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Tag: Spectrum News Weather Staff

  • Major winter storm could cripple the Southeast with snow and ice this weekend

    A major winter storm is set to bring heavy snowfall, dangerous ice and frigid cold from Texas to the East Coast this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • A major winter storm will impact the U.S. this weekend
    • Heavy snow, dangerous ice and frigid cold temperatures are expected
    • There is still uncertainty about specific totals and timing


    There is still a lot of uncertainty in the forecast location and timing, but it’s becoming increasing likely that a widespread winter storm will develop across the South on Friday, bringing heavy snow and ice to parts of Texas and Oklahoma, and move east toward the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast this weekend.


    The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Watches across parts of the Mid-South for the possibility of heavy snow late this week. Advisories, watches and warnings will be issued and expanded eastward this week as we get closer to the weekend.


    There are still some differences in weather model forecasts, most notably on where the snow, ice and rain lines will be. With a storm like this, minor differences in the track of the low pressure system could lead to significant differences in the forecast.


    It’s still too far out to forecast any specific snow or ice totals, but it’s becoming increasingly likely that this will be an extremely disruptive storm across parts of the Southeast. The major impacts will begin Saturday and last through the end of the weekend, with lingering effects into early next week as frigid cold settles into the region.

    Even with the uncertainty in specific forecast details, it’s not too early to prepare for winter weather. If you live in the Southeast and could be affected by this winter storm, put together an emergency kit for your household and consider your entire household, including pets and check on your neighbors and family members.

    This forecast is very fluid, as are all southern snow events, so please stay with Spectrum News for any updates. Download the Spectrum News app to follow the event as it unfolds and tune in to your local Weather on the Ones forecast.

    Submit your weather photos 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.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Northern lights could be visible for parts of the country on Monday night

    The northern lights could be visible across parts of the country tonight. A coronal mass ejection (CME) will likely arrive at Earth tonight, leading to elevated geomagnetic activity.

    Geomagnetic storms are responsible for the visual display of the northern lights, or aurora borealis.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Geomagnetic Storm Watch is in effect

    • The northern lights may be visible for parts of the U.S.

    • The Aurora Borealis is typically linked to winter viewings but can actually be seen all year


    A CME is an eruption of solar material and magnetic fields. There is a Geomagnetic Storm Watch in effect tonight, with a G4 predicted. According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, watches at this level are very rare.


    Aurora Borealis

    The sun is currently in an upswing of its 11-year solar cycle. Scientists notice more sunspots as they migrate toward the equator of the sun, and when their magnetic fields tangle, solar storms erupt.

    Earth’s magnetic field acts as a buffer to keep particles and energy ejected from the sun at bay. However, if the solar storm is strong enough, those particles can penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere, giving off light, creating the auroras we see.

    With such intense CMEs expected to arrive on Earth, the severe storm might make the northern lights visible in the northern U.S., with the best chance of viewing at higher latitudes. 

    Geomagnetic storms

    The energy from a solar storm is categorized by G levels. Tonight’s aurora forecast is a G4.

    (NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center)

    G1 would show a minor storm, G2 a moderate storm, G3 a strong storm, G4 a severe storm and G5 would mean an extreme storm.

    While these storms make the northern lights brighter and more visible in lower latitudes, the energy entering our atmosphere can cause disruptions to power grids, spacecraft operations and migratory animals.

    The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) uses a planetary k index, which goes from 0 to 9, to predict the visibility of the northern lights around the world. The higher the Kp values, the further south people can view the aurora.

    A Kp value of 8 is forecast for Monday night. 

    How to see and capture the auroras

    For the latest northern lights forecasts, check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.

    Make your best effort to get away from city lights and find somewhere dark. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.

    Many areas in northern latitudes should be able to see the northern lights with the naked eye. If you’re farther south, your smartphone cameras may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Long-exposure is your best bet to reveal all the colors in the night sky.

    When taking the photo, turn on “night mode” and place your phone on a steady surface. The longer the exposure, the better the photo will turn out!

