Tag: El Paso

Dangerous heat is expected for parts of the country through Friday
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A strong area of high pressure has positioned itself in the southwest part of the country, bringing extreme heat to not only the desert southwest but also to parts of Texas. This high will intensify over the next few days and block out any relief from Pacific arriving weather systems.
What You Need To Know

A heat dome is set up over the soutwestern part of the country

Temperatures Wednesday through Friday are expected to be 20 degrees above normal

Excessive Heat Warnings and Advisories have been issued for millions of people
Cities that will see potential records in the next few days include Las Vegas, San Antonio, Phoenix and Palm Springs.

Heat dome

High pressure is associated with sunny skies and calm weather, thanks to sinking air. When the high remains in the same location and strengthens, it becomes a heat dome, where hot air is trapped underneath the high, how your car heats if the windows are closed.

This is happening in the southwest. The high also acts to block any incoming storm system and diverts them northward around it. With sinking air, clouds don’t form, and rain can’t fall, so you are left with hot air that transports from the air to the ground.

Tuesday’s highs

As the high was positioning itself south of California and Arizona on Tuesday, it transported heat into interior sections of those states, as well as Nevada, Utah and even eastward into New Mexico and Texas. With the high expected to drift further north, the heat will expand with it.

Desert locations don’t have to worry about the heat index, but other areas will feel even hotter thanks to the humidity. San Antonio, Texas, reached a record high temperature of 103 degrees on Tuesday, but considering the humidity, the “feels like” temperature or heat index soared to 117 degrees, breaking the all-time highest heat index for that city.

High temperatures for the rest of the week

The National Weather Service has issued Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories for the rest of the week for regions expected to see extreme conditions. In locations with higher humidity levels, it will feel even hotter.

Highs are expected in the triple digits with some locations not seeing the mercury go below 80 degrees, even at night.

Heat arriving early

It may seem like the heat is arriving earlier than in years past, but for some, this is just a typical June. Phoenix and Palm Springs see daily average highs already in the low 100s this time of the year. But for Las Vegas, temperatures will be 15 degrees above average this week, peaking in the 110s.

As for San Antonio, their average high during peak summer is only in the upper 90s, so temperatures surging into the low 100s any time of the year is abnormal.

The heat dome looks to collapse by the weekend, bringing a reprieve from the extreme heat.

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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June 5, 2024
Weather Explained: Understanding the heat index

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Heat index is the temperature that it feels like to the human body and is also referred to as the feels-like temperature or the apparent temperature.

Oftentimes, it will feel much hotter than what the thermometer reads.

This is especially true on hot and humid days because the body can’t cool as efficiently. When the heat index is high, people become more susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Watch the video above to learn how humidity impacts how you cool down, and learn the math behind the science.

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Meteorologist Nick Merianos

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June 3, 2024
10 times tropical systems devastated the U.S. in June
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It’s the first official month of hurricane season.

In June, most tropical systems only form into depressions or storms because we don’t have the right ingredients for stronger storms, such as warmer ocean water.

Let’s look back at some of the top June systems.
What You Need To Know

120 tropical systems categorized as a tropical storm or higher have occurred in June since 1850

87 of those tropical systems brought impacts to the U.S.

Only three major hurricanes have occurred in June
The 2000s

Tropical Storm Debby in 2012: An area of low pressure in the Gulf developed into Tropical Storm Debby on June 23. Curving northeast, Debby made landfall as a weak tropical storm near Steinhatchee, Florida.

Extreme rainfall fell over Florida, with Curtis Mill receiving the most at 28.78 inches. The Sopchoppy River reached a record-high flood stage and flooded 400 structures in Wakulla County.

River and creek flooding in Pasco and Clay Counties inundated around 700 homes. Central and South Florida saw damage from several tornadoes.

In the end, Debby caused around $210 million in losses and 10 deaths.

Rainfall from Debby caused massive flooding for areas like Live Oak, Fla. in 2012. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Tropical Storm Allison in 2001: An interesting storm, Allison first made landfall as a tropical storm near Freeport, Texas, on June 5. It drifted northward but quickly made a U-turn and re-entered the Gulf of Mexico on June 10.

After moving back into the Gulf, Allison tracked northeastward and made a second landfall in Louisiana on June 11, and continued northeast towards the Atlantic.

