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Tag: weather

  • Winter Storm Packing Snow and Strong Winds to Descend on Great Lakes and Northeast

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    A wild winter storm was expected to bring strong winds, heavy snow and frigid temperatures to the Great Lakes and Northeast on Tuesday, a day after a bomb cyclone barreled across the northern U.S. and left tens thousands of customers without power.

    The storm that hit parts of the Plains and Great Lakes on Monday brought sharply colder air, strong winds and a mix of snow, ice and rain that led to treacherous travel. Forecasters said it intensified quickly enough to meet the criteria of a bomb cyclone, a system that strengthens rapidly as pressure drops.

    Nationwide, more than 153,000 customers were without power early Tuesday, more than a third of them in Michigan, according to Poweroutage.us.

    As Monday’s storm moved into Canada, the National Weather Service predicted more inclement weather conditions for the Eastern U.S, including quick bursts of heavy snow and gusty winds known as snow squalls.

    New York Gov. Kathy Hochul warned that whiteout conditions were expected Tuesday in parts of the state, including the Syracuse-metro area.

    “If you’re in an impacted area, please avoid all unnecessary travel,” she said in a post on the social media platform X,

    Snow piled up quickly in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Monday, where as much as 2 feet (60 centimeters) fell in some areas, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologist Ryan Metzger said additional snow was expected in the coming days, although totals would be far lighter.

    Waves on Lake Superior that were expected to reach 20 feet (6 meters) Monday sent all but one cargo ship into harbors for shelter, according to MarineTraffic.com. Weather forecasting on the lakes has improved greatly since the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in 1975 after waves were predicted at up to 16 feet (4.8 meters).

    The fierce winds on Lake Erie sent water surging toward the basin’s eastern end near Buffalo, New York, while lowering water on the western side in Michigan to expose normally submerged lakebed — even the wreck of a car and a snowmobile.

    Kevin Aldrich, 33, a maintenance worker from Monroe, Michigan, said he has never seen the lake recede so much and was surprised on Monday to spot the remnants of old piers dating back to the 1830s. He posted photos on social media of wooden pilings sticking up several feet from the muck.

    “Where those are at would typically be probably 12 feet deep,” he said. “We can usually drive our boat over them.”

    Dangerous wind chills plunged as low as minus 30 F (minus 34 C) across parts of North Dakota and Minnesota on Monday. And in northeast West Virginia, rare, nearly hurricane-force winds were recorded on a mountain near Dolly Sods, according to the National Weather Service.

    In Iowa, after blizzard conditions eased by Monday morning, high winds continued blowing fallen snow across roadways, keeping more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) of Interstate 35 closed. State troopers reported dozens of crashes during the storm, including one that killed a person.

    On the West Coast, the National Weather Service warned that moderate to strong Santa Ana winds were expected in parts of Southern California through Tuesday, raising concerns about downed trees in areas where soils have been saturated by recent storms. Two more storms were forecast later this week, with rain on New Year’s Day potentially soaking the Rose Parade in Pasadena for the first time in about two decades.

    Associated Press writers Julie Walker in New York; Corey Williams in Detroit; Margery Beck in Omaha, Nebraska; Susan Haigh in Norwich, Connecticut; and Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska, contributed.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – December 2025

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  • Cold weather shelters opening across Tampa area

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Residents waking up across the Tampa Bay area are feeling a noticeable chill in the air, and forecasters say temperatures will remain cold throughout the day.

    Wind chills are expected to drop into the 20s and 30s overnight, prompting local governments to activate cold weather shelters for people in need.

    Several counties are moving quickly to prepare as the cold snap settles in.

    Pinellas County and Hernando County plan to open their cold weather shelters tonight.


    Pasco County shelters will be open both tonight and on New Year’s Eve. Hillsborough County is also expected to activate its shelters this afternoon, which typically occurs when temperatures are forecast to fall below 40 degrees.

    Citrus County has already opened its shelters, activating them overnight. Officials say shelters there will remain open through at least Thursday, as temperatures are expected to dip close to freezing tonight and again on Wednesday.

    Kristy Jocelyn, executive director of Basic United, which operates the cold weather shelter in Citrus County, said staffing has been a challenge due to the New Year’s holiday and the extended cold stretch.

    “I’ve just kind of been dealing with one night at a time,” Jocelyn said. “We still need overnight volunteers for the rest of the week. If we don’t have them, we technically can’t open. We’ve got tonight covered with some last-minute people coming in, and hopefully they’ll be able to return another night this week.”

    Emergency planners are also preparing for increased demand. Once Hillsborough County officially activates its shelters, Metropolitan Ministries will provide a limited number of hotel vouchers if shelter space fills up in the Tampa area. Those vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    For more information on cold weather shelters in your area, visit these websites based on where you live:

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY 

    Hillsborough County is partnering with the following organizations to provide limited-capacity cold weather shelters for adults. All shelters will take in guests from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30, unless they reach capacity prior to that time.

    Hyde Park United Methodist Church (preferred media location)
    500 W. Platt St., Tampa, FL 33606

    Tampa Bay Mission of Hope
    110 S. Parsons Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511

    The Portico
    1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602

    Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park
    107 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa, FL 33606

    Amazing Love Ministries
    3304 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33605

    Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries
    2104 Mud Lake Rd. Plant City, FL 33566

    All congregate shelters are reserved for adults only. Metropolitan Ministries is supplying a limited number of motel vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis for families with minor children. Pre-registration is required for motel vouchers by calling (813) 209-1176. Phone lines will be open Tuesday, Dec. 30, until 5 p.m. or until they run out of vouchers.

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    Cold night shelters in Pinellas County will be open Tuesday night, Dec. 30, the Homeless Leadership Alliance has announced. The shelters will be open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

    Shelter guests are accepted until the shelter is full. All sites provide a warm and safe place to sleep, and many sites also serve a meal. Shelters are activated when the National Weather Service expects the “feels like” temperature to hit 40 degrees or below across the county between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

    Tarpon Springs

    • Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs
      • Address: 111 W Lime Street, Tarpon Springs

    Clearwater

    • First United Methodist Church of Clearwater
      • Address: 411 Turner Street, Clearwater

    Pinellas Park

    • Boys & Girls Club of Pinellas Park
      • 7790 61st St. N, Pinellas Park

    St. Petersburg

    • Unitarian Universalist Church
      • 100 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg
      • Note: This location requires the use of stairs.
      • PSTA Routes #9, #20, #24, SunRunner
    • Salvation Army
      • Address: 1400 4th Street South, St. Petersburg

    Families with children will be placed in family shelters on cold nights (if space is available). Families should call 2-1-1, First Contact, for information about family shelters.

    The Homeless Leadership Alliance is in need of volunteers for this and future activations. Those interested in volunteering should visit pinellashomeless.org/become-a-volunteer to learn more.

    PASCO COUNTY 

    As extremely cold air remains in our area, Pasco County is opening a Cold Weather Shelter on both sides of the county Tuesday, December 30 and Wednesday, December 31.

