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  • Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

    Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

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    Today is the first day of astronomical fall.

    When you step outside, do you ever wonder why it feels like summer in June, even though the calendar says it’s spring? Or why the chill of winter lingers into March, even as the days grow longer? 

    What You Need To Know

    • The seasons can be broken down by astronomical or climatological classifications

    • Astronomical seasons highlight the Earth’s position around the sun

    • Climatological seasons are aligned with our day-to-day weather and climate patterns


    The answer lies in the intriguing world of seasons, where two different systems—climatological and astronomical—help us make sense of the ever-changing weather. Let’s explore these two approaches to defining seasons and why they differ.

    Astronomical seasons: Nature’s cosmic calendar

    Astronomical seasons are the ones most of us are familiar with, and they’re based on the Earth’s position relative to the sun. These seasons follow the solstices and equinoxes, which are key moments in the Earth’s orbit around the sun.

    Spring equinox (around March 20-21): This marks the start of spring in the astronomical calendar. On this day, the Earth’s tilt is such that the day and night are nearly equal.

    Summer solstice (around June 20-21): The longest day of the year marks the official beginning of summer. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in more daylight.

    Autumn equinox (around Sept. 22-23): As we head into autumn, day and night are again roughly equal in duration.

    Winter solstice (around Dec. 21-22): The shortest day of the year, this signals the start of winter. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, leading to shorter days.

    Astronomical seasons are consistent and do not vary from year to year, making them a reliable way to track the progression of time. However, they don’t always match up with our everyday experiences of weather, which is where climatological seasons come into play.

    Climatological seasons: Weather’s perspective

    Climatological seasons are more closely aligned with our day-to-day experiences of weather. Instead of being based on celestial events, these seasons are defined by the typical weather patterns observed over a specific period in a particular region.

    Spring: In the climatological calendar, spring encompasses March, April and May. This makes it easier to relate to the blossoming flowers and warming temperatures we associate with springtime.

    Summer: June, July and August are the climatological summer months. This period captures the hottest days and summer vacations we plan.

    Autumn/Fall: September, October and November represent autumn in this system. The falling leaves and cooler temperatures align more closely with our autumnal experiences.

    Winter: December, January and February round out the climatological year with winter. It covers the coldest days and holiday season festivities.

    Why the difference?

    So, why do these two systems exist, and why don’t they sync up? The key reason is that astronomical seasons are universal, applying to the entire planet, while climatological seasons cater to regional variations in weather.

    Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and landmasses all play a part in shaping local climates. For example, Southern Hemisphere countries like Australia experience their hottest temperatures in December and January, which is their climatological summer, even though it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

    So what “season” better lines up with my weather pattern?

    This is an interesting question. And one that a little data can answer.

    Brian Brettschneider, a climatologist in Alaska, put together some interesting graphs to highlight what season most represents what weather you feel. Most of the U.S. fits in with climatological summer, meaning you find your hottest temperatures between June 1 to Aug. 31.

    Only a small portion of Florida and much of the west coast find their summer pattern more closely aligned with the actual astronomical summer season.

    Just about everyone in North America finds winter to more closely align with climatological winter than astronomical. Meaning you’re more likely to find your coldest portion of the year between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28.

    In simpler terms, astronomical seasons are like the Earth’s big-picture calendar that’s the same for everyone, while climatological seasons are like your hometown’s special weather diary, tailored to what you feel and see around you.

    So, when someone tells you it’s still winter, even though the calendar claims it’s spring, it’s all about how our planet is tilting and what’s happening right outside your window.

    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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  • Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

    Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

    [ad_1]

    Today is the first day of astronomical fall.

    When you step outside, do you ever wonder why it feels like summer in June, even though the calendar says it’s spring? Or why the chill of winter lingers into March, even as the days grow longer? 

    What You Need To Know

    • The seasons can be broken down by astronomical or climatological classifications

    • Astronomical seasons highlight the Earth’s position around the sun

    • Climatological seasons are aligned with our day-to-day weather and climate patterns


    The answer lies in the intriguing world of seasons, where two different systems—climatological and astronomical—help us make sense of the ever-changing weather. Let’s explore these two approaches to defining seasons and why they differ.

    Astronomical seasons: Nature’s cosmic calendar

    Astronomical seasons are the ones most of us are familiar with, and they’re based on the Earth’s position relative to the sun. These seasons follow the solstices and equinoxes, which are key moments in the Earth’s orbit around the sun.

    Spring equinox (around March 20-21): This marks the start of spring in the astronomical calendar. On this day, the Earth’s tilt is such that the day and night are nearly equal.

    Summer solstice (around June 20-21): The longest day of the year marks the official beginning of summer. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in more daylight.

    Autumn equinox (around Sept. 22-23): As we head into autumn, day and night are again roughly equal in duration.

    Winter solstice (around Dec. 21-22): The shortest day of the year, this signals the start of winter. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, leading to shorter days.

    Astronomical seasons are consistent and do not vary from year to year, making them a reliable way to track the progression of time. However, they don’t always match up with our everyday experiences of weather, which is where climatological seasons come into play.

    Climatological seasons: Weather’s perspective

    Climatological seasons are more closely aligned with our day-to-day experiences of weather. Instead of being based on celestial events, these seasons are defined by the typical weather patterns observed over a specific period in a particular region.

    Spring: In the climatological calendar, spring encompasses March, April and May. This makes it easier to relate to the blossoming flowers and warming temperatures we associate with springtime.

    Summer: June, July and August are the climatological summer months. This period captures the hottest days and summer vacations we plan.

    Autumn/Fall: September, October and November represent autumn in this system. The falling leaves and cooler temperatures align more closely with our autumnal experiences.

    Winter: December, January and February round out the climatological year with winter. It covers the coldest days and holiday season festivities.

    Why the difference?

    So, why do these two systems exist, and why don’t they sync up? The key reason is that astronomical seasons are universal, applying to the entire planet, while climatological seasons cater to regional variations in weather.

    Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and landmasses all play a part in shaping local climates. For example, Southern Hemisphere countries like Australia experience their hottest temperatures in December and January, which is their climatological summer, even though it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

    So what “season” better lines up with my weather pattern?

    This is an interesting question. And one that a little data can answer.

    Brian Brettschneider, a climatologist in Alaska, put together some interesting graphs to highlight what season most represents what weather you feel. Most of the U.S. fits in with climatological summer, meaning you find your hottest temperatures between June 1 to Aug. 31.

    Only a small portion of Florida and much of the west coast find their summer pattern more closely aligned with the actual astronomical summer season.

    Just about everyone in North America finds winter to more closely align with climatological winter than astronomical. Meaning you’re more likely to find your coldest portion of the year between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28.

    In simpler terms, astronomical seasons are like the Earth’s big-picture calendar that’s the same for everyone, while climatological seasons are like your hometown’s special weather diary, tailored to what you feel and see around you.

    So, when someone tells you it’s still winter, even though the calendar claims it’s spring, it’s all about how our planet is tilting and what’s happening right outside your window.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

    Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

    [ad_1]

    Today is the first day of astronomical fall.

    When you step outside, do you ever wonder why it feels like summer in June, even though the calendar says it’s spring? Or why the chill of winter lingers into March, even as the days grow longer? 

    What You Need To Know

    • The seasons can be broken down by astronomical or climatological classifications

    • Astronomical seasons highlight the Earth’s position around the sun

    • Climatological seasons are aligned with our day-to-day weather and climate patterns


    The answer lies in the intriguing world of seasons, where two different systems—climatological and astronomical—help us make sense of the ever-changing weather. Let’s explore these two approaches to defining seasons and why they differ.

    Astronomical seasons: Nature’s cosmic calendar

    Astronomical seasons are the ones most of us are familiar with, and they’re based on the Earth’s position relative to the sun. These seasons follow the solstices and equinoxes, which are key moments in the Earth’s orbit around the sun.

    Spring equinox (around March 20-21): This marks the start of spring in the astronomical calendar. On this day, the Earth’s tilt is such that the day and night are nearly equal.

    Summer solstice (around June 20-21): The longest day of the year marks the official beginning of summer. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in more daylight.

    Autumn equinox (around Sept. 22-23): As we head into autumn, day and night are again roughly equal in duration.

    Winter solstice (around Dec. 21-22): The shortest day of the year, this signals the start of winter. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, leading to shorter days.

    Astronomical seasons are consistent and do not vary from year to year, making them a reliable way to track the progression of time. However, they don’t always match up with our everyday experiences of weather, which is where climatological seasons come into play.

    Climatological seasons: Weather’s perspective

    Climatological seasons are more closely aligned with our day-to-day experiences of weather. Instead of being based on celestial events, these seasons are defined by the typical weather patterns observed over a specific period in a particular region.

    Spring: In the climatological calendar, spring encompasses March, April and May. This makes it easier to relate to the blossoming flowers and warming temperatures we associate with springtime.

    Summer: June, July and August are the climatological summer months. This period captures the hottest days and summer vacations we plan.

    Autumn/Fall: September, October and November represent autumn in this system. The falling leaves and cooler temperatures align more closely with our autumnal experiences.

    Winter: December, January and February round out the climatological year with winter. It covers the coldest days and holiday season festivities.

    Why the difference?

    So, why do these two systems exist, and why don’t they sync up? The key reason is that astronomical seasons are universal, applying to the entire planet, while climatological seasons cater to regional variations in weather.

    Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and landmasses all play a part in shaping local climates. For example, Southern Hemisphere countries like Australia experience their hottest temperatures in December and January, which is their climatological summer, even though it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

    So what “season” better lines up with my weather pattern?

    This is an interesting question. And one that a little data can answer.

    Brian Brettschneider, a climatologist in Alaska, put together some interesting graphs to highlight what season most represents what weather you feel. Most of the U.S. fits in with climatological summer, meaning you find your hottest temperatures between June 1 to Aug. 31.

    Only a small portion of Florida and much of the west coast find their summer pattern more closely aligned with the actual astronomical summer season.

    Just about everyone in North America finds winter to more closely align with climatological winter than astronomical. Meaning you’re more likely to find your coldest portion of the year between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28.

    In simpler terms, astronomical seasons are like the Earth’s big-picture calendar that’s the same for everyone, while climatological seasons are like your hometown’s special weather diary, tailored to what you feel and see around you.

    So, when someone tells you it’s still winter, even though the calendar claims it’s spring, it’s all about how our planet is tilting and what’s happening right outside your window.

    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

    Source link

  • How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

    How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

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    Every fall, people travel far and wide to go ‘leaf-peeping.’ The goal is to catch the leaves at peak color to see all the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows that Mother Nature has to offer. Weather plays a primary role in knowing when and where to go.

    So what should you expect this year?

    What You Need To Know

    • Weather plays a significant role in fall foliage


    • Heat and soil moisture determine foliage timing and intensity


    • Stressed trees will lose leaves earlier or later than normal


    Right place at the right time

    The first step of successful leaf-peeping is being at the right place at the right time. All other factors aside, this is the average time of the year around the U.S. that you can see peak fall colors according to Explore Fall.

    Aside from the Florida peninsula, the Gulf Coast and parts of the desert Southwest, most of the continental U.S. sees color change during fall.

    Weather’s role

    The weather determines whether the fall foliage comes out early, on time or late every year, but what role does it play?

    Heat and moisture are the biggest factors that influence fall foliage. The summer weather helps give an idea of when colors will pop, but the weather during September and October are the biggest influencers.

    Here is how soil moisture and air temperature affect fall foliage.

    Weather impacts on fall foliage

    (Courtesy: ExploreFall.com)

    A prolonged late-spring or severe summer drought that leads to dry soils in the fall not only affects the timing, but the quality of the colors. Drought and drier soil puts a higher stress on the trees, dulling down the colors and forcing them to lose their leaves sooner.

    Heavy rainfall and wet soils in the summer and fall can delay the colors’ arrival by a few days, or even weeks. The later arrival time can produce better fall colors.

    Colder and below-normal temperatures bring out fall colors early, while prolonged summer heat and above normal temperatures delay the colors.

    According to the USDA Forest Service, “a succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays.” In other words… typical fall weather.

    2024 outlook

    Fall colors are already starting to pop across some parts of the country, most notably in the Rockies and interior New England, where there are extensive areas of moderate and low color.

    For a lot of these spots, it’s right on time. When can the rest of the country expect to see color? Tree stress gives us a good idea if foliage will come out early, on time or late.

    It takes those earlier factors into account – soil moisture and temperatures. Low stress areas are where the foliage is most likely to be on time. 

    High stress areas around Ohio, West Virginia and the Appalachians are also under extreme to exceptional drought. That could cause those areas to lose leaves early and mute some of the vibrant colors.

    Drought, along with the combination of above normal summer temperatures, are also leading to highly stressed trees in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico.

    Areas with low stress, like parts of New England and the Rockies where fall colors are already coming out, are more likely to see vibrant colors and foliage showing up right on time.

    You can check on Explore Fall for a current fall foliage map and forecast updated daily.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

    How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

    [ad_1]

    Every fall, people travel far and wide to go ‘leaf-peeping.’ The goal is to catch the leaves at peak color to see all the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows that Mother Nature has to offer. Weather plays a primary role in knowing when and where to go.

    So what should you expect this year?

    What You Need To Know

    • Weather plays a significant role in fall foliage


    • Heat and soil moisture determine foliage timing and intensity


    • Stressed trees will lose leaves earlier or later than normal


    Right place at the right time

    The first step of successful leaf-peeping is being at the right place at the right time. All other factors aside, this is the average time of the year around the U.S. that you can see peak fall colors according to Explore Fall.

    Aside from the Florida peninsula, the Gulf Coast and parts of the desert Southwest, most of the continental U.S. sees color change during fall.

    Weather’s role

    The weather determines whether the fall foliage comes out early, on time or late every year, but what role does it play?

    Heat and moisture are the biggest factors that influence fall foliage. The summer weather helps give an idea of when colors will pop, but the weather during September and October are the biggest influencers.

    Here is how soil moisture and air temperature affect fall foliage.

    Weather impacts on fall foliage

    (Courtesy: ExploreFall.com)

    A prolonged late-spring or severe summer drought that leads to dry soils in the fall not only affects the timing, but the quality of the colors. Drought and drier soil puts a higher stress on the trees, dulling down the colors and forcing them to lose their leaves sooner.

    Heavy rainfall and wet soils in the summer and fall can delay the colors’ arrival by a few days, or even weeks. The later arrival time can produce better fall colors.

    Colder and below-normal temperatures bring out fall colors early, while prolonged summer heat and above normal temperatures delay the colors.

    According to the USDA Forest Service, “a succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays.” In other words… typical fall weather.

    2024 outlook

    Fall colors are already starting to pop across some parts of the country, most notably in the Rockies and interior New England, where there are extensive areas of moderate and low color.

    For a lot of these spots, it’s right on time. When can the rest of the country expect to see color? Tree stress gives us a good idea if foliage will come out early, on time or late.

    It takes those earlier factors into account – soil moisture and temperatures. Low stress areas are where the foliage is most likely to be on time. 

    High stress areas around Ohio, West Virginia and the Appalachians are also under extreme to exceptional drought. That could cause those areas to lose leaves early and mute some of the vibrant colors.

    Drought, along with the combination of above normal summer temperatures, are also leading to highly stressed trees in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico.

    Areas with low stress, like parts of New England and the Rockies where fall colors are already coming out, are more likely to see vibrant colors and foliage showing up right on time.

    You can check on Explore Fall for a current fall foliage map and forecast updated daily.

    Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break 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

    Source link

  • September’s full Harvest Moon is another supermoon

    September’s full Harvest Moon is another supermoon

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    This month’s full moon will peak on the evening of Sept. 17 and be the second of four supermoons this year. 

    What You Need To Know

    • September’s full moon is known as the Harvest Moon since it occurs closest to the Fall Equinox

    • This is the second of four supermoons that will occur this year

    • The moon will look “super-sized”

    Nicknamed the Harvest Moon, since it occurs closest to the Autumnal Equinox. 

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. 

    This is the second of four supermoons that will occur this year. The next supermoon will happen in October, followed by the final one of the year in November. 

    Alternative names

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

    If the October full moon happens closer to the Fall Equinox than the September full moon, October will take the Harvest Moon name and September’s moon will be referred to as the Corn Moon. 

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

    • Autumn Moon (Cree)
    • Falling Leaves Moon (Ojibwe)
    • Leaves Turning Moon (Anishinaabe)
    • Moon of Brown Leaves (Lakota)
    • Yellow Leaf Moon (Assiniboine)

    Partial lunar eclipse

    Not only is it a full supermoon, but it’s also a partial lunar eclipse, meaning part of Earth’s shadow will cover the moon. The celestial show will start at around 8:41 p.m. ET, Tuesday.

    The partial eclipse will make the moon appear reddish because of the way the Earth’s atmosphere refracts the light. 

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing. Nicknamed the Harvest Moon, since it occurs 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 Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • September’s full Harvest Moon is another supermoon

    September’s full Harvest Moon is another supermoon

    [ad_1]

    This month’s full moon will peak on the evening of Sept. 17 and be the second of four supermoons this year. 

    What You Need To Know

    • September’s full moon is known as the Harvest Moon since it occurs closest to the Fall Equinox

    • This is the second of four supermoons that will occur this year

    • The moon will look “super-sized”

    Nicknamed the Harvest Moon, since it occurs closest to the Autumnal Equinox. 

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. 

    This is the second of four supermoons that will occur this year. The next supermoon will happen in October, followed by the final one of the year in November. 

    Alternative names

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

    If the October full moon happens closer to the Fall Equinox than the September full moon, October will take the Harvest Moon name and September’s moon will be referred to as the Corn Moon. 

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

    • Autumn Moon (Cree)
    • Falling Leaves Moon (Ojibwe)
    • Leaves Turning Moon (Anishinaabe)
    • Moon of Brown Leaves (Lakota)
    • Yellow Leaf Moon (Assiniboine)

    Partial lunar eclipse

    Not only is it a full supermoon, but it’s also a partial lunar eclipse, meaning part of Earth’s shadow will cover the moon. The celestial show will start at around 8:41 p.m. ET, Tuesday.

    The partial eclipse will make the moon appear reddish because of the way the Earth’s atmosphere refracts the light. 

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing. Nicknamed the Harvest Moon, since it occurs 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.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Francine made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane along coastal Louisiana

    Francine made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane along coastal Louisiana

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    Francine formed into a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday, Sept. 9, becoming the sixth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Francine made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane in Louisiana

    • It was the sixth named storm and fourth hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

    • It brought dangerous storm surge, widespread flooding and strong winds to the Deep South


    It became a hurricane on Tuesday, Sept. 10. It slowly strengthened as it moved northeast in the Gulf, eventually becoming a Category 2 hurricane before moving inland.

    Francine made landfall on Wednesday, Sept. 11, in Terrebonne Parish, La, as a Category 2 storm with maximum winds of 100 mph. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport reported a wind gust of 78 mph Wednesday night and 7.32 inches of rain in 24 hours. 

    At the storm’s peak, 450,000 people in Louisiana were estimated to be without power. Many of the outages were attributed to falling debris, not structural damage. At one point, around 500 people were in emergency shelters, officials said.

    It moved inland Wednesday night and by Thursday morning, Sept. 12 it had weakened to a tropical storm. By the afternoon it became post-tropical, but continued to spin rain along the Deep South. 

    The remnant low brought rain as far north as the drought-stricken Mid-Mississippi River Valley and Tennessee Valley.


    Here’s a look at the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season so far.

    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 Staff

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  • September hurricanes that brought devastation to the U.S.

    September hurricanes that brought devastation to the U.S.

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    September is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

    This is because wind shear, the change of speed and/or direction of the wind with height, is weaker, and the ocean waters are extremely warm.

    Sept. 10 is typically the last day for peak tropical activity. From then on out, activity declines, but this doesn’t mean we won’t see powerful storms.

    Let’s look back in recorded history to some of the strongest storms that occurred during September.

    What You Need To Know

    • Most tropical activity occurs during September

    • Storms can form across the entire Atlantic basin

    • The average peak of activity during hurricane season occurs on Sept. 10


    The 2000s

    Damage from Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers, Fla. in 2022. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

    Hurricane Ian in 2022: First forming on Sept. 24, Ian traveled through the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf and the Atlantic, making five total landfalls.

    Ian made its first and second landfall in Cuba and Dry Tortugas, Fla. as a Category 3 hurricane, a third and fourth landfall in Cayo Costa, Fla. and near Punta Gorda, Fla. as a Category 4 hurricane and a final landfall in Georgetown, S.C. as a Category 1. 

    The hurricane affected Florida severely, with tens of thousands of structures damaged or destroyed. Catastrophic storm surge occurred on Florida’s west coast, reaching 10 to 15 feet near Fort Myers.

    Historic flooding occurred in some areas, getting over 20 inches of rain. The highest total was 26.95 inches in Grove City, Fla.

    Ian was responsible for 156 deaths, and became the third costliest hurricane on record, causing $112.9 billion in damage. 

    Two people ride past debris piled up on the beach in Galveston, Texas after Hurricane Ike hit the coast. Courtesy: AP/Matt Slocum.

    Hurricane Ike in 2008: Our next hurricane takes us back to 2008 when a tropical wave slid off the coast of Africa at the end of August. It developed into a tropical depression on Sept. 1, and on the same day, became a tropical storm.

    Ike became a hurricane on Sept. 3, underwent rapid intensification, and became a major hurricane later that same day. By the morning of Sept. 4, it reached a maximum intensity of 145 mph.

    Ike first made landfall in Cuba as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing devastating impacts then weakening.

    After, it moved into the Gulf of Mexico and regained strength, reaching Category 2 status before making landfall near Galveston, Texas on Sept. 13.

    Ike’s slow movement and large wind field led to a storm surge up to 20 feet. It destroyed all homes on the Bolivar Peninsula, submerged roads with floodwaters and blocked roads with fallen debris.

    Ike killed 74 people in the state of Texas, alone.

    Its northeast movement brought impacts far north to the upper Midwest and Northeast, causing extensive wind damage and leaving millions of people without power for over a week.

    Hurricane Rita in 2005: The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season will forever be a memorable one, with many powerful storms impacting the U.S. that year.

    Only a few weeks after Hurricane Katrina, Rita developed into a tropical depression near Turks and Caicos on Sept. 18.

    It tracked west for several days and underwent rapid intensification in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming a major Category 5 hurricane on Sept. 21. Rita weakened to a Category 3 hurricane right before making landfall in southwest Louisiana on Sept. 24.

    Rita caused $18.5 billion in damage, bringing up to 15 feet of storm surge to the coast of Louisiana and Texas. It destroyed or damaged most homes.

    Rita’s storm surge overtopped the levees that were newly repaired from Hurricane Katrina’s destruction the month prior, worsening the devastation across the city of New Orleans.

    Hurricane Ivan floods Gulf Breeze, Fla. Courtesy: AP/John Bazemore

    Hurricane Ivan in 2004: Ivan formed in the central Atlantic on Sept. 2, tracking west-northwest for a week while intensifying.

    It first brushed by Jamaica, Cuba and the Cayman Islands, fluctuating between a Category 4 and Category 5 hurricane before weakening to a Category 3 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico.

    Ivan then made landfall near Gulf Shores, Ala. as a major Category 3 hurricane on Sept. 16.

    Once again, the storm surge was the primary cause of damage, destroying and washing away many homes.

    Ivan also produced over 100 tornadoes throughout 9 different states and dumped heavy rainfall along its path, racking up $20.5 billion in damage.

    Ivan then moved eastward back toward the Atlantic Ocean, curved back toward Florida, moved over the Gulf of Mexico for a second time, and made a second landfall in Louisiana as a tropical depression.

    Luckily, it weakened quickly and didn’t produce any big impacts the second time around.

    The 1900s

    Hurricane Floyd in 1999: Floyd first originated as a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa on Sept. 2.

    It traveled west and intensified to a major Category 4 hurricane while traveling through the Bahamas.

    Floyd then turned north and paralleled the Florida coast, weakening and making landfall at Cape Fear, N.C. as a Category 2 hurricane.

    It brought heavy rain, tornadoes and a high storm surge.

    The peak of the storm surge, which reached 10 feet, occurred at high tide, and devastated the state.

    Nearly every river in eastern North Carolina reached flooding stage. Floyd dropped 17 inches of rain, which only added to the flooding.

    The cyclone caught many people unprepared, and emergency crews had to make more than 1700 water rescues.

    Floyd traveled up the east coast and also brought major flooding to northeastern cities, destroying many homes and businesses and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power for days.

    The 1938 New England Hurricane floods Providence, R.I. Courtesy: AP

    The 1938 New England Hurricane: The New England Hurricane of 1938 first developed near the Cape Verde Islands on Sept. 9 and tracked toward the U.S.

    It continued up the east coast and eventually made landfall on Long Island, N.Y. as a major Category 3 hurricane on Sept. 21.

    Further inland, on the same day, the hurricane made a second landfall as a Category 3 hurricane between Bridgeport and New Haven.

    Storm tide reached close to 17 feet for areas, destroying many homes. Montauk temporarily became an Island.

    Many residents received little warning about the hurricane, which led to a deadly outcome. Around 500 to 700 people died.

    The Great Miami Hurricane of 1926: Back in 1926, the government centralized storm warnings from their D.C. office, then distributed those warnings to other weather offices.

    However, on the morning of Sept. 17, less than 24 hours before Florida felt the hurricane’s effects, the state didn’t receive any warnings. It wasn’t until the afternoon when the Miami Weather Bureau Office got the go ahead to post-tropical storm warnings.

    That same night, those warnings became hurricane warnings.

    By the morning on Sept. 18, the hurricane that no one prepared for made landfall in Miami, Fla. as a major Category 4 hurricane.

    The hurricane killed over 100 people in Miami.

    Many people were unfamiliar with hurricanes at the time, and while the eye was passing, they thought the hurricane was over.

    The calm lasted about 35 minutes before the wind battered the coast again, and a 10-foot storm surge quickly pushed water on land, leading to a massive amount of destruction.

    The 1800s

    The Cheniere Caminada Hurricane of 1893: Also known as The Great October Storm, it first developed in the Caribbean Sea, bringing impacts to the southern areas of Mexico.

    It then moved into the Gulf of Mexico and intensified to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Cheniere Caminada, La., completely wiping the town off the map.

    Sixteen-foot storm surge flooded the entire town, and strong winds added to the destruction.

    Overall, over 2000 people died, making this hurricane one of the deadliest weather events in history.

    The 1875 Indianola Hurricane: Our last stop takes us to 1875 when a cyclone just started brewing off the coast of Africa on Sept. 1. It made its way west, intensifying, and first passing through the Caribbean.

    It emerged in the Gulf of Mexico where it slowly made its way to Category 3 status and made landfall on Sept. 16 near Indianola, Texas.

    The hurricane devastated the town, and wind gusts leveled many homes. Hundreds of people died when the storm surge washed everything away.

    The town tried to rebuild, but 11 years later, another hurricane destroyed the town, leaving the city to be abandoned.

    Atlantic hurricane season

    With the peak of hurricane season so close, we urge you to always stay prepared. This is when we see activity ramp up.

    96% of Category 3, 4 and 5 hurricanes occur from mid-August to mid-October. This isn’t to say that all hurricanes that develop will make landfall in the U.S., but it is always best to stay prepared for any scenario.

    Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break 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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  • Storms across the Eastern U.S. and Gulf Coast could disrupt Labor Day travel

    Storms across the Eastern U.S. and Gulf Coast could disrupt Labor Day travel

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    Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and the weather could slow you down.

    If you’re traveling in the western U.S., it will be dry through Labor Day with no slowdowns. If you’re traveling anywhere else in the country, here’s what you need to know about the forecast this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • Strong storms are possible in the Northeast and Appalachians on Saturday

    • The storm threat shifts to the East Coast on Sunday

    • Texas and the Gulf Coast will see rain chances all weekend thanks to a disturbance in the Gulf

    • The western U.S. remains dry through Labor Day weekend


    Saturday

    A cold front will be swinging toward the East Coast, bringing showers and storms on Saturday. 

    Severe storms could produce heavy rainfall with gusty winds from the central Appalachians into the Northeast on Saturday. Parts of the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes will also see potential for strong storms.

    Along with the potential for some strong winds within storms, locally heavy rainfall is possible across parts of the Eastern U.S. Rainfall totals could exceed an inch locally from Kentucky northward to New England.

    A disturbance in the northern Gulf of Mexico will also bring some heavy rainfall to the central Gulf Coast. For I-10 travelers, locally heavy rainfall could cause some flooding issues stretching from coastal Texas across southern Louisiana and southern Mississippi.

    Sunday

    The cold front bringing storms on Saturday and Saturday night will continue to push toward the coast on Sunday. It will bring a low-end threat for severe storms stretching from the Mid-Atlantic to New England.

    Heavy rain and gusty winds are possible within storms through Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon, especially along the I-95 corridor. Rainfall totals around this area could climb up to an inch, with the highest totals in North Carolina.

    The disturbance in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico will continue to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Gulf Coast and across Texas, so any travel in those areas could be soggy.

    Monday

    Rain and storm coverage on Labor Day will be limited to the South and Southeast, with parts of Texas seeing the best potential for heavy rainfall, especially central and west Texas.

    The cold front that moves through the eastern 2/3 of the country will have pushed through by then, allowing high pressure to build in with cooler and drier weather across the Central U.S. and Northeast.

    Aside from Texas, most areas will see minimal impacts from weather traveling around the country.

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

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Harris accepts Democratic presidential nomination, charts ‘a new way forward’

    Harris accepts Democratic presidential nomination, charts ‘a new way forward’

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    There were signs, funny costumes, and silly hats. There was a roll call vote that turned into a dance party. There were chants and cheers from “U-S-A” to “We’re Not Going Back,” and even “Lock Him Up.”

    There was an oversized copy of Project 2025. There were accolades about records as a prosecutor, as a U.S. Senator and as vice president. There were speeches about freedom and democracy, about abortion and education and every issue in between. There were protests and demonstrations and arrests.

    There were Obamas. There were Clintons. There was Joe Biden, passing the torch to his former running mate and vice president. There were would-be, passed-over running mates. There was a pep talk, as actual running mate Tim Walz channeled his high school football coaching days — complete with a fight song andcameo from his former players. 

    There were accolades and anecdotes from governors, senators, congressmen, activists, advocates, vice presidential hopefuls, former presidential candidates, and everything in between.

    There were celebrities, from Lil Jon to Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling to Steph Curry (and his Olympic gold medal to boot) and even his coach in Golden State, Chicago Bulls legend Steve Kerr. There were musical performances, from Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” to John Legend and Sheila E. paying tribute to Prince with “Let’s Go Crazy,” a nod to Minnesota’s Walz.

    And there were more than a few pointed comments about former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance.

    But at the end of the final night of the Democratic National Convention, it came down to Vice President Kamala Harris, accepting the party’s nomination for president of the United States — becoming the first Black and South Asian woman to accept a major party’s nomination — and making the case for her vision of America’s future.

    Harris, who before ascending to Capitol Hill then the vice presidency, was a career prosecutor. And, as a prosecutor, she said she “charged every case not in the name of the victim, but in the name of the people, for one reason: in our system of justice, a harm against any one of us is a harm against all of us.”

    “To be clear,” she said, “my entire career, I’ve only had one client: the people.” 

    “And so on behalf of the people, on behalf of every American, regardless of party, race, gender, or the language your grandmother speaks, on behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey, on behalf of Americans like the people I grew up with, people who work hard, chase their dreams and look out for one another, on behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nomination to be president of the United States of America.”

    ‘From the courthouse to the White House’: Harris leans on experience as a prosecutor

    Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

    “The path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected, but I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys,” Harris said of her march to the Democratic nomination, recounting the journey of her mother, Shymala, who immigrated to California from India with the “unshakable dream to be the scientist who would cure breast cancer.”

    Harris said that her mother was intended to return home for a traditional arranged marriage — but then she met Donald Harris, a student who emigrated from Jamaica. “They fell in love and got married, and that act of self-determination made my sister Maya and me.”

    She idolized her mother (“a five-foot-tall brown woman with an accent,” she said) who insisted that young Kamala never complain about injustice but “do something about it.”

    Harris said that when she learned that her high school best friend Wanda was being sexually abused by her stepfather, she did something. She said she insisted Wanda stay at the Harris family home, and she did.

    Harris told the audience that fighting for the American people, “from the courthouse to the White House, that has been my life’s work.”

    “I will tell you, these fights were not easy, and neither were the elections that put me in those offices,” Harris said. “We were underestimated at practically every turn, but we never gave up, because the future is always worth fighting for.”

    ‘Now is the time to get a hostage deal and a cease-fire deal done’: Harris calls for an end to the war in Gaza

    Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

    After vowing to keep the country’s military strong and pledging to stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin and defend the people of Ukraine, Harris turned to the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, an issue that has been somewhat of a third-rail within Democratic politics — as evidenced by the protests in Chicago over the course of the DNC’s four days.

    Harris said that she and President Joe Biden are working “around the clock” to get a deal done to end the fighting in Gaza.

    “Now is the time to get a hostage deal and a cease-fire deal done,” she said, before vowing steadfast support for Israel.

    “And let me be clear — I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself, because the people of Israel must never again face the horror that a terrorist organization called Hamas caused on Oct. 7, including unspeakable sexual violence and the massacre of young people at a music festival.”

    She then immediately turned to the situation in Gaza.

    “At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the last 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety over and over again, the scale of suffering is heartbreaking. President Biden and I are working to end this war, such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination.”

    That last line garnered one of the largest cheers of the night.

    “And know this, I will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend our forces and our interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists,” she vowed. “I will not cozy up to tyrants and dictators like Kim Jong Un, who are rooting for Trump — who are rooting for Trump. Because they know he is easy to manipulate with flattery and favors, they know he won’t hold autocrats accountable because he wants to be an autocrat himself.”

    “Because in the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and I know where America belongs,” she concluded.

    On immigration, Harris says U.S. ‘can create an earned pathway to citizenship and secure our border’

    AP Photo

    Harris said her goal was to have the U.S. “live up to our proud heritage as a nation of immigrants and reform our broken immigration system” by implementing a “earned pathway to citizenship” while simultaneously securing the border.

    She pointed to the failed bipartisan border deal negotiated earlier this year with some of the most right-wing Republicans in the Senate as evidence of her intentions. That deal would have included tougher asylum standards and hiring more border agents, immigration judges and asylum officers.

    Former President Trump opposed it, and other Republicans, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, joined him in that effort.

    “I refuse to play politics with our security, and here is my pledge to you as president, I will bring back the bipartisan border security bill that he killed, and I will sign it into law,” Harris said, noting “after decades in law enforcement, I know the importance of safety and security, especially at our border.”

    Harris has endorsed comprehensive immigration reform, seeking pathways to citizenship for immigrants in the U.S. without legal status, with a faster track for young immigrants living in the country illegally who arrived as children.

    As he watched the speech, Trump responded on social media, calling the border bill “one of the worst ever written” and claimed that Harris “wants to spend all of our money on Illegal Immigrants,” calling her a “RADICAL MARXIST.” 

    On abortion rights, Harris blames Trump for overturning Roe

    Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

    Harris said Americans cannot be prosperous unless they can make their own decisions about their own lives — including women’s control over their own bodies.

    “Too many women are not able to make those decisions,” Harris said, more than two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed a woman’s right to an abortion.

    Harris, who has championed the Biden administration’s abortion rights efforts, said she had met with women across the country who shared stories of miscarrying in parking lots and losing their ability to have children because doctors are too afraid to treat pregnant women.

    “Couples just trying to grow their family, cut off in the middle of IVF treatments, children who have survived sexual assault, potentially being forced to carry a pregnancy to term,” she said.

    She contended that Trump will continue to erode women’s rights by limiting access to birth control, ban medication abortion and enact a nationwide abortion ban with or without Congress. She said he also plans to create a national anti-abortion coordinator that would force states to report on women’s miscarriages and abortion.

    “Simply put, they are out of their minds,” she charged.

    ‘Let us write the next great chapter’: Harris urges Americans to move forward with optimism

    Balloons are released after Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris spoke on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Mike Segar/Pool via AP)

    Shyamala Harris had another lesson for her daughters: “‘Never let anyone tell you who you are. You show them who you are.’ America, let’s show each other, and the world who we are.”

    This is the moment, Harris said, to demonstrate the hope, the privilege, the pride of being an American.

    “Everywhere I go, in everyone I meet, I see a nation that is ready to move forward, ready for the next step in the incredible journey that is America.”

    She continued the narrative, pushed throughout the convention, that a Trump presidency was about negativity and moving backward.

    “We are the heirs to the greatest democracy in the history of the world,” she said. “And on behalf of our children and our grandchildren and all those who sacrificed so dearly for our freedom and liberty, we must be worthy of this moment.”

    “Let’s get out there, let’s vote for it, and together, let us write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told.”

    AP Photo

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    Joseph Konig

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  • Takeaways: Tim Walz accepts the VP nomination as ‘freedom’ takes center stage

    Takeaways: Tim Walz accepts the VP nomination as ‘freedom’ takes center stage

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    Across the many speakers on the third night of the Democratic convention — from a former president to the national youth poet laureate, from the former House Democratic leader to the current one, senators, representatives, governors and even Oprah Winfrey — “freedom” was a common theme.

    “Let us choose truth,” Winfrey said. “Let us choose honor. And let us choose joy. But more than anything else, let us choose freedom. Why? Because that’s the best of America.”

    And freedom came in many forms, whether it was speakers pledging to protect reproductive and LGBTQ rights, railing against book bans, or underlining the right to free and fair elections as they invoked the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

    “It’s not freedom to tell our children what books they’re allowed to read. No, it’s not,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a finalist to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. “And it’s not freedom to tell women what they can do with their bodies. And hear me on this: It sure as hell isn’t freedom to say you can go vote, but [former President Donald Trump] gets to pick the winner.”

    Or as Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is openly gay, put it: “I’ve got a message for the Republicans and the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court: You can pry this wedding band from my cold, dead, gay hand.”

    Wednesday night even featured Republicans telling other Republicans that they had the freedom to cross party lines to vote their conscience.

    “To my fellow Republicans, you are not voting for a Democrat, you are voting for democracy,” said former Trump administration official Olivia Troye. “You aren’t betraying our party, you are standing up for our country.”

    “If you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024, you’re not a Democrat,” concurred former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, who said he faced a slew of attacks for standing up to Trump’s efforts to subvert the state’s election results. “You’re a patriot.”

    While the climax of the penultimate night of the DNC was Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s vice presidential acceptance speech — and Harris’ running mate’s introduction to the American people — it was the message of “freedom” that stole the spotlight.

    “Freedom,” Walz said, was what let him start his family when he and his wife struggled with fertility.

    “When we Democrats talk about freedom, we mean the freedom to make a better life for yourself and the people that you love,” he said.

    And National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman said freedom is what unites all Americans: “We are one family regardless of religion, class or color. For what defines a patriot is not just a love of liberty but our love for one another. This is loud in our country’s call because while we all love freedom, it is love that frees us all.”

    Bill Clinton says Harris ticket a ‘breath of fresh air,’ takes jabs at Trump

    AP Photo

    Former President Bill Clinton, the  made his case for a Kamala Harris presidency while taking several digs at former President Donald Trump.

    “Kamala Harris is the only candidate in this race who has the vision, the experience, the temperament, the will and, yes, the sheer joy to get something done,” Clinton said. “What does her opponent do with his voice? He mostly talks about himself, right? So the next time you hear him, don’t count the lies. Count the ‘I’s.’”

    Among the jabs he took at Trump, Clinton asked: “Do you want to build a strong economy from the bottom up and the middle out? Or do you want to spend the next four years talking about crowd size?”

    Clinton also said he wondered what world leaders watching Trump on the campaign trail are “supposed to make to these endless tributes to the late, great Hannibal Lecter?”

    But Clinton also found a way to poke fun at himself. Noting that Harris worked at McDonald’s while in college, the former president said, “I’ll be so happy when she actually enters the White House as president because she will break my record as the president who spent the most time at McDonald’s.”

    ‘Choose joy’: Oprah Winfrey, in surprise DNC appearance, endorses Harris, rallies Democrats

    AP Photo

    In a surprise appearance on Wednesday night, Oprah Winfrey made a vigorous appeal to independent and undecided voters to get behind Vice President Kamala Harris. She spoke of the “best of America” and using “common sense” to decide who to vote for, while taking a couple of implicit jabs at the GOP ticket. This was Winfrey’s first time speaking at a national political convention.

    “Since I was eligible to vote, I’ve always voted my values and that is what is needed in this election now more than ever,” Winfrey said. “Decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024.”

    Winfrey noted that she herself is registered as an independent voter who is “proud to vote again and again and again,” taking a swipe, without naming him, at former President Donald Trump’s recent comment to Christians that they just need to vote in this one election. (Trump and his campaign sought to clarify that, despite the alarm from Democrats and democracy advocates, he was talking about evangelical Christians not voting en masse.)

    The former daytime television host and Chicago native also used her remarks to tell the story of Tessie Prevost Williams, who helped integrate public schools in New Orleans in 1960 and who died last month. 

    “And soon and very soon, we’re going to be teaching our daughters and sons about how this child of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father – two idealistic, energetic immigrants – immigrants – how this child grew up to become the 47th president of the United States,” Winfrey said of Harris. 

    ‘The honor of my life’: Walz accepts vice presidential nomination

    Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, second from right, poses with his wife Gwen Walz, from right, son Gus Walz and daughter Hope Walz after speaking during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

    “It’s the honor of my life to accept your nomination for vice president of the United States,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said at the start of his speech.

    Walz shared his story of growing up in a small Nebraska town, joining the Army National Guard and becoming a high school teacher and football coach.

    He said his players and students inspired him to run for Congress in 2006, when he won in a historically red district.

    “They saw in me what I had hoped to instill in them: a commitment to the common good, an understanding that we’re all in this together and the belief that a single person can make a real difference for their neighbors,” Walz said.

    Walz listed his proudest accomplishments from his time as governor, including cutting taxes, passing paid family and medical leave, investing in law enforcement and affordable housing, lowering prescription drug costs, and guaranteeing free school breakfast and lunches for students. 

    “While other states were banning books from their schools, we were banishing hunger from ours,” he said.

    He also signed a bill into law protecting abortions and other reproductive health care. 

    “Because in Minnesota, we respect our neighbors and the personal choices they make,” Walz said. “And even if we wouldn’t make those same choices for ourselves, we’ve got a golden rule: Mind your own damn business.”

    Walz framed his pitch of Democrats’ “freedom agenda” around his struggle with having children with his wife Gwen.

    “If you’ve never experienced the hell that is in fertility, I guarantee you you know somebody who has, and I can remember praying each night for a phone call, the pit in your stomach when the phone had rung, and the absolute agony when we heard the treatments hadn’t worked,” Walz said. “It took Gwen and I years, but we had access to fertility treatments, and when our daughter was born, we named her Hope.”

    He then turned to his wife, daughter and son Gus. “You are my entire world and I love you.”

    “I’m letting you in on how we started a family, because this is a big part about what this election is about: freedom. When Republicans use the word freedom, they mean that the government should be free to invade your doctor’s office. Corporations, free to pollute your air and water, and banks, free to take advantage of customers,” Walz said. “But when we Democrats talk about freedom, we mean the freedom to make a better life for yourself and the people that you love, freedom to make your own health care decisions, and, yeah, your kids freedom to go to school without worrying about being shot dead in the hall.”

    Walz’s family joined him on stage after the speech, as Neil Young’s ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ played.

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    Joseph Konig

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  • August’s full Sturgeon Moon will also be a supermoon

    August’s full Sturgeon Moon will also be a supermoon

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    This month’s full moon will peak on Monday just before 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be the first of the supermoons this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • August’s full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon thanks to abundant lake sturgeon that was caught in the Great Lakes in late summer

    • This is the start of a string of supermoons that will commence in November

    • The moon will look “super-sized”

    Nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon, it will appear larger and brighter than the other full moons seen thus far this year.

    What’s a supermoon?

    “A supermoon is when Earth’s lunar sister’s orbit is at its closest to the planet and when it is full,” explains Spectrum News’ space expert Anthony Leone.

    Adding, “We don’t always get them because the moon’s orbit is more of an oval. So, when the moon is at its closest orbit to Earth, called a perigee, we get a supermoon.”

    He says during this time the moon will appear brighter and look “super-sized.”

    This moon is also considered a “Blue Moon,” which has nothing to do with the color. According to NASA, the third full moon that occurs in a season that has four full moons denotes the third one as a seasonal Blue Moon. A monthly Blue Moon would be the second full moon that occurs during the month.

    Alternative names

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

    The full moon was dubbed the sturgeon moon thanks to the abundant native freshwater fish caught during late summer in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. These prehistoric-looking fish provided an important staple for Native Americans in that region.

    There are nearly 30 species of sturgeon worldwide, including the lake sturgeon found in the Great Lakes. The sizes of these fish have evolved from the size of a bass to the size of a car. Unfortunately, due to overfishing in the 19th century, pollution and habitat damage, the lake sturgeon is rare.

    Alternative moon names include Flying Up Moon, a Cree term for when young birds leave the nest. Corn Moon, Harvest Moon, Ricing Moon and Black Cherries Moon all refer to a time of maturing crops.

    More supermoons?

    If you can’t witness this month’s supermoon, Leone says there will be plenty more opportunities. “We will get a celestial treat this year. We will get four supermoons in a row, from August through November.”

    He mentions that September’s supermoon will be extra special. “It will also fall on a partial lunar eclipse. This will give the moon a bit of a reddish color to it and that’s because of the way Earth’s atmosphere refracts light.”

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

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

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • The Perseid meteor shower peaks late this weekend

    The Perseid meteor shower peaks late this weekend

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    One of the best meteor showers of the year peaks late this weekend into early next week. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Perseid meteor shower has up to 100 meteors per hour

    • The best time for viewing will fall between midnight and dawn

    • This meteor shower comes from the debris of Comet Swift-Tuttle

    The Perseid meteor shower peaks Sunday night into Monday, but you can catch them the rest of this weekend and even into early next week. While you can spot meteors zooming across the sky after dark, your best opportunity will be after midnight.

    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.

    The good news is that the moon won’t be full yet, meaning the light won’t wash out the meteors.

    In ideal conditions, this show produces 50 to 100 meteors per hour, or about one or two every minute. Go find a dark place away from city lights and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 15 minutes. 

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

    You might be inclined to photograph these spectacles of light. Like in May, when the northern lights were visible, the best way to capture space phenomena is using a DSLR camera on timer and low exposure. 

    If opting for your smartphone, it’s best to put it on a tripod or stable platform. Go to settings and use long exposure or night mode. 

    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)

    Hopefully clouds don’t get in your way! Check your local forecast here. But if clear skies aren’t in the cards Saturday night, don’t worry. That’s when they should be most active, but the Perseids don’t suddenly start and stop; you can try looking any time around the peak.

    This isn’t the last meteor shower of the year. See the others coming up, along with other night sights, right 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 Stacy Lynn

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  • The bioluminescent beetles and how we can protect them

    The bioluminescent beetles and how we can protect them

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    It’s summer, and you might spend your days at the pool, or hiking on the trails, but popular nighttime activities include catching those glowing beetles. Whether you refer to them as fireflies or lightning bugs, the glow of these insects becomes magical.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Lightning bugs and fireflies are the same beetle, just have different names depending on your location

    • The biggest threat to the beetles right now is habitat loss

    • Lightning bugs (fireflies) are flying, bioluminescent insects


    The ideal weather for these beetles is warm and humid. Unlike most humans, they thrive under these conditions. That’s why summer is when they are present.

    Bioluminescence

    “Fireflies use a trick called bioluminescence to create their amazing light,” says Dan Zarlenga, with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

    The insects contain an enzyme called luciferase, which produces light, yet very little heat. The glow we see, he adds, “is similar to the chemical reactions much like we see in glow sticks.”

    Remi Lynn holds a lightning bug on a warm summer night. (Spectrum News/Stacy Lynn)

    Is it a firefly or lightning bug?

    One could guess how they got their name, but why do some refer to them as fireflies and others say they are lightning bugs? “Lightning bug and firefly are just different popular names for the same type of insect,” says Zarlenga. But the naming convention comes down to location.

    About ten years ago, Joshua Katz, then a PhD candidate from the NC State Department of Statistics, mapped out results from a survey he created on the name of these insects. The results showed nearly 40% of participants used the terms firefly and lightning bug interchangeably, whereas around 30% only referred to them as lightning bugs and the other 30% only considered them fireflies.  

    Based on his map, areas to the west of the Rockies are more likely to call them fireflies, whereas the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and South are more inclined to refer to them as lightning bugs. New England, Florida and Texas use the terms interchangeably.

    Small but mighty

    You can find beetles in less developed areas, like forests or meadows or even your backyard, anywhere that contains wood or leaf litter. “The females lay their eggs late summer in wet soil, rotting wood and damp leaf litter,” explains Zarlenga. 

    The larvae, known as glowworms, live in this damp environment. The worms may be wingless, but he says these larvae are “voracious predators with jaws containing toxins to overpower snails, slugs and other prey.”

    Once they reach the mature or adult stage, usually in late spring, they can fly. However, they only last for approximately two months. The light they emit is a means of communication, especially for mating.

    When done mating, some females will flash their light for their next meal. They will attract additional males to consume.

    Habitat loss

    These beetles thrive in warm weather with minimal light pollution. What is threatening their population is habitat loss, says Zarlenga. “Such as paving over fields and forests where they live and the use of pesticides and herbicides, which hurt their numbers by killing them too.”

    Excess light pollution isn’t good for lightning bugs either. “It confuses and disrupts their flashes used in communication and mating activities,” he adds.

