rights in Marion, Ala. turned deadly when white segregationists attacked the group. An Alabama state trooper shot an African American protester, Jimmie Lee Jackson.
In response, Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. to draw greater attention to the injustices faced by the Black community and to advance their voting rights.
Dr. Martin Luther Jr. hops over a puddle as it rains in Selma, Ala., March 1, 1965. King led hundreds of African Americans to the court house in a voter registration drive. At front is civil rights worker Andrew Young, and at right, behind King is Rev. Ralph Abernathy. (AP Photo)
The beginning of the march
The event began on March 1, 1965, with a voter registration drive. Pouring rain soaked the supporters and led to ponding on the roadways and sidewalks.
Even these miserable conditions couldn’t halt the movement. Thousands of people prepared for the journey with raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots, laying the foundation for one of the most important marches of the civil rights movement.
On March 7, the march from Selma to Montgomery began and ultimately stretched over more than two weeks. State troopers and segregationists repeatedly tried to stop the protesters, causing several interruptions along the way.
On March 15, President Lyndon B. Johnson voiced his support for the march, and military personnel then led the protesters the rest of the way, culminating in the march’s completion on March 25.
A big win for racial equality
After all of their hard work, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It guaranteed the right to vote for all African Americans in every state.
Southern states could no longer use literacy tests to stop African Americans from voting.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the greatest pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. It provided another way for the voice of the Black community to be heard.
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.
Becoming an astronaut is challenging, yet one woman defied the odds to become the first African American woman in space.
What You Need To Know
Jemison wanted to study science from an early age
She first studied medicine before starting a career at NASA
She went to space in Sept. 1992
After NASA, she accomplished many more things
Early life accomplishments
Born in the 1950s, Mae C. Jemison refused to let anything stop her from becoming one of the most accomplished African American women in history.
She was born in Decatur, Ala. but grew up in Chicago, and from a very early age, she knew she wanted to study science.
She worked hard and graduated from high school at just 16, then headed across the country to attend Stanford University.
As one of the few African Americans in her class, she faced discrimination from both students and teachers, yet she earned two degrees in four years—chemical engineering and African American studies.
Jemison didn’t begin her career in space; she first attended Cornell Medical School, where she earned her medical degree and practiced general medicine.
Her talents also didn’t stop in science. Jemison is fluent in Japanese, Russian and Swahili. She used this and her medical studies to her advantage and joined the Peace Corps in 1983 to help people in Africa for two years.
Jemison with the rest of the Endeavour Crew in 1992. (AP Photo/Chris O’ Meara)
On to space
After serving in the Peace Corps, Jemison opened a private medical practice, but before long she set her sights on a long-held dream: going to space.
Jemison applied for the astronaut program at NASA in 1985. Unfortunately, NASA stopped accepting applications after the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986.
In 1987, Jemison reapplied and was chosen as one of 15 out of 2,000 applicants. Nichelle Nichols—Uhura from the original Star Trek—recruited her, and as a longtime fan, Jemison later guest-starred in an episode of the series.
In Sept. 1992, she joined six other astronauts on the Endeavor for eight days, making her the first African American woman in space. On her mission, she made 127 orbits around the Earth.
Mae C. Jemison on board the Endeavour in 1992. (Photo by NASA)
After NASA
Jemison left NASA the year after she went to space and accomplished many more things.
She started her own consulting company, became a professor at Cornell, launched the Jemison Institute for Advancing Technology in Developing Countries, created an international space camp for teens and much more.
She currently leads 100 Year Starship through DARPA, United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which works to ensure humans will travel to another star in the next 100 years.
With all her accomplishments, it’s no surprise Jemison was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the National Medical Association Hall of Fame and the Texas Science Hall of Fame.
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.
Winter snowfall is beginning to melt and the artic air that gripped the eastern two-thirds of the country has retreated.
What You Need To Know
Parts of the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic experience prolonged snow coverage this winter
This type of fungus thrives in cooler conditions
Ways to keep snow mold away include mowing grass short in the late fall
However, this temperatures shift and rapid thawing has lead to an unwelcome sight across many lawns: snow mold.
Prolonged snow coverage
A snow event on Jan. 24 to 26 brought snow and ice to regions of the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Following the winter weather, arctic air surged south, keeping much of the region snow- and ice-covered.