    Anyone in need of a warm place to spend the night can head to either shelter.  The shelters will open at 6 p.m. each day and close at 10 a.m. the following day.

    Pasco County Cold Weather Shelters:

    WHEN:

    • Tuesday, December 30 & Wednesday, December 31 6 p.m. – 10 a.m. each day 

    WHERE:

    The extreme cold expected could be dangerous to anyone who will be outside for long periods of time.  Children, the elderly and pets are especially vulnerable to the cold, and extra care should be taken to protect them.

    CITRUS COUNTY 

    The Citrus County Cold Weather Shelter will be open Monday to Thursday nights due to freezing temperatures, and it urgently needs volunteers and donations.

    Anyone needing warmth is welcome, and free transportation is available through Citrus County Transit.

    The address is Nature Coast Church, 5113 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa.

    Donations can be brought to Nature Coast Church starting Monday at 5 p.m.

    HERNANDO COUNTY 

    In response to forecasted low temperatures, Hernando County Emergency Management, in partnership with the City of Brooksville, is opening a Warming Center to provide warmth and comfort to those in need.

    The Warming Center will be located at the Enrichment Center, located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601, and will open Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 8:00PM through 8:00AM Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The center will remain open through the night to ensure that community members have a safe place to stay warm.

    Important Information:

    ·         The Warming Center will not include meals or cots.

    ·         Pets are not allowed in the Warming Center.

    Steps to Prepare for Cold Weather:

    ·         Residents should stay indoors, bring pets inside and cover or move plants that are sensitive to cold indoors. Do not leave pets outside in the cold weather.

    ·         Consider running pool pumps overnight during freezing temperatures to prevent damage.

    ·         Residents are encouraged to monitor to local media outlets or the National Weather Service at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tbw/ for current weather information. The Emergency Operations Center is not activated at this time.

    R   Recommended Actions:

    ·         Take this opportunity to refresh your emergency supply kit. For more information, visit http://www.HernandoCounty.us/EM

    ·         Register for automated severe weather notifications at www.AlertHernando.org

    POLK COUNTY

    Talbot House Ministries is offering emergency service shelter located at 814 North Kentucky Ave, 33801.

    Guests are welcome during the holiday season from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m., with beds running on a first come first serve basis until 6 a.m. the following day.

    Meals and a shower will also be provided. 

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  • Woman knits scarf with each color tracking daily temperatures

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    A Baltimore County knitter’s unique scarf is not only vibrant: Each color signifies the daily weather.At her Maryland home, Rose Armentrout has an entire room dedicated to her knitting yarn and needles.”I try to organize it by type,” Armentrout told sister station WBAL-TV. “This bin is the cotton and this bin is the cashmere.”The room serves as Armentrout’s safe space, a sign of her dedication to knitting.”It helps you get through a lot of stuff. My husband and I both have had cancer. He is going through treatment now, so there’s a lot of hours spent sitting at the cancer center. So, I knit,” Armentrout said. “When I was going through treatments, I knitted scarves for all the nurses and doctors.”This year, Armentrout embarked on a project to knit a scarf that reflects the temperature for each day.”I made myself up a card, so I do single-digits is lilac, and 10 to 20 (degrees) is purple; 21 to 30, and so on by 10 digits, within that range,” Armentrout said. “I knit two rows, and whatever color I have decided for that temperature range, it’s like, ‘OK, I accomplished something today.’”Armentrout first saw the idea on Ravelry, a social networking site that connects knitters from all over the world.”My first thought was, ‘That’s weird.’ And then, it was intriguing as I looked into it,” Armentrout said. “The original idea behind it, though, was actually tracking temperature changes. It was about climate change, to see how much it has changed over the years, and how we are being affected by climate change.”As Armentrout completes her first temperature scarf with a few days left in 2025, she plans to wear it proudly.”I’m calling it my ‘Dr. Whoish temperature scarf’ because it’s very Dr. Whoish to me with all the colors, but it’s interesting, too, that you can see from the cold to the hot and back again,” Armentrout said.Armentrout is not finished with her knitting projects. She plans to knit another temperature scarf next year with the temperatures from her mother’s birth year, 1927, and compare them to this year’s temperatures.

    A Baltimore County knitter’s unique scarf is not only vibrant: Each color signifies the daily weather.

    At her Maryland home, Rose Armentrout has an entire room dedicated to her knitting yarn and needles.

    “I try to organize it by type,” Armentrout told sister station WBAL-TV. “This bin is the cotton and this bin is the cashmere.”

    The room serves as Armentrout’s safe space, a sign of her dedication to knitting.

    “It helps you get through a lot of stuff. My husband and I both have had cancer. He is going through treatment now, so there’s a lot of hours spent sitting at the cancer center. So, I knit,” Armentrout said. “When I was going through treatments, I knitted scarves for all the nurses and doctors.”

    This year, Armentrout embarked on a project to knit a scarf that reflects the temperature for each day.

    “I made myself up a card, so I do single-digits is lilac, and 10 to 20 (degrees) is purple; 21 to 30, and so on by 10 digits, within that range,” Armentrout said. “I knit two rows, and whatever color I have decided for that temperature range, it’s like, ‘OK, I accomplished something today.’”

    Armentrout first saw the idea on Ravelry, a social networking site that connects knitters from all over the world.

    “My first thought was, ‘That’s weird.’ And then, it was intriguing as I looked into it,” Armentrout said. “The original idea behind it, though, was actually tracking temperature changes. It was about climate change, to see how much it has changed over the years, and how we are being affected by climate change.”

    WBAL

    Rose Armentrout embarked on a project to knit a scarf that reflects the temperature for each day.

    As Armentrout completes her first temperature scarf with a few days left in 2025, she plans to wear it proudly.

    “I’m calling it my ‘Dr. Whoish temperature scarf’ because it’s very Dr. Whoish to me with all the colors, but it’s interesting, too, that you can see from the cold to the hot and back again,” Armentrout said.

    Armentrout is not finished with her knitting projects. She plans to knit another temperature scarf next year with the temperatures from her mother’s birth year, 1927, and compare them to this year’s temperatures.

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  • Met Office issue New Year’s Day yellow weather warning as snow and ice on way

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    Swathes of Scotland are expected to be hit with snow and ice as a yellow weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for the first day of 2026

    Scots may have missed out on a white Christmas this year, but snowy conditions look set to make an appearance as the New Year begins. Forecasters suggest January will get off to a very cold start, with snow flurries expected in the first two days of January and icy conditions likely to affect travel in several areas.

    The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across parts of Scotland, with the warning in place from from 6am on January 1 to 11:59pm on January 2. The weather warning comes as persistent cold northerly winds sweep across the country.

    Much of Scotland is being warned that the snow and ice may cause disruption to travel plans in the New Year, with the possibility of stranded vehicles and passengers as well as delays or cancelations to rail and air travel.

    “Cold northerly winds, initially across Scotland are now expected to become dominant across the whole UK in the first week of January. These will bring wintry showers (often of snow) to many coastlines (and areas just inland of these) that are exposed to onshore winds,” the Met Office said.

