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  • Breaking down the North American Monsoon season

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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

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



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

    How do monsoons form?

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

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

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

    The North American Monsoon

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

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

    Monsoon progression

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

    • Ramp- Up: (June through Early July)

    • Onset: (Late June through Mid July)

    • Peak: (Mid July through Mid August)

    • Late Monsoon: (Mid August through early September)

    • Decay: (Late August through Late September)

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

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

    Results of the North American Monsoon

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Nathan Harrington

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  • Weather Explained: Understanding the heat index

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

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Nick Merianos

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  • Weather Explained: Understanding the heat index

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

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Nick Merianos

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  • Where to expect tropical activity in June

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    The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1.

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

    What You Need To Know

    • June tropical activity is most likely in the Gulf

    • Storms that develop typically move northeastward

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


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

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

    Systems that develop typically take a northeastward track. 

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

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

    Read More About Hurricanes


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

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

    Potential Tropical Cyclones

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

    For more information on PTCs, click here. 

    Rip current risk

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

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

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

    2025 Atlantic names

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

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

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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

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

    What You Need To Know

    • May’s full moon is named the Flower Moon

    • The full moon will peak Monday afternoon

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


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

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

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

    Best time to see the Flower Moon

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

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

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

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

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

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    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

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  • It’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week

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    The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is less than one month away, and the time to prepare is now. National Hurricane Preparedness Week began on May 4 and runs through May 10. 

    What You Need To Know

    • It is National Hurricane Preparedness Week

    • Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1

    • It’s time to review your hurricane preparation plans


    How to prepare?

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

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

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

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

    This year’s forecast

    Colorado State University released its outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season in April, and their researchers are forecasting slightly above normal activity this season.

    This year’s forecast includes several factors, primarily the relatively warm Atlantic and likely the absence of El Niño.

    CSU researchers state that the biggest question marks with this season’s prediction is if the anomalous warmth in the Atlantic and Caribbean persists and expands to the Main Development Region or begins to weaken.

    As always, it only takes one storm to make it a bad season. Here is a full breakdown of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season forecast.

    Changes this season

    The National Hurricane Center is introducing some fresh changes to the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season you can expect to see.

    One new names is on the list this year after Dorian was retired after the 2019 season. The new name replacing it will be Dexter. Here is what to know about the 2025 Atlantic hurricane names.

    Along with the new names, the National Hurricane Center will be making changes to to potential tropical cyclone (PTC) forecasts, issuing them up to 72 hours out, which is 24 hours greater than before.

    Here is a full breakdown of the changes you can expect to see this hurricane season.

    Learn More About Hurricanes


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

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Tornado reports for the year through April 30

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    In recent weeks, top stories have featured violent weather with tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and flooding that injured people and infrastructures, and even caused fatalities.

    How do these values compare to the average? Are we seeing more tornadoes than we used to or is this just par for the course at this time of the year?

    What You Need To Know

    • There have been 689 tornado reports since Jan. 1

    • 2025 ranks second to 2011 for the most tornado reports through the first third of the year

    • Tornado reports are preliminary and these reports are not the same as actual tornadoes numbers



    Tornado reports so far

    If it seems like 2025 has experienced more tornadoes through the first third of the year than normal, the data backs this up. From Jan. 1 through April 30, 2025, the Storm Prediction Center has received 689 tornado reports. 

    However, these are preliminary tornado reports and these reports reports are not the same as actual tornadoes.

    “In realtime, the National Weather Service collects what are called preliminary local storm reports. For tornadoes, these can be thought of as eyewitness reports of the tornado,” explains Matthew Elliot, warning coordination meteorologist at the Storm Prediction Center.

    Reports such as damage or video of a tornado are documented, showing the location of the damage and tornado. Each report will count as one tornado preliminary report.  

    However, Elliot mentioned that sometimes there may be multiple reports of the same tornado, especially longer-track ones, leading to overestimated tornado counts.

    “Some preliminary reports end up not being tornadic after a ground survey has been completed while others are surveyed and entered into the official database, but never have a preliminary local storm report issued,” he said, noting that’s rare, but it does happen.