Another system Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 brought snow to the Mid-Atlantic, with areas like Charlotte, N.C. picking up just under a foot of snow. Like its predecessor, this storm was followed by bitter cold, leaving snow-covered ground in areas that don’t see flakes every winter.
Snow mold
If you start to notice odd circular patches or web‑like areas on your lawn, with pink or grayish discoloration, you might have snow mold.
Snow mold develops on a lawn in St. Charles, Mo. after prolonged snow during the winter. (Spectrum News/Stacy Lynn)
According to Cardinal Lawn’s Lawn Disease Library, snow mold or snow rot is a type of fungal lawn disease that forms from sustained snow cover or wet leaves. It is most visible in spring after snow melts, but sometimes it is observed in winter after a big snowfall and then a thaw.
Any grass exposed to cold temperatures and snow cover can be affected, and if left untreated, the lawn may suffer damage.
This fungus thrives in cold, damp conditions, damaging individual blades as well as the crown and roots. It often appears as gray circular patches or pink, web‑like growth. The pink type is the more severe fungus and does not need snow cover, as it proliferates when the grass is wet and temperatures are below 45 F.
While most lawn diseases are associated with warm weather, TruGreen’s lawn care tips note that snow mold only occurs on actively growing winter grass in cooler weather and can persist up to 60°F if air and soil remain moist. Spores can be spread by wind or splashing rain, moving the disease from one part of the lawn to another.
It’s best to avoid nitrogen fertilizer in late fall and make sure your soil drains properly to prevent excess moisture. Late summer or fall aeration can help break up the plant material that exists between the soil and the grass.
During the winter, don’t let the snow pile up. Those large piles that were created from clearing driveways and sidewalks need to be spread out and shortened. Any piles that take long to melt could be potential breeding grounds for the fungus.
Repair
Snow mold may happen despite best efforts. Ways to treat it include raking the matted grass, which adds circulation and helps to stimulate new grass growth. If your grass still doesn’t appear healthy, consult a lawn care company.
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.
January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”
But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?
What You Need To Know
Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”
Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.
FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events
Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.
Why 30 years?
Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather.
He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).
These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.
Differences in the data
There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.
Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.
(Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)
More frequent 100-year events
It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”
“Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.
Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”
He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”
“For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”
Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.
Weather vulnerability
How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”
FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.
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.
January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”
But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?
What You Need To Know
Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”
Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.
FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events
Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.
Why 30 years?
Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather.
He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).
These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.
Differences in the data
There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.
Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.
(Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)
More frequent 100-year events
It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”
“Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.
Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”
He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”
“For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”
Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.
Weather vulnerability
How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”
FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.
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.
January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”
But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?
What You Need To Know
Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”
Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.
FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events
Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.
Why 30 years?
Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather.
He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).
These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.
Differences in the data
There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.
Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.
(Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)
More frequent 100-year events
It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”
“Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.
Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”
He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”
“For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”
Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.
Weather vulnerability
How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”
FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.
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.
Guion Bluford, the first African American to travel into space, became one of the space community’s most influential figures.
What You Need To Know
Guy Bluford was the first African American to fly in space
He started his career as a pilot in the Air Force
He became an astronaut for NASA in 1979
Bluford developed a fascination with flight at a young age, and by high school he knew he wanted to become an aeronautical engineer.
Early life
After earning his college degree, Bluford joined the U.S. Air Force and received his pilot wings in Jan. 1966 at the early age of 24.
He soon became an instructor pilot and later entered the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, where he earned a master’s degree in 1974 and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering in 1978.
After his 1974 graduation, he served at the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory, initially as a deputy and eventually as branch chief of the Aerodynamics and Airframe Branch.These achievements led to his selection for the NASA astronaut program in 1978.
It’s safe to say he never lost sight of his childhood dreams.
Becoming a legend
The crew of Space Shuttle 8 shown in front of launch pad 39-A at Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida on August 5, 1983, with the tip of the orbiter Challenger showing in the background. Ready for a August 30 launch are left to right: Mission Specialists Dale Gardner, Guion Bluford, Dr. Bill Thornton, pilot Dan Brandenstein and commander Richard Truly. The crew was going through STS-8 countdown test on Thursday, and are wearing blue suits with pilot Brandenstein wearing a red tee shirt underneath. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)
After a year of training, Bluford became an official astronaut in Aug. 1979.
Four years later, on Aug. 30, 1983, he flew his first mission aboard STS-8. That inaugural flight was brief but notable, pioneering techniques for nighttime operations and deploying the Indian National Satellite.
After 145 hours in space, the crew returned to Edwards Air Force Base on Sept. 5.
Over the next 10 years, Bluford became the second, third and fourth African American in space, logging over 688 hours.
After NASA
In 1993, Bluford left NASA and retired from the Air Force to become the Vice President and General Manager of the Engineering Services Division of NYMA Inc., in Greenbelt, Maryland.
After several more high-end jobs, he went on to become the President of Aerospace Technology in Cleveland, Ohio, a job that he still holds today.
Bluford never stopped learning or pursuing the next level of his career. A brilliant figure in the space and engineering communities, he became a leader and role model for many African Americans.
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.
Another weekend will bring bitter cold to parts of the country—this time across the Ohio River Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Wind chills could plunge to as much as 35 degrees below zero in some locations.
What You Need To Know
Cold Weather Warnings are in place tonight through Sunday afternoon
Wind chills could dip as low as 30 degrees below zero
Temperatures are expected to moderate into next week
Cold Weather Alerts
Arctic air will pour into the region through the weekend. Area-wide temperatures will dip near zero, and gusty winds could drive wind chills down to 30 below.
Cold Weather Advisories are in place for the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine, Ohio and eastern Michigan, with Extreme Cold Warnings set to go into effect for New York State and western Massachusetts.
Cold weather alerts will remain in effect through Sunday afternoon.
A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when dangerously cold wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes. An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when frostbite and hypothermia are likely if skin is left unprotected.
Frigid wind chills
The cold will settle in Saturday night and remain locked in the Northeast and New England through Sunday. A gradual warmup will begin on Monday.
Several of these areas were hit with heavy snow two weeks ago, and much of it remains. Additional snow this weekend will only build bigger piles.
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.
Another weekend will bring snow and bitter cold to parts of the country—this time across the Ohio River Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Wind chills could plunge to 35 degrees below zero.
What You Need To Know
Cold Weather Warnings are in place Saturday night through Sunday afternoon
Wind chills could dip as low as 30 degrees below zero
Snowfall totals will be around 1 to 3 inches with the potential for higher amounts in southern Maine and eastern Massachusetts
Snow chances
A cold front will bring snow to New York and New England from tonight through tomorrow. Totals will generally be light—around 1 to 3 inches—but a unique phenomenon known as ocean-effect snow could enhance accumulations in eastern Massachusetts and southern Maine (including York County).
A heavy band may develop there, with localized totals exceeding 6 inches. If this occurs, the most likely timing is early Saturday afternoon.
Here’s one model’s timing on the snow.
Cold Weather Alerts
Arctic air will move in behind the snow starting Saturday night. Area-wide temperatures will dip near zero, and gusty winds could drive wind chills down to 30 below.
Cold Weather Advisories are in place for the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine, Ohio and eastern Michigan, with Extreme Cold Warnings set to go into effect for New York State and western Massachusetts.
Cold weather alerts will remain in effect through Sunday afternoon.
A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when dangerously cold wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes. An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when frostbite and hypothermia are likely if skin is left unprotected.
Frigid wind chills
The cold will settle in Saturday night and remain locked in the Northeast and New England through Sunday. A gradual warmup will begin on Monday.
Several of these areas were hit with heavy snow two weeks ago, and much of it remains. Additional snow this weekend will only build bigger piles.
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.
The Buffalo Sabres (32-18-5) head into Tuesday night’s Atlantic Division showdown aiming to stay hot on the road when they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning (35-14-4) at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa.
How to Watch Buffalo Sabres vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Buffalo has been playing some of its best hockey through late January and early February. A 4-1 victory over the Kings highlighted the Sabres’ offensive balance, with Alex Tuch scoring a hat trick and goalie Alex Lyon setting a new franchise mark with his tenth straight win in net. The Sabres followed that up with a 5-3 road win against the Panthers, showing they can score in bunches and respond in tight spots. Buffalo enters tonight with a 6-1 run in its last seven games overall, giving the team confidence heading into a tough divisional road test.
Tampa Bay enters Tuesday’s matchup as the Atlantic Division leader, boasting one of the NHL’s most efficient offenses and a stout defensive structure. Leading the team is Nikita Kucherov, who tops the team in scoring and remains among the league’s elite playmakers. The Lightning also came off a thrilling 6-5 comeback win against the Boston Bruins in the Stadium Series, where Tampa erased a multi-goal deficit and eventually prevailed in a shootout. That kind of resilience embodies the Lightning’s identity and makes them a dangerous opponent at home.
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It was a relatively quiet start to 2026, with winter storms bringing heavy snow to the typical snow belts. The hardest-hit states included Michigan and New York, where lake-effect snows have added up, with some areas seeing well over 100 inches.
What You Need To Know
Snow was reported from New Mexico and Texas to Maine
Freezing rain and sleet brought icy conditions to Mid-South and South
Five tornadoes touched down in Alabama and Florida on Sunday
However, the Mid-South, Mid-Atlantic, and even the Northeast hadn’t seen as active a start. In fact, these regions began the year with temperatures above average, some even having top ten warmest starts to January. But all of that changed on Jan. 23.
At one point, a large storm stretched over two-thousand miles, with millions of people under a weather alert.
Southern snow and ice totals
Two storm systems merged as arctic air surged south across much of the U.S. By Jan. 23, snow began falling in New Mexico. The highest snowfall accumulated near Bonita Lake, NM., where 31 inches of snow fell.
As the storm emerged east of New Mexico into Texas, it picked up moisture from the Gulf. Snow, sleet and freezing rain fell across the South. Dallas and Fort Worth, TX., picked up 1 to 2 inches with bitter cold that followed.
Northern Arkansas and Oklahoma saw higher totals, ranging from 6 to 8 inches, with a mix of sleet and freezing rain in parts of Arkansas.
Mid-South snow and ice
By Saturday, Jan. 24, snow and ice moved through the Mid-South, with the heaviest snow occurring Saturday night into Sunday across Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Illinois.
With cold air in place in Missouri, snowfall totals range from 5 inches around Kansas City to over a foot of snow south of St. Louis. Kentucky saw snow at the onset before switching to a mix of snow and sleet, which limited the totals.
As the storm moved through Illinois, Indiana and Ohio Saturday into Sunday, it was mainly a snow event. Totals ranged from 6 to 9 inches across the region.
The Northeast and New England snow
With cold air in place in the north, it was an all-snow event in this region. The storm dumped over a foot of snow onto New York City, with the Boston area picking up nearly two feet of snow Sunday through Monday evening.
York, Maine, in the southern part of the state, accumulated 20 inches of snow.
Mid-Atlantic snow and ice
Snow fell in parts of the Mid-Atlantic before changing to sleet. Washington D.C. saw nearly 7 inches of snow before it mixed with and changed to sleet.
Central North Carolina picked up a few flakes before it mixed with and changed over to sleet. While not as icy as freezing, sleet still caused treacherous road conditions.
Southeast snow and ice totals
The colder air was in place in the northern parts of Alabama, Georgia and Upstate South Carolina. Some snow fell at the onset of the storm before mixing with and changing to sleet and freezing rain. Ice Storm Warnings were posted on Sundy and Monday across the region.
Severe side of the storm
The National Weather Service confirmed that five tornadoes touched down on Sunday. Four of them in Alabama and one in Florida. The highest rated tornado was an EF2 with winds estimated of 115 mph in Geneva County, Ala.
Airport delays
With all of the intense weather of the pass few days, airport delays and cancelations are prevalent. Here’s the latest below.
Cold air remains locked in place for the eastern two-thirds of the country.
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.
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a simple and delicious! Chicken breasts simmer with great northern beans, diced tomatoes and green chiles, buffalo sauce and spices. Before serving, quickly shred the chicken and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Serve in bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Yields 6 servings.
It’s cold. And snowy. And did I mention cold??
When the weather outside is in the negatives, I prefer to stay in doors. Typically you’ll find me under a heated blanket reading a book and sipping a cup of coffee. And if dinner is in the slow cooker, it only adds to the cozy vibes. This slow cooker buffalo chicken recipe was shared with me from a friend who found it on TikTok. She brought it to a get together and I absolutely fell in love with it. I made a few minor changes to it like, adding additional can of beans, reducing the amount of carrots and adding garlic powder. But the method is still the same; chicken cooks with white beans, diced tomatoes and green chiles with spices and broth. Then, right before serving, you shred the chicken, mix in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. It literally couldn’t be any easier.
What I love about this recipe, besides how easy and delicious it is, is that you can control how spicy you want it. Like extra heat? Use spicy ranch seasoning (or add 1/2 up to 1 teaspoon of cayenne to your homemade ranch mix) and use “hot” diced tomatoes and green chiles. Want it more tame? Use regular ranch mix and “mild” diced tomatoes and green chiles. Either way it’s incredible.
Then serve in bowls, topped with your favorite chili toppings and tortilla chips!
To Make This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili You Will Need:
boneless skinless chicken breasts – You’ll need about 1¼ pound or about 2 large.
yellow onion – Adds a sweet and subtle onion flavor.
carrot – Adds color, texture and subtle sweetness.
diced tomatoes with green chiles – Use hot or mild depending on what you prefer.
great northern beans – For ease, I use canned beans that have been rinsed well and drained.
low-sodium chicken broth – Use homemade or store-bought.
buffalo sauce – Use homemade or store-bought. If using store-bought, I like Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo (not sponsored).
ranch seasoning – Use regular or spicy ranch mix. Or add 3/4 to 1 teaspoon cayenne to homemade ranch mix.
chili powder – Adds flavor and can be mild to moderately spicy.
cumin (ground) – Lends earthiness and warmth, with an edge of citrus.
cream cheese – Gives the chili creamy texture and richness.
heavy cream – Also lends richness.
optional toppings:
greek yogurt or sour cream
monterey jack cheese
avocado
green onion
tortilla chips
Prep Slow Cooker The Buffalo Chicken Chili:
Into your slow cooker, add 1¼ pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Then add in 1 medium diced yellow onion, 3/4 cup diced carrot and 1 (15 ounce) can of diced of hot or mild diced tomatoes with green chiles (aka Rotel).
Next, add 2 (15 ounce) cans of great northern beans that have been rinsed well and drained. Then pour in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth.
Pour in 3/4 cup of buffalo sauce. Use homemade or if using store-bought, Kinder’s buttery buffalo was recommended to me and it’s delicious.
Next, season with 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning (1 packet if using store-bought), 1 tablespoon chili powder and 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, garlic powder and onion powder.
Stir well to combine.
Slow Cook The Chili:
Cover and slow cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
Finish The Chili:
With 1 hour left on the slow cooker, remove 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese from your fridge and let soften at room temperature. After 30 minutes, add the cream cheese to the slow cooker, cover and let it get really soft for 30 minutes.
After the cream cheese has been in the slow cooker for 30 minutes, remove the chicken breasts to a bowl or cutting board and shred using two forks. Set off to the side for a moment.
To the slow cooker, pour 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Using a spatula, stir everything until its thoroughly combined.
Add the shredded chicken back in.
And stir once more to incorporate and heat through.
Serve The Buffalo Chicken Chili:
Ladle chili into bowl and top with any and all desired toppings.
We like ours with plain greek yogurt (or sour cream), shredded monterey jack cheese, sliced avocado and green onions and a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce. Also, I feel like I should note that I rarely use a spoon for this chili, any chili really, and use tortilla chips instead.
How To Store Homemade Chili:
Transfer the chili to bowl or bowls that has an air-tight lid. Allow the chili completely cool uncovered. The chili doesn’t have to be completely cold, just not hot or extremely warm as it can negatively affect the food surrounding it in the fridge.
How Long Can Chili Last In the Fridge?
If stored properly Chili will last for 4 to 5 days in the fridge.
Can you Freeze Buffalo Chicken Chili?
Yes! However, please note that the texture may change due to heavy cream and cream cheese being in the recipe. The cream and cream cheese can sometimes separate, become grainy, or lose its smooth, creamy consistency upon thawing.
How long does Chili last in the freezer?
Store chili in the freezer for up to 3 months. (see below)
How To Freeze Chili And Reheat Later:
COOL: It’s always best to make sure the chili is has cooled before freezing. Never place hot or very warm items in the freezer (or fridge!) as it can thaw and negatively affect the nearby food.
PORTION: Once cooled, divide chili into portions, leaving room for expansion. Whether it’s a single serving, two or four, portion the cooled chili into either freezer safe bags or air-tight containers. I prefer using freezer safe bags and removing as much air as possible, this helps with storing.
FLATTEN: After you’ve portioned out the chili, lay flat on a rimmed baking sheet and freeze for a few hours. Like how I did it in this post.
STORE: Now you can stack the flat frozen chili portions vertically or horizontally saving so much freezer space.
REHEAT: I prefer to thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge. However you can soak in a sink of lukewarm water for 20 to 30 minutes – flip every so often and change out the water at least once or twice. When reheating chili with cream or cream cheese, reheat heat slowly to avoid separation and texture changes. You can also make the chili ahead of time, leaving out the cream and cream cheese, and then adding it in after reheating.
Enjoy! And if you give this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Yield: 6servings
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili is a simple and delicious! Chicken breasts simmer with great northern beans, diced tomatoes and green chiles, buffalo sauce and spices. Before serving, quickly shred the chicken and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Serve in bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 15 minutesmins
Cook Time: 8 hourshrs
Total Time: 8 hourshrs15 minutesmins
1¼poundsboneless skinless chicken breasts, about 2 large
1mediumyellow onion, diced
3/4cupfinely chopped carrots
15ounces (canned)diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), hot or mild
30ouncesgreat northern beans, rinsed and drained (or 2 cans)
2tablespoonsdry ranch seasoning, homemade or store-bought (regular or spicy)
1tablespoonchili powder
1teaspoonground cumin
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoononion powder
8ouncescream cheese, softened
1/2cup heavy cream
FOR SERVING (OPTIONA)L:
shredded monterey jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese
sliced green onions
avocado
sour cream or plain nonfat greek yogurt
chopped cilantro
corn tortilla chips, or fritos
Into your slow cooker, add whole chicken breasts, yellow onion, carrot and (hot or mild) diced tomatoes with green chiles, great northern beans. Pour in chicken broth and buffalo sauce. Season with dry ranch seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
Cover and slow cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
With 1 hour left on the slow cooker, remove the cream cheese from your fridge and let soften at room temperature. After 30 minutes, add the cream cheese to the slow cooker, cover and let it get really soft for 30 minutes.
After the cream cheese has been in the slow cooker for 30 minutes, remove the chicken breasts to a bowl or cutting board and shred using two forks. Set off to the side. To the slow cooker, pour in the heavy cream. Using a spatula, stir everything until it’s thoroughly combined. Add the shredded chicken bak in, stir once more to incorporate and heat through.
Ladle chili into bowl and top with any and all desired toppings.
Nutrition Disclaimer:All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
The Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons.
It’s a move that caught many by surprise: McDermott is out as the head coach, while Brandon Beane has been promoted to president of football operations and general manager.
Brandon Beane has been promoted to President of Football Operations/General Manager. #BillsMafia
McDermott had great success in turning around an organization that had a 17-year playoff drought, which he broke in his first season in 2017.
McDermott had a record of 98-52 in the regular season and was tied for the longest tenure of any coach before he was let go. His run included eight playoff appearances in nine years and five consecutive AFC East division titles, which came to an end with the New England Patriots taking the crown this season.
As good as the Bills had been, winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate goal, especially when you have an MVP quarterback like Josh Allen as the face of the franchise. McDermott was 8-8 in the postseason, making the conference title game twice, but never able to get over the hump with a number of heartbreaking playoff losses.
Bills owner Terry Pegula said in a statement, “Sean has done an admirable job of leading our football team for the past nine seasons. But I feel we are in need of a new structure within our leadership to give this organization the best opportunity to take our team to the next level. We owe that to our players and to Bills Mafia.”
Pegula also thanked McDermott and wish the best for Sean, his wife Jamie and their family.
The new leadership structure has Beane in charge of all football operations and leading the search for a new head coach. It’s an interesting development since Beane arrived shortly after McDermott and the two worked together with the Carolina Panthers. They were often seen as a package deal. There was even growing sentiment among observers that Beane might be in trouble; instead, he assumes even greater control in the front office.
McDermott’s final news conference after the playoff loss to Denver on Saturday included an impassioned and somewhat out-of-character criticism of the officials after a controversial interception call in overtime, saying “I’m standing up for Buffalo, I’m standing up for us.”