    The Met Office also warns that day to day changes in wind direction could shift where the heaviest snow falls. They continue: “Subtle day-to-day changes in wind direction from northeast to northwest will change the places most exposed to the showers, but many inland locations across central and southern areas will remain mostly dry but cold.

    “There are likely to be some more coherent bands of rain, sleet and snow working south, and these may bring a risk of more prolonged wintry precipitation affecting some inland areas.

    “Towards the second half of this period, slightly milder conditions will attempt to move in from the west.”

    WXCharts, which uses MetDesk data, suggests that much of Scotland, including Aberdeen and Perth, could see persistent snowfall from the afternoon of January 1. By January 2, snow is expected to spread further south, reaching areas such as Inverness.

    Snow depth charts suggest that some parts of northwest Scotland could see up to 17 inches on snow by Thursday, January 1.

    The yellow weather warning for ice and snow, put in place by the Met Office, covers:

    Affected areas

    • Strathclyde
    • Orkney & Shetland
    • Highlands & Eilean Siar
    • Grampian
    • Central, Tayside & Fife

    What to expect

    • Disruption to travel is likely on roads, with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel
    • There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off
    • There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
    • There is a chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces

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  • Cold weather shelters open in Tampa Bay, Central Florida

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    With cold conditions forecast this week in some Bay Area and Central Florida counties, officials have announced the opening of shelters at the locations below.

    Be sure to check back, as we’ll add more counties to this list as they come in.

    CITRUS COUNTY

    The Citrus County Cold Weather Shelter will be open Monday to Thursday nights due to freezing temperatures, and it urgently needs volunteers and donations.

    Anyone needing warmth is welcome, and free transportation is available through Citrus County Transit.

    The address is Nature Coast Church, 5113 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa.

    Donations can be brought to Nature Coast Church starting Monday at 5 p.m.

    FLAGLER COUNTY

    The Sheltering Tree is opening the first half of this week because of expected cold overnight temperatures. The shelter operated at the Rock Transformation Center (formerly Church on the Rock) is not only for those experiencing homelessness, but for anyone who is without heat.

    East side of the county

    • Dollar General at Publix Town Center on Market Avenue (leads to Dollar General), 3:30 p.m.
    • McDonald’s at Old King Road South and State Road 100 at the dirt road on the east side, 4 p.m.
    • Dollar Tree behind Carrabba’s in the Dollar Tree parking lot, 4:30 p.m.
    • Palm Coast Main Branch Library, northwest corner of Palm Coast Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway, 4:45 p.m.

    West side of the county

    • Dollar General at County Road 305 and Canal Avenue in Daytona North, 4 p.m.
    • Bunnell Free Clinic, 703 Moody Boulevard, 4:30 p.m.
    • Bridges United Methodist Church in Bunnell, 205 N. Pine Street, 4:30 p.m. (listed as the same pick-up time because of the proximity)

    The Rock Transformation Center is located at 2200 N. State Street. The cold-weather shelter will open at 5 p.m. and will close at 8 a.m. the following day.

    The Sheltering Tree, 386-437-3258, is under the umbrella of the Flagler County Family Assistance Center and is a non-denominational civic organization that was created to provide cold weather sheltering during cold nights in Flagler County.

    MARION COUNTY

    The Ocala Salvation Army: Center of Hope confirmed they are under cold weather conditions for Monday, Dec 29 and Tuesday Dec 30. Operations seem to be mindful of Marion County’s 50 degrees weather conditions. 

    The address of The Ocala Salvation Army is 320 NW 1st Ave, Ocala, Fla, 34475. Shelters are available overnight until 8 a.m. the next day. 

    OSCEOLA COUNTY

    First United Methodist Church is open on Dec. 30 and 31, 2025 for cold weather conditions. Shelter opens at 6 p.m. and has availability until 9 p.m., and runs until 8 a.m. the next day. Breakfast will be provided in the morning. 

    Located at 1000 Ohio Avenue., St. Cloud 34769, First Methodist Church shelter is located at the Family Life Center behind the church.

    Iglesia Del Nazareno Casa De Vida located at 2367 Fortune Road, in Kissimee Fla. is opening it’s doors at 6 p.m. Dec. 30 and 31. 

    Poinciana Christian Church located at 3181 Pleasant Hill Road, also in Kissimee will open it’s doors at 6 p.m. on a similar schedule as First Methodist Church. 

    Those needing transportation to the shelter location can travel at no cost using LYNX buses by alerting drivers that they will be going to the cold weather shelter.

    Pets are housed at Osceola Animal Services during the operation. Animals will need to be in a carrier before they board, unless they are a service dog.

    Osceola’s cold weather shelter collaboration program is coordinated by the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management with participation from the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, as well as LYNX, the Hope Partnership, the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, the Osceola Council on Aging, the Salvation Army, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and other members of the faith-based/non-profit community.

    ORANGE COUNTY

    Matthew’s Hope in Orange County is opening its doors once again on Dec. 30 beginning at 4 p.m. 

    Matthew’s Hope is located at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm, Saturday 8am to Noon, or by appointment. 

    Barnett Park located at 4801 W Colonial Drive in Orlando received mayoral approval from Orange County to support cold weather shelters for guests. 

    Beginning Tuesday Dec. 30 at 4 p.m., Barnett Park shelter is available to guests until Thursday January 1, at 8 a.m. 

    Orange County also gave notice for Goldenrod Recreation Center in Winter Park to support during the holiday season. 

    Goldenrod Rec. center’s cold weather shelter is located at 4863 N. Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park, Fla. 32792, and follows the same schedule as Barnett Park for Orange County. 

    SEMINOLE COUNTY

    Rescue Outreach Commission is located at 1701 W. 13th St., in Sanford. They are opening their doors beginning Dec 30, 2025 on a first come first serve basis. Runs until Thursday, Jan 1, 2025. 

    VOLUSIA COUNTY

    The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia at The Bridge is open for cold weather conditions tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6:30-7 p.m., and again Dec. 31 at the same time. Guests are welcome to stay until 8 a.m. the following morning. 

    Neighborhood Center’s The Bridge is located at 421 S. Palmetto Ave., in Deland. Breakfast will also be served for guests needing assistance. 

    POLK COUNTY

    Talbot House Ministries is offering emergency service shelter located at 814 North Kentucky Ave, 33801. Guests are welcome during the holiday season from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m., with beds running on a first come first serve basis until 6 a.m. the following day.

    Meals and a shower will also be provided. 

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  • Winter storm brings blizzard conditions and dangerous wind chills

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    A potent winter storm threatened blizzard-like conditions, treacherous travel and power outages in parts of the Upper Midwest as other areas of the country braced Monday for plunging temperatures, strong winds and a mix of snow, ice, and rain.

    The snow and strengthening winds began spreading Sunday across the northern Plains, where the National Weather Service warned of whiteout conditions and possible blizzard conditions that could make travel impossible in some areas. Snowfall totals were expected to exceed a foot (30 centimeters) across parts of the upper Great Lakes and as much as double that along the south shore of Lake Superior.