    If you’ve taken any pictures of the northern lights, you can share your photos 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.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Mother Nature continued to ravage North Carolina this year. A look back

    Hurricane Helene roared through the state’s mountains at the tail end of September 2024, and much of 2025 was spent in recovery-and-rebuild mode. While the previous year left a big aftermath to mop up, 2025 also saw plenty of new weather events that ripped at infrastructure and caused significant damage.

         What You Need To Know

    • 2025 got off to a difficult start with the new year beginning just months after Helene’s fury destroyed mountain communities

    • Springtime saw deadly tornadoes, leading to the deaths of two Asheville boys, and extreme heat plagued North Carolina in the summer

    • The autumn saw the collapse of more than a dozen coastal homes after storms created impacts 

    The year started with much of the state outside of the mountains ending a snow drought from previous winters. In the second half of January, snow even fell along the coast. Wilmington saw its first significant snowfall in seven years with just over 2.5″ in the Port City. 

    Tornadoes spun up in the spring, causing the deaths of two boys when a tree fell on their home, south of Asheville. Summertime brought extreme heat to the Tar Heel state with July being one of the hottest on record for some places, like the Triangle and beyond.

    It was hottest in Raleigh and tied for the hottest in Asheville. It was the second hottest July for Charlotte, Greenville and Lumberton.

    The season also saw an intense storm with strong weather that brought damaging wind gusts and instances of flash flooding. The late June storm hit hardest in Caldwell, northern Iredell and Catawba counties where thousands lost power and dozens of trees fell.

    On the heels of this storm came another as summer was also the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. Tropical Storm Chantal came through July Fourth weekend and dumped rain that caused significant flooding for central parts of the state and other areas of the Carolinas. The flooding caused millions of dollars of worth of damage in addition to the storm leading to four deaths, producing tornadoes, and prompting scores of water rescues. 

    The storm also brought on record flooding the Haw and Eno rivers.

    In late August, Hurricane Erin passed by North Carolina’s coast well out to sea, but still churned up coastal impacts, including rough surf, with waves up to 20 feet high along the Outer Banks, and coastal flooding that caused erosion. Erin left destruction in its wake, bringing the beach inside some Outer Banks hotels, leaving owners and employees in a cleaning frenzy to prepare for Labor Day weekend.

    Hurricane Humberto came next and was also far out in the ocean when it passed N.C.’s coast but still created dangerous surf during the last leg of the tourist season. The coast couldn’t catch a break as Imelda then came in at the end of September, out to sea too, but still causing trouble in the form of rough seas and flooding. 

    As those storms and others battered the coast, more homes crumbled into the surf along the Outer Banks. According to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, 16 houses collapsed in Buxton and Rodanthe this year. 

    While early December saw a rare snow storm, the final months of the year have seen drier than normal conditions in most of North Carolina. Over half of the state is ending the year with a moderate drought. With below average precipitation forecast to continue through the winter months, the drought will be a concern we’ll monitor closely into 2026 as another growing season begins in the spring. 

    Elizabeth Townsend, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Extreme wind to blow through Ohio

    OHIO — As a warm front lifts north today, temperatures surge into the 60s and even near 70 for much of the state.

    As a warm front lifts north today, temperatures surge into the 60s and even near 70 for much of the state. Some records may fall today in southern Ohio. 

    While we’re tracking some rain this morning, we’ll be cloudy but mostly dry for the afternoon, allowing an opportunity to enjoy some milder temperatures.

    However, a strong cold front associated with the same area of low pressure moves in tonight, bringing a drastically colder air mass back to Ohio.

    Along the front, showers and even a few strong storms are possible, starting in western Ohio around 9-10 p.m., central Ohio around midnight, then exiting before sunrise. 

    Temperatures drop by nearly 20 degrees within an hour or two, and we’ll remain cold and windy through the day Monday.

     

    Winds along and behind the front could gust as high as 50-60 mph, with the strongest winds likely near Lake Erie. 

    Much of the state will be under a Wind Advisory if not a High Wind Warning tonight into tomorrow.

    Cold air sticks around through the New Year. 

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Pacific moisture delivers heavy rain for holiday travelers this week

    Whether you’re flying or driving, the weather could impact your holiday travel next week. Here’s what to expect across the country.

    What You Need To Know

    • Heavy rain is expected in California and the Pacific Northwest

    • A clipper system brings heavy snow across the Northeast and New England before Christmas

    • Temperatures are trending significantly above normal for Christmas


    Here are the weather highlights for holiday travelers. 


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

    Monday

    A prolonged period of wet weather is on tap this week across Northern California and the intermountain west. Monday evening into Tuesday morning could see some showers across the Ohio Valley and snow in the Great Lakes. Southern California remains mostly dry today, but wetter trends ramp up tomorrow.


    Tuesday

    Snow is possible across New England and the Northeast on Tuesday, with parts of Maine seeing up to 6 to 8 inches. Totals remain on the low end with only a couple inches of accumulation everywhere else. Out west, rain and snow continues, with heavy rain spilling into southern California.

    Christmas Eve

    California will see wet weather on Christmas Eve as another atmospheric river brings in Pacific moisture, leading to periods of heavy rain and mountain snow. Some strong storms are also possible across Southern California. The possibility of showers will be present through the Ohio Valley.


    Christmas

    The Rockies and areas westward see wet and wintry weather on Christmas Day, with the higher elevations seeing a white Christmas. Much of the central and eastern U.S. will be warmer than normal with mostly dry conditions.


    Friday

    The day after Christmas could finally offer a break for some areas out west, but high elevation snow chances continue. Some rain is possible across the Northeast.


    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.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Pacific moisture delivers heavy rain for holiday travelers next week

    Whether you’re flying or driving, the weather could impact your holiday travel next week. Here’s what to expect across the country.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mostly dry weather is on tap across the central and eastern U.S. this weekend

    • Heavy rain is expected in California and the Pacific Northwest

    • Temperatures are trending significantly above normal for Christmas


    Here are the weather highlights for holiday travelers. 


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

    Saturday

    If you’re traveling Saturday, a weak disturbance will bring some light snow across the Great Lakes and interior Northeast during the afternoon and evening. Heavier snow accumulation should remain into Canada.  Most of the Midwest is looking at dry, sunny weather. 

    Northern California and the intermountain west will continue seeing periods of wet weather.


    Sunday

    Wet weather continues out west on Sunday, especially for parts of Northern Calfornia, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Heavy snow and rain is expected.

    Some snow showers are possible around the Great Lakes and rain across the Southeast, but activity remains light.

    Monday

    A prolonged period of wet weather is on tap into early next week across Northern California and the intermountain west. Monday evening into Tuesday morning could see some showers across the Ohio Valley and snow in the Great Lakes.


    Tuesday

    Snow is possible across New England and the Northeast on Tuesday, but totals remain on the low end with only a couple inches of accumulation. Out west, rain and snow continues.

    Christmas Eve

    California will see wet weather on Christmas Eve as another atmospheric river brings in Pacific moisture, leading to periods of heavy rain and mountain snow. The possibility of showers will be present through the Ohio Valley.


    Christmas

    The Rockies and areas westward see wet and wintry weather on Christmas Day, with the higher elevations seeing a white Christmas. Much of the central and eastern U.S. will be warmer than normal with mostly dry conditions.


    Friday

    The day after Christmas could finally offer a break for some areas out west, but high elevation snow chances continue. Some rain is possible across the Northeast.


    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.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • The earliest sunset isn’t on the winter solstice

    The winter solstice will occur at 10:03 a.m. ET on Dec. 21 this year, and even though the day of the winter solstice is the shortest of the year, the latest sunrise and earliest sunset do not occur on this day.

    What You Need To Know

    • The solar day impacts sunrises and sunsets

    • A solar day is longer near the winter solstice

    • The sun rises later in the winter and sets later



    Understanding a solar day

    Solar noon is when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. The time from one solar noon to the next solar noon is called a solar day.

    The length of a solar day changes throughout the year because of the tilt and position of the Earth. Because of this, a solar day can be more than or less than 24 hours depending on the time of the year.

    The problem is that we count our days as exactly 24 hours. So, with the solar day being more than 24 hours near the winter solstice, this means solar noon will occur at a later time each day. The sun will also rise later and set later.

    If the sun is setting later each day before the solstice, that means the earliest sunset has already happened.

    Since the sun also rises later each day, this means the latest sunrise has yet to occur. The latest sunrise will happen a few weeks after the official start of winter.

    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.

     

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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


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

    Total storms

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

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

    Notable storms

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Fujiwhara Effect

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

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

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

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

    Category 5 storms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Forecast models

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

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

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

     

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Thanksgiving week starts mild but ends on wintry note

    OHIO — This busy holiday week is starting off with dry roads and way above normal temperatures. However, pre-Thanksgiving dinner we will see a very strong cold front.

    What You Need To Know

    • Roads will be wet on Tuesday from rain
    • Temperatures will fall throughout the day Wednesday with gusty winds

    • Lake-effect snow will likely impact travel late Wednesday through early Friday
    • A weekend storm of snow and rain will complicate travel to wrap up the holiday week

    Our first storm system on Tuesday will be all rain with highs in the 50s and even some lower 60s.

    On Wednesday, a strong cold front will approach but the morning will be mild so we will see scattered showers early Wednesday.

    Our highs on Wednesday will likely happen in the morning and then fall throughout the day with winds starting to pick up.

    Late Wednesday night lake-effect snow will kick in for northern Ohio and will likely continue through early Friday.

    Gusty winds combined with lake-effect snow could produce hazardous travel along the turnpike during this timeframe.

    We may see a short break on Friday night from the active weather before a storm system approaches from the west.

    It looks like initially this will be snow showers on Saturday but then could change to a wintry mix and rain on Sunday as warmer air moves in.

    Either way, these are big travel days and the roads will be wet or slippery.

    Spectrum News 1 will monitor the weekend storm for adjustments throughout the week. 

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Thanksgiving Travel Forecast

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

    What You Need To Know

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

    • Thanksgiving looks mostly quiet across U.S.

    • Much colder air after Thanksgiving


    Here are the weather highlights for Thanksgiving travelers this week. 


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

    Monday

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


    Tuesday

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

    Wednesday

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


    Thanksgiving Day

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


    Black Friday

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

    Saturday

    Forecast info.


    Sunday

    Forecast info.


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

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Solar storms bring colorful northern lights to unexpected places in the U.S.

    NEW YORK (AP) — Solar storms brought colorful auroras to unexpected places in the U.S. on Tuesday night, and there could be more to come.

    Space weather forecasters confirmed that storms reached severe levels on Tuesday, triggering vibrant northern lights as far south as Kansas, Colorado and Texas.

    What You Need To Know

    • A rare G4 geomagnetic storm occurred Tuesday night

    • The northern lights were seen as far south as Florida

    • Another powerful storm is likely tonight

    • Using your smartphone’s night mode is the best way to capture the lights



    There were some impacts to GPS communications and the power grid, Shawn Dahl with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a video posted on X.

    Over the past few days, the sun has “burped” out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections or CMEs. Two have reached Earth, but at least one more is still on the way and could arrive sometime on Wednesday.

    Forecasters think this solar outburst could be the most energetic of the three and have issued a severe storm alert. How bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will depend on when the burst gets here and how it interacts with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.

    How northern lights happen

    The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come.

    Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.

    Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its magnetic poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.

    Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.

    The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, although when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.

    How solar storms affect Earth

    Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.

    When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit. Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications.

    In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.

    Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.

    How to see and capture the auroras

    For the latest northern lights forecasts, check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.

    Make your best effort to get away from city lights and find somewhere dark. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.

    Visibility tonight could be reduced in places like the West, Plains, and Northeast due to clouds. The Southeast should have great visibility if the northern lights can make it that far south again.

    Many areas in northern latitudes should be able to see the northern lights with the naked eye. If you’re farther south, your smartphone cameras may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Long-exposure is your best bet to reveal all the colors in the night sky.

    When taking the photo, turn on “night mode” and place your phone on a steady surface. The longer the exposure, the better the photo will turn out!

    If you’ve taken any pictures of the northern lights, you can share your photos here.

    Associated Press, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Solar storms bring colorful northern lights to unexpected places in the U.S.

    NEW YORK (AP) — Solar storms brought colorful auroras to unexpected places in the U.S. on Tuesday night, and there could be more to come.

    Space weather forecasters confirmed that storms reached severe levels on Tuesday, triggering vibrant northern lights as far south as Kansas, Colorado and Texas.

    What You Need To Know

    • A rare G4 geomagnetic storm occurred Tuesday night

    • The northern lights were seen as far south as Florida

    • Another powerful storm is likely tonight

    • Using your smartphone’s night mode is the best way to capture the lights



    There were some impacts to GPS communications and the power grid, Shawn Dahl with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a video posted on X.

    Over the past few days, the sun has “burped” out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections or CMEs. Two have reached Earth, but at least one more is still on the way and could arrive sometime on Wednesday.

    Forecasters think this solar outburst could be the most energetic of the three and have issued a severe storm alert. How bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will depend on when the burst gets here and how it interacts with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.

    How northern lights happen

    The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come.

    Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.

    Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its magnetic poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.

    Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.

    The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, although when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.

    How solar storms affect Earth

    Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.

    When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit. Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications.

    In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.

    Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.

    How to see and capture the auroras

    For the latest northern lights forecasts, check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.

    Make your best effort to get away from city lights and find somewhere dark. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.

    Visibility tonight could be reduced in places like the West, Plains, and Northeast due to clouds. The Southeast should have great visibility if the northern lights can make it that far south again.

    Many areas in northern latitudes should be able to see the northern lights with the naked eye. If you’re farther south, your smartphone cameras may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Long-exposure is your best bet to reveal all the colors in the night sky.

    When taking the photo, turn on “night mode” and place your phone on a steady surface. The longer the exposure, the better the photo will turn out!

    If you’ve taken any pictures of the northern lights, you can share your photos here.

    Associated Press, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • PHOTOS: Glimmers of the northern lights captured on Florida cameras

    BY

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Florida


    PUBLISHED 11:08 AM ET Nov. 12, 2025
    PUBLISHED 11:08 AM EST Nov. 12, 2025

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • PHOTOS: Glimmers of the northern lights captured on Florida cameras

    BY

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Florida


    PUBLISHED 11:08 AM ET Nov. 12, 2025
    PUBLISHED 11:08 AM EST Nov. 12, 2025

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • PHOTO GALLERY: Northern lights visible across the country

    See pictures of the northern lights around the U.S.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • It’s time to spin your ceiling fan the other way

    If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on and look up at it. Which direction are the blades spinning? If they’re going counterclockwise, it’s time to change direction.

    What You Need To Know

    • Clockwise-turning fans circulate warm air around

    • Counterclockwise-turning fans give a cooling breeze

    • Changing the fan’s spin direction can lower your energy bill

    • Get the most out of your fan with the right size and position

    You may have noticed that your ceiling fan blades have slight angles. There’s a reason for that! They’re designed to move the room’s air a certain way, depending on which direction the fan is spinning.

    Which way?

    In the summer, a counterclockwise-spinning ceiling fan will push air down and out, creating a small cooling breeze.

    In the winter, a clockwise-spinning ceiling fan on low-speed will draw up the air and circulate it so that it mixes. Warm air rises, so it’ll make use of the warmer air that’s hanging above your head.

    To change your fan’s spin direction, check the manual to make sure you do it correctly. Most likely, the switch is on the body of the fan fixture or inside the light globe. If your fan has a remote or wall panel, check for a fan direction button there.

    This little trick of running your ceiling fan the right way can also lower your energy bill. Since your fan is returning warm air down, you may find yourself turning your thermostat down.

    Is your fan doing its best work?

    One other note: make sure your ceiling fan is right for the room.

    Ceiling fan blades work best when they’re 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling, 7 to 9 feet above the floor and at least 18 inches away from walls.

    Fans with a diameter of 44 inches or less are good for circulating rooms up to 225 square feet. Larger rooms should use larger fans, often 52 inches or bigger.

    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.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • It’s time to spin your ceiling fan the other way

    If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on and look up at it. Which direction are the blades spinning? If they’re going counterclockwise, it’s time to change direction.

    What You Need To Know

    • Clockwise-turning fans circulate warm air around

    • Counterclockwise-turning fans give a cooling breeze

    • Changing the fan’s spin direction can lower your energy bill

    • Get the most out of your fan with the right size and position

    You may have noticed that your ceiling fan blades have slight angles. There’s a reason for that! They’re designed to move the room’s air a certain way, depending on which direction the fan is spinning.

    Which way?

    In the summer, a counterclockwise-spinning ceiling fan will push air down and out, creating a small cooling breeze.

    In the winter, a clockwise-spinning ceiling fan on low-speed will draw up the air and circulate it so that it mixes. Warm air rises, so it’ll make use of the warmer air that’s hanging above your head.

    To change your fan’s spin direction, check the manual to make sure you do it correctly. Most likely, the switch is on the body of the fan fixture or inside the light globe. If your fan has a remote or wall panel, check for a fan direction button there.

    This little trick of running your ceiling fan the right way can also lower your energy bill. Since your fan is returning warm air down, you may find yourself turning your thermostat down.

    Is your fan doing its best work?

    One other note: make sure your ceiling fan is right for the room.

    Ceiling fan blades work best when they’re 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling, 7 to 9 feet above the floor and at least 18 inches away from walls.

    Fans with a diameter of 44 inches or less are good for circulating rooms up to 225 square feet. Larger rooms should use larger fans, often 52 inches or bigger.

    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.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Only in Florida: Watch for falling iguanas next week

    A strong cold front will push all the way into Florida early next week, bringing the potential for some record cold temperatures. Along with the potential for the first frost and freeze for many, there is another hazard you may have to look out for — falling iguanas. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Iguanas are spotted as far north as Central Florida

    • They can freeze in temperatures as high as 50 degrees

    • Falling iguanas can be a hazard for bypassers


    Iguanas are native to southern Mexico, central Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and parts of the Caribbean. With human help, iguanas were first introduced to the United States in 1966.

    They either hopped aboard a boat coming to the U.S. or were brought in as pets and have since become an invasive species over the years. There’s a reason these large lizards live mainly in tropical climates.

    Being cold-blooded, iguanas cannot survive in colder climates and typically stay in south Florida or the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. They have been spotted recently, however, in Central Florida.

    With a warmer-than-average summer, iguanas may have been able to migrate a little further north than usual. This could become a problem this winter as temperatures drop.

    Thanks to a strong cold front bringing some early cold next week, cold air will surge into Florida, where temperatures are expected to drop into the 30s and 40s. 

    These cold-blooded reptiles start to freeze and become sluggish with temperatures only as low as 50 degrees.

    As temperatures continue to fall, they become paralyzed. If this occurs while they are up in a tree, it’s hazardous to unaware passersby below, as the heavy lizards lose their grip and fall from their perches.

    In the past, the National Weather Service in Miami issued a “falling iguana” warning to residents when temperatures dropped into the 40s. 

    Earlier this year, a cold snap in South Florida caused iguanas to freeze. Here’s a video of one in North Miami Beach falling from a tree.


    If you happen upon an immobile iguana, it’s best to keep your distance. Once they thaw out, they can become aggressive and bite or scratch.

    Iguanas over two feet will typically survive a short-lived cold snap. If the cold persists, or if the iguana is smaller, they can have lasting effects or even end up dying.

    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.

    Meteorologist Mallory Nicholls, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

    • The next supermoon will appear on December 4, 2025

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

    What’s a supermoon?

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

    Alternative names

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

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

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

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

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

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

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

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

    • The next supermoon will appear on December 4, 2025

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

    What’s a supermoon?

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

    Alternative names

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

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

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

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

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

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link