Texas saw a major flood disaster when Allison stalled over the state, dumping over 35 inches of rain. The storm damaged over 65,000 homes and 95,000 vehicles. Allison killed 41 people, most died from drowning.

Allison became the costliest and second-deadliest tropical storm on record in the United States, with around $8.5 billion in damage.

The 1900s

Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994: Initially forming near the western tip of Cuba on June 30, this storm tracked north, making landfall near Destin, Florida. It quickly weakened but stalled over Georgia and continued to stream in moisture across the Southeast.

This storm triggered devastating flooding across Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Twenty-seven inches of rain fell in some locations.

Thirty-three people died from flash flooding alone, and the storm damaged over 18,000 homes. Alberto also affected about 900,000 acres of crops and caused 218 dams to fail.

There was a total of $1.03 billion in damage, and Alberto became one of the worst natural disasters in Georgia’s history.

Hurricane Agnes in 1972: One of the worst hurricanes in history, killing 131 people, Agnes first made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near Panama City, Florida, on June 19.

It then moved northeastward towards the Carolinas before it moved into the Atlantic and then drifted towards New York City, where it made landfall as a tropical storm on June 22.

Agnes caused a significant tornado outbreak in Florida and Georgia. There were 26 confirmed tornadoes, 24 of them in Florida. Agnes damaged or destroyed over 2,000 structures in Florida.

The rest of the Southeast felt minor impacts, but once Agnes moved into the Northeast, it devastated Pennsylvania and New York.

Pennsylvania experienced extreme flooding because of heavy rainfall. One area in Schuylkill County saw 18 inches of rain. Creeks and rivers ran out of their banks, and the damage from flooding left 220,000 people homeless.

New York suffered similar damage. Flooding damaged or destroyed over 32,000 homes and 1,500 businesses.

A large boat was tossed from the ocean in Cameron, La. when Hurricane Audrey ripped through in 1957. (AP Photo/Randy Taylor)

Hurricane Audrey in 1957: The first major hurricane to make our list, Audrey made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in southwestern Louisiana on June 27. The impacts were devastating.

The storm surge inundated much of the Louisiana coast and killed much of the local wildlife. Heavy rainfall led to flooding.

In Texas, strong winds caused $8 million in damage.

The hurricane spawned many tornadoes inland, and people felt the effects of the storm as north as Canada, killing 15 people.

It was the earliest major hurricane at the time and one of the deadliest, with over 400 people killed.

The Gulf Coast Hurricane of 1916: The second major hurricane to make the list, this system first formed into a tropical storm on June 29 in the Caribbean Sea.

It moved north, and once it reached the Gulf of Mexico, warm waters allowed this system to intensify into a Category 3 hurricane.

It made landfall near Gulfport, Mississippi, on July 5, and winds caused about $3 million in damage. In Florida, it peeled roofs off houses, and chimneys and trees toppled. Heavy rainfall severely damaged crops in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Overall, this hurricane killed 34 people. The remnants from this storm would combine with another system in the Atlantic and cause massive flooding in North Carolina.

A steamer sunk in Mobile Bay, Ala. when The Gulf Coast Hurricane of 1916 tore through. (NOAA/Steve Nicklas)

The 1800s

An unnamed tropical storm in 1899: Although it is unknown when this storm first formed, weather maps indicate a tropical storm in the northwestern Gulf on June 26.

This storm made landfall on Galveston Island, Texas, on June 27 and caused major devastation, mainly because many people did not have ways of receiving warnings.

This tropical storm flooded 12,000 square miles of land, and it left thousands of people homeless. It’s estimated that 284 people died in the storm.

3 back-to-back-to-back hurricanes in 1886: The end of our list takes us to 1886 when three hurricanes devastated the South and Southeast.

The first made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near High Island, Texas on June 14. The hurricane damaged boats, waterfront structures and a railroad. Winds tore roofs from houses, and saltwater from the ocean impacted livestock.

Areas in Louisiana even saw major crop damage and heavy rainfall, peaking at 21.4 inches.

The second hurricane made landfall near St. Marks, Florida as a Category 2 on June 21 after traveling from Cuba and the Yucatán Peninsula. Flooding happened across low-lying streets, and it pushed ships onshore. The most damage occurred near Apalachicola and Tallahassee.