    “Part of the storm system is getting heavy snow, other parts of the storm along the cold front are getting higher winds and much colder temperatures as the front passes,” said Bob Oravec, a lead forecaster at the National Weather Service office in College Park, Maryland. “They’re all related to each other — different parts of the country will be receiving different effects from this storm.”

    The weather service warned of “dangerous wind chills” as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 34.4 degrees Celsius) in North Dakota and into Minnesota from Sunday night into Monday.

    In the South, meteorologists warned severe thunderstorms are likely to signal the arrival of a sharp cold front — bringing a sudden drop in temperatures and strong north winds that will abruptly end days of record warmth throughout that region.

    The high temperature in Atlanta was around 72 F (22 C) on Sunday, continuing a warming trend after climbing to 78 F (about 26 C) to shatter the city’s record high temperature for Christmas Eve, the National Weather Service said. Numerous other record high temperatures were seen across the South and Midwest on the days after Christmas.

    But the incoming cold front was expected to drop rain on much of the South late Sunday night into Monday, and a big drop in temperatures Tuesday. Forecasters said the low temperature in Atlanta to 25 F (minus 3.9 C) by early Tuesday morning. The colder temperatures in the South are expected to persist through New Year’s Day.

    In Dallas, Sunday temperatures in the lower 80s (upper 20s C) could drop down to the mid 40s (single digits Celsius). In Little Rock, high temperatures of around 70 (21 C) on Sunday could drop down to highs in the mid-30s on Monday.

    “We’re definitely going back towards a more winter pattern,” Oravec said.

    The storm is expected to intensify as it moves east, drawing energy from a sharp clash between frigid air plunging south from Canada and unusually warm air that has lingered across the southern United States, according to the National Weather Service.

    ___

    Willingham reported from Concord, New Hampshire. Martin reported from Kennesaw, Georgia.

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  • Avalanche on Mammoth Mountain kills 30-year-old ski patroller

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    KCRA.COM, AS WE GET MORE INFORMATION. TONIGHT WE ARE LEARNING A SKI PATROLLER CAUGHT IN AN AVALANCHE ON MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN HAS DIED FROM HIS INJURIES. 30 YEAR OLD COLE MURPHY IS BEING REMEMBERED BY HIS FAMILY FOR HIS KINDNESS AND DEVOTION, SAYING THE MOUNTAIN IS WHERE HE FELT MOST ALIVE. THE SKI RESORT SAYS TWO OF THEIR PATROLLERS WERE PERFORMING AVALANCHE MITIGATION WORK FRIDAY MORNING, WHEN THEY WERE CAUGHT IN THAT SLIDE. ONE OF THEM WAS BEING ASSESSED FOR INJURIES, BUT WE DO NOT KNOW THEIR CONDITION AT THIS POINT. MURPHY WAS HOSPITALIZED AND DIED FROM HIS INJURIES. THE RESORT WARNS ANY SKIERS TO BE MINDFUL OF DEEP SNOW

    Avalanche on Mammoth Mountain kills 30-year-old ski patroller

    Updated: 9:29 PM PST Dec 28, 2025

    Editorial Standards

    A man died after getting caught in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain on Friday, according to the ski resort. Cole Murphy, a 30-year-old ski patroller, was out with another patroller performing avalanche mitigation work when the avalanche happened on Lincoln Mountain. Mammoth Mountain said the two of them were immediately taken to a nearby hospital.Murphy died in the hospital on Friday, Mammoth said. The resort described him Sunday as “an experienced patroller with a deep passion for the mountains and love for his career.” Murphy’s family provided the following statement: With hearts that are aching and full of love, we share the passing of our beloved son, Cole Murphy, who was involved in a tragic accident at Mammoth Mountain. He was just 30 years old. In these tender days, he is held close by the family and friends who cherished him deeply. Cole moved through the world with kindness, intention, and a wholehearted devotion to the life he chose.The mountain was where Cole felt most alive. It was his place of purpose, his community, and his second home. Serving on ski patrol wasn’t just a role for him—it was a calling. To his ski patrol family, the ones who worked beside him, had confidence in him, and shared a bond shaped by snow, service, and unwavering camaraderie: thank you for loving him as one of your own. That brotherhood meant more to him than words can ever express.At the center of Cole’s heart was Hayley—his partner, his joy, his steady place in the world. Their love was built on adventure, laughter, and a connection that ran deep. She is forever a part of who he was, and always will be. Cole also held his family close, meeting life with an easy smile, a generous spirit, and a warmth that drew people in wherever he went.We find ourselves without the right words, but never without love. We are profoundly grateful for the compassion, tenderness, and support that have surrounded our family during this unimaginable time. As we begin to navigate the path ahead, we carry with us the memories, the love, and the bright, enduring light that Cole brought into all of our lives.This was the second second ski patroller death on the mountain this year.Mammoth Mountain’s ski area was closed after the avalanche on Saturday and reopened on Sunday. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    A man died after getting caught in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain on Friday, according to the ski resort.

    Cole Murphy, a 30-year-old ski patroller, was out with another patroller performing avalanche mitigation work when the avalanche happened on Lincoln Mountain. Mammoth Mountain said the two of them were immediately taken to a nearby hospital.

    Murphy died in the hospital on Friday, Mammoth said. The resort described him Sunday as “an experienced patroller with a deep passion for the mountains and love for his career.”

    Murphy’s family provided the following statement:

    With hearts that are aching and full of love, we share the passing of our beloved son, Cole Murphy, who was involved in a tragic accident at Mammoth Mountain. He was just 30 years old. In these tender days, he is held close by the family and friends who cherished him deeply. Cole moved through the world with kindness, intention, and a wholehearted devotion to the life he chose.

    The mountain was where Cole felt most alive. It was his place of purpose, his community, and his second home. Serving on ski patrol wasn’t just a role for him—it was a calling. To his ski patrol family, the ones who worked beside him, had confidence in him, and shared a bond shaped by snow, service, and unwavering camaraderie: thank you for loving him as one of your own. That brotherhood meant more to him than words can ever express.

    At the center of Cole’s heart was Hayley—his partner, his joy, his steady place in the world. Their love was built on adventure, laughter, and a connection that ran deep. She is forever a part of who he was, and always will be. Cole also held his family close, meeting life with an easy smile, a generous spirit, and a warmth that drew people in wherever he went.

    We find ourselves without the right words, but never without love. We are profoundly grateful for the compassion, tenderness, and support that have surrounded our family during this unimaginable time. As we begin to navigate the path ahead, we carry with us the memories, the love, and the bright, enduring light that Cole brought into all of our lives.

    This was the second second ski patroller death on the mountain this year.

    Mammoth Mountain’s ski area was closed after the avalanche on Saturday and reopened on Sunday.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Hungary’s ‘water guardian’ farmers fight back against desertification

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    KISKUNMAJSA, Hungary — Oszkár Nagyapáti climbed to the bottom of a sandy pit on his land on the Great Hungarian Plain and dug into the soil with his hand, looking for a sign of groundwater that in recent years has been in accelerating retreat.

    “It’s much worse, and it’s getting worse year after year,” he said as cloudy liquid slowly seeped into the hole. ”Where did so much water go? It’s unbelievable.”

    Nagyapáti has watched with distress as the region in southern Hungary, once an important site for agriculture, has become increasingly parched and dry. Where a variety of crops and grasses once filled the fields, today there are wide cracks in the soil and growing sand dunes more reminiscent of the Sahara Desert than Central Europe.

    The region, known as the Homokhátság, has been described by some studies as semiarid — a distinction more common in parts of Africa, the American Southwest or Australian Outback — and is characterized by very little rain, dried-out wells and a water table plunging ever deeper underground.

    In a 2017 paper in European Countryside, a scientific journal, researchers cited “the combined effect of climatic changes, improper land use and inappropriate environmental management” as causes for the Homokhátság’s aridification, a phenomenon the paper called unique in this part of the continent.

    Fields that in previous centuries would be regularly flooded by the Danube and Tisza Rivers have, through a combination of climate change-related droughts and poor water retention practices, become nearly unsuitable for crops and wildlife.

    Now a group of farmers and other volunteers, led by Nagyapáti, are trying to save the region and their lands from total desiccation using a resource for which Hungary is famous: thermal water.

    “I was thinking about what could be done, how could we bring the water back or somehow create water in the landscape,” Nagyapáti told The Associated Press. “There was a point when I felt that enough is enough. We really have to put an end to this. And that’s where we started our project to flood some areas to keep the water in the plain.”

    Along with the group of volunteer “water guardians,” Nagyapáti began negotiating with authorities and a local thermal spa last year, hoping to redirect the spa’s overflow water — which would usually pour unused into a canal — onto their lands. The thermal water is drawn from very deep underground.

    According to the water guardians’ plan, the water, cooled and purified, would be used to flood a 2½-hectare (6-acre) low-lying field — a way of mimicking the natural cycle of flooding that channelizing the rivers had ended.

    “When the flooding is complete and the water recedes, there will be 2½ hectares of water surface in this area,” Nagyapáti said. “This will be quite a shocking sight in our dry region.”

    A 2024 study by Hungary’s Eötvös Loránd University showed that unusually dry layers of surface-level air in the region had prevented any arriving storm fronts from producing precipitation. Instead, the fronts would pass through without rain, and result in high winds that dried out the topsoil even further.

    The water guardians hoped that by artificially flooding certain areas, they wouldn’t only raise the groundwater level but also create a microclimate through surface evaporation that could increase humidity, reduce temperatures and dust and have a positive impact on nearby vegetation.

    Tamás Tóth, a meteorologist in Hungary, said that because of the potential impact such wetlands can have on the surrounding climate, water retention “is simply the key issue in the coming years and for generations to come, because climate change does not seem to stop.”

    “The atmosphere continues to warm up, and with it the distribution of precipitation, both seasonal and annual, has become very hectic, and is expected to become even more hectic in the future,” he said.

    Following another hot, dry summer this year, the water guardians blocked a series of sluices along a canal, and the repurposed water from the spa began slowly gathering in the low-lying field.

    After a couple of months, the field had nearly been filled. Standing beside the area in early December, Nagyapáti said that the shallow marsh that had formed “may seem very small to look at it, but it brings us immense happiness here in the desert.”

    He said the added water will have a “huge impact” within a roughly 4-kilometer (2½-mile) radius, “not only on the vegetation, but also on the water balance of the soil. We hope that the groundwater level will also rise.”

    Persistent droughts in the Great Hungarian Plain have threatened desertification, a process where vegetation recedes because of high heat and low rainfall. Weather-damaged crops have dealt significant blows to the country’s overall gross domestic product, prompting Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to announce this year the creation of a “drought task force” to deal with the problem.

    After the water guardians’ first attempt to mitigate the growing problem in their area, they said they experienced noticeable improvements in the groundwater level, as well as an increase of flora and fauna near the flood site.

    The group, which has grown to more than 30 volunteers, would like to expand the project to include another flooded field, and hopes their efforts could inspire similar action by others to conserve the most precious resource.

    “This initiative can serve as an example for everyone, we need more and more efforts like this,” Nagyapáti said. “We retained water from the spa, but retaining any kind of water, whether in a village or a town, is a tremendous opportunity for water replenishment.”

    ___

    The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

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  • Residents on alert as cyclone brews off Kimberley coast

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    Residents of Broome and Derby have been told to prepare now as a cyclone set to hit the Kimberley coastline develops.

    The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a tropical low — currently named 08U — could turn into a category two storm at its peak and make landfall on Tuesday.

    It is currently 620km north west of Broome and moving south before being expected to turn towards the coastline from Monday afternoon.

    The storm is forecast to reach category two by early Tuesday morning, before returning to a category one as it makes landfall in the early hours of Wednesday.

    According to the Bureau, the likely cyclone-to-be will bring damaging winds.

    Camera IconThe Department of Fire and Emergency put out an advice warning on Sunday afternoon, urging residents from Broome to Cockatoo Island to stay informed. Credit: Supplied

    “Gales with damaging wind gusts to 90 km/h are possible for the watch area during Tuesday,” the warning read.

    “Destructive wind gusts are possible about the coastal fringe north of Broome to Cape Leveque late Tuesday, if the system moves faster than forecast.

    “Widespread moderate to locally heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is possible for the watch area from Tuesday.

    “Tides will be higher than normal as 08U approaches the west Kimberley Coast.”

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  • NorCal forecast: Morning fog will be followed by some afternoon sunshine

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    Northern California forecast: Morning fog will be followed by some afternoon sunshine

