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

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

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    Today is the first day of astronomical fall.

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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


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

    Astronomical seasons: Nature’s cosmic calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Climatological seasons: Weather’s perspective

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

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

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

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

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

    Why the difference?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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

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

    [ad_1]

    Today is the first day of astronomical fall.

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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


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

    Astronomical seasons: Nature’s cosmic calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Climatological seasons: Weather’s perspective

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

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

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

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

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

    Why the difference?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

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

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

    [ad_1]

    Today is the first day of astronomical fall.

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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


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

    Astronomical seasons: Nature’s cosmic calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Climatological seasons: Weather’s perspective

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

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

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

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

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

    Why the difference?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

    How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

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

    So what should you expect this year?

    What You Need To Know

    • Weather plays a significant role in fall foliage


    • Heat and soil moisture determine foliage timing and intensity


    • Stressed trees will lose leaves earlier or later than normal


    Right place at the right time

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

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

    Weather’s role

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

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

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

    Weather impacts on fall foliage

    (Courtesy: ExploreFall.com)

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

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

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

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

    2024 outlook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

    How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

    [ad_1]

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

    So what should you expect this year?

    What You Need To Know

    • Weather plays a significant role in fall foliage


    • Heat and soil moisture determine foliage timing and intensity


    • Stressed trees will lose leaves earlier or later than normal


    Right place at the right time

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

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

    Weather’s role

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

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

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

    Weather impacts on fall foliage

    (Courtesy: ExploreFall.com)

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

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

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

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

    2024 outlook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • September’s full Harvest Moon is another supermoon

    September’s full Harvest Moon is another supermoon

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

    • The moon will look “super-sized”

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

    What’s a supermoon?

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

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

    Alternative names

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

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

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

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

    Partial lunar eclipse

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

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • September’s full Harvest Moon is another supermoon

    September’s full Harvest Moon is another supermoon

    [ad_1]

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

    • The moon will look “super-sized”

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

    What’s a supermoon?

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

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

    Alternative names

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

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

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

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

    Partial lunar eclipse

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

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • WPI, MCC announce new pathway

    WPI, MCC announce new pathway

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    At a ceremony held Aug. 2 at Middlesex Community College’s Lowell campus, Worcester Polytechnic Institute President Grace Wang and Middlesex Community College President Phil Sisson signed an articulation agreement to provide a clear pathway for MCC students to transfer to WPI. This initiative is central to both schools’ mission to address the evolving educational, cultural, economic and workforce needs of the local and global communities.

    “MCC is thrilled to partner with WPI to make the path of transfer to the four-year institution easier for our students,” Sisson said. “In addition to saving money and gaining hands-on experiences early on in their college experience at Middlesex, our students have resources and support available to ensure they are on the right track to reach their goals. This articulation agreement is an example of how MCC provides accessible and equitable opportunities for our diverse population of students, setting them up for success well beyond their time at the college.”

    “WPI and MCC are integral parts of the Massachusetts higher education landscape. A transfer program strengthens the relationship between our institutions, fostering regional academic collaboration and development. Moreover, graduates from this program will be well-prepared to contribute to the local economy, particularly in STEM fields that are vital to our region’s growth,” said Wang. “This initiative holds immense promise for both institutions and, most importantly, for the students who will benefit from it.”

    Under the new articulation agreement, MCC students with an associate degree who have successfully completed a college-level precalculus or calculus 1 course, a college-level laboratory science course, and have earned a 3.3 or higher GPA, will be guaranteed admission to WPI. MCC students who have not yet completed their associate degree but have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have successfully completed a college-level precalculus or calculus 1 course and successfully completed a college-level laboratory science course may be offered admission in order to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at WPI.

    Upon admission, students will be supported through transfer student programs and opportunities at WPI, including a designated advisor in the Academic Advising Office and a staff liaison in the Office of Undergraduate Studies.

    MCC transfer students will also have immediate access to WPI’s Heebner Career Development Center and summer research opportunities. In addition, admitted students will be required to take a semester-long transfer transition program and receive a summer undergraduate course tuition waiver for one course taken in each of two summers, during their enrollment at WPI. Additional opportunities are available for qualified students to pursue graduate programming upon enrollment at WPI.

    Information about WPI admissions and application requirements for transfer students as well as transfer agreements can be found at wpi.edu/+transfer. Visit middlesex.mass.edu for more information on MCC.

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    Submitted article

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  • Tropical Storm Gordon forms in the Atlantic

    Tropical Storm Gordon forms in the Atlantic

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    Tropical Storm Gordon has formed in the central Atlantic. It’s the seventh named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gordon has formed in the Atlantic

    • It’s moving west-northwestward

    • It isn’t expected to impact land


    Gordon is moving west-nortwestward in the central Atlantic with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. It’s expected to continue to head westward across the Atlantic for the next few days.

    It will slow down this weekend over the central Atlantic, where it’s expected to drift around and stay weak and unorganized as it moves into an area with drier air.


    Models have Gordon moving west this weekend, and then there is more uncertainty in the track by early next week.

    Conditions aren’t expected to be too favorable for Gordon to intensify much over the open Atlantic through this weekend, but conditions could improve early next week and Gordon could re-intensify.

    It will not threaten any land.

    Check to see how the rest of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is going so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


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

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    Spectrum News Staff

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

    Francine made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane along coastal Louisiana

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

    What You Need To Know

    • Francine made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane in Louisiana

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

    More Storm Season Resources


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

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • An anomalously quiet Atlantic hurricane season so far

    An anomalously quiet Atlantic hurricane season so far

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    Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean spans June through November and this year was forecasted as one for the record books, thanks to several climatological features. 

    What You Need To Know

    • 2024 was forecasted to be the most active Atlantic Hurricane Season on record

    • Through early Sept. 2024 there have only been six named storms

    • “Atlantic Niña” could have contributed to the lack of developing systems


    However, as we approach the midway point between the season, the under performance, so far, in the Atlantic basin has many questioning whether the season was over forecasted or the second half will see an “explosion” of activity.

    2024 Atlantic Season predictions

    Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) made their seasonal forecasts back in May and had above average, ranging from 17 to 25 tropical cyclones (named storms) for NOAA and 23 named storms for CSU.

    The average number of named storms is around 14 per season. So why the extreme forecasts?

    The factors that contributed to the high number of storm predictions include near-record warmth of the Atlantic Ocean water temperatures and a La Niña. The La Niña creates a cooling of the equatorial Pacific Ocean temperatures but also reduces the wind shear and Atlantic trade winds, resulting in favorable conditions for storm development.

    Strong start to the season

    The season began strong. Alberto formed in mid-June over the southwestern part of the Gulf of Mexico.

    Next came Beryl, a long-lived storm that formed late June, south of Cabo Verde and traversed the Atlantic Ocean, intensifying into a Category 5 hurricane on July 2, becoming the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record.

    A vehicle is stranded in high waters on a flooded highway in Houston, on Monday, July 8, 2024, after Beryl came ashore in Texas as a hurricane and dumped heavy rains along the coast. (AP Photo/Juan A. Lozano)

    Other storms that followed included Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Ernesto. Here’s a look at the 2024 hurricane season so far.

    By mid-August, conditions in the Atlantic went quiet. A lull that lasted several weeks.

    Early September saw the Atlantic wake up, with Francine forming on Sept. 9 in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico from a tropical wave that crossed the Atlantic the week prior. 

    “Atlantic Niña”

    The sea surface temperatures (SSTs) of the North Atlantic remained extremely warm for much of the year. However, since early June, the central equatorial Atlantic has been about 0.5 to 1.0 degrees Celsius colder than average for this time of the year.

    Dubbed, “Atlantic Niña,” this phenomenon has shifted the track of the “seed” storms, or disturbances that move west off the coast of Africa into the Atlantic Ocean and typically develop into intense storms. According to NOAA, “a stronger West African Monsoon, the track of these waves has shifted north toward cooler waters and overall, less conducive conditions needed for tropical cyclone formation.”

    As of early September, the cooling of the central equatorial Atlantic has weakened with tropical activity expected to increase. NOAA suggests that even in active seasons, there can be periodic lulls in activity and is still forecasting a well above-average season.

    Still a lot of the season to go

    “We are just coming up on the halfway mark of the hurricane season, usually the time of peak activity,” says Dr. Frank Marks, a meteorologist in the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA/Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

    Location is key. “For the month of September into early October, the most likely place to watch for tropical cyclone development is still the central Atlantic in the Caribbean. However, there is always a possibility of a tropical cyclone developing in the Gulf of Mexico along an old front.”

    Stressing that systems that form in the Gulf of Mexico are dangerous, “As they are likely to strike land in 2-3 days rather than being able to track them across the Atlantic for a week or more.”

    As for whether this season will be a bust for forecasters, Dr. Marks explains it like this. “Each hurricane season is different, with different changes in the weather patterns that affect the likelihood of storms to form. You need to remember that as Mark Twain once said, ‘Climate is what you expect, but weather is what you get.’”

    Unfortunately, as history has proven, it doesn’t matter the total number of storms per season because it only takes one storm to make landfall in your area and cause devastation.

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

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Francine is strengthening; Tropical Storm and Hurricane Warnings issued

    Francine is strengthening; Tropical Storm and Hurricane Warnings issued

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    Francine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming the sixth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico

    • It’s forecast to strengthen into a hurricane

    • It will make landfall along the Gulf Coast this week


    Francine is a tropical storm with max winds of 65 mph. It’s slowly moving north-northwest in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.

    The storm will slowly move off the coast of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas during the next day or so. It will then turn toward the northeast and speed up as it heads to the central Gulf Coast.

    The tropical-storm-force winds extend 160 miles outward from the center, meaning this is a large storm and impacts will be far from the center of the storm.

    It’s forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and could become a hurricane late Monday night or early Tuesday. It is expected to make landfall around Louisiana sometime late Wednesday.

    Regardless of development, this system will bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Gulf Coast and Deep South beginning Tuesday night. However, there is still uncertainty in the exact track and specific impacts. 

    The highest rainfall totals look to be around Louisiana and up the Mississippi River Valley, where flooding is possible through mid-to-late week.

    Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings are issued for parts of the western and central Gulf Coast, and Hurricane Watches and Warnings are in effect across southern Louisiana.


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

    More Storm Season Resources


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

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    Spectrum News Staff

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

    September hurricanes that brought devastation to the U.S.

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    September is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

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

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

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

    What You Need To Know

    • Most tropical activity occurs during September

    • Storms can form across the entire Atlantic basin

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


    The 2000s

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The 1900s

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    That same night, those warnings became hurricane warnings.

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

    The hurricane killed over 100 people in Miami.

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

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

    The 1800s

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Atlantic hurricane season

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

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

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

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

    • The storm threat shifts to the East Coast on Sunday

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

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


    Saturday

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

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

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

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

    Sunday

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

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

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

    Monday

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

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

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

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

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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

    August’s full Sturgeon Moon will also be a supermoon

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

    • The moon will look “super-sized”

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

    What’s a supermoon?

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

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

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

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

    Alternative names

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

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

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

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

    More supermoons?

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

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Ernesto becomes a hurricane north of Puerto Rico

    Ernesto becomes a hurricane north of Puerto Rico

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    Ernesto has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane. It passed by Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands early Wednesday, bringing torrential rainfall and tropical storm force winds. It continues to produce widespread flash flooding across the eastern Caribbean.

    Ernesto formed in the western Atlantic Ocean, becoming a tropical storm on Monday, Aug. 12, and became a hurricane on Wednesday, Aug. 14. It’s the fifth named storm and third hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ernesto is a hurricane

    • It’s moving toward Bermuda

    • It will continue to strengthen


    Ernesto is moving northwest to the north Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with max winds of 75 mph. It’s expected to strengthen as it moves further into the western Atlantic. It could become a major hurricane as it approaches Bermuda.

    Widespread, heavy rainfall could lead to more flash flooding and mudslides across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands through Wednesday morning and early afternoon. The storm has brought rough coastal conditions as well across the eastern Caribbean.


    Most models have Ernesto passing near Bermuda as a hurricane Friday night into early Saturday morning.

    Ernesto isn’t expected to directly impact the U.S., but large swells will reach the East Coast late this week into the weekend that will cause life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents.

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

    More Storm Season Resources


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

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • The Perseid meteor shower peaks late this weekend

    The Perseid meteor shower peaks late this weekend

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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

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

    As the night goes on, the constellation Perseus–where the meteors appear to originate­–will rise higher in the northeast sky. However, you can look anywhere overhead, not just in that direction.

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

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

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

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

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

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    We see the Perseids in the late summer as the Earth passes through the dust and debris that Comet Swift-Tuttle leaves behind. The “shooting stars” actually come from grains that are about the size of Grape Nuts, according to Sky & Telescope, that burn in the atmosphere as they zip by at over 130,000 miles per hour.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers. (Courtesy of Sky & Telescope)

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Tropical Storm Debby bringing heavy rainfall

    Tropical Storm Debby bringing heavy rainfall

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    Debby has weakened into a tropical storm again as it continues to push inland over the Florida Panhandle. Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee, Fla., early on Monday, Aug. 5 as a Category 1 hurricane. It will continue to move inland in the Southeast U.S.

    Debby strengthened into the second hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed into a tropical storm on Saturday, Aug. 3, and became a hurricane on Sunday, Aug. 4. Debby is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Debby is a tropical storm

    • It made landfall near Steinhatchee, Fla. on Monday, Aug. 5, as a Category 1 hurricane

    • It’s forecast to stall out and bring heavy rainfall to the Southeast U.S.


    Debby is weakening as it pushes inland. It’s a tropical storm with max winds of 50 mph and is slowly moving northeast. It moved inland along Florida’s Big Bend coast near Steinhatchee and made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane with max winds of 80 mph early on Monday morning.

    The track of Debby has it moving across the northern Sunshine State, then moving back over the Atlantic where it will scrape the southeastern coast. It looks to stall along the Southeast coast for several days, bringing inches to possibly feet of rain to the region.

    Tropical Storm Warning

    • St. Augustine, Florida to South Santee River South Carolina

    Storm Surge Warning

    • Georgia and South Carolina coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River to South Santee River South Carolina

    Debby looks to cross the northern part of Florida and eventually it will slow down to a crawl. This would bring days of rain to the coastal Southeast for areas from Savannah to Charleston.

    Areas of flash flooding are possible through the week. The highest rainfall totals will be in parts of coastal Georgia and South Carolina, where significant flooding is expected. 

    There is a high risk of excessive rainfall for the next three days.

    Rainfall totals will climb up to 12 to 15 inches this week with locally higher totals possible

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

    More Storm Season Resources


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

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • The bioluminescent beetles and how we can protect them

    The bioluminescent beetles and how we can protect them

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

    • Lightning bugs (fireflies) are flying, bioluminescent insects


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

    Bioluminescence

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

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

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

    Is it a firefly or lightning bug?

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

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

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

    Small but mighty

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

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

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

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

    Habitat loss

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

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • How a Mass. gymnast anchored Team USA and ended an Olympic medal drought

    How a Mass. gymnast anchored Team USA and ended an Olympic medal drought

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    He wasn’t even out with the rest of his Team USA teammates for most of the meet, but when it counted, Stephen Nedoroscik was there to lock in the men’s gymnastics programs first Olympic medal in over a decade.

    Nedoroscik is a pommel horse specialist — he doesn’t compete in the other five gymnastic disciplines — so he was only needed for one moment in the Paris Olympics men’s team competition Monday. It happened that the Worcester, Massachusetts, native’s moment on the floor was the U.S. team’s last.

    Following solid performances from teammates Paul Juda and Brody Malone, Nedoroscik posted a 14.866, one of the best pommel horse scores of the day, and secured Team USA the bronze medal behind Japan and China.

    While the U.S. women’s gymnastics team has dominated the sport in the last decade, this was the men’s squad’s first spot on the podium since 2008.

    Another Massachusetts gymnast provided more points to Team USA’s total of 257.793 — Frederick Richard earned cheers from a watch party back in Stoughton as performed in four different events: floor, rings, parallel bars and horizontal bars.

    Fred Richard’s near-perfect landing on the high bars propels US men’s gymnastics to bronze, its first Olympic medal since 2008.

    “We’ve been giving it everything and today it all came together,” Richard told NBC10 Boston after the win. “The universe, you know, it works in crazy ways.”

    While the rest of the squad kept the team in touching distance, Nedoroscik kept warm in a separate gym area, and only came back out near the end of the meet.

    An NBC analyst even compared him to legendary New England Patriot Adam Vinatieri, the kicker who just about everyone back in Massachusetts will know secured the team’s first Super Bowl victory with a clutch field goal.

    When he stuck the landing, Nedoroscik was surrounded by his jubilant teammates.

    “Finishing that routine, landing it, knowing my team just went 18 for 18 and I was the last guy to go,” he told NBC10 Boston, “I had a feeling we got that medal and they lifted me up, and that kind of confirmed that thought.”

    Next up for Nedoroscik? The pommel horse finals, while Richard qualified for the individual all-around finals.


    Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

    Team USA poses with their bronze medal during the podium ceremony for the artistic gymnastics men’s team final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 29, 2024.

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    Asher Klein and Bianca Beltrán

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