    He says to help the fireflies, “We urge people to limit or avoid the use of these chemicals in their yards, leave some leaf litter and portions of tall grass as habitat, and reduce the use of artificial light.”

    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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  • Here’s why standing near a tree during a storm is dangerous

    Here’s why standing near a tree during a storm is dangerous

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    Unfortunately, August alone has tallied six lightning deaths in the United States. 

    What You Need To Know

    • August’s six lightning deaths brings the 2022 total to 14 so far

    • Some of the deaths happened when people were under or near a tree

    • Ground current affects a larger area than the strike itself

    (NOAA)

    It’s been a tragic month for lightning deaths, including a Central Florida woman who was killed by lightning while waiting for her daughter to get off the school bus. Reports say lightning hit a nearby tree. Earlier this month, three people near the White House were killed when lightning struck the tree they were under.

    Being under a tree is one of the leading causes of lightning casualties. But why is being under–or even near–a tree so dangerous?

    When lightning strikes a tree, the energy travels out along the ground’s surface. The ground current affects a larger area and can lead to multiple injuries or deaths.

    John Jensenius with the National Lightning Safety Council says the most recent multi-fatality incidents all have one feature in common: trees. 

    When it rains, don’t seek shelter under a tree. Find a building or a hard-topped vehicle and don’t wait until the last minute to seek shelter. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.

    If you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck by lightning, even if it’s not raining where you are. 

    Remember: “When thunder roars, go indoors!”

    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 Juli Marquez

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  • Here’s why standing near a tree during a storm is dangerous

    Here’s why standing near a tree during a storm is dangerous

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Seven people have been killed in the U.S. this year by lightning and two of them have been in Florida. 

    Based on the past 10 years, the U.S. averages 12 lightning deaths through July 22.

    What You Need To Know

    • Seven people have been killed in the U.S. in 2024 by lightning and two of them have been in Florida

    • Some of the deaths happened when people were under or near a tree

    • Ground current affects a larger area than the strike itself


    A 19-year-old man was struck and killed Sunday, June 30 in Davie, Florida, while walking in a park.  He was under a tree when the lightning struck.  

    Florida leads the nation in lightning deaths, now with 90 since 2006, including the two this year.

    Both Florida lightning fatalities this year were related to walking in parks.  The National Lightning Safety Council offers these tips to people planning to go out for a walk.

    http://lightningsafetycouncil.org/Graphics/Tips-For-Walkers-And-Runners.png

    Being under a tree is one of the leading causes of lightning casualties. But why is being under–or even near–a tree so dangerous?

    When lightning strikes a tree, the energy travels out along the ground’s surface. The ground current affects a larger area and can lead to multiple injuries or deaths.

    John Jensenius with the National Lightning Safety Council says the most recent multi-fatality incidents all have one feature in common: trees. 

    When it rains, don’t seek shelter under a tree. Find a building or a hard-topped vehicle and don’t wait until the last minute to seek shelter. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.

    If you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck by lightning, even if it’s not raining where you are. 

    Remember: “When thunder roars, go indoors!”

    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 Juli Marquez

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  • Full buck moon peaks on Sunday morning

    Full buck moon peaks on Sunday morning

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    This month when the full moon peaks on Sunday at 6:17 a.m. Eastern Time, it will be the climax of the full buck moon, aptly named for those furry, even white-tailed, creatures who possess the woods and fields alike.

    What You Need To Know

    • Full July moon peaks Sunday morning but will be visible this weekend

    • Named the full buck moon for male deer that shed their antlers

    • Origins come from several sources, including Native Americans


    The origins of the name come from several sources, including Native Americans, early American settlers and even European foundations. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, it gets its name from the time of the year when male deer or bucks shed their antlers.

    Other names include the Berry Moon, Thunder Moon, Halfway Summer Moon, Salmon Moon and Feather Molting Moon.

    You can download the moon app to see when the moon will rise from your location. 

    Does the full moon make people or animals act differently? Here are five myths about the full moon.

    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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  • Reformist President-elect Pezeshkian promises to serve all Iranians

    Reformist President-elect Pezeshkian promises to serve all Iranians

    [ad_1]

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s runoff presidential election Saturday, besting hard-liner Saeed Jalili by promising to reach out to the West and ease enforcement on the country’s mandatory headscarf law after years of sanctions and protests squeezing the Islamic Republic.

    What You Need To Know

    • Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s runoff presidential election Saturday, besting hard-liner Saeed Jalili
    • A vote count offered by authorities put Pezeshkian as the winner with 16.3 million votes to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election. 
    • Pezeshkian promised no radical changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy in his campaign
    • The United States has criticized Iran’s presidential election as neither free nor fair, saying it likely would not change the Islamic Republic’s stance on human rights



    Pezeshkian promised no radical changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy in his campaign and long has held Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the final arbiter of all matters of state in the country. But even Pezeshkian’s modest aims will be challenged by an Iranian government still largely held by hard-liners, the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip and Western fears over Tehran enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels.

    A vote count offered by authorities put Pezeshkian as the winner with 16.3 million votes to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election. Overall, Iran’s Interior Ministry said 30 million people voted in an election held without internationally recognized monitors.

    Supporters of Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker, entered the streets of Tehran and other cities before dawn to celebrate as his lead grew over Jalili, a hard-line former nuclear negotiator.

    “Dear people of Iran, the elections are over and this is just the beginning of our cooperation,” Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X, still banned in Iran. “The difficult path ahead will not be smooth except with your companionship, empathy and trust. I extend my hand to you and I swear on my honor that I will not leave you alone on this path. Do not leave me alone.”

    Pezeshkian’s win still sees Iran at a delicate moment, with tensions high in the Mideast over the Israel-Hamas war, Iran’s advancing nuclear program, and a looming election in the United States that could put any chance of a detente between Tehran and Washington at risk. Pezeshkian’s victory also wasn’t a rout of Jalili, meaning he’ll have to carefully navigate Iran’s internal politics as the doctor has never held a sensitive, high-level security post.

    The first round of voting June 28 saw the lowest turnout in the history of the Islamic Republic since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian officials have long pointed to turnout as a sign of support for the country’s Shiite theocracy, which has been under strain after years of sanctions crushing Iran’s economy, mass demonstrations and intense crackdowns on all dissent.

    Government officials up to Khameni, the supreme leader, predicted higher turnout as voting got underway, with state television airing images of modest lines at some polling centers. However, online videos purported to show some polls empty while a survey of several dozen sites in Tehran saw light traffic and a heavy security presence on the streets.

    Authorities put turnout in Friday’s vote at 49.6%, still historically low for an Iranian presidential election. They counted 607,575 voided votes — which often are a sign of protest by those who feel obligated to cast a ballot but reject both candidates.

    “I don’t expect anything from him — I am happy that the vote put the brake on hard-liners,” said bank employee Fatemeh Babaei, who voted for Pezeshkian. “I hope Pezeshkian can return administration to a way in which all people can feel there is a tomorrow.”

    Taher Khalili, a Kurdish-origin Iranian who runs a small tailor shop in Tehran, offered another reason to be hopeful while handing out candy to passersby.

    “In the end, someone from my hometown and the west of Iran came to power,” Khalili said. “I hope he will make economy better for small businesses.”

    Pezeshkian, who speaks Azeri, Farsi and Kurdish, campaigned on outreach to Iran’s many ethnicities. He represents the first president from western Iran in decades — something people hope will aid the county as those in the western part are considered more tolerant because of the ethnic and religious diversity in their area.

    The election came amid heightened regional tensions. In April, Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israel over the war in Gaza, while militia groups armed by Tehran — such as the Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels — are engaged in the fighting and have escalated their attacks.

    Iran is also enriching uranium at near weapons-grade levels and maintains a stockpile large enough to build several nuclear weapons, should it choose to do so. And while Khamenei remains the final decision-maker on matters of state, whichever man ends up winning the presidency could bend the country’s foreign policy toward either confrontation or collaboration with the West.

    Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, which has reached a detente with Iran, sent his congratulations to Pezeshkian that stressed his “keenness to develop and deepen the relations that bring our two countries and peoples together.” Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has relied on Iranian-made drones in his war on Ukraine, similarly congratulated Pezeshkian.

    The United States on Saturday criticized Iran’s presidential election as neither free nor fair, saying it likely would not change the Islamic Republic’s stance on human rights.

    Responding to a query from The Associated Press, the State Department said it would continue to use diplomacy with Tehran “when it advances American interests.”

    “The elections in Iran were not free or fair. As a result, a significant number of Iranians chose not to participate at all,” the State Department said. “We have no expectation these elections will lead to fundamental change in Iran’s direction or more respect for the human rights of its citizens. As the candidates themselves have said, Iranian policy is set by the supreme leader.”

    It added: “The elections will not have a significant impact on our approach to Iran, either. Our concerns about Iran’s behavior are unchanged.”

    Meanwhile Saturday, Iran’s President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to ‘serve all Iranians’ in a victory speech.

    Pezeshkian, a reformist candidate, spoke Saturday at the the mausoleum of the late Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, addressing journalists in a chaotic event.

    “In this election, I didn’t give you false promises. I did not lie,” the heart surgeon said. “It’s been many years after the revolution that we come to the podium, we make promises and we fail to fulfill them. This is the biggest problem we have.”

    The campaign also repeatedly touched on what would happen if former President Donald Trump, who unilaterally withdrew America from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, won the November election. Iran has held indirect talks with President Joe Biden’s administration, though there’s been no clear movement back toward constraining Tehran’s nuclear program for the lifting of economic sanctions.

    Though identifying with reformists and relative moderates within Iran’s theocracy during the campaign, Pezeshkian at the same time honored Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, on one occasion wearing its uniform to parliament. He repeatedly criticized the United States and praised the Guard for shooting down an American drone in 2019, saying it “delivered a strong punch in the mouth of the Americans and proved to them that our country will not surrender.”

    More than 61 million Iranians over the age of 18 were eligible to vote, with about 18 million of them between 18 and 30. Voting was to end at 6 p.m. but was extended until midnight to boost participation.

    The late President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a May helicopter crash, was seen as a protégé of Khamenei and a potential successor as supreme leader.

    Still, many knew him for his involvement in the mass executions that Iran conducted in 1988, and for his role in the bloody crackdowns on dissent that followed protests over the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained by police over allegedly improperly wearing the mandatory headscarf, or hijab.

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    Associated Press

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  • Reformist President-elect Pezeshkian promises to serve all Iranians

    Reformist President-elect Pezeshkian promises to serve all Iranians

    [ad_1]

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s runoff presidential election Saturday, besting hard-liner Saeed Jalili by promising to reach out to the West and ease enforcement on the country’s mandatory headscarf law after years of sanctions and protests squeezing the Islamic Republic.

    What You Need To Know

    • Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s runoff presidential election Saturday, besting hard-liner Saeed Jalili
    • A vote count offered by authorities put Pezeshkian as the winner with 16.3 million votes to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election. 
    • Pezeshkian promised no radical changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy in his campaign
    • The United States has criticized Iran’s presidential election as neither free nor fair, saying it likely would not change the Islamic Republic’s stance on human rights



    Pezeshkian promised no radical changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy in his campaign and long has held Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the final arbiter of all matters of state in the country. But even Pezeshkian’s modest aims will be challenged by an Iranian government still largely held by hard-liners, the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip and Western fears over Tehran enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels.

    A vote count offered by authorities put Pezeshkian as the winner with 16.3 million votes to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election. Overall, Iran’s Interior Ministry said 30 million people voted in an election held without internationally recognized monitors.

    Supporters of Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker, entered the streets of Tehran and other cities before dawn to celebrate as his lead grew over Jalili, a hard-line former nuclear negotiator.

    “Dear people of Iran, the elections are over and this is just the beginning of our cooperation,” Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X, still banned in Iran. “The difficult path ahead will not be smooth except with your companionship, empathy and trust. I extend my hand to you and I swear on my honor that I will not leave you alone on this path. Do not leave me alone.”

    Pezeshkian’s win still sees Iran at a delicate moment, with tensions high in the Mideast over the Israel-Hamas war, Iran’s advancing nuclear program, and a looming election in the United States that could put any chance of a detente between Tehran and Washington at risk. Pezeshkian’s victory also wasn’t a rout of Jalili, meaning he’ll have to carefully navigate Iran’s internal politics as the doctor has never held a sensitive, high-level security post.

    The first round of voting June 28 saw the lowest turnout in the history of the Islamic Republic since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian officials have long pointed to turnout as a sign of support for the country’s Shiite theocracy, which has been under strain after years of sanctions crushing Iran’s economy, mass demonstrations and intense crackdowns on all dissent.

    Government officials up to Khameni, the supreme leader, predicted higher turnout as voting got underway, with state television airing images of modest lines at some polling centers. However, online videos purported to show some polls empty while a survey of several dozen sites in Tehran saw light traffic and a heavy security presence on the streets.

    Authorities put turnout in Friday’s vote at 49.6%, still historically low for an Iranian presidential election. They counted 607,575 voided votes — which often are a sign of protest by those who feel obligated to cast a ballot but reject both candidates.

    “I don’t expect anything from him — I am happy that the vote put the brake on hard-liners,” said bank employee Fatemeh Babaei, who voted for Pezeshkian. “I hope Pezeshkian can return administration to a way in which all people can feel there is a tomorrow.”

    Taher Khalili, a Kurdish-origin Iranian who runs a small tailor shop in Tehran, offered another reason to be hopeful while handing out candy to passersby.

    “In the end, someone from my hometown and the west of Iran came to power,” Khalili said. “I hope he will make economy better for small businesses.”

    Pezeshkian, who speaks Azeri, Farsi and Kurdish, campaigned on outreach to Iran’s many ethnicities. He represents the first president from western Iran in decades — something people hope will aid the county as those in the western part are considered more tolerant because of the ethnic and religious diversity in their area.

    The election came amid heightened regional tensions. In April, Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israel over the war in Gaza, while militia groups armed by Tehran — such as the Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels — are engaged in the fighting and have escalated their attacks.

    Iran is also enriching uranium at near weapons-grade levels and maintains a stockpile large enough to build several nuclear weapons, should it choose to do so. And while Khamenei remains the final decision-maker on matters of state, whichever man ends up winning the presidency could bend the country’s foreign policy toward either confrontation or collaboration with the West.

    Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, which has reached a detente with Iran, sent his congratulations to Pezeshkian that stressed his “keenness to develop and deepen the relations that bring our two countries and peoples together.” Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has relied on Iranian-made drones in his war on Ukraine, similarly congratulated Pezeshkian.

    The United States on Saturday criticized Iran’s presidential election as neither free nor fair, saying it likely would not change the Islamic Republic’s stance on human rights.

    Responding to a query from The Associated Press, the State Department said it would continue to use diplomacy with Tehran “when it advances American interests.”

    “The elections in Iran were not free or fair. As a result, a significant number of Iranians chose not to participate at all,” the State Department said. “We have no expectation these elections will lead to fundamental change in Iran’s direction or more respect for the human rights of its citizens. As the candidates themselves have said, Iranian policy is set by the supreme leader.”

    It added: “The elections will not have a significant impact on our approach to Iran, either. Our concerns about Iran’s behavior are unchanged.”

    Meanwhile Saturday, Iran’s President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to ‘serve all Iranians’ in a victory speech.

    Pezeshkian, a reformist candidate, spoke Saturday at the the mausoleum of the late Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, addressing journalists in a chaotic event.

    “In this election, I didn’t give you false promises. I did not lie,” the heart surgeon said. “It’s been many years after the revolution that we come to the podium, we make promises and we fail to fulfill them. This is the biggest problem we have.”

    The campaign also repeatedly touched on what would happen if former President Donald Trump, who unilaterally withdrew America from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, won the November election. Iran has held indirect talks with President Joe Biden’s administration, though there’s been no clear movement back toward constraining Tehran’s nuclear program for the lifting of economic sanctions.

    Though identifying with reformists and relative moderates within Iran’s theocracy during the campaign, Pezeshkian at the same time honored Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, on one occasion wearing its uniform to parliament. He repeatedly criticized the United States and praised the Guard for shooting down an American drone in 2019, saying it “delivered a strong punch in the mouth of the Americans and proved to them that our country will not surrender.”

    More than 61 million Iranians over the age of 18 were eligible to vote, with about 18 million of them between 18 and 30. Voting was to end at 6 p.m. but was extended until midnight to boost participation.

    The late President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a May helicopter crash, was seen as a protégé of Khamenei and a potential successor as supreme leader.

    Still, many knew him for his involvement in the mass executions that Iran conducted in 1988, and for his role in the bloody crackdowns on dissent that followed protests over the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained by police over allegedly improperly wearing the mandatory headscarf, or hijab.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

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