    THEY MIGHT GET SOME SNOW ON NEW YEAR’S EVE. YES, WE’LL TALK ABOUT THAT IN A LITTLE BIT. BUT AS FOR TODAY, NORMAL. IT ONLY TOOK US A LITTLE LESS THAN A MONTH TO GET TO NORMAL. 54 DEGREES ARE OBSERVED HIGH TODAY. THE NORMAL 55 AND OUR LOW OF 38 DEGREES THIS MORNING. SPOT ON. I WILL SAY, THOUGH, THAT THAT RECORD OF 68 DEGREES DOES LOOK PRETTY NICE RIGHT NOW. AS WE STEP OUTSIDE, WE’VE GOT MOSTLY CLEAR SKIES AND IT IS COOL. TEMPERATURES ARE NOW DROPPING IN THE 40S. WE HAVE UPPER 40S IN MODESTO. WE EVEN HAVE MID 40S IN THE FOOTHILLS. NOT AS COLD AS TRUCKEE AND SOUTH LAKE TAHOE SOME SPOTS DOWN TO TEENS. AND CURRENTLY WE DO HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF A BREEZE. THIS AFTERNOON. THEY DID PICK UP IN TEN 15MPH RIGHT NOW. JUST A BREEZE LINGERING IN MODESTO THE REST OF THE AREA CALMING DOWN. BUT THAT BREEZE SURE HELPED US OUT TODAY. CHECK OUT THIS LITTLE BALL OF LOW CLOUDS THAT DEVELOPED IN THE NORTH VALLEY. WELL, THAT TRY TO SNEAK INTO OUR AREA, BUT THE BREEZES KEPT IT MOVING RIGHT ALONG. AND THEN WE ENDED THE DAY WITH MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES, BUT WHEN IT PASSED OVER US, I THINK A LITTLE SOME OF US WERE JUST A LITTLE BIT NERVOUS THAT IT MIGHT STICK AROUND. NOT A LOT GOING ON THE RADAR AND SATELLITE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DAYS. WE DO HAVE A WIND OUT OF THE NORTH AS WE SIT IN BETWEEN OUR UNSETTLED WEATHER THAT’S SWINGING OFF TO THE EAST, AND HIGH PRESSURE THAT’S PUSHING RIGHT UP AGAINST IT. AS THAT PRESSURE GRADIENT TIGHTENS, WE HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF THAT NORTH WIND, AND TOMORROW WE’RE HOPING FOR MORE, MAINLY TO KEEP THAT FOG OR ANY SORT OF LOW CLOUDS AT BAY. IT LOOKS LIKE THE SPOTS THAT MIGHT EXPERIENCE A LITTLE BREEZE TOMORROW MIGHT BE THE VERY NORTHWEST VALLEY. COLUSA WINTERS, CLEAR LAKE. YOU MIGHT GET A BREEZE TEN 20MPH. THE REST OF US WON’T NOTICE TOO MUCH IN TERMS OF WIND SPEED, SO HOPEFULLY THAT STILL WORKS TO CLEAR OUT A LITTLE FOG THAT MIGHT DEVELOP IN THE MORNING, AND WE ARE EXPECTING THAT BY AFTERNOON. PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES WITH TEMPERATURES CLIMBING IN THE UPPER 40S IN WOODLAN AND DAVIS SACRAMENTO LOOKING AT A HIGH OF AROUND 50 DEGREES IN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY. SAME STORY MIGHT GET A LITTLE PATCHY FOG IN THE MORNING. ONCE THAT LIFTS AWAY, TEMPERATURES CLIMB INTO THE LOW 50S. THEY’LL BE A TOUCH WARMER THAN US HERE IN THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY. QUIET DAY IN THE DELTA IN THE BAY AREA, 55 IN SAN FRANCISCO. ALSO DRYING OUT IN FAIRFIELD. HIGHS NEAR 51 DEGREES. AND IT’S GOING TO BE GORGEOUS IN THE FOOTHILLS. THEY DON’T HAVE TO WORRY TOO MUCH FOR FOG. TEMPERATURES WILL BE COOL THOUGH. THEY’LL BE IN THE MID TO UPPER 40S. BUT WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR THE END OF DECEMBER? SAME IN THE SIERRA. IT WILL BE CHILLY WITH TEMPERATURES RIGHT AROUND 37 IN TRUCKEE AND SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, A LITTLE BIT WARMER FURTHER SOUTH IN ARNOLD AND YOSEMITE, RIGHT AROUND 50 DEGREES. HIGH PRESSURE MOVES OVERHEAD, AND WHILE WE DO GET A LITTLE MORE OF THAT MORNING FOG, TEMPERATURES DO WARM JUST A LITTLE BIT. IT WILL BE PRETTY QUIET PRETTY MUCH FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR, EXCEPT THIS FORECAST MODEL INDICATES THAT RIGHT AROUND NEW YEAR’S EVE AND WE’RE TALKING WEDNESDAY, GOING INTO THURSDAY, WE’RE GOING TO GET SOME SHOWERS BACK IN THE REGION. BUT THAT’S ONLY ACCORDING TO ONE FORECAST MODEL THAT SAYS 2026 IS GOING TO START OFF WET. ANOTHER FORECAST MODEL SUGGESTS THAT WE’RE NOT GOING TO HAVE ANYTHING AT ALL. SO MODELS CONTINUE TO DUAL. OF COURSE, THAT IS THE STORY ALL THIS YEAR, RIGHT? AS THEY SORT OUT THEIR DIFFERENCES, WE ARE GOING TO ENJOY A NICE QUIET STRETCH WHERE ALL WE HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IS A LITTLE BIT OF MORNING FOG IN THE AFTERNOONS WE CAN ENJOY PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES, TEMPERATURES HOVERING IN THE MID 50S WE DO WARM UP TO AROUND 53 DEGREES NOW. WEDNESDAY WE’LL NOTICE THOSE CLOUDS ROLL BACK IN AND THERE IS A CHANCE OF SHOWERS IN THE EVENING. AND AGAIN, IT JUST DEPENDS ON WHICH MODEL YOU’RE LOOKING AT. BUT BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE PLANS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE, I’M GOING TO PUT THAT ON THE SEVEN DAY FORECAST SO YOU CAN AT LEAST PREPARE FOR IT. AND IF IT HAPPENS TO BE DRY, THEN YAY! RIGHT. WE LOVE TO LISTEN. WE LOVE THE RAIN. WE NEED IT. BUT

    Northern California forecast: Morning fog will be followed by some afternoon sunshine

    Updated: 9:29 PM PST Dec 27, 2025

    Editorial Standards

    A light northerly wind should be strong enough to scrub out morning fog, making way for brighter skies during the second half of the day.This should allow Valley highs to climb to around 50 degrees. Sunday will be cool but calm in the foothills, with temperatures peaking in the upper 40s. It will be chilly in the Sierra, with highs in the 30s.As high pressure moves overhead, morning fog may become more pronounced and temperatures will hover in the low 50s, but weather will otherwise remain quiet through New Year’s Eve.New Year’s Eve is when weather models diverge in the forecast data, with disagreement centered on the timing and track of our next weather system. Some suggest an earlier, more northward push of moisture, which would result in a wet New Year’s Eve, while other models suggest the system could arrive later and that New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day will be dry.

    A light northerly wind should be strong enough to scrub out morning fog, making way for brighter skies during the second half of the day.

    This should allow Valley highs to climb to around 50 degrees. Sunday will be cool but calm in the foothills, with temperatures peaking in the upper 40s. It will be chilly in the Sierra, with highs in the 30s.

    As high pressure moves overhead, morning fog may become more pronounced and temperatures will hover in the low 50s, but weather will otherwise remain quiet through New Year’s Eve.

    New Year’s Eve is when weather models diverge in the forecast data, with disagreement centered on the timing and track of our next weather system. Some suggest an earlier, more northward push of moisture, which would result in a wet New Year’s Eve, while other models suggest the system could arrive later and that New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day will be dry.

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  • Storms bring heavy rain to the Pacific Northwest, snow and freezing rain to the Upper Midwest

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  • Ditch the shorts, pull out the shovel — winter weather is coming to northern Colorado this weekend

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    After a pleasant days-long stretch of warm weather often eclipsing the 70-degree mark, northern Colorado and metro Denver will see quite a change in conditions starting Friday night.

    Instead of breaking records for heat, temperatures will drop substantially and snow will begin falling in the far northern mountains tonight, spreading southward into the Interstate 70 mountain corridor and Summit County by late Saturday afternoon.

    By late Saturday night, the National Weather Service predicts areas of snow to develop along the Interstate 25 corridor and along the adjoining eastern plains, with travel impacts continuing into Sunday morning. Some of those areas of snow could start out as rain earlier Saturday evening before turning to snow.

    Just how severe those travel impacts will be in metro Denver are still in question.

    “There is considerable uncertainty with regard to the amount of snow, since we anticipate bands of snow,” according to a weather service bulletin issued Friday afternoon for the metro area. “Thus, some areas may receive very little or no snow, while others get a few inches.”

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    John Aguilar

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  • With more frigid temperatures in the forecast, Philly is on track for its coldest December since 2010

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    The Philadelphia region is on pace to have its coldest December since 2010, with the average temperature so far this month just over 35 degrees, and four of the next five days projected to have below-freezing lows.

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    Michael Tanenbaum

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  • The Bay Area’s week of stormy weather is nearly over. Here’s when the skies should fully clear

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    The end to a wild week of whipsawing weather across Northern California is at hand.

    Sunny skies, calmer winds and cooler temperatures are forecast to return to the Bay Area on Saturday and linger into early next week, offering a respite from a weeklong parade of storms that felled trees, flooded roadways and caused power outages affecting thousands of people.

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    Jakob Rodgers

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  • After a warm and sunny Fort Worth Christmas, a cold front comes to end the year

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    Fort Worth couple Jackie Ledezma, left and Dustin Bauer feed the ducks and geese of the Trinity Park Duck Pond in Fort Worth on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

    Fort Worth couple Jackie Ledezma, left and Dustin Bauer feed the ducks and geese of the Trinity Park Duck Pond in Fort Worth on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

    ctorres@star-telegram.com

    Christmas in Fort Worth was a tie for the second-hottest on record. Jack Frost heard, and he’s coming to town.

    The Fort Worth National Weather Service predicts a cold front with possible storms late this weekend after this week of above-normal temperatures.

    Friday, Dec. 26 will be the second-hottest Dec. 26 since 2008 with a high temperature of 84. Saturday will continue the trend with a high of 81.

    Though Sunday during the day may seem warm, “big changes arrive by late Sunday afternoon/evening as a ‘Blue Norther’-type cold front races southward across the region,” according to the NWS forecaster discussion.

    Here’s what to expect in the upcoming cold front.

    Temperatures drop 40 to 50 degrees overnight on Sunday.
    Temperatures drop 40 to 50 degrees overnight on Sunday. Fort Worth National Weather Service

    Freezing temperatures in Fort Worth

    By Sunday evening, the NWS predicts temperatures will drop 40 to 50 degrees.

    “Temps look to drop from Sunday afternoon’s highs in the 70s/80s down to Monday morning’s lows in the upper 20s/30s,” said the forecaster’s discussion.

    The cold front will also bring scattered showers, maybe even a thunderstorm, east of the 1-35 corridor, plus gusty winds behind the front.

    Sunday night has a low of 34 degrees. While Monday will reach freezing temperatures with a low of 27 and high of 46.

    Monday, Dec. 29 is predicted to be the coldest day of the week.

    🔥 In case you missed it…

    Will it stay cold in Fort Worth?

    The remainder of the week stays cold, but not freezing.

    As we inch closer to January and February, Fort Worth can expect less sunny days.

    According to the NWS winter forecast, which covers December 2025 until February 2026, it shows weak La Niña conditions will transition into neutral conditions, also known as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

    ENSO conditions would bring greater chances of precipitation later into winter.

    There hasn’t been a North Texas winter without some kind of precipitation since the NWS started recording temperatures. So they are sure at least one winter weather event will occur.

    What they are unsure of is the number and intensity of weather events. Also, it is hard to predict whether temperatures and precipitation will deviate from their normal.

    Chilly weather kicks off the start of next week.
    Chilly weather kicks off the start of next week. Fort Worth National Weather Service

    New Year’s Fort Worth weather

    Tuesday and Wednesday are predicted to be partly sunny and cold.

    Tuesday has a high of 51 with a low of 33.

    Wednesday, New Year’s Eve, is predicted to have a high of 59, with a low of 38. The New Year’s Day forecast shows partly sunny with a high near 63.

    Related Stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    Ella Gonzales

    Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.

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  • Rain-soaked California still at risk of floods and high surf

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    WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. — A strong storm system that brought relentless winds, rain and snowfall to California this week was expected to ease Friday, but there was still a risk of high surf along the coast, flash flooding near Los Angeles and avalanches in the Sierra Nevada.

    Waves near the San Francisco Bay Area could reach up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) Friday, parts of Southern California were at risk of flooding, and avalanches could hit the Lake Tahoe area, officials warned. Residents were told to be ready to evacuate the mountain town of Wrightwood about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles because of mudslides.

    Atmospheric rivers carried massive plumes of moisture from the tropics during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. The storms were blamed for at least two deaths earlier in the week.

    The system brought the wettest Christmas season to downtown Los Angeles in 54 years, the National Weather Service said.

    Roads in the 5,000-resident town of Wrightwood were covered in rocks, debris and thick mud on Thursday. With power out, a gas station and coffee shop running on generators were serving as hubs for residents and visitors.

    “It’s really a crazy Christmas,” said Jill Jenkins, who was spending the holiday with her 13-year-old grandson, Hunter Lopiccolo.

    Lopiccolo said the family almost evacuated the previous day, when water washed away a chunk of their backyard. But they decided to stay and still celebrated the holiday. Lopiccolo got a new snowboard and e-bike.

    “We just played card games all night with candles and flashlights,” he said.

    Davey Schneider hiked a mile and a half (1.6 kilometers) through rain and floodwater up to his shins from his Wrightwood residence Wednesday to rescue cats from his grandfather’s house.

    “I wanted to help them out because I wasn’t confident that they were going to live,” Schneider said Thursday. “Fortunately, they all lived. They’re all okay — just a little bit scared.”

    Arlene Corte said roads in town turned into rivers, but her house was not damaged.

    “It could be a whole lot worse,” she said. “We’re here talking.”

    With more rain on the way, more than 150 firefighters were stationed in the area, said San Bernardino County Fire spokesman Shawn Millerick.

    “We’re ready,” he said. “It’s all hands on deck at this point.”

    A falling tree killed a San Diego man Wednesday, news outlets reported. Farther north, a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy died in what appeared to be a weather-related crash.

    Areas along the coast, including Malibu, were under a flood watch until Friday afternoon, and wind and flood advisories were issued for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.

    Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters), with even more in the mountains, National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford said.

    More wind and heavy snow was expected in the Sierra Nevada, where gusts created “near white-out conditions” and made mountain pass travel treacherous.

    Gov. Gavin Newsom declared emergencies in six counties to allow state assistance.

    The state deployed resources and first responders to several coastal and Southern California counties, and the California National Guard was on standby.

    ___

    Associated Press writers Sophie Austin in Oakland, California, and Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City contributed.

