ReportWire

Tag: Worcester

  • North Dakota tornado from June upgraded to EF5

    [ad_1]

    The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, N.D., reevaluated a tornado from June 20, 2025. Completing additional surveys and working extensively with wind damage experts, the new estimated maximum wind speed is greater than 210 mph, making it an EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.

    This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since the Moore, Okla. twister on May 20, 2013. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A reevaluation of the June 20, 2025 tornado gave the rating EF5

    • This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since 2013

    • Estimated winds in the twister exceeded 210 mph


    June 20, 2025, was an active day of severe weather in the Plains. Meteorologist Carl Jones, with NWS Grand Forks, explained that 22 tornadoes touched down that day in North Dakota.

    He added, “This is also a preliminary number that may yet change as we continue to scour satellite imagery and sift through damage reports (still!) and assess whether it was tornadic or not – much further complicated by the fact that large area within the state experience significant damage from the derecho in the same areas that saw tornadoes.” 

    The tornado south of Enderlin, N.D., was a strong tornado. “The initial storm damage survey team found severe damage consistent with an EF3 or greater tornado with a preliminary estimated peak wind speed of 160 mph.”

    However, Jones says that wasn’t the end of it. “A Quick Response Team (QRT), a team of wind damage experts, was assembled and agreed that given the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale damage indicators available, there were points consistent with high-end EF3, if not greater.”

    Meaning additional investigation was needed, and the tornado could end up being rated higher. A train derailment south of Enderlin, ND during the time of one twister was a big prompt for the reevaluation. Collaborating with structural damage experts, namely the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University’s Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, they were able to model object trajectories and the force/wind required to move such objects. 

    This was important and Jones says, “Allowed for the capability to assess the train derailment of 33 train cars, including several full grain cars that were tilted over and tanker cars that were lofted off the track, that yielded the EF5 intensity rating.”

    Additionally, other indicators for the reevaluation included high-end tree damage near the Maple River, east of Enderlin, as well as a foundation to a farmstead that was swept clean with debris scattered downwind.

    Check out the tornado track on the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos. While several tornadoes touched down in North Dakota that day, the EF5-rated twister was located south of I-94, just north of Lisbon, N.D. 

    The tornado was on the ground for just under 20 minutes and traveled just over 12 miles. It reached 1 mile in width. While no injuries were reported from this twister, three deaths occurred. 

    May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado Moore, Okla.

    What makes this newly revised classification of the twister so impressive is that this is the first EF5 tornado in more than twelve years. The last time a tornado this strong touched down in the United States was on May 20, 2013, in Moore, Okla.

    A tornado outbreak occurred in the afternoon and evening of May 20, 2013. Several supercell thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon in central Oklahoma. One of these storms rapidly intensified, producing a tornado that touched down on the west side of Newcastle, Okla. The tornado became violent and then tracked across the city of Moore and parts of south Oklahoma City. It was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes before finally dissipating.

    This photo was taken around 3:00 pm CDT on May 20, 2013 from Carrington Lane in the Carrington Place addition in northwest Norman, which is located between 36th Ave NW and 48th Ave NW, and south of Franklin Road. The view is looking northwest towards the corner of Franklin Road and 48th Ave NW. This photo was provided courtesy of Jenny Hamar via NWS.

    The tornado caused catastrophic damage in these areas and was given a maximum rating of EF5. The tornado claimed 24 lives, injured scores of people, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • October’s Harvest Moon rises tonight

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon, and the first one of the astronomical fall, will rise above the horizon late tonight.

    What You Need To Know

    • October’s full moon is a supermoon and will appear about 30% brighter and 14% larger

    • It is called the Harvest Moon

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Harvest Moon because it is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). What makes this so unique is that between 1970 and 2050, there are only 18 years when the Harvest Moon occurs in October. The last time was in 2020, and the next time will be in 2028.

    Historically, it’s called the full Harvest Moon because it provides bright light for several evenings in a row to help farmers gather their crops.

    Supermoon

    October’s full moon is a supermoon, and according to NASA, it will appear approximately 30% brighter than normal and 14% larger than normal. This is because of the moon’s proximity to Earth. During a supermoon, the full moon is at “perigee,” which means it is at its closest location to Earth all month. 

    The moon will officially be full at 11:48 p.m. EDT Monday, so you’ll have to stay up late to catch it at its peak. Here’s the forecasted cloud cover. 

    Cloud cover across the United States expected at midnight on Oct. 7, 2025.

    Other names of the moon

    There is some discrepancy about the nomenclature of the October full moon. Naming conventions date back to the Native Americans of the northern and eastern United States, who kept track of the seasons. 

    Here are some other names given to the full October moon:

    • Hunter’s Moon: This is the traditional time to hunt
    • Falling Leaves Moon: Name given to express the changing and falling leaves, signaling the onset of fall
    • Dying Grass Moon: A Gaelic name that signifies the end of the growing season
    • Drying Rice Moon: A Dakota name given for when rice is harvested and dried
    • Freezing Moon: A time of the year when the first frost occurs

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

    The next full moon will be the Beaver Moon, which occurs on Nov. 5, 2025.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • October’s Harvest Moon rises

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon, and the first one of the astronomical fall, will rise above the horizon late Monday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • October’s full moon is a supermoon and will appear about 30% brighter and 14% larger

    • It is called the Harvest Moon

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Harvest Moon because it is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). What makes this so unique is that between 1970 and 2050, there are only 18 years when the Harvest Moon occurs in October. The last time was in 2020, and the next time will be in 2028.

    Historically, it’s called the full Harvest Moon because it provides bright light for several evenings in a row to help farmers gather their crops.

    Supermoon

    October’s full moon is a supermoon, and according to NASA, it will appear approximately 30% brighter than normal and 14% larger than normal. This is because of the moon’s proximity to Earth. During a supermoon, the full moon is at “perigee,” which means it is at its closest location to Earth all month. 

    The moon will officially be full at 11:48 p.m. EDT Monday, so you’ll have to stay up late to catch it at its peak. Here’s the forecasted cloud cover. 

    Cloud cover across the United States expected at midnight on Oct. 7, 2025.

    Other names of the moon

    There is some discrepancy about the nomenclature of the October full moon. Naming conventions date back to the Native Americans of the northern and eastern United States, who kept track of the seasons. 

    Here are some other names given to the full October moon:

    • Hunter’s Moon: This is the traditional time to hunt
    • Falling Leaves Moon: Name given to express the changing and falling leaves, signaling the onset of fall
    • Dying Grass Moon: A Gaelic name that signifies the end of the growing season
    • Drying Rice Moon: A Dakota name given for when rice is harvested and dried
    • Freezing Moon: A time of the year when the first frost occurs

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

    The next full moon will be the Beaver Moon, which occurs on Nov. 5, 2025.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Fall officially arrives with the autumnal equinox

    [ad_1]

    Fall has officially arrived. Summer has come to an end, meaning cooler and shorter days are on the horizon. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Fall begins Monday, Sept. 22

    • The 2025 autumnal equinox happens at 2:19 p.m. ET

    • The largest daily loss of daylight occurs in September



    The change in seasons occurs with the solstice or the equinox determined by the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun. 

    What is the equinox?

    The Earth is tilted at a 23.5-degree angle, and as it travels around the sun, the Earth’s axis is tilted toward or away from the sun.

    During the equinox, the Earth’s axis and its orbit line up, allowing the sun’s rays to shine directly on the equator. This means that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight.

    Meteorological Fall vs. Astronomical Fall

     

    The meteorological seasons are calendar-based, whereas the astronomical seasons rely on the Earh’s position to the sun. 

    Meteorological fall occurs from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30. The meteorological seasons are broken down evenly into 3-month periods based on temperature and weather cycles. 

    Astronomical fall typically starts between Sept. 21 and Sept. 23. This varies because of leap years, which can shift the start date by a day or two. 

    Why do we lose so much daylight?

    We have been slowly losing more and more daylight since the summer solstice in June, and will continue to lose more daylight until the winter solstice in December. The largest daily loss of daylight occurs in September, especially as the autumnal equinox approaches.

    The Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt is the main reason we see daylight changes throughout the year. Your latitude also plays a role as well.

    This time of year, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, leading to a decrease in daylight. Areas located closer to the equator will see less variation in daylight hours as opposed to areas located closer to the North Pole.

