ReportWire

Tag: Weather Blog Florida NEW

  • EF1 tornado confirmed in Largo Wednesday evening

    [ad_1]

    The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 tornado moved through Pinellas County Wednesday evening.

    What You Need To Know

    • A tornado touched down in Pinellas County Wednesday evening

    • It was rated an EF1 with estimated peak winds of 90 mph

    • It caused significant damage in the Ranchero Village community


    According to the National Weather Service, the tornado began just after 7 p.m. Wednesday in Largo, with the first damage occurring at a shopping center near the intersection of Belcher Rd. and Bryan Dairy Rd. 

    It moved north-northeast and stayed on the ground for eight minutes, causing the most significant damage in the Ranchero Village community, where several mobile homes were badly damaged. 

    The tornado stayed on the ground for just over two miles and had estimated peak winds of 90 mph.

    Check out the tornado track in the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos.


    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.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • Andrea was a short-lived tropical storm

    [ad_1]

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

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical Storm Andrea only lasted 12 hours

    • It was short-lived and weak

    • It didn’t impact any land


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

    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]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Weather and safety alerts available in the Spectrum News app

    [ad_1]

    Severe weather and safety push alerts are available in the Spectrum News app.

    What You Need To Know

    • Alert options include lightning, precipitation alerts, watches, warnings and advisories

    • You can enable your device location, or you can manually enter a location 

    • Choose the category of alerts you want to receive

    • You can change your selections at any time 

    • Download the Spectrum News App

    The alerts allow you to get advanced notice of various weather conditions in and around your location.

    You can opt in to get alerts that tell you when lightning strikes near you, when rain or snow is going to start at your location, as well as an array of advisories, watches and warnings.

    How to choose your alerts

    1. Go to settings and select manage notifications. 

    2. Select the Weather option.

    3. Here, you can indicate if you want to receive alerts for lightning near your location and alerts for when rain or snow starts near you.

    4. When you select the Weather and Safety Alerts, you will see 3 options to choose from.

    The first option, Severe Watches and Warnings Only, includes only critical alerts like tornado, snow, hurricane and flood warnings.

    The second option adds watches and more warnings for conditions like extreme heat and cold, lake-effect snow, air quality, coastal flooding and more.

    The third option allows you to select all advisories, watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Here is a list of alerts with definitions.

    Keep in mind that some alerts could come overnight, so consider that when you make your selection. You can change your selections at any time.  

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Weather and safety alerts available in the Spectrum News app

    [ad_1]

    Severe weather and safety push alerts are available in the Spectrum News app.

    What You Need To Know

    • Alert options include lightning, precipitation alerts, watches, warnings and advisories

    • You can enable your device location, or you can manually enter a location 

    • Choose the category of alerts you want to receive

    • You can change your selections at any time 

    • Download the Spectrum News App

    The alerts allow you to get advanced notice of various weather conditions in and around your location.

    You can opt in to get alerts that tell you when lightning strikes near you, when rain or snow is going to start at your location, as well as an array of advisories, watches and warnings.

    How to choose your alerts

    1. Go to settings and select manage notifications. 

    2. Select the Weather option.

    3. Here, you can indicate if you want to receive alerts for lightning near your location and alerts for when rain or snow starts near you.

    4. When you select the Weather and Safety Alerts, you will see 3 options to choose from.

    The first option, Severe Watches and Warnings Only, includes only critical alerts like tornado, snow, hurricane and flood warnings.

    The second option adds watches and more warnings for conditions like extreme heat and cold, lake-effect snow, air quality, coastal flooding and more.

    The third option allows you to select all advisories, watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Here is a list of alerts with definitions.

    Keep in mind that some alerts could come overnight, so consider that when you make your selection. You can change your selections at any time.  

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Weather and safety alerts available in the Spectrum News app

    [ad_1]

    Severe weather and safety push alerts are available in the Spectrum News app.

    What You Need To Know

    • Alert options include lightning, precipitation alerts, watches, warnings and advisories

    • You can enable your device location, or you can manually enter a location 

    • Choose the category of alerts you want to receive

    • You can change your selections at any time 

    • Download the Spectrum News App

    The alerts allow you to get advanced notice of various weather conditions in and around your location.

    You can opt in to get alerts that tell you when lightning strikes near you, when rain or snow is going to start at your location, as well as an array of advisories, watches and warnings.

    How to choose your alerts

    1. Go to settings and select manage notifications. 

    2. Select the Weather option.

    3. Here, you can indicate if you want to receive alerts for lightning near your location and alerts for when rain or snow starts near you.

    4. When you select the Weather and Safety Alerts, you will see 3 options to choose from.

    The first option, Severe Watches and Warnings Only, includes only critical alerts like tornado, snow, hurricane and flood warnings.

    The second option adds watches and more warnings for conditions like extreme heat and cold, lake-effect snow, air quality, coastal flooding and more.

    The third option allows you to select all advisories, watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Here is a list of alerts with definitions.

    Keep in mind that some alerts could come overnight, so consider that when you make your selection. You can change your selections at any time.  

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • How boaters can keep safe this summer

    [ad_1]

    Summer is in full swing, and that means it’s boating season. However, with warmer weather, comes the threat of dangerous thunderstorms.

    Seasoned boaters know all too well how quickly conditions can change on the water but knowing what to do in every situation can save lives.

    How do you know what weather to expect? Is it better to hurry to shore or stick it out? These are a few of the questions we will answer for you ahead.

    What You Need To Know

    • Most boating accidents happen during the summer months

    • Knowing the forecast is the most important step

    • Having a safety plan can help boaters caught in a storm


    Understanding the dangers of weather on the water

    Thousands of boating accidents happen every year leading to injuries and death. Most of these accidents happen during the summer months of June, July and August. 

    Of those accidents, roughly 3-5% of them are caused by weather. Overall, weather was the 8th leading cause of boating accidents in a 2023 study done by USCG. 

    While on the water, there are many hazards to be aware of: lightning, heavy rain and strong winds that can create dangerous waves. Together, these dangers can make the water the worst place to be during a thunderstorm.

    TIP #1: Know before you go

    The first step to safety is taking the right steps to prepare. Before you even hit the waters, knowing the forecast for the day is paramount.

    Checking the forecast through your local National Weather Service office is a great start. If you can, it’s suggested to research the buoy observations to understand current conditions.

    If there is any chance of thunderstorms, it is strongly advised to rethink heading out. Ultimately, it is your choice to decide whether to head out, so as to ensure you are confident in the forecast.

    Weather apps, like the Spectrum News App, can help you make that decision. Additionally, having a NOAA weather radio is a great option.

    TIP #2: Staying weather aware

    Once the decision has been made for a day of boating, the job doesn’t end there. Some days may be tranquil, but other days the weather can be unpredictable and full of unwelcome surprises.

    Keeping an eye out for a few key signs could make all the difference. If you notice skies darkening, winds changing direction, pressure dropping, or simply hearing thunder in the distance, heading back to port is the best decision to make.

    If you think conditions can improve, hanging by a landing until it looks safe will allow you the option to head back out. If conditions get worse, seek dry land.

    TIP #3: Keeping safe during a storm

    If you unfortunately can’t get to land before a storm hits, having a safety plan to protect yourself and guests is essential.

    Thunderstorms are the worst nightmare for boaters. They can create many hazardous conditions like frequent lightning, strong winds, large waves, waterspouts and blinding rain.

    While getting off the water is always the goal if a thunderstorm is about to hit, sometimes that isn’t an option right away. 

    The National Weather Service and U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you:

    In addition to the life jackets, you should have a safety kit available, especially for larger boats. For more on what you should have in your kit, visit here.

    Making the call

    Deciding whether to set sail or stay on land is your decision. Being prepared for the worst every time you are on the water is a must. Remember to always check the forecast, be aware of changing weather conditions, and enact the thunderstorm safety plan when necessary. Doing so will help keep you safe and enjoy boating all season long.

    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 Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • Google launches new AI-powered weather model to predict hurricanes

    [ad_1]

    Google has introduced a new, experimental artificial intelligence (AI) weather model for predicting hurricanes. The new AI-based tropical cyclone model will be another tool for meteorologists and weather enthusiasts alike to predict the track and intensity of future storms this hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Google has launched an experimental AI-based weather model to predict tropical cyclones

    • The new model can predict a cyclone’s track, intensity, size and structure

    • Google is partnering with the National Hurricane Center to support forecasts and warnings


    Google’s new AI-powered tropical cyclone model is the latest addition to its WeatherNext model family, a suite of AI weather models from Google DeepMind and Google Research. According to Google, “this model can predict a cyclone’s formation, track, intensity, size and shape — generating 50 possible scenarios, up to 15 days ahead.”

    Traditional numerical weather prediction (NWP) models that are used to forecast hurricanes, like the GFS and Euro (ECMWF), are physics-based. Simply put, they combine current atmospheric weather conditions with a set of equations that govern our atmosphere, to predict future atmospheric conditions.

    Physics-based models have shown tremendous improvement in the past 50+ years, but there are still omissions, estimations, approximations and compromises in each step of creating the forecast, so it’s far from perfect.

    Google claims that its AI-powered model can overcome the trade-offs of physics-based models. “It’s trained to model two distinct types of data: a vast reanalysis dataset that reconstructs past weather over the entire Earth from millions of observations, and a specialized database containing key information about the track, intensity, size and wind radii of nearly 5,000 observed cyclones from the past 45 years.”


    Google’s internal testing of their model has shown its model’s predictions for track and intensity are as accurate as, and often more accurate than, current physics-based models. Using 2023 and 2024 as test years, Google’s model had a 5-day track prediction, on average, “140 km closer to the true cyclone location than ENS — the leading global physics-based ensemble model from ECMWF.”

    This year, forecasters from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) will be able to use predictions from Google’s experimental AI models, alongside the more traditions physics-based models to create forecasts. “We hope this data can help improve NHC forecasts and provide earlier and more accurate warnings for hazards linked to tropical cyclones.” 

    Despite the early hope and promise shown by new AI-powered weather models, it’s important to note that they’re still experimental and just one tool. These models are still under development, and you should always refer to local officials and the NHC for official watches, warnings and forecasts. 

    You can read Google’s full press release here, and check out Weather Lab, Google’s interactive site for sharing their AI weather models.

    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

  • 2025 severe weather season more active than average

    [ad_1]

    There is no doubt, 2025 has been busy in the severe weather department. From damaging winds, to large hail, to hundreds of tornadoes, this year has been more active than normal.

    What You Need To Know

    • There have been over 850 tornadoes in the U.S. this year so far

    • The average through May is around 650 tornadoes.

    • Severe weather season continues into June


    The severe weather season quickly ramped up in March in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys. It was also active in the south.

    The severe weather didn’t stop there. Virtually the same areas were hit hard in April and May. 

    On the 16th of May, an outbreak of tornadoes impacted Missouri, southern Illinois and Kentucky with several strong tornadoes. In fact, an EF4 tornado hit London, Kentucky. 19 people were killed from severe weather in Kentucky that day. 

    2025 tornadoes by EF scale

    EFU (Undefined): 68

    EF0: 245

    EF1: 406

    EF2: 117

    EF3: 32

    EF4: 5

    EF5: 0

    A path of destroyed homes is seen, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in London, Ky., after a severe storm passed through the area. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

    The severe weather continued into June. Two major metro areas were hit by tornadoes early in the month. The Kansas City region was hit by two tornadoes on the 3rd of the month. The day after, the western suburbs of St. Louis were hit by an EF1 tornado.

    The St. Louis area so far this year has experienced 43 tornadoes. That doubles their annual average, which is around 22 tornadoes. Additionally, 28% of these tornadoes have been strong to violent (EF2+).

    De Soto, Missouri tornado on June 8, 2025. Photo by Noah Belleville

    Average number of tornadoes

    Spring is the most active season for tornadoes in the United States, but this year has been more active than average. So far, there have been over 870 tornadoes across the country. On average, 650 tornadoes hit the country into the beginning of June. Here is the average number or tornadoes broken down by month.

    A shift in “tornado alley”

    The tornadoes in 2025 have been most prevalent east of the typical “tornado alley” region, which is in the plains. This year, tornadoes have been focused in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys.

    Tornadoes this year have shifted 400 to 600 miles east of the “typical” tornado alley.

    Will this continue to be a trend due to climate change? Time will tell over the next several years. In the meantime, thunderstorms will continue into the summer and so does the risk for severe weather.

    Best to have your notifications enabled so you can plan for the incoming inclement weather

    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 Alan Auglis

    Source link

  • June’s strawberry moon will be a rare sight

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon will rise above the horizon Tuesday night. The June full moon, often called the strawberry moon, will be a special occasion in the night sky.

    What You Need To Know

    • June’s full moon is often called the strawberry moon

    • It will be the lowest full moon in decades

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    The full moon this month, our sixth of the year, will rise notably low above the horizon Tuesday night. This is normally the case with June full moons, but the 2025 strawberry moon will be more dramatic than usual.

    In fact, according to Earth Sky, it will be the lowest full moon in decades thanks to something called a Lunar Standstill. This is a 18.6-year lunar cycle that affects how high the moon is in the sky.

    This is because the light must pass through more of the atmosphere at a lower angle. That results in mostly reds and oranges being visible because of other colors being scattered out. 

    The strawberry moon is expected to peak in the late hours of Tuesday night, but to the naked eye it will look all the same as it arises out of the western sky.

    Possible cloud coverage Tuesday evening. (weathermodels.com)

    The name of the moon is Native American, relating to the peak season of the fruit. In Europe, it has other names like the Honey or Mead moon.

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

    The next full moon will be the Buck Moon, which occurs on July 10, 2025.

    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 Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • June’s strawberry moon will be a rare sight

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon will rise above the horizon Tuesday night. The June full moon, often called the strawberry moon, will be a special occasion in the night sky.

    What You Need To Know

    • June’s full moon is often called the strawberry moon

    • It will be the lowest full moon in decades

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    The full moon this month, our sixth of the year, will rise notably low above the horizon Tuesday night. This is normally the case with June full moons, but the 2025 strawberry moon will be more dramatic than usual.

    In fact, according to Earth Sky, it will be the lowest full moon in decades thanks to something called a Lunar Standstill. This is a 18.6-year lunar cycle that affects how high the moon is in the sky.

    This is because the light must pass through more of the atmosphere at a lower angle. That results in mostly reds and oranges being visible because of other colors being scattered out. 

    The strawberry moon is expected to peak in the late hours of Tuesday night, but to the naked eye it will look all the same as it arises out of the western sky.

    Possible cloud coverage Tuesday evening. (weathermodels.com)

    The name of the moon is Native American, relating to the peak season of the fruit. In Europe, it has other names like the Honey or Mead moon.

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

    The next full moon will be the Buck Moon, which occurs on July 10, 2025.

    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 Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • Breaking down the North American Monsoon season

    [ad_1]

    You’ve all heard the term “monsoon season”, usually applied to a particularly wet period of weather for a region. But, did you know there is a specific cause to a true monsoon season, and it has everything to do with the wind. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Traders off the Indian and Arabia coasts were the first to notice the monsoon pattern

    • Monsoons are large-scale wind shifts that occur in the spring and summer months

    • In the 90s, studies were done to determine if a monsoon existed in North America

    • Rain during a monsoon is not continuous and can vary in intensity year to year



    Monsoons occur in many parts of the globe. Besides the first monsoons observed in India and the Arabian peninsula, areas in Southeast Asia, Australia, North America, Africa and South America feature the annual weather phenomenon.

    How do monsoons form?

    Most of the time, wind in dry areas blows from the land toward the sea. However, by late spring, land areas begin to heat up.

    The heat creates an area of low pressure know as a ‘thermal low’. Nearby bodies of water are also warmed, but not as quickly, so air pressure remains high relative to the land.

    Eventually, the pressure differences get to where the cooler, more humid air over the water is drawn toward the hot, dry air over land, creating the perfect environment for areas of heavy rain to form.

    The North American Monsoon

    Not much was known or studied regarding a monsoon season in North America until the 1990s. The Southwest Arizona Monsoon Project, or SWAMP for short, more or less proved the existence of a monsoon season similar to those studied in other parts of the world.

    While not as strong or persistent as the Indian monsoon, it checks all the boxes of a bona fide monsoon. The wind shift in summer as Mexico and the southwest U.S. warm up starts the process. Flow from dry land areas to moist ocean areas switches and low-level moisture is transported primarily from the Gulf of California and eastern Pacific.

    Monsoon progression

    Like snowflakes or fingerprints, no two monsoon season are ever alike. However, they all follow a fairly predictable cycle with five phases. 

    • Ramp- Up: (June through Early July)

    • Onset: (Late June through Mid July)

    • Peak: (Mid July through Mid August)

    • Late Monsoon: (Mid August through early September)

    • Decay: (Late August through Late September)

    Each phase can differ year-to-year depending on where the subtropical, or monsoon, ridge is located. A stronger ridge can lead to hotter temperatures underneath this dome of high pressure and can result in more moisture transport in from the east.

    On the other hand, a weaker ridge can lead to cooler temperatures and a drier westerly wind influence.

    Results of the North American Monsoon

    Since no two monsoon seasons are ever the same, we can’t always rely on this four-month period to bring the desert southwest much needed rainfall. However, an average monsoon season in a place like Tucson, AZ can net about six inches of rain. This would account for more than half of their annual rainfall. 

    For 2025, the Climate Prediction Center is calling for a better that 50/50 chance at above-average monsoon rain totals. This will help Arizona, where half the state is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. 

    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 Nathan Harrington

    Source link

  • Weather Explained: Understanding the heat index

    [ad_1]

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

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

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

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Nick Merianos

    Source link

  • Weather Explained: Understanding the heat index

    [ad_1]

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

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

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

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Nick Merianos

    Source link

  • Ask a meteorologist: What to expect this hurricane season?

    [ad_1]

    The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is underway, and forecasters are expecting another active season. 

    Our Spectrum News Weather experts from around the country answered viewer questions about the upcoming season. Check out their responses.

    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]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Where to expect tropical activity in June

    [ad_1]

    The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1.

    With above normal activity expected, it’s important to know where tropical systems could form.

    What You Need To Know

    • June tropical activity is most likely in the Gulf

    • Storms that develop typically move northeastward

    • Only four June hurricanes have made landfall in the U.S. since 1950


    Even though systems can form before hurricane season, June is still very early in hurricane season. Tropical systems typically struggle to develop, and those that do usually only strengthen into a disorganized system or weak hurricane.

    The most favorable areas for tropical development in June are the Gulf, the northern Caribbean Sea and the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, just off the southeastern coast.

    Systems that develop typically take a northeastward track. 

    Since 1950, only four hurricanes have made landfall in the U.S. during June, all of them along the Gulf Coast. Bonnie and Agnes made landfall as Category 1 hurricanes, while Audrey and Alma strengthened into major hurricanes. 

    Development zones expand and tropical activity increases as we get further into summer. 

    Read More About Hurricanes


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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • It’s the first day of Atlantic hurricane season

    [ad_1]

    Today is the first day of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Here are some helpful resources to help you and your family prepare.

    How to prepare?

    Even if you are not in a storm’s path, there are ways to prepare in advance that will make it easier for you when the time comes. It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, and if so, to develop an evacuation plan for you and your family.

    You can assemble a hurricane kit, including items like non-perishable food for your family and pets, water, flashlights, a first aid kit and more.

    Also, reviewing your insurance plans if you own a home and to sign up for flood insurance if it is a separate plan.

    Here is a full breakdown of how to prepare you and your family and what you can do today.

    This year’s forecast

    NOAA and Colorado State University are both predicting above normal activity this season.

    This year’s forecast includes several factors, primarily continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes.

    More 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.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • Test your hurricane knowledge with tropical trivia

    [ad_1]

    Take this short quiz to test your hurricane knowledge.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Weather Explained: What is Saharan dust layer?

    [ad_1]

    Saharan dust plays a big role in tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic. Strong winds pick up the dust from the Sahara Desert and transport it thousands of miles across the Atlantic. This layer of dust is known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL).

    Tropical cyclones need specific ingredients to form, and one of them is moisture. As you would expect, the Saharan Air Layer over the Atlantic is relatively dry and contains 50% less moisture than the typical tropical air mass. This will limit any development or intensification of tropical cyclones.

    Saharan dust events pick up in June and carry into mid-August. During these times, large plumes of dust are lofted into the atmosphere and carried by strong upper level winds across the Atlantic. Often, the dust reaches the U.S. coast, and it can even cause a beautiful sunset.

    Watch the video above to learn more on the relationship between Saharan dust and tropical systems.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Nick Merianos

    Source link

  • NHC updates cone of uncertainty and other parameters ahead of hurricane season

    [ad_1]

    The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has unveiled updates to the cone of uncertainty for the upcoming hurricane season, as well as refined other parameters. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Inland tropical watches and warnings will be shown on an experimental map with the cone, similar to 2024 experimental map

    • Potential Tropical Cyclones will be issued up to 72 hours out from a storm

    • A new rip current risk map will be provided by NHC during a tropical event


    Thanks to positive feedback from the 2024 hurricane season, the cone of uncertainty graphic will now display inland watches and warnings to better communicate the wind risk away from the coast. 

    The size of the track forecast cone will appear slightly smaller, about 3 to 5% in the Atlantic basin, compared to 2024. According to the NHC, “the cone represents the probable track of the center of a tropical cyclone.”

    Here is a look at what the new experimental cone will look like.

    The traditional operational cone of uncertainty, without the inand watches/warnings, will continue to be distributed by the NHC. The new, experimental, graphic will be available on the National Hurricane Center website and usually update approximately 30 minutes after the advisory release.

    This experimental graphic will be released for both full and intermediate advisories. 

    Potential Tropical Cyclones

    Since 2017, the NHC has used potential tropical cyclone (PTC) forecasts to alert the public of threats before a storm has even formed. Beginning this hurricane season, they can alert the public up further in advance, now 72 hours out.

    For more information on PTCs, click here. 

    Rip current risk

    Due to increases in rip current and surf fatalities during a tropical event, the NHC has decided to better highlight the risk during tropical events. 

    “They will now provide rip current risk information that originates from local National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) in a national rip current risk map when at least one active tropical system is present.”

    The map will provide rip current risk information but will not give specific information on the height of the surf. Here’s a prototype. 

    2025 Atlantic names

    Here’s a look at the list of names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. 

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • May’s Flower Moon lights up the sky this week

    [ad_1]

    Spring is in the air in more ways than one this week, as May’s full moon will brighten the skies early this week. The second full moon of the season, called the Flower Moon, will rise above the horizon Monday evening.

    What You Need To Know

    • May’s full moon is named the Flower Moon

    • The full moon will peak Monday afternoon

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    It is no surprise how the Flower Moon got its name with flowers in full bloom during the month of May.

    There are other names for the celestial event. Native American names also have a spring flavor, including Budding Moon and Planting Moon.

    This year’s Flower Moon will appear smaller than normal because of the moon’s farther distance from Earth thanks to its elliptical orbit.

    Best time to see the Flower Moon

    The full moon will come to full peak Monday afternoon but still provide optimal viewings two days before and after peak. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    The best viewing will be just after moonrise Monday, May 12. You can find the best time, check out the moonrise calculator.

    • New York: sunset at 8:03 p.m. EDT, moonrise at 8:31 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 12.
    • St. Louis: sunset at 8:03 p.m. CDT, moonrise at 8:31 p.m. CDT on Monday, May 12.
    • Los Angeles: sunset at 7:45 p.m. PDT, moonrise at 8:14 p.m. PDT on Monday, May 12.

    The next full moon will be the Strawberry Moon, which occurs on June 12, 2025.

    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 Ian Cassette

    Source link