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  • Rain-Soaked California Still at Risk of Floods and High Surf

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    WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (AP) — A strong storm system that brought relentless winds, rain and snowfall to California this week was expected to ease Friday, but there was still a risk of high surf along the coast, flash flooding near Los Angeles and avalanches in the Sierra Nevada.

    Waves near the San Francisco Bay Area could reach up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) Friday, parts of Southern California were at risk of flooding, and avalanches could hit the Lake Tahoe area, officials warned. Residents were told to be ready to evacuate the mountain town of Wrightwood about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles because of mudslides.

    Atmospheric rivers carried massive plumes of moisture from the tropics during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. The storms were blamed for at least two deaths earlier in the week.

    The system brought the wettest Christmas season to downtown Los Angeles in 54 years, the National Weather Service said.

    Roads in the 5,000-resident town of Wrightwood were covered in rocks, debris and thick mud on Thursday. With power out, a gas station and coffee shop running on generators were serving as hubs for residents and visitors.

    “It’s really a crazy Christmas,” said Jill Jenkins, who was spending the holiday with her 13-year-old grandson, Hunter Lopiccolo.

    Lopiccolo said the family almost evacuated the previous day, when water washed away a chunk of their backyard. But they decided to stay and still celebrated the holiday. Lopiccolo got a new snowboard and e-bike.

    “We just played card games all night with candles and flashlights,” he said.

    Davey Schneider hiked a mile and a half (1.6 kilometers) through rain and floodwater up to his shins from his Wrightwood residence Wednesday to rescue cats from his grandfather’s house.

    “I wanted to help them out because I wasn’t confident that they were going to live,” Schneider said Thursday. “Fortunately, they all lived. They’re all okay — just a little bit scared.”

    Arlene Corte said roads in town turned into rivers, but her house was not damaged.

    “It could be a whole lot worse,” she said. “We’re here talking.”

    With more rain on the way, more than 150 firefighters were stationed in the area, said San Bernardino County Fire spokesman Shawn Millerick.

    “We’re ready,” he said. “It’s all hands on deck at this point.”

    A falling tree killed a San Diego man Wednesday, news outlets reported. Farther north, a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy died in what appeared to be a weather-related crash.

    Areas along the coast, including Malibu, were under a flood watch until Friday afternoon, and wind and flood advisories were issued for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.

    Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters), with even more in the mountains, National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford said.

    More wind and heavy snow was expected in the Sierra Nevada, where gusts created “near white-out conditions” and made mountain pass travel treacherous.

    Gov. Gavin Newsom declared emergencies in six counties to allow state assistance.

    The state deployed resources and first responders to several coastal and Southern California counties, and the California National Guard was on standby.

    Associated Press writers Sophie Austin in Oakland, California, and Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City contributed.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – December 2025

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    Associated Press

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  • Denver records record-high temperature on Christmas Day

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    Denver set a record-high temperature on Christmas Day, breaking the all-time mark, set in 2005.

    High temperatures on Thursday reached 70 degrees at Denver International Airport, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder. That bested the 69-degree record set 20 years ago.

    The Mile High City has been shattering temperature records this winter amid unseasonably warm conditions.

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    Sam Tabachnik

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  • Tornado warning issued for Santa Cruz County

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    The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Santa Cruz County until 1 p.m. Thursday.

    The service reported that a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was 7 miles south of Santa Cruz at a speed of 35 mph.

    The areas impacted include Santa Cruz, Corralitos, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Live Oak, Soquel, Twin Lakes, Opal Cliffs, Felton, Aptos, Ben Lomond, Rio Del Mar, Eureka Canyon Road, Boulder Creek, Day Valley, Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley and Aptos Hills-Larkin.

    Residents in those areas were encouraged to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building away from windows. For people outside, in a mobile home or in a vehicle, the agency recommended relocating to the closest substantial shelter.

    “Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” the agency said in its advisory. “Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”

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    Devan Patel

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  • Storm system threatens more rainfall Christmas Day over waterlogged Southern California

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    LOS ANGELES — Rain from a powerful winter storm that swept across Southern California has begun to taper off, but another storm system was on the horizon for Christmas Day with showers and possible thunderstorms.

    Forecasters said Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years and warned of flash flooding and mudslides. Areas scorched by wildfires in January saw evacuation warnings as heavy rains and gusty winds brought mudslides and debris flows.

    Many flood areas were in burn scar zones, which were stripped of vegetation by fire and are less able to absorb water.

    San Bernardino County firefighters said they rescued people trapped in cars Wednesday when mud and debris rushed down a road leading into Wrightwood, a resort town in the San Gabriel Mountains about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles. It was not immediately clear how many were rescued.

    Firefighters also went door to door to check homes, and the area was under a shelter-in-place order, officials said. An evacuation order was issued for Lytle Creek, also in the San Gabriel Mountains.

    Travis Guenther and his family were trapped in Lytle Creek after roaring waters washed out the only bridge in or out of their neighborhood. More than a dozen neighbors took shelter at a community center or found hotel rooms.

    “Everybody that left to go to work this morning is stuck,” he said. “Half the families are here, and half the families are on the other side of the creek.”

    Guenther said he had plenty of supplies and was coordinating with other in the community of about 280 people. Two nurses who live on his street offered to help anyone who may need medical attention.

    Janice Quick, president of the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce and a resident of the mountain town for 45 years, said a wildfire in 2024 left much of the terrain without tree coverage.

    The storm also stranded Dillan Brown, his wife and 14-month-old daughter at a rented cabin in Wrightwood with almost no food and only enough diapers for about another day. Roads leading off the mountain and to a grocery store became blocked by rocks and debris, Brown said.

    A resident learned of his situation and posted a call for help in a Facebook group. In less than an hour, neighbors showed up with more than enough supplies to ride out the storm, including bread, vegetables, milk, diapers and wipes.

    “I think we’re a little sad and upset that we’re not going to be home with our families,” Brown said, but the “kindness shown is definitely an overwhelming feeling.”

    Residents around burn scar zones from the Airport Fire in Orange County were also ordered to evacuate.

    Areas along the coast including Malibu were under flood warnings until Wednesday evening, and wind and flood advisories were issued for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.

    Several roads including a part of Interstate 5 near the Burbank Airport closed due to flooding.

    The storms were the result of multiple atmospheric rivers carrying massive plumes of moisture from the tropics during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

    Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) with even more in the mountains, National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford said.

    Heavy snow and gusts created “near white-out conditions” in parts of the Sierra Nevada and made mountain pass trave treacherous. Officials said there was a “considerable” avalanche risk around Lake Tahoe, and a winter storm warning was in effect until Friday morning.

    Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in six counties to allow state assistance in storm response.

    The state deployed emergency resources and first responders to several coastal and Southern California counties, and the California National Guard was on standby.

    The California Highway Patrol reported a seemingly weather-related crash south of Sacramento in which a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy died. James Caravallo, who was with the agency for 19 years, was apparently traveling at an unsafe speed, lost control on a wet road and crashed into a power pole, CHP Officer Michael Harper said via email.

    ___

    Associated Press writers Sophie Austin in Sacramento, Jessica Hill in Las Vegas and Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City contributed.

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