    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 Ramel Carpenter

    Source link

  • When will you see the first freeze this fall?

    [ad_1]

    Leaves are changing, and the first day of astronomical fall is next Monday, Sept. 22. Most of the country will begin to see cooler temperatures in the coming weeks, and some won’t have to wait long.

    Even though winter doesn’t begin until December, cold air and freezing temperatures arrive well before then for most of the U.S.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Northern Plains and Intermountain West usually dip down below freezing before September is over

    • Interior New England  and the Great Lakes also see freezing temperatures before most of the country

    • Cold air arrives in Florida, the Gulf Coast and the Desert Southwest last



    Winter arrives at the time time every year on the calendar, but not on your thermometer. Every year is different. The maps below give a good idea of when you can expect the first freeze where you live based on the 1991-2020 U.S. climate normals.

    The maps below show the ‘median,’ or average date of the first freeze. This is when you could expect the first freeze to arrive during a ‘normal’ year. The next one shows the ‘earliest 10%’ which shows a scenario of when colder air arrives early, about once every 10 years. And the last map shows the ‘latest 10%,’ so during a warm year when cold air arrives late.

    Northeast

    Most of the Northeast and New England see the first freeze before or during early fall, in September or early October. The mountains and high elevations across interior New England and the Adirondacks average freezing temperatures sometime in September, with the rest of the Northeast getting freezing cold sometime during October or early November.

    Midwest

    The Upper Midwest and Northern Plains also get in on the cold early. Around the Great Lakes and Dakotas, the first freeze typically arrives during September or early October. Further south the wait isn’t much longer. Freezing air usually arrives to the rest of the Midwest sometime before Halloween.

    Northwest

    There are many microclimates across the Northwest, so the arrival of cold air varies. Across the Rockies and Intermountain West, some areas experience cold year-round and as early as August and early September. The Pacific Northwest might not see freezing temperatures arrive until late October or November thanks to the maritime influence. 

    Southwest

    The Southwest has a variety of climates as well, so the temperatures differ greatly during the fall and winter. The Desert Southwest and coastal California don’t see the arrival of cold air until late in the season, sometimes not until December. Once you get into the high desert and Southern Plains, it arrives much earlier, around October or early November.

    Southeast

    If you live in the Southeast, it still gets cold, especially away from the large bodies of water. In the Appalachians and areas away from the Gulf and Atlantic coast, freezing temperatures usually begin before Thanksgiving in late October or early November. The Gulf Coast and Florida, however, wait much longer, with freezing temperatures not arriving until late November or December. In South and Central Florida and southern Texas, freezing temperatures may never even arrive.

    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

  • When to expect the best 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.

    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.

    (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

    (Explore Fall)

    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.

    Current fall foliage

    Here is a map of the current fall foliage around the U.S.


    In some parts of the country, leaves have already started turning. The first areas to see color are typically further north and at higher elevations, including parts of the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains, the Mountain West and interior Northeast.

    Parts of New England are in a severe drought, with much of the mountain west under an extreme or exceptional drought, which could cause the trees to lose leaves early and mute the colors.

    7-Day foliage outlook

    Here is a look at Explore Fall’s 7-day foliage forecast and what the foliage is expected to look like in a week from now.


    You can submit your fall foliage photos here.

    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

  • The peak of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is here

    [ad_1]

    Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean spans June through November, and this year was forecasted to be near to above average.

    What You Need To Know

    • The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season was forecasted to be near to above average

    • Through early Sept. 2025, there have only been six named storms

    • The climatological peak of hurricane season is on Sept. 10


    However, as we approach the climatological peak of the season, we’ve only had six named storms. 

    2025 Atlantic Season predictions

    Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) made their seasonal forecasts back in May and updated them in August. The latest outlooks predict an above-average season: 13 to 18 tropical cyclones (down from 13 to 19 named storms) for NOAA and 16 named storms for CSU (down from 17 to 24 named storms).

    The new predictions include the six named storms we’ve already seen. The average number of named storms is around 14 per season.

    How the season began

    Tropical Storm Andrea formed on June 23, 2025. This marked the latest start to a season since 2014. 

    Next, Tropical Storm Barry formed toward the end of June and made landfall in Veracruz, Mexico. 

    After Barry, Tropical Storm Chantal impacted the southeastern U.S. The storm made landfall in South Carolina on July 6, bringing tropical storm force-winds and flooding rainfall to the Carolinas. 

    Flooding from Chantal at Cooper Road at the Haw River canoe access in Graham, North Carolina. (Graham Police Department)

    Tropical Storm Dexter followed, and next, Hurricane Erin. Erin became a large and powerful Category 5 storm. The storm stayed well off the coast of the U.S., but it brought dangerous rip currents to most of the eastern seaboard.

    Tropical Storm Fernand formed in mid-August and stayed offshore. Here’s a look at the 2025 hurricane season so far. 

    Since then, there has been a lull in tropical activity. 

    Still a lot of the season to go

    In September and early October, storms are most likely to form in the central Atlantic and the Caribbean. However, as more frontal boundaries move through the U.S. at this time, it’s possible for tropical cyclones to develop along old fronts in the Gulf of Mexico and off of the southeast coast. 

    “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. 

    Don’t let the lull in the Atlantic lull you to sleep. As we approach the peak with quiet conditions, there’s still plenty of time for more storms to develop.

    Notable September and October tropical cyclones

    Even though many may be focused on fall, hurricane season is ongoing! There have been many tropical cyclones that have formed and made landfall in September and October. 

    Just last year, Hurricane Milton formed in October and rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 5 storm in the Gulf of America. This was the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded over the Gulf since Hurricane Rita in 2005. Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, FL.

    While the outlook over the next seven days looks quiet in the Atlantic, make sure you’re focusing on the forecast as conditions in the open waters can change. Tracking the Tropics.

    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 Britney Hamilton

    Source link

  • September’s ‘Corn Moon’ rises this week

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon, and the final one of the astronomical summer, is set to rise above the horizon this week on Sunday, September 7th.

    What You Need To Know

    • September’s full moon will rise this weekend

    • It is called the ‘Corn Moon’ this year

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Corn Moon as opposed to the Harvest Moon which traditionally is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (September 22nd). It just so happens that the next full moon will occur on October 6th so it gets the name Harvest Moon this year.

    The moon will officially be full at 2:09 pm EDT Sunday, so it won’t be seen until hours later when it rises above the horizon after sunset.

    This year’s Corn Moon will actually coincide with a lunar eclipse for much of the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Africa, and Australia), but no eclipse will be visible across the U.S. Other countries can expect a long-lasting “blood moon” similar to what America saw back in March earlier this year.

     

    Potential cloud coverage Sunday evening. (weathermodels.com)

    The name of the moon is a reference to the corn harvest, which typically happens this time of the year across North America.

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

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on October 6, 2025. As mentioned earlier, the Harvest Moon is whatever full moon falls closest to the Fall Equinox. Usually that is in September, but every four or five years, it happens in October.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • September’s ‘Corn Moon’ rises this week

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon, and the final one of the astronomical summer, is set to rise above the horizon this week on Sunday, September 7th.

    What You Need To Know

    • September’s full moon will rise this weekend

    • It is called the ‘Corn Moon’ this year

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Corn Moon as opposed to the Harvest Moon which traditionally is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (September 22nd). It just so happens that the next full moon will occur on October 6th so it gets the name Harvest Moon this year.

    The moon will officially be full at 2:09 pm EDT Sunday, so it won’t be seen until hours later when it rises above the horizon after sunset.

    This year’s Corn Moon will actually coincide with a lunar eclipse for much of the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Africa, and Australia), but no eclipse will be visible across the U.S. Other countries can expect a long-lasting “blood moon” similar to what America saw back in March earlier this year.

     

    Potential cloud coverage Sunday evening. (weathermodels.com)

    The name of the moon is a reference to the corn harvest, which typically happens this time of the year across North America.

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

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on October 6, 2025. As mentioned earlier, the Harvest Moon is whatever full moon falls closest to the Fall Equinox. Usually that is in September, but every four or five years, it happens in October.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • September’s ‘Corn Moon’ rises this week

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon, and the final one of the astronomical summer, is set to rise above the horizon this week on Sunday, Sept. 7.

    What You Need To Know

    • September’s full moon will rise this weekend

    • It is called the ‘Corn Moon’ this year

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Corn Moon as opposed to the Harvest Moon which traditionally is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). It just so happens that the next full moon will occur on Oct, 6 so it gets the name Harvest Moon this year.

    The moon will officially be full at 2:09 p.m. EDT Sunday, so it won’t be seen until hours later when it rises above the horizon after sunset.

    This year’s Corn Moon will actually coincide with a lunar eclipse for much of the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Africa, and Australia), but no eclipse will be visible across the U.S. Other countries can expect a long-lasting “blood moon” similar to what America saw back in March earlier this year.

     

    Potential cloud coverage Sunday evening. (weathermodels.com)

    The name of the moon is a reference to the corn harvest, which typically happens this time of the year across North America.

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

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on Oct. 6, 2025. As mentioned earlier, the Harvest Moon is whatever full moon falls closest to the Fall Equinox. Usually that is in September, but every four or five years, it happens in October.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • September’s ‘Corn Moon’ rises this week

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon, and the final one of the astronomical summer, is set to rise above the horizon this week on Sunday, September 7th.

    What You Need To Know

    • September’s full moon will rise this weekend

    • It is called the ‘Corn Moon’ this year

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Corn Moon as opposed to the Harvest Moon which traditionally is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (September 22nd). It just so happens that the next full moon will occur on October 6th so it gets the name Harvest Moon this year.

    The moon will officially be full at 2:09 pm EDT Sunday, so it won’t be seen until hours later when it rises above the horizon after sunset.

    This year’s Corn Moon will actually coincide with a lunar eclipse for much of the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Africa, and Australia), but no eclipse will be visible across the U.S. Other countries can expect a long-lasting “blood moon” similar to what America saw back in March earlier this year.

     

    Potential cloud coverage Sunday evening. (weathermodels.com)

    The name of the moon is a reference to the corn harvest, which typically happens this time of the year across North America.

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

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on October 6, 2025. As mentioned earlier, the Harvest Moon is whatever full moon falls closest to the Fall Equinox. Usually that is in September, but every four or five years, it happens in October.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • Welcome to meteorological fall

    [ad_1]

    The astronomical start to the season begins on Sept. 22, 2025, at 2:19 pm EDT. Meteorologists and climatologists look at the seasons a little differently than most.

    What You Need To Know

    • Most people use the traditional astronomical seasons

    • Meteorological seasons are more convenient for weather records

    • Meteorological fall is from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30


    The Earth’s tilt on its axis gives us our seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, the spring and fall equinoxes happen when the sun’s direct rays pass over the Equator. They’re farthest north on the summer solstice as we lean toward the sun. On the winter solstice, they reach their southernmost point while we lean away from the sun.

    (NOAA Office of Education/Kaleigh Ballantine)

    Our planet’s movement is predictable, but it isn’t perfect. Astronomical seasons start around the same time, but the exact date varies. The autumnal equinox occurs anywhere between Sept. 21-23. The winter solstice falls between Dec. 20-22. As a result, each season can be anywhere from 89 to 93 days long.

    That would make record-keeping for weather and climate extremely tricky. Making comparisons between years isn’t quite apples-to-apples if the start and length of a season change each year.

    That’s why we have climatological seasons. They always start on the first day of a particular month and only vary between 90 and 92 days long or 3 months at a time. This makes data and record keeping streamlined for meteorologists and climatologists.

    It also turns out that the warmest and coldest 91-day periods of the year line up better with climatological summer and winter.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Alan Auglis, Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Welcome to meteorological fall

    [ad_1]

    The astronomical start to the season begins on Sept. 22, 2025, at 2:19 pm EDT. Meteorologists and climatologists look at the seasons a little differently than most.

    What You Need To Know

    • Most people use the traditional astronomical seasons

    • Meteorological seasons are more convenient for weather records

    • Meteorological fall is from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30


    The Earth’s tilt on its axis gives us our seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, the spring and fall equinoxes happen when the sun’s direct rays pass over the Equator. They’re farthest north on the summer solstice as we lean toward the sun. On the winter solstice, they reach their southernmost point while we lean away from the sun.

    (NOAA Office of Education/Kaleigh Ballantine)

    Our planet’s movement is predictable, but it isn’t perfect. Astronomical seasons start around the same time, but the exact date varies. The autumnal equinox occurs anywhere between Sept. 21-23. The winter solstice falls between Dec. 20-22. As a result, each season can be anywhere from 89 to 93 days long.

    That would make record-keeping for weather and climate extremely tricky. Making comparisons between years isn’t quite apples-to-apples if the start and length of a season change each year.

    That’s why we have climatological seasons. They always start on the first day of a particular month and only vary between 90 and 92 days long or 3 months at a time. This makes data and record keeping streamlined for meteorologists and climatologists.

    It also turns out that the warmest and coldest 91-day periods of the year line up better with climatological summer and winter.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Alan Auglis, Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Welcome to meteorological fall

    [ad_1]

    The astronomical start to the season begins on Sept. 22, 2025, at 2:19 pm EDT. Meteorologists and climatologists look at the seasons a little differently than most.

    What You Need To Know

    • Most people use the traditional astronomical seasons

    • Meteorological seasons are more convenient for weather records

    • Meteorological fall is from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30


    The Earth’s tilt on its axis gives us our seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, the spring and fall equinoxes happen when the sun’s direct rays pass over the Equator. They’re farthest north on the summer solstice as we lean toward the sun. On the winter solstice, they reach their southernmost point while we lean away from the sun.

    (NOAA Office of Education/Kaleigh Ballantine)

    Our planet’s movement is predictable, but it isn’t perfect. Astronomical seasons start around the same time, but the exact date varies. The autumnal equinox occurs anywhere between Sept. 21-23. The winter solstice falls between Dec. 20-22. As a result, each season can be anywhere from 89 to 93 days long.

    That would make record-keeping for weather and climate extremely tricky. Making comparisons between years isn’t quite apples-to-apples if the start and length of a season change each year.

    That’s why we have climatological seasons. They always start on the first day of a particular month and only vary between 90 and 92 days long or 3 months at a time. This makes data and record keeping streamlined for meteorologists and climatologists.

    It also turns out that the warmest and coldest 91-day periods of the year line up better with climatological summer and winter.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Alan Auglis, Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • A look back at Hurricane Katrina, 20 years later

    [ad_1]

    Hurricane Katrina remains infamous as one of the deadliest hurricanes ever to strike the United States.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Katrina reached Category 5 status but made landfall as a Category 3 with winds of 125 mph

    • Record storm surge was reported across the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines

    • 80% of New Orleans was under water on Aug. 31, 2005


    20 years ago on Aug. 29, it made its strongest landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in southeast Louisiana and brought devastation across the city of New Orleans and surrounding parishes.

    Meteorological history

    Hurricane Katrina developed from the remnants of Tropical Depression Ten and a tropical wave near the Lesser Antilles. It became Tropical Depression Twelve over the southeastern Bahamas on Aug. 23.

    On Aug. 24, it was classified as Tropical Storm Katrina, and it moved through the northwestern part of the Bahamas on Aug. 25. It strengthened into a hurricane on the evening of Aug. 25 just before making its first landfall near the Miami-Dade/Broward County line.

    The storm drifted southwest across southern Florida before moving over the eastern Gulf on Aug. 26. Over the warm waters of the Gulf, Katrina rapidly intensified, becoming a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 175 mph on Aug. 28.

    A satellite image of Hurricane Katrina prior to making landfall on Aug. 29, 2005. (NOAA)

    Katrina turned to the northwest and then north, making its second landfall near Buras, LA, in the southeastern part of the state on Aug. 29. It had weakened to a Category 3, with winds of 125 mph, just before landfall.

    Approximately five hours later, Katrina made a third landfall near the Louisiana/Mississippi border with winds estimated at 120 mph, still a Category 3 hurricane.


    Katrina moved over land and weakened but still maintained hurricane strength near Laurel, Mississippi. It was finally downgraded to a tropical depression on Aug. 30 before dissipating altogether on Aug. 31.

    Katrina’s impacts

    Katrina wasn’t just a Louisiana/Mississippi storm; at its height, it was 780 miles from east to west and about the same distance from north to south. Hurricane conditions were reported in southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi and southwestern Alabama, with storm surges reported as far east as Destin, FL.

    Storm surge affected coastal regions, with a 20-mile-wide swath of 24 to 28 feet along the Mississippi Coast. The highest surge was at Pass Christian, MS, at 27.8 feet. The storm surge was so high that it overtopped the levees in the city of New Orleans, leading to levee failures and extensive flooding. 80% of New Orleans was under water on Aug. 31.

    The damage and destruction it caused equated to $125 billion (un-adjusted 2005 dollars). Not to mention the thousands of lives lost.

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Retired Hurricane Hunter reminisces

    [ad_1]

    Although the 2025 hurricane season seems like it’s been slow to start with only five named storms, there’s still a long way to go, and with NOAA’s above-average prediction, that streak won’t likely last.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Hunters fly into a tropical system to gain information about the storm

    • Peter Guittari flew for the Hurricane Hunters’ squadron for twelve years

    • Most intense storm he flew into was Super Typhoon Forrest 1983

    What methods do we use to get information about a storm?

    If a storm is in the middle of the Atlantic, we use radar observations to get data, but if a storm is close enough to an area of land, we send scientists into the storm from above. This special group of professionals is called Hurricane Hunters.

    Hurricane Hunters

    Two branches of Hurricane Hunters now exist, one operated by NOAA and the other by the United States Air Force. Beginning in the 1960s, Weather Bureau aircraft began flying into storms to gain data about the intensity and conditions of the atmosphere. It wasn’t until 1976 that the aircraft had a Doppler radar.

    Peter Guittari, a retired Hurricane Hunter talks about his time in the squad and the most impressive storm he flew into. from the Air Force, remembers those days in the 1970s. From 1979 through 1991, he flew missions out of Keesler Airforce Base in Biloxi, MS. He flew WC-130 military planes, Bs, Es and Hs.

    “We got to see some very very nice places, including the Caribbean and the Pacific,” he said, recalling his time fondly.

    Retired Hurricane Hunter, Peter Guittari, reminisces about his time flying into storms.

    As for how he ended up a Hurricane Hunter. “I was in the 130s, and the unit needed some extra people. I was a flight engineer, and they needed extra people. A buddy of mine was in that squadron, and he called me up and asked if any of you guys would like to come here and do this? And we said yes, so that was 1979, and I was flying 130s for about four years.”

    Collecting data

    Once a storm was identified that needed data, a crew was assembled and briefed. Guittari says that when they took flight, they would fly as high as they could to save fuel and then drop down to 1500 feet so the weather and dropsonde operators could collect their data.

    While he flew hundreds of missions over his twelve years with the Hurricane Hunters, his most memorable storm occurred in the Pacific, specifically, Super Typhoon Forrest in Sept. 1983. “We estimated the winds to be in excess of 200 knots.”

    He loved his job, and the only reason he left was that they closed the squadron down. To this day, he has an appreciation for meteorology, and although he now lives in northern Arkansas, he still follows storms when they make news.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Tropical activity increases in the month of August

    [ad_1]

    Tropical activity is on the rise as we approach the climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which arrives on Sept. 10. After the first few months of the season, the tropics will come alive in August.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical cyclone development becomes more common this month

    • The season’s first hurricane usually forms in early to mid-August

    • The peak of hurricane season arrives in early September



    Based on a 30-year climate period from 1991 to 2020, an average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes (category 3+). The first named storm normally forms in mid to late June, the first hurricane forms in early to mid-August, and the first major hurricane forms in late August or early September.

    In August, you typically see more tropical waves developing into named storms.

    In the Atlantic basin, tropical storms are more likely to form just to the east of the Caribbean islands throughout August. Development is also common in the Gulf and along the east coast during this time of the season. 

    The first hurricanes of the season form during this time of hurricane season and will more than likely develop near the Caribbean islands and along the eastern coast.

    So if you live in a hurricane-prone region, before August and September, be sure to have your hurricane kit ready to go before a storm heads for your area. 

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Sturgeon Moon arrives this weekend with planetary conjunction soon after

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon, popularly called the Sturgeon Moon, will rise in the night sky the evening of Friday, August 8th, across the U.S.

    What You Need To Know

    • August’s full moon is often called the Sturgeon Moon
    • It is also called the Corn Moon
    • Venus, Neptune and the moon will be close to each other in the sky days after the full moon


    The full moon this month, our eighth of the year, will rise after sunset Friday evening across the east coast of the U.S. and fully peak overnight. 

    According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon because it occurs around the time the sturgeon fish were most easily caught by Native Americans around the Great Lakes. It is also called the Corn Moon and Harvest Moon by other Native American tribes. 

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

    Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires could make the rising full moon appear more orange.

    Potential cloud coverage across the U.S. Friday night. (weathermodels.com)

    A celestial gathering

    The full moon won’t be the only celestial event going on early in August. On August 12th, a few days after the Sturgeon Moon, the planets Venus and Neptune will share the sky in proximity with the moon.

    The beautiful twilight sky (Nov 28, 2019) after sunset with the planets conjuction of Moon (with earth shine), Venus and Jupiter. (Getty)

    This event, called a planetary conjunction, will be a good one for night sky watchers. Venus will be easily seen with the naked eye, but you will need a telescope or binoculars to see Neptune as well. 

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on September 7th, 2025. This is a special full moon as it will appear closest to the autumnal equinox.

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

     

     

     

     

     

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • Sturgeon Moon arrives this weekend with planetary conjunction soon after

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon, popularly called the Sturgeon Moon, will rise in the night sky the evening of Friday, August 8th, across the U.S.

    What You Need To Know

    • August’s full moon is often called the Sturgeon Moon
    • It is also called the Corn Moon
    • Venus, Neptune and the moon will be close to each other in the sky days after the full moon


    The full moon this month, our eighth of the year, will rise after sunset Friday evening across the east coast of the U.S. and fully peak overnight. 

    According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon because it occurs around the time the sturgeon fish were most easily caught by Native Americans around the Great Lakes. It is also called the Corn Moon and Harvest Moon by other Native American tribes. 

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

    Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires could make the rising full moon appear more orange.

    Potential cloud coverage across the U.S. Friday night. (weathermodels.com)

    A celestial gathering

    The full moon won’t be the only celestial event going on early in August. On August 12th, a few days after the Sturgeon Moon, the planets Venus and Neptune will share the sky in proximity with the moon.

    The beautiful twilight sky (Nov 28, 2019) after sunset with the planets conjuction of Moon (with earth shine), Venus and Jupiter. (Getty)

    This event, called a planetary conjunction, will be a good one for night sky watchers. Venus will be easily seen with the naked eye, but you will need a telescope or binoculars to see Neptune as well. 

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on September 7th, 2025. This is a special full moon as it will appear closest to the autumnal equinox.

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

     

     

     

     

     

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • How lightning can help your garden grow

    [ad_1]

    The classic summer thunderstorm is doing more for your lawn and garden than you might realize. That extra bit of green and growth after a storm isn’t just because it rained.

    There is a science behind why that is the case, and I’m here to explain it. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Lightning plays a big role in the nitrogen cycle

    • Nitrates are considered a “super fertilizer” that helps plants green up faster

    • Most plants receive usable nitrogen through bacteria in soil


    Understanding what the nitrogen cycle does is important to know before diving into lightning’s role in the cycle. Simply put, plants need nutrients to grow. 

    About 78% of Earth’s atmosphere is made up of “free” nitrogen (N2) gas. All living things need nitrogen to build amino acids, essential proteins, as well as DNA and RNA. 

    Nitrogen in its “free” form cannot be used by living things. That is where the nitrogen cycle comes in. For nitrogen to be used, it must be changed into different states like nitrates (NO3), nitrites (NO2), and ammonium (NH3). 

    Nitrogen is mostly brought into the living world by way of bacteria in the soil, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into the nitrates. Once in any of those usable states, plants can take up these molecules and grow. 

    Lightning’s role in the nitrogen cycle

    While most of the free nitrogen is converted through bacteria, lightning also plays a meaningful role. 

    During a storm, the explosive heat of lightning tears the nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air apart. The free molecules then recombine, forming nitrogen oxides, which fall down to earth in the rain. 

    Given that most rain doesn’t carry many nutrients, nitrogen oxide-filled raindrops can bring abundant free fertilizer to your yard and garden during a storm. A storm or two may not make a big difference, but multiple rounds of storms over the course of a week or two can bring lush green and vivid colors to your garden.

    So when you hear cracks of thunder outside, just know that your plants are thankful!

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link