    Take a look at the map and see the path of the individual tornadoes confirmed by the National Weather Service. Find out the wind speeds, storms reports or check out damage photos by clicking or tapping the tornado or thunderstorm icons on the interactive maps below.

    January tornado reports

     

    February tornado reports

     

    March examples of tornado reports

    March 14, 2025 tornadoes

    April example of tornado reports

    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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  • Excessive April rainfall led to flooding across the Central US

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    A train of rain and thunderstorms sat over the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys for the beginning of April, bringing historic flooding in the region.

    What You Need To Know

    • A stalled front was the focus of the heavy rainfall

    • Severe thunderstorms with tornadoes also caused additional damage

    • Rainfall totals exceeded one foot in many locations


    The setup brought severe weather with it, including damaging wind gusts, large hail and several tornadoes. In addition, the front that brought that stalled over the region, bringing heavy rainfall for days, leading to flooding of area creeks, streams and large rivers.

    The Ohio River in Louisville, Ky., recorded a crest of nearly 37 feet. That was 20 feet above flood stage. It was the 8th highest level the river has been in recorded history.

    The Ohio River in Owensboro, Ky., recorded a crest of 47.5 feet. That made it the 6th highest level on record.

    The Mississippi River in Osceola, Ark. recorded a crest of 37.6 feet, which is considered major flooding. That’s almost 10 feet above flood stage.

    The Ohio River remained at high levels the morning of April 9, 2025 amid historic flooding in Louisville. (Spectrum News 1/ Mason Brighton)

    Some areas from Kentucky into Tennessee and Arkansas saw over a foot of rainfall.

    Severe weather

    There was also a severe side to the storm with several days of tornadoes, damaging wind, and hail with thunderstorms. Here’s a look at the tornado paths across the Ohio Valley and south over a six-day period.

    This April has been active in terms of tornadoes. So far, there have been 217 tornadoes across the United States. On average, April brings around 200 tornadoes across the country.

    Rainfall compared to average

    With the heavy rain from the severe thunderstorms, some places for the Mid-South and Mississippi River Valley for the month of April are running over a half foot above the average for precipitation.

    It also looks like the active weather pattern will persist into the beginning of May, which will add to the greater than normal precipitation.

    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 Alan Auglis

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  • 8 ways to celebrate Earth Day

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    Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day. It marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. 

    More than 1 billion people in over 193 countries participate in Earth Day every year with a collective goal of making our planet a better place. Whether it’s educating, advocating or mobilizing in your community, there are lots of different ways to help.

    What You Need To Know

    • April 22 is Earth Day

    • It marks the birth of the modern environment movement in 1970

    • This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet”

    • Weather Explained: Earth Day



    The idea of Earth Day came about in the 1960s, when people starting becoming more aware of how environmental pollution threatens human health.

    Prior to the EPA being created in 1970, Americans drove inefficient cars that used leaded gas and industries were free to pollute the environment with harmful smoke and gas. In 1969, a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calfiornia, inspired action for students and Americans to become more conscious about air and water pollution.

    Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson and young environmental activists created “Earth Day” as a day of protest in 1970, choosing a day between Spring Break and final exams to maximize student participation. At the time, more than 20 million Americans joined to demonstrate against industries that were polluting the environment.

    Since its establishment, it’s continued to grow into a worldwide movement, with millions of participants in hundreds of countries every year on April 22. Each year has a different theme for people to focus on. Earth Day’s 2025 theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” calling for everyone to unite around renewable energy so we can triple clean electricity by 2030.

    You can learn more about the history of Earth Day and its initiatives here.

    How you can participate

    There are a lot of simple ways to celebrate Earth Day and make an impact, no matter how big or small. A simple way to start could be buying reusable bags for your trips to the grocery store, or getting a reusable water bottle instead of drinking out of single-use plastic bottles.

    If you want to be more involved, you could pick up trash around your neighborhood or community, or plan to carpool or take public transportation. There is no action too small!

    Here are eight ways you can make every day Earth Day.

    If you want to go out in the community and help with others, there are Earth Day events all around the world.

    Learn more about Earth Day activities in your community with the interactive map below. 

    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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  • 8 ways to celebrate Earth Day

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    Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day. It marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. 