The third and final hurricane of the month (and this list) also developed in the Caribbean Sea, moved northward and made landfall near the same area as the second hurricane. It made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Indian Pass in Florida.

Homes lost their roofs, buildings collapsed and several ships sunk. It destroyed crops in Florida and Georgia, and even areas in North Carolina and Virginia saw wind and flood damage.

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 Shelly Lindblade

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June 1, 2024
Planets on parade: Rare 6 planets line up in the sky
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2024 has gifted us with some spectacular celestial views from the total solar eclipse in April to the northern lights seen throughout most of the U.S. in May. June brings another astronomical phenomenon known as “planets on parade.”
What You Need To Know

Six planets will align on the morning of June 3

Planets lining up happens a couples times per year

Three of the six planets will rise just before 6 a.m. making them faint in the sunlight
It’s nicknamed as such because several planets appear to form into a straight line in the early morning 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, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, will align. He recommends waking up early and finding a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing. “Saturn is expected to rise from the east to southeast of the horizon at 2 a.m. ET on June 3.”

And bring binoculars or a telescope. “With the naked eye, you can see planets Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as stars. 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.”

With three out of the six planets expected to rise just before 6 a.m., the sun may end up obscuring the view of the “parade.”

As for how common is this event?

“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.

“The last time people saw most planets line up was this year’s total solar eclipse in April.”

And if the weather doesn’t permit you for the viewing in June, there will be another opportunity in August. “The next one will be Aug. 28 with Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all aligning.”

2025 will have three chances to witness planets on parades, Jan. 18, Feb. 28 and Aug. 29.

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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May 31, 2024
Severe weather could disrupt Memorial Day weekend travel
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If you’re traveling for Memorial Day weekend, the weather could affect your plans. Severe weather will develop across the central and southern Plains on Saturday before shifting east toward the mid-Mississippi and Ohio River Valley on Sunday.

Dangerous and record-breaking heat is possible in South Texas, along the Gulf Coast to South Florida through Memorial Day.
What You Need To Know

Severe weather is expected across the central U.S. on Saturday and Sunday

Parts of the southern U.S. could experience record-breaking heat

Wet weather and storms are expected across the eastern U.S. on Memorial Day
Here’s what you need to know about the forecast this weekend.

Saturday

Severe weather is going to be the primary threat for holiday weekend travelers on Saturday. Storms will develop across the central and southern Plains on Saturday afternoon and evening capable of producing all types of severe weather.

Oklahoma, Kansas and western Missouri will see the highest threat for severe weather, including several strong to violent tornadoes, extreme hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall Saturday afternoon into the overnight hours.

Scattered showers are possible across parts of the interior Northeast and Mid-Atlantic late Saturday.

The Gulf Coast states, from South Texas to South Florida will experience summerlike heat with the potential for record highs. Heat impacts will likely be highest in South Texas, where heat index values will exceed 115 degrees through Memorial Day.

The western U.S. will be cool to kick off the weekend, as highs stay 5 to 15 degrees below normal.

Sunday

The same complex of storms from the Plains on Saturday will shift east, bringing the highest severe threat across parts of the mid-Mississippi and Ohio River Valley on Sunday into Sunday night.

Once again, it looks likely that storms will be capable of producing strong tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds and flash flooding. The highest threat will be for parts of eastern Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and western Kentucky.

Other areas that will see rain and storms include Wisconsin and Ohio. A weak front could bring some scattered showers to parts of the upper Northeast and New England on Sunday morning, but it will dry out early.

Dangerous heat remains in place across the southern states on Sunday. Heat index values will be highest in South Texas again as actual air temperatures climb into the upper 90s and even the triple digits. Overnight temperatures won’t cool off much with record warm lows, so little to no relief is expected to those without reliable cooling.

Western parts of the country will warm up slightly as temperatures climb back near normal for late May while the East Coast remains around 10 degrees above normal, topping out in the upper 80s to low 90s.

Monday

Wet weather will spread east on Memorial Day, bringing widespread shower and storm chances to parts of the eastern U.S., including the Northeast, New England and Mid-Atlantic.

Memorial Day will kick off with showers, likely across the Ohio River Valley and Mid-Atlantic. As the system moves northeastward, rain and storms will fill into the Northeast through the morning and New England through the afternoon.

Temperatures will also be rain-cooled for these areas, so it will feel more seasonable around the Great Lakes. A few scattered showers and storms are possible in the southeast, too.

The western U.S. also warms back up a few degrees above normal, and Texas and Florida continue to feel the summerlike heat with record highs possible and heat index values climbing well into the triple digits.

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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May 24, 2024
Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1

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The Atlantic hurricane season begins on Saturday, June 1.

NOAA just released its 2024 hurricane season outlook, and is forecasting above normal activity this year.

What do these forecasts mean for people living in hurricane-prone areas? What are the ingredients for an active hurricane season? What can you do to prepare?

Spectrum News Meteorologists’ Kyle Hanson, Thomas Meiners, Blake Matthews, Reid Lybarger and Stacy Lynn will answer your questions about NOAA’s forecast and what you can expect this hurricane season at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 23.

Be sure to include your name and location when you ask a question below.

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Spectrum News Weather Staff

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May 23, 2024
NOAA releases its 2024 Atlantic hurricane season outlook
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The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season begins on Saturday, June 1, and NOAA just released its annual outlook. NOAA predicts above normal activity across the Atlantic basin this year.
What You Need To Know

NOAA predicts above normal activity this hurricane season

Atlantic sea surface temperatures are experiencing record warmth

La Niña conditions are expected during the peak of hurricane season
NOAA’s outlook predicts an 85% chance of an above normal season, a 10% chance of a near normal season and a 5% chance of a below normal season.

NOAA forecasts a likely range of 17 to 25 named storms, of which 8 to 13 could become hurricanes, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes, which are a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence.

“This is the highest number of named storms NOAA has ever issued in its May forecast,” says Dr. Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., administrator, NOAA.

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. Coastal residents should do what they can to make sure they’re prepared every year.

As a reminder, this season has brought some new changes and a new list of names.

You can learn more about 2024’s list of names here.

Researchers look at a variety of factors to make their prediction.

Current El Niño conditions are forecast to transition to La Niña conditions later this summer or fall, leading to more favorable conditions for tropical development.

La Niña conditions typically favor more hurricane activity in the Atlantic because of weaker vertical wind shear and more instability across the main development region.

Sea surface temperatures are also running well above normal in the Gulf of Mexico and the tropical Atlantic, including the main development region. Some areas are experiencing record warmth.

Warm ocean water helps fuel tropical systems, and combined with the effects of La Niña, it is expected to be an active Atlantic hurricane season.

Here is the latest tropical update for the next 48 hours.

Learn More About Hurricanes

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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May 23, 2024
NOAA releases its 2024 Atlantic hurricane season outlook
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The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season begins on Saturday, June 1, and NOAA just released its annual outlook. NOAA predicts above normal activity across the Atlantic basin this year.
What You Need To Know

NOAA predicts above normal activity this hurricane season

Atlantic sea surface temperatures are experiencing record warmth

La Niña conditions are expected during the peak of hurricane season
NOAA’s outlook predicts an 85% chance of an above normal season, a 10% chance of a near normal season and a 5% chance of a below normal season.

NOAA forecasts a likely range of 17 to 25 named storms, of which 8 to 13 could become hurricanes, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes, which are a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence.

“This is the highest number of named storms NOAA has ever issued in its May forecast,” says Dr. Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., administrator, NOAA.

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. Coastal residents should do what they can to make sure they’re prepared every year.

As a reminder, this season has brought some new changes and a new list of names.

You can learn more about 2024’s list of names here.

Researchers look at a variety of factors to make their prediction.

Current El Niño conditions are forecast to transition to La Niña conditions later this summer or fall, leading to more favorable conditions for tropical development.

La Niña conditions typically favor more hurricane activity in the Atlantic because of weaker vertical wind shear and more instability across the main development region.

Sea surface temperatures are also running well above normal in the Gulf of Mexico and the tropical Atlantic, including the main development region. Some areas are experiencing record warmth.

Warm ocean water helps fuel tropical systems, and combined with the effects of La Niña, it is expected to be an active Atlantic hurricane season.

Here is the latest tropical update for the next 48 hours.

Learn More About Hurricanes

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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May 23, 2024
Tornadoes by the numbers, is 2024 seeing more twisters?
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Springtime tornadoes are nothing new for residents of the Midwest, Plains and even the South. It’s common, most cities and towns have tornado sirens and school children perform tornado drills, but is the U.S. seeing a higher number of tornadoes this year compared to the average?
What You Need To Know

April 26 through May 9 was a particularly dangerous stretch of weather, producing hundreds of tornado reports

The number of tornado reports does not equate to the number of tornadoes

Thunderstorms that are capable of producing tornadoes are not as prevalent during the summer months
In recent weeks, top stories have featured violent weather with tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and flooding that injure people and infrastructures and even cause fatalities.

April 26 through May 9 was an active period for severe weather. At least one tornado report was submitted to the Storm Prediction Center per day.

Halfway through the month, the count stands at 234. How do these values compare to the average? Are we seeing more tornadoes than we used to, or is this just par for the course at this time of the year?

Severe season

Dr. Harold Brooks, Senior Research Scientist with NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman Oklahoma, says this is the time of the year when the greatest number of tornadoes is observed.

Historically, May has produced the most violent twisters. Joplin, Missouri’s EF5 tornado occurred on May 22, 2011, and Moore, Oklahoma’s EF5, the last EF5 to touch down in the United States, happened on May 20, 2013.

Above-average count

The tornado archives began in 1950, with averages compiled from 1991 to 2020. According to the Storm Prediction Center, preliminary data from Jan. 1 – May 16, lists 806 counts of tornadoes from local storm reports for the year so far.

Courtesy of NOAA Storm Prediction Center

The SPC analyzed April, noting 384 preliminary tornado reports, more than double the 1991-2020 April average (182). This was the highest count on record, since April 2011 and is second only to that same year.

Overestimations of tornadoes

Preliminary tornado reports are not the same as actual tornadoes.

Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the Storm Prediction Center, Matthew Elliot explains,

“In realtime, the National Weather Service collects what are called preliminary local storm reports. For tornadoes, these can be thought of as eyewitness reports of the tornado.”

Reports such as damage or video of a tornado are documented, showing the location of the damage and tornado. Each report will count as one tornado preliminary report.

However, he mentions that sometimes there may be multiple reports of the same tornado, especially longer-track ones, leading to overestimated tornado counts.

“Some preliminary reports end up not being tornadic after a ground survey has been completed (could be wind) while others are surveyed and entered into the official database but never have a preliminary local storm report issued (rarer but does happen).”

Ground surveys

When information is relayed to the local National Weather Service offices about storm damage or tornadoes, NWS teams will complete a ground survey to verify these results, usually the following day. Meteorologist Alex Elmore with the National Weather Service in St. Louis explains the process of the storm survey teams.

An NWS emergency official surveys damage from an EF-1 tornado on Thursday, April 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. (Spectrum News 1/Jonathon Gregg)

“When storm damage occurs and we suspect it was possibly caused by a tornado or very strong straight-line winds, we will head first toward the location of the worst known damage,” he said.

The max wind speed can be estimated based on damage indicators, including trees, houses, out buildings, and the degree of damage such as missing shingles, partial collapse of the building, tree uprooted, etc., according to Elmore.

“If the damage was produced by a tornado, we assign it a rating on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale based on the wind speed,” he said.

Sometimes the damage from a storm is not from a tornado but straight-line winds. Damage from straight-line winds will all be laying in the same direction, whereas tornado damage will comprise more circular damage.

They continue this process across the swath of damage until no more damage can be found. He says surveys for a single track can take several hours or upwards of an entire day, depending on the path length and degree of damage.

This process can be lengthy and take several months. Once investigations have been completed, the SPC publishes the final count. “Historically, for every 100 preliminary tornado reports, at least 65 tornadoes are confirmed,” says the SPC.

Less summer tornadoes

Tornado counts usually peak from March to June and then taper into the summer. The reason is because of the jet stream.

“One of the ingredients needed for thunderstorms to produce tornadoes is strong wind shear, and this is in part provided by the jet stream,” Elmore says.

“During the summer, the jet stream shifts northward toward the U.S.-Canadian border, reducing the amount of wind shear we see locally during severe weather, which reduces the chance for tornadoes.”

We may see more thunderstorms during the summer, but without wind shear, storms that become severe are more likely to produce hail and damaging winds.

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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May 22, 2024
Weather Explained: Storm surge

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Storm surge is when a storm or hurricane causes ocean levels to rise, bringing flooding and destruction to life and property.

Three factors can determine the severity of storm surge: coastal orientation, the slope of the continental and tides.

Watch the video above to learn how these three things affect storm surge and what you can do to keep you, your family and property safe.

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Spectrum News Weather Staff

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May 13, 2024
Northern lights could be visible across U.S. on Friday night
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A strong geomagnetic storm is impacting the Earth.

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has observed extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions for the first time since Oct. 2003, meaning the northern lights, or aurora borealis, could be visible for much of the northern United States on Friday night and early Saturday morning.

It may be visible low on the horizon further south, from Southern California east across the Southern U.S.
What You Need To Know

The northern lights could be visible in the northern U.S. on Friday night

Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed for the first time since 2003

Further south, the northern lights may be visible on the horizon
According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have reached Earth, leading to extreme geomagnetic activity. A CME is an eruption of solar material, and G5 conditions are very rare.

Geomagnetic storming could continue through the weekend, with more CMEs on the way to Earth. Under clear skies, the northern lights should be visible across much of the northern U.S. on Friday night and early Saturday morning. Further south, they could be visible on the horizon.

Tonight’s forecast

Here is tonight’s forecast from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute. The northern lights are likely to be visible on Friday night and early Saturday morning for areas shaded in green, and they could be visible on the horizon for areas shaded in yellow.

To ensure the best chance at getting a look at the northern lights tonight, look toward the northern horizon. The best viewing conditions are under cloud-free skies and away from bigger cities with light pollution.

If you see the northern lights tonight, be sure to submit your photos on the Spectrum News App!

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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May 10, 2024
The northern lights: Photos vs. what your eyes see
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Dazzling, shimmer curtains of red and green… you’ve probably seen amazing photos of the aurora, or northern lights. Unfortunately, if you’re lucky enough to see the aurora with your own eyes, it typically won’t live up to those expectations.

Technology and biology are why.
What You Need To Know

Cameras can have long exposures and wide apertures to let in lots of light

Image editing can bring out the colors

Our eyes don’t pick up color very well in low light
For those of us in the mid-latitudes–that is, most of the U.S.–aurora aren’t visible very often, especially the farther south you are. And when they do show up, they’re typically not very bright.

So how do photographers snap such stunning photos?

Technology

“Cameras with long exposures will pick up on the northern lights because cameras use that long exposure of several seconds to absorb the light and colors of the aurora,” says Willard Sharp, who photographs everything from severe storms to solar storms. “Modern camera sensors are very sensitive in low light, so it’s easier to get a detailed photo of the aurora.”

Northern lights fill the sky in Edinburg, N.Y. (Photo by Derek Spagnola)

A long exposure and wide-open aperture let a lot of light in. “This allows the camera to gather data in a photo that I can then work with in Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to bring out details and get the colors to look good and natural,” Sharp says.

“Your eyes may not catch as much color here [in the Lower 48], but the camera will do a wonderful job with that several second exposure to get a vivid picture.”

Biology

And why won’t your eyes catch much color? As great as they are, they’re just not equipped to do color at night.

You might know that your eyes have rods and cones, which are stimulated by light. The gist is that we have three types of cones that work with the brain to see red, green and blue (and all the combinations of those), but cones need a lot of light… something that the night sky doesn’t provide.

Rods are much more sensitive to light so we can see at night, but they don’t have nearly the same color abilities as cones. Sure, we can kind of see color, but it’s not at all vivid. Our eyes, like a camera, need a wide aperture and a lot of light to get the most out of what’s in front of us.

Normalized wavelengths the rods and cones of the eye are sensitive to. (CC by 4.0/Ibrahim Al-Bahadly)

Even so, “when you head north to, say, Canada, the lights are much brighter even with weaker geomagnetic storming, so the eyes can see them much more easily,” Sharp says.

Photography tips

Sharp has a “night skies cheat sheet,” if you’re interested in trying out astrophotography. And you’ll need patience. Forecasting space weather is even more difficult than Earth weather forecasts, and Sharp says looking at the data can be “daunting.”

“Sometimes a predicted geomagnetic storm will not pan out as expected. Other times minor space weather events trigger big and bright aurora displays,” says Sharp.

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has an aurora dashboard that displays current space weather conditions and aurora forecasts. Sharp also recommends SpaceWeatherLive. Here are the parameters he likes to see:
- Kp: At least 5
- Bz: At least -10 for at least one hour; two or more hours is better, and -20 suggests aurora visible to the naked eye
- Solar winds: At least 500 km/sec
- Density: At least 5, but 10 or higher is better
Wondering how northern lights even happen in the first place? We have the answer. Plus, your chances of seeing amazing aurora photos–or maybe with your own eyes–could be increasing, as solar activity is forecast to peak in 2024.

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 Justin Gehrts

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May 10, 2024
Northern lights could be visible across U.S. on Friday night
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A strong geomagnetic storm is expected Friday night. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Watch for the first time since 2005, meaning the northern lights, or aurora borealis, could be visible for much of the northern United States on Friday night and early Saturday morning.

It may be visible low on the horizon further south, from Southern California east across the Southern U.S.
What You Need To Know

The northern lights could be visible in the northern U.S. on Friday night

It’s the first G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Watch issued since 2005

Further south, the northern lights may be visible on the horizon
According to the Space Weather Predicition Center, several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) will likely reach Earth and lead to highly elevated geomagnetic activity. A CME is an eruption of solar material, and G4 watches are very rare.

The CMEs are forecast to arrive at Earth late Friday, May 10, or early Saturday, May 11. Under clear skies, the northern lights should be visible across much of the northern U.S. Further south, they could be visible on the horizon.

Tonight’s forecast

Tonight’s forecasted “planetary K index” is an 8 out of 9, and the forecasted G-scale is a 4 out of 5. That indicates a severe geomagnetic storm, and a very active aurora.

Here is tonight’s forecast from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute. The northern lights are likely to be visible on Friday night and early Saturday morning for areas shaded in green, and they could be visible on the horizon for areas shaded in yellow.

To ensure the best chance at getting a look at the northern lights tonight, look toward the northern horizon. The best viewing conditions are under cloud-free skies and away from bigger cities with light pollution.

If you see the northern lights tonight, be sure to submit your photos on the Spectrum News App!

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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May 10, 2024
Multiple rounds of severe weather to impact millions this week
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A large storm system crossed the Rockies over the weekend. It produced rain and snow in parts of Wyoming and Montana. On Monday it pushed east toward the Plains as a cold front developed along it.

This system will encounter a warm moist area in the center part of the country, helping to support thunderstorm development. Simultaneously, a low pressure will ride along this front, enhancing the storms.

Heavy rain and flooding will be possible with already saturated grounds and swollen waterways. Several weather disturbances will rotate around this larger system this week, keeping severe weather chances in play.
What You Need To Know

The month of May sees a high number of tornadoes on average from the Midwest to the Plains

Severe threat moves to the Ohio River Valley for Tuesday

With unstable air in place on Wednesday, a large severe weather outbreak is possible along the Midwest
With storm fuel in place and the advancing system, severe thunderstorms will be possible from the Plains to the Mississippi River Valley. This will not be a one-day event. Severe weather will be possible from Tuesday through Thursday.

Severe weather potential this week

The severe potential pushes east into Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio during the day on Tuesday. The region is under a level 3/5 for severe weather with all threats possible. Damaging wind, large hail, tornadoes and heavy rain.

Another low pressure develops along the frontal boundary on Wednesday, enhancing the threat for Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and eastern Texas. The Storm Prediction Center already categorized the threat as a level 3/5 with all impacts expected on Wednesday afternoon into the evening. Those impacts include tornadoes, damaging winds, hail and heavy rain.

With the system moving off to the south and east on Thursday, the front will trigger storms for areas from New Jersey south through North Carolina and east-central Texas. While the risk for severe storms exists on Thursday, the threat is lower.

However, there is still the potential for damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes in the highlighted regions.

Prepare for storms

Make sure you have a plan for if you are at work or home. Even if you could be driving.

Here are five ways to prepare in case the sirens go off.

Have a way to stay updated on weather information, including a NOAA Weather Radio and making sure notifications are turned on for your weather and news apps.

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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May 7, 2024
Multiple rounds of severe weather to impact millions this week
[ad_1]
A large storm system crossed the Rockies over the weekend. It produced rain and snow in parts of Wyoming and Montana. On Monday it pushed east toward the Plains as a cold front developed along it.

This system will encounter a warm moist area in the center part of the country, helping to support thunderstorm development. Simultaneously, a low pressure will ride along this front, enhancing the storms.

Heavy rain and flooding will be possible with already saturated grounds and swollen waterways. Several weather disturbances will rotate around this larger system this week, keeping severe weather chances in play.
What You Need To Know

The month of May sees a high number of tornadoes on average from the Midwest to the Plains

Severe threat moves to the Ohio River Valley for Tuesday

With unstable air in place on Wednesday, a large severe weather outbreak is possible along the Midwest
With storm fuel in place and the advancing system, severe thunderstorms will be possible from the Plains to the Mississippi River Valley. This will not be a one-day event. Severe weather will be possible from Tuesday through Thursday.

Severe weather potential this week

The severe potential pushes east into Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio during the day on Tuesday. The region is under a level 3/5 for severe weather with all threats possible. Damaging wind, large hail, tornadoes and heavy rain.

Another low pressure develops along the frontal boundary on Wednesday, enhancing the threat for Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and eastern Texas. The Storm Prediction Center already categorized the threat as a level 3/5 with all impacts expected on Wednesday afternoon into the evening. Those impacts include tornadoes, damaging winds, hail and heavy rain.

With the system moving off to the south and east on Thursday, the front will trigger storms for areas from New Jersey south through North Carolina and east-central Texas. While the risk for severe storms exists on Thursday, the threat is lower.

However, there is still the potential for damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes in the highlighted regions.

Prepare for storms

Make sure you have a plan for if you are at work or home. Even if you could be driving.

Here are five ways to prepare in case the sirens go off.

Have a way to stay updated on weather information, including a NOAA Weather Radio and making sure notifications are turned on for your weather and news apps.

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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May 7, 2024
Weather Explained: Subtropical vs. tropical storm

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There has been some confusion in recent years when a storm receives a name that isn’t a tropical storm or hurricane.

You may have heard, “subtropical storm (insert name) forms in the Gulf,” or something similar to that. If these storms aren’t tropical storms yet, why do they get a name?

It’s because subtropical storms possess some characteristics of a tropical storm, meaning the storm is a hybrid of a cold core storm (typical low pressure over the mainland U.S.) and a warm core low (tropical storm or hurricane).

Subtropical storms can transition into a tropical storm.

Tropical storms and hurricanes are symmetrical in appearance, with the strongest winds wrapped around the storm’s center. The strongest wind with a subtropical storm is away from the storm’s center.

Watch the video above to to learn more about a subtropical storm’s characteristics and how it can form into a tropical storm.

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Meteorologist Nick Merianos

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May 5, 2024
Weather Explained: Flood Watch vs. Flood Warning

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The difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning can become confusing.

But knowing the difference between the two could help save your life. It doesn’t take much water to sweep you off your feet or move your vehicle, so you should stay prepared.

Watch the video above to learn the meaning behind the two alerts and what you should do when the National Weather Service issues one for your area.

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Spectrum News Weather Staff

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May 2, 2024
Weather Explained: Your car’s temperature reading

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It’s one of the first things you check when you get in your car: the temperature reading.

However, it might not be the most accurate, especially during the summer.

Watch the video above to see why the number might be a little higher than what the actual outside temperature is.

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Spectrum News Weather Staff

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May 1, 2024
Disturbance in the Atlantic isn’t expected to develop
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The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season doesn’t begin until June 1, but we’re already watching an area of low pressure in the eastern Atlantic.
What You Need To Know

The system has low development odds

Upper-level winds will limit any future development

Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1
The disturbance is about 900 miles northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. As this system moves southwestward, it will get torn apart by strong upper-level winds tonight and Thursday.

No additional development is expected.

Even though this system isn’t expected to develop, storms can always form before Atlantic hurricane season begins.

The 2024 hurricane season outlook from Colorado State is calling for an extremely active season. You can read their seasonal outlook 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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Spectrum News Staff

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April 24, 2024
Weather Explained: Earth Day

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Earth Day marks the birth of the modern environment movement in 1970.

It falls on the same calendar day each year, April 22.

Its popularity has grown around the globe with more than 1 billion participants each year. Not only is Earth Day a day where people pick up trash around the world, but its ideas also led to policy changes within governments to push toward a cleaner environment.

Watch the video above to see how Earth Day got its start.

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Meteorologist Nick Merianos

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April 22, 2024