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  • Tropical Storm Warnings issued as Hurricane Erin moves closer to U.S.

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    Hurricane Erin is still a strong hurricane and is expected to grow even larger, expanding its wind field. Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda and Atlantic Canada this week.

    Erin formed on Aug. 11 and strengthened into a hurricane on Aug. 15. Just one day later, it rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on Aug. 16. It brushed past the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and dangerous surf, but it has avoided any direct impacts to land.

    What You Need To Know

    • Erin is a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds

    • It will bring life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents to the East Coast

    • Erin will remain a hurricane through late week


    Erin is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum winds of 100 mph. It’s moving steadily northwest at 13 mph across the western Atlantic. 

    During the next few days, Erin is forecast to take a turn to the north, and eventually the northeast. It’s expected to stay offshore of the U.S. East Coast, moving in between Bermuda and the U.S. 

    Erin is expected to remain a hurricane through late week. Cooler waters and increasing wind shear will weaken this storm by the weekend.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations.

    A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

    • Beaufort Inlet to Duck, N.C.

    A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for: 

    • Bermuda
    • North of Duck, N.C. to Cape Charles Light to Chincoteague, Va.

    Storm Surge Warnings are also in effect from Cape Lookout to Duck, N.C. The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.

    The water could reach up to 2 to 4 feet above ground level from Cape Lookout to Duck, N.C., and 1 to 3 feet southward to parts of South Carolina, and northward to the Delmarva Peninsula.

    The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast.


    The primary impacts across these areas will occur late tonight into Thursday as Erin passes closest offshore, especially during high tide.

    While the strongest winds will stay over the Atlantic, it’s likely that some strong wind gusts will impact the Outer Banks, and possibly the Canadian Maritimes.

    We will continue to bring you the latest updates for Erin and the rest of the tropics.

    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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  • Tropical Storm Warnings issued as Hurricane Erin moves closer to U.S.

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    Hurricane Erin is still a strong hurricane and is expected to grow even larger, expanding its wind field. Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda and Atlantic Canada this week.

    Erin formed on Aug. 11 and strengthened into a hurricane on Aug. 15. Just one day later, it rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on Aug. 16. It brushed past the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and dangerous surf, but it has avoided any direct impacts to land.

    What You Need To Know

    • Erin is a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds

    • It will bring life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents to the East Coast

    • Erin will remain a hurricane through late week


    Erin is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum winds of 100 mph. It’s moving steadily northwest at 13 mph across the western Atlantic. 

    During the next few days, Erin is forecast to take a turn to the north, and eventually the northeast. It’s expected to stay offshore of the U.S. East Coast, moving in between Bermuda and the U.S. 

    Erin is expected to remain a hurricane through late week. Cooler waters and increasing wind shear will weaken this storm by the weekend.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations.

    A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

    • Beaufort Inlet to Duck, N.C.

    A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for: 

    • Bermuda
    • North of Duck, N.C. to Cape Charles Light to Chincoteague, Va.

    Storm Surge Warnings are also in effect from Cape Lookout to Duck, N.C. The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.

    The water could reach up to 2 to 4 feet above ground level from Cape Lookout to Duck, N.C., and 1 to 3 feet southward to parts of South Carolina, and northward to the Delmarva Peninsula.

    The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast.


    The primary impacts across these areas will occur late tonight into Thursday as Erin passes closest offshore, especially during high tide.

    While the strongest winds will stay over the Atlantic, it’s likely that some strong wind gusts will impact the Outer Banks, and possibly the Canadian Maritimes.

    We will continue to bring you the latest updates for Erin and the rest of the tropics.

    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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  • LIVE BLOG: Tracking Hurricane Erin’s forecast and impacts for N.C.

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    Spectrum News 1 reporters and meteorologists bring you the latest on Erin. Even without making landfall, the hurricane can cause major issues for N.C.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Union County deputy shoots person during domestic dispute

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    A person is in stable condition after being shot by a Union County Sheriff’s deputy, officials said Tuesday morning.

    Deputies responded to domestic violence call on Canary Court in Wingate, just southeast of Charlotte. Deputies were told a weapon was also involved, according to a post by the sheriff’s office.

    The sheriff’s office said a deputy fired his gun at some point after arriving at the home, hitting one of the two people involved. The events leading up to the shooting, however, have not been fully released.

    They were transported to a local hospital and are expected to recover. None of the deputies involved in the incident were hurt.

    The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the incident, which is standard protocol for law enforcement shootings.


     

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    Daniel Gray

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  • Several Amtrak routes canceled after train derailment Sunday in North Carolina

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    A CSX train derailed Sunday afternoon, spilling coal over the tracks and cancelling several Amtrak routes through North Carolina.

    What You Need To Know

    •  A CSX train derailed Sunday near Enfield, North Carolina, on a mainline used for passenger service

    •  28 cars carrying coal where involved, but officials said there were no injuries and there is no risk to the surrounding area

    •  Amtrak routes including Raliegh to New York, Washington, D.C. to Raliegh and Miami to New York have been impacted


    The train derailed around 4 p.m. Sunday, according to a release from CSX, on the mainline used for passenger service located east of West Franklin Street in Enfield, North Carolina.

    The derailment has caused several Amtrak routes to cancel service while crews work to clear the site.

    Officials said affected routes include Raleigh to New York, Washington, D.C. to Raleigh and several routes traveling from Miami to New York.

    The incident involved 28 cars loaded with coal. There were no injuries, no hazmat leaks or spills and no threat to the surrounding community, according to the release.

    Enfield’s mayor, Mondale Robinson, said the incident did not happen within the city limits, but rather north of Enfield near the Binderholz work site.

    For more information on the route cancellations, visit Amtrak.com.

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    Justin Pryor

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  • WATCH: Hurricane Hunters fly into Category 5 Hurricane Erin

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    Erin will bring life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents to the East Coast.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Retired Hurricane Hunter reminisces

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    Although the 2025 hurricane season seems like it’s been slow to start with only five named storms, there’s still a long way to go, and with NOAA’s above-average prediction, that streak won’t likely last.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Hunters fly into a tropical system to gain information about the storm

    • Peter Guittari flew for the Hurricane Hunters’ squadron for twelve years

    • Most intense storm he flew into was Super Typhoon Forrest 1983

    What methods do we use to get information about a storm?

    If a storm is in the middle of the Atlantic, we use radar observations to get data, but if a storm is close enough to an area of land, we send scientists into the storm from above. This special group of professionals is called Hurricane Hunters.

    Hurricane Hunters

    Two branches of Hurricane Hunters now exist, one operated by NOAA and the other by the United States Air Force. Beginning in the 1960s, Weather Bureau aircraft began flying into storms to gain data about the intensity and conditions of the atmosphere. It wasn’t until 1976 that the aircraft had a Doppler radar.

    Peter Guittari, a retired Hurricane Hunter talks about his time in the squad and the most impressive storm he flew into. from the Air Force, remembers those days in the 1970s. From 1979 through 1991, he flew missions out of Keesler Airforce Base in Biloxi, MS. He flew WC-130 military planes, Bs, Es and Hs.

    “We got to see some very very nice places, including the Caribbean and the Pacific,” he said, recalling his time fondly.

    Retired Hurricane Hunter, Peter Guittari, reminisces about his time flying into storms.

    As for how he ended up a Hurricane Hunter. “I was in the 130s, and the unit needed some extra people. I was a flight engineer, and they needed extra people. A buddy of mine was in that squadron, and he called me up and asked if any of you guys would like to come here and do this? And we said yes, so that was 1979, and I was flying 130s for about four years.”

    Collecting data

    Once a storm was identified that needed data, a crew was assembled and briefed. Guittari says that when they took flight, they would fly as high as they could to save fuel and then drop down to 1500 feet so the weather and dropsonde operators could collect their data.

    While he flew hundreds of missions over his twelve years with the Hurricane Hunters, his most memorable storm occurred in the Pacific, specifically, Super Typhoon Forrest in Sept. 1983. “We estimated the winds to be in excess of 200 knots.”

    He loved his job, and the only reason he left was that they closed the squadron down. To this day, he has an appreciation for meteorology, and although he now lives in northern Arkansas, he still follows storms when they make news.

    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

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  • Tropical activity increases in the month of August

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    Tropical activity is on the rise as we approach the climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which arrives on Sept. 10. After the first few months of the season, the tropics will come alive in August.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical cyclone development becomes more common this month

    • The season’s first hurricane usually forms in early to mid-August

    • The peak of hurricane season arrives in early September



    Based on a 30-year climate period from 1991 to 2020, an average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes (category 3+). The first named storm normally forms in mid to late June, the first hurricane forms in early to mid-August, and the first major hurricane forms in late August or early September.

    In August, you typically see more tropical waves developing into named storms.

    In the Atlantic basin, tropical storms are more likely to form just to the east of the Caribbean islands throughout August. Development is also common in the Gulf and along the east coast during this time of the season. 

    The first hurricanes of the season form during this time of hurricane season and will more than likely develop near the Caribbean islands and along the eastern coast.

    So if you live in a hurricane-prone region, before August and September, be sure to have your hurricane kit ready to go before a storm heads for your area. 

    More Storm Season Resources

    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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  • 2025 Atlantic hurricane season so far

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    The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is underway. NOAA and Colorado State University are both forecasting above normal activity this year as we enter the busiest months of the season.

    Hurricane season began on June 1 and will go through Nov. 30. Here are the tropical tracks so far from this season. 


    Here is the list of names being used in 2025. Excluding any names that get retired, will be re-used in 2031.


    You can learn more about 2025’s list of names here.

    Andrea

    Tropical Storm Andrea formed on Tuesday, June 24, becoming the first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. It dissipated 12 hours later.

    Andrea formed and dissipated on the same day without impacting any land. Max winds only reached 40 mph before moving over the colder waters of the north Atlantic.

    Barry

    Barry was the second named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and it was a short-lived tropical storm. 

    Tropical Storm Barry formed on the morning of June 29, over the Bay of Campeche. Maximum winds only reached 45 mph before Barry moved inland, dissipating across the mountains of northeastern Mexico.

    Barry caused flooding and damage in Quintana Roo, Mexico, where nearly 17 inches of rain fell. 

    Chantal

    Chantal began as Tropical Depression Three, forming off the coast of northeast Florida. It became Tropical Storm Chantal one day later, on July 5.

    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. Chantal was the first storm to make landfall in the U.S. during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    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, with significant flooding around Chapel Hill and nearby rivers.

    Dexter

    Dexter was the fourth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed over the open Atlantic on Sunday, Aug. 3, and stayed away from land throughout its lifespan. 

    It dissipated on Aug. 7.

    We’ll continue to update this story throughout the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season with daily tropical updates. 

    More Storm Season Resources

    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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  • Sturgeon Moon arrives this weekend with planetary conjunction soon after

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    Our next full moon, popularly called the Sturgeon Moon, will rise in the night sky the evening of Friday, August 8th, across the U.S.

    What You Need To Know

    • August’s full moon is often called the Sturgeon Moon
    • It is also called the Corn Moon
    • Venus, Neptune and the moon will be close to each other in the sky days after the full moon


    The full moon this month, our eighth of the year, will rise after sunset Friday evening across the east coast of the U.S. and fully peak overnight. 

    According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon because it occurs around the time the sturgeon fish were most easily caught by Native Americans around the Great Lakes. It is also called the Corn Moon and Harvest Moon by other Native American tribes. 

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Friday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires could make the rising full moon appear more orange.

    Potential cloud coverage across the U.S. Friday night. (weathermodels.com)

    A celestial gathering

    The full moon won’t be the only celestial event going on early in August. On August 12th, a few days after the Sturgeon Moon, the planets Venus and Neptune will share the sky in proximity with the moon.

    The beautiful twilight sky (Nov 28, 2019) after sunset with the planets conjuction of Moon (with earth shine), Venus and Jupiter. (Getty)

    This event, called a planetary conjunction, will be a good one for night sky watchers. Venus will be easily seen with the naked eye, but you will need a telescope or binoculars to see Neptune as well. 

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on September 7th, 2025. This is a special full moon as it will appear closest to the autumnal equinox.

    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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  • Sturgeon Moon arrives this weekend with planetary conjunction soon after

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon, popularly called the Sturgeon Moon, will rise in the night sky the evening of Friday, August 8th, across the U.S.

    What You Need To Know

    • August’s full moon is often called the Sturgeon Moon
    • It is also called the Corn Moon
    • Venus, Neptune and the moon will be close to each other in the sky days after the full moon


    The full moon this month, our eighth of the year, will rise after sunset Friday evening across the east coast of the U.S. and fully peak overnight. 

    According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon because it occurs around the time the sturgeon fish were most easily caught by Native Americans around the Great Lakes. It is also called the Corn Moon and Harvest Moon by other Native American tribes. 

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Friday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires could make the rising full moon appear more orange.

    Potential cloud coverage across the U.S. Friday night. (weathermodels.com)

    A celestial gathering

    The full moon won’t be the only celestial event going on early in August. On August 12th, a few days after the Sturgeon Moon, the planets Venus and Neptune will share the sky in proximity with the moon.

    The beautiful twilight sky (Nov 28, 2019) after sunset with the planets conjuction of Moon (with earth shine), Venus and Jupiter. (Getty)

    This event, called a planetary conjunction, will be a good one for night sky watchers. Venus will be easily seen with the naked eye, but you will need a telescope or binoculars to see Neptune as well. 

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on September 7th, 2025. This is a special full moon as it will appear closest to the autumnal equinox.

    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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  • NOAA updates its Atlantic hurricane season forecast

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    The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is entering its most active period in the upcoming months, and NOAA has updated its annual hurricane season outlook. NOAA’s latest forecast is still calling for above normal activity this season.

    What You Need To Know

    • NOAA still predicts above normal activity this hurricane season

    • The forecast calls for 13 to 18 named storms, 5 to 9 hurricanes and 2 to 5 major hurricanes

    • So far, there have been four named storms in the Atlantic this season


    NOAA’s updated outlook predicts a 50% chance of an above normal season, a 35% chance of a near normal season and a 15% chance of a below normal season. 

    NOAA forecasts a likely range of 13 to 18 named storms, of which 5 to 9 could become hurricanes, including 2 to 5 major hurricanes, which are a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

    These are similar numbers to NOAA’s original outlook released in May, but they have been slightly reduced.

    Remember, predictions of the season’s activity are not predictions of exactly how many storms will make landfall in a particular place. Individual storms make impacts, regardless of how active (or not) a season is.

    NOAA researchers cite a handful of different factors for this year’s forecast, including warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, ENSO neutral conditions and an active West African Monsoon. “Many of the factors we identified ahead of the season are still at play, and conditions are largely tracking along with our May predictions.”

    The National Hurricane Center continues to urge advanced preparations for coastal communities before a storm hits.

    NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham says, “No two storms are alike; every storm presents unique, life-threatening hazards that can impact people in both coastal and inland communities. Have a plan in place, and know the actions you should take before, during and after the wide range of hazards that the hurricane season can bring.” 

    Here is the list of names being used for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, last used in 2019. Dexter is the only new name on the list after Dorian was retired for causing extensive death and destruction in the Bahamas, Southeast U.S. and eastern Canada.

    So far, there have been four named storms this hurricane season.


    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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  • Dexter turns post-tropical in the northern Atlantic

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    Dexter stayed over the open Atlantic.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Colorado State University updates Atlantic hurricane season forecast

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    Researchers at Colorado State University updated their 2025 Atlantic hurricane season forecast Wednesday morning, and are still calling for above normal activity. The initial forecast released in early April also predicted above normal activity.

    What You Need To Know

    • Colorado State University is forecasting slightly above normal activity

    • The forecast calls for 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes; slightly reduced numbers from initial forecasts

    • The next couple months are typically when the peak of tropical activity occurs


    The updated forecast calls for 16 named storms, including the 4 that have already formed. Of those 16 storms, 8 are expected to become hurricanes and 3 are expected to reach major hurricane strength. These are the same numbers from CSU’s last update back in July.

    This is a slight reduction from CSU’s original forecast released in April, which called for 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes.

    Despite the above-normal forecast, CSU notes lower-than-normal confidence with this outlook. Although sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern Atlantic have warmed above normal over the past few weeks, there is some uncertainty.

    Researchers say, “the primary reason for the uncertainty in the outlook is the high observed Caribbean shear over the past several weeks. Typically, high levels of Caribbean shear in June–July are associated with less active hurricane seasons.”

    The ENSO phase is neutral right now, and strong trade winds over the central tropical Pacific for the next few weeks will likely reduce the potential for a transition to El Niño conditions compared to what was previously thought. The tropics are typically more active during El Niño years. 

    Here is the list of names being used for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, last used in 2019. Dexter is the only new name on the list after Dorian was retired for causing extensive death and destruction in the Bahamas, Southeast U.S. and eastern Canada.


    The CSU forecast matches NOAA’s hurricane season forecast, which also calls for above normal activity. You can track the latest activity in the tropics here.

    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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  • Colorado State University updates Atlantic hurricane season forecast

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    Researchers at Colorado State University updated their 2025 Atlantic hurricane season forecast Wednesday morning, and are still calling for above normal activity. The initial forecast released in early April also predicted above normal activity.

    What You Need To Know

    • Colorado State University is forecasting slightly above normal activity

    • The forecast calls for 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes; slightly reduced numbers from initial forecasts

    • The next couple months are typically when the peak of tropical activity occurs


    The updated forecast calls for 16 named storms, including the 4 that have already formed. Of those 16 storms, 8 are expected to become hurricanes and 3 are expected to reach major hurricane strength. These are the same numbers from CSU’s last update back in July.

    This is a slight reduction from CSU’s original forecast released in April, which called for 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes.

    Despite the above-normal forecast, CSU notes lower-than-normal confidence with this outlook. Although sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern Atlantic have warmed above normal over the past few weeks, there is some uncertainty.

    Researchers say, “the primary reason for the uncertainty in the outlook is the high observed Caribbean shear over the past several weeks. Typically, high levels of Caribbean shear in June–July are associated with less active hurricane seasons.”

    The ENSO phase is neutral right now, and strong trade winds over the central tropical Pacific for the next few weeks will likely reduce the potential for a transition to El Niño conditions compared to what was previously thought. The tropics are typically more active during El Niño years. 

    Here is the list of names being used for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, last used in 2019. Dexter is the only new name on the list after Dorian was retired for causing extensive death and destruction in the Bahamas, Southeast U.S. and eastern Canada.


    The CSU forecast matches NOAA’s hurricane season forecast, which also calls for above normal activity. You can track the latest activity in the tropics here.

    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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  • How lightning can help your garden grow

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    The classic summer thunderstorm is doing more for your lawn and garden than you might realize. That extra bit of green and growth after a storm isn’t just because it rained.

    There is a science behind why that is the case, and I’m here to explain it. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Lightning plays a big role in the nitrogen cycle

    • Nitrates are considered a “super fertilizer” that helps plants green up faster

    • Most plants receive usable nitrogen through bacteria in soil


    Understanding what the nitrogen cycle does is important to know before diving into lightning’s role in the cycle. Simply put, plants need nutrients to grow. 

    About 78% of Earth’s atmosphere is made up of “free” nitrogen (N2) gas. All living things need nitrogen to build amino acids, essential proteins, as well as DNA and RNA. 

    Nitrogen in its “free” form cannot be used by living things. That is where the nitrogen cycle comes in. For nitrogen to be used, it must be changed into different states like nitrates (NO3), nitrites (NO2), and ammonium (NH3). 

    Nitrogen is mostly brought into the living world by way of bacteria in the soil, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into the nitrates. Once in any of those usable states, plants can take up these molecules and grow. 

    Lightning’s role in the nitrogen cycle

    While most of the free nitrogen is converted through bacteria, lightning also plays a meaningful role. 

    During a storm, the explosive heat of lightning tears the nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air apart. The free molecules then recombine, forming nitrogen oxides, which fall down to earth in the rain. 

    Given that most rain doesn’t carry many nutrients, nitrogen oxide-filled raindrops can bring abundant free fertilizer to your yard and garden during a storm. A storm or two may not make a big difference, but multiple rounds of storms over the course of a week or two can bring lush green and vivid colors to your garden.

    So when you hear cracks of thunder outside, just know that your plants are thankful!

    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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  • How lightning can help your garden grow

    [ad_1]

    The classic summer thunderstorm is doing more for your lawn and garden than you might realize. That extra bit of green and growth after a storm isn’t just because it rained.

    There is a science behind why that is the case, and I’m here to explain it. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Lightning plays a big role in the nitrogen cycle

    • Nitrates are considered a “super fertilizer” that helps plants green up faster

    • Most plants receive usable nitrogen through bacteria in soil


    Understanding what the nitrogen cycle does is important to know before diving into lightning’s role in the cycle. Simply put, plants need nutrients to grow. 

    About 78% of Earth’s atmosphere is made up of “free” nitrogen (N2) gas. All living things need nitrogen to build amino acids, essential proteins, as well as DNA and RNA. 

    Nitrogen in its “free” form cannot be used by living things. That is where the nitrogen cycle comes in. For nitrogen to be used, it must be changed into different states like nitrates (NO3), nitrites (NO2), and ammonium (NH3). 

    Nitrogen is mostly brought into the living world by way of bacteria in the soil, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into the nitrates. Once in any of those usable states, plants can take up these molecules and grow. 

    Lightning’s role in the nitrogen cycle

    While most of the free nitrogen is converted through bacteria, lightning also plays a meaningful role. 

    During a storm, the explosive heat of lightning tears the nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air apart. The free molecules then recombine, forming nitrogen oxides, which fall down to earth in the rain. 

    Given that most rain doesn’t carry many nutrients, nitrogen oxide-filled raindrops can bring abundant free fertilizer to your yard and garden during a storm. A storm or two may not make a big difference, but multiple rounds of storms over the course of a week or two can bring lush green and vivid colors to your garden.

    So when you hear cracks of thunder outside, just know that your plants are thankful!

    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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  • How to stay safe during extreme heat

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    Now that summer is here, dangerous heat and humidity will be more common over the next couple months.

    If you’re experiencing extreme heat, it’s important to recognize the signs of heat illnesses and know how to stay safe.

    What You Need To Know

    • High humidity makes extreme heat more dangerous for your body

    • You should limit outdoor activity if you’re under a Heat Advisory or Extreme Heat Warning

    • Everyone is susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke during the summer


    There are many symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and it’s important to recognize the signs before going outside. 

    If you or someone you know is ever experiencing any of these symptoms, focus on immediate cooling and hydration.

    There are other factors that can affect your body in the heat, including if the heat is dry or humid. When humidity is high, your sweat can’t evaporate quickly, preventing your body from cooling down.

    Some other factors that can affect you:

    • Age
    • Obesity
    • Dehydration
    • Heart disease
    • Sunburn
    • Medications or illness

    The highest risk groups are the elderly, young children, pets and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.

    Heat safety tips

    Once you know your risks, know what actions to take to stay safe and prevent heat illness.

    • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and electrolytes
    • Stay cool: Spend time in air-conditioned buildings and limit outdoor activity
    • If you have to spend time outside, try to schedule outdoor events early or later in the day when it’s cooler and seek shade
    • Wear and reapply sunscreen, and wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
    • Check on others, including friends, family and neighbors, especially the most vulnerable
    • Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles

    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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  • The Perseid meteor shower begins, lasts through late August

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    The Perseid meteor shower is always a highly-anticipated astronomical event. However, this year, the viewing may be more difficult than in years past.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Perseid meteor shower has up to 75 meteors per hour

    • The best time for viewing will fall in the pre-dawn hours

    • A full moon may get in the way of peak viewing

    The Perseid meteor shower starts Thursday, July 17 and lasts through Aug. 24. While you can spot meteors zooming across the sky any time after dark, your best opportunity will be in the few hours before sunrise.

    As the night goes on, the constellation Perseus — where the meteors appear to originate­ — will rise higher in the northeast sky. However, you can look anywhere overhead, not just in that direction.

    Meteors will be visible through the duration of the event, but its peak is on Tuesday, Aug. 12. If you’re lucky enough to have a clear sky, you may see 50 to 75 meteors every hour. 

    The Perseids produce long, bright trails, making it one of the more visual annual showers.

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    We see the Perseids in the late summer as the Earth passes through the dust and debris that Comet Swift-Tuttle leaves behind. The “shooting stars” actually come from grains that are about the size of Grape Nuts, according to Sky & Telescope, that burn in the atmosphere as they zip by at over 130,000 miles per hour.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers. (Courtesy of Sky & Telescope)

    There is one fly in the ointment for this year’s Perseid viewing. The next full moon on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 9, is expected to be one of the brightest of the year. This will severly limit the number of meteors seen in the day or two leading up to and following the full moon.

    This would closely coincide with the peak on Tuesday, Aug. 12. 

    No matter what, you’ve got plenty of time to see this premier celestial event for the next several weeks. 

    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

  • The Perseid meteor shower begins, lasts through late August

    [ad_1]

    The Perseid meteor shower is always a highly-anticipated astronomical event. However, this year, the viewing may be more difficult than in years past.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Perseid meteor shower has up to 75 meteors per hour

    • The best time for viewing will fall in the pre-dawn hours

    • A full moon may get in the way of peak viewing

    The Perseid meteor shower starts Thursday, July 17 and lasts through Aug. 24. While you can spot meteors zooming across the sky any time after dark, your best opportunity will be in the few hours before sunrise.

    As the night goes on, the constellation Perseus — where the meteors appear to originate­ — will rise higher in the northeast sky. However, you can look anywhere overhead, not just in that direction.

    Meteors will be visible through the duration of the event, but its peak is on Tuesday, Aug. 12. If you’re lucky enough to have a clear sky, you may see 50 to 75 meteors every hour. 

    The Perseids produce long, bright trails, making it one of the more visual annual showers.

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    We see the Perseids in the late summer as the Earth passes through the dust and debris that Comet Swift-Tuttle leaves behind. The “shooting stars” actually come from grains that are about the size of Grape Nuts, according to Sky & Telescope, that burn in the atmosphere as they zip by at over 130,000 miles per hour.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers. (Courtesy of Sky & Telescope)

    There is one fly in the ointment for this year’s Perseid viewing. The next full moon on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 9, is expected to be one of the brightest of the year. This will severly limit the number of meteors seen in the day or two leading up to and following the full moon.

    This would closely coincide with the peak on Tuesday, Aug. 12. 

    No matter what, you’ve got plenty of time to see this premier celestial event for the next several weeks. 

    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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