    More than 1 billion people in over 193 countries participate in Earth Day every year with a collective goal of making our planet a better place. Whether it’s educating, advocating or mobilizing in your community, there are lots of different ways to help.

    What You Need To Know

    • April 22 is Earth Day

    • It marks the birth of the modern environment movement in 1970

    • This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet”

    • Weather Explained: Earth Day



    The idea of Earth Day came about in the 1960s, when people starting becoming more aware of how environmental pollution threatens human health.

    Prior to the EPA being created in 1970, Americans drove inefficient cars that used leaded gas and industries were free to pollute the environment with harmful smoke and gas. In 1969, a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calfiornia, inspired action for students and Americans to become more conscious about air and water pollution.

    Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson and young environmental activists created “Earth Day” as a day of protest in 1970, choosing a day between Spring Break and final exams to maximize student participation. At the time, more than 20 million Americans joined to demonstrate against industries that were polluting the environment.

    Since its establishment, it’s continued to grow into a worldwide movement, with millions of participants in hundreds of countries every year on April 22. Each year has a different theme for people to focus on. Earth Day’s 2025 theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” calling for everyone to unite around renewable energy so we can triple clean electricity by 2030.

    You can learn more about the history of Earth Day and its initiatives here.

    How you can participate

    There are a lot of simple ways to celebrate Earth Day and make an impact, no matter how big or small. A simple way to start could be buying reusable bags for your trips to the grocery store, or getting a reusable water bottle instead of drinking out of single-use plastic bottles.

    If you want to be more involved, you could pick up trash around your neighborhood or community, or plan to carpool or take public transportation. There is no action too small!

    Here are eight ways you can make every day Earth Day.

    If you want to go out in the community and help with others, there are Earth Day events all around the world.

    Learn more about Earth Day activities in your community with the interactive map below. 

    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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  • 8 ways to celebrate Earth Day

    [ad_1]

    Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day. It marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. 

    More than 1 billion people in over 193 countries participate in Earth Day every year with a collective goal of making our planet a better place. Whether it’s educating, advocating or mobilizing in your community, there are lots of different ways to help.

    What You Need To Know

    • April 22 is Earth Day

    • It marks the birth of the modern environment movement in 1970

    • This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet”

    • Weather Explained: Earth Day



    The idea of Earth Day came about in the 1960s, when people starting becoming more aware of how environmental pollution threatens human health.

    Prior to the EPA being created in 1970, Americans drove inefficient cars that used leaded gas and industries were free to pollute the environment with harmful smoke and gas. In 1969, a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calfiornia, inspired action for students and Americans to become more conscious about air and water pollution.

    Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson and young environmental activists created “Earth Day” as a day of protest in 1970, choosing a day between Spring Break and final exams to maximize student participation. At the time, more than 20 million Americans joined to demonstrate against industries that were polluting the environment.

    Since its establishment, it’s continued to grow into a worldwide movement, with millions of participants in hundreds of countries every year on April 22. Each year has a different theme for people to focus on. Earth Day’s 2025 theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” calling for everyone to unite around renewable energy so we can triple clean electricity by 2030.

    You can learn more about the history of Earth Day and its initiatives here.

    How you can participate

    There are a lot of simple ways to celebrate Earth Day and make an impact, no matter how big or small. A simple way to start could be buying reusable bags for your trips to the grocery store, or getting a reusable water bottle instead of drinking out of single-use plastic bottles.

    If you want to be more involved, you could pick up trash around your neighborhood or community, or plan to carpool or take public transportation. There is no action too small!

    Here are eight ways you can make every day Earth Day.

    If you want to go out in the community and help with others, there are Earth Day events all around the world.

    Learn more about Earth Day activities in your community with the interactive map below. 

    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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  • The hummingbird migration is underway

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    Temperatures are on the rise, green is showing up and hummingbirds are on the move. All signs that spring is here.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hummingbirds are being farther north into the Plains and Mid-Atlantic

    • Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds return to North America every spring

    • Hummingbirds return to the same area every migration in search of food



    Since March, colorful Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds having been showing up at feeders and in gardens across the eastern half of the United States. The small birds have continued their long journey home after escaping the winter cold.

    In recent weeks, these hummingbirds have been reported as far north as Kansas City, St. Louis, and even New York.

    The spring migration

    As temperatures continue to warm, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds will appear farther north, reaching the Midwest and Northeast by early May. These birds will then remain across the Eastern U.S. until November comes again, and they make their way back south.

    The journey hummingbirds make is miraculous. The migration back over the Gulf every spring can take 18-22 hours as they can fly over 1,200 miles without a break!

    How you can help the hummingbirds

    Before the hummingbirds begin appearing in your yards, be sure to have those feeders ready and take part in their migration.

    The Mississippi State University Extension Service has some helpful tips if you are looking to attract hummingbirds:

    • Prepare a homemade nectar for them to feed on. Mix four parts water and one-part sugar and boil for two minutes. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before filling the feeder. The mixture will spoil in the heat, so change the mixture every three to five days.
    • Always clean the feeders well with hot soapy water and rinse before the first use and each time you refill them throughout the season to help reduce bacteria growth. You can store any leftover mixture in the refrigerator for easy use.
    • Hummingbirds are pollinators and feed on many plants commonly found in landscapes. Plants like begonia, petunia, nasturtium and zinnia are great annuals to incorporate into your yard. Other perennials and shrubs hummingbirds are fond of include butterfly weed, lantana, azaleas and salvia.

    If you would like to know more information about the annual hummingbird migration visit 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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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • April’s full moon is called the ‘Pink Moon’

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    April’s full moon is this weekend, and it’s called the “Pink Moon.” It is also going to be a micromoon.

    It will peak Saturday at 8:22 p.m. ET.

    What You Need To Know

    • Saturday’s full moon is also known as the ‘Pink Moon’

    • It’s the first full moon of the spring

    • The first full moon after March 21 sets the date of Easter


    The Pink Moon didn’t get its name from the its color. Rather, it got its name from a flower. Since it’s the first full moon of the spring, it usually coincides with the blooming of pink wildflowers, or phlox.

    (Pixabay)

    This year’s Pink Moon is also the Paschal full moon, which is the first full moon after the spring equinox. It marks the start of Passover and determines the date of Easter every year. Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after March 21, or after the Paschal full moon.

    It’s also going to be a “micromoon,” so it will appear smaller than a regular full moon. It’s not because the moon is actually smaller, but because of the farther distance from the Earth, also known as apogee.

    It will reach its peak illumination at 8:22 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 12.

    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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  • ‘No more changing of the clocks’: Trump calls for permanent daylight saving time

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    It’s been just over a month since we “sprang forward” and changed the clocks to daylight saving time. President Donald Trump said on Friday we should remain on it permanently. 

    This is a stark contrast to what he was saying in December. 

    “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” he wrote on his social media back on Dec. 13, 2024. 

    However, his Truth Social Post on Friday was boasting something completely different.

    A hearing convened Thursday by the Senate Commerce Committee was debating this issue. Trump’s endorsement might help settle the debate for lawmakers. 

    Sunshine Protection Act

    On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year to account for the time change. 

    While the Senate passed the bill, nearly three years later it remains stalled in the House and has not been signed into law by President Trump.

    Vote in Live Poll: Cancel daylight saving time or stay on it permanently?

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Allergies change with the weather and the seasons

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    It’s the time of year that many people dread. It’s certainly not the warmer temperatures, but the seasonal allergies they suffer through when all the trees and plants explode, sending massive amounts of pollen grains into the air.

    It might surprise you to know that the weather can affect your allergies. If you feel congested when it rains, or have runny and watery eyes when it’s windy outside, you might have weather-related allergies.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dry, windy days can increase pollen issues

    • Mold levels usually pick up during damp weather

    • Grass and tree pollen is often worst in the spring into summer

    • Ragweed allergies pick up going into fall

    Allergic reactions occur when your immune system reacts to an allergen—anything your body identifies as “foreign.” Allergy symptoms can be similar to symptoms from other conditions, such as the common cold. These symptoms are often worse if you also have asthma.

    The symptoms include watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, congestion and coughing. These symptoms can be fairly mild and just a nuisance treated with over-the-counter medications, or can be quite debilitating and cause the patient to seek out special treatments.

    When you find yellow dust covering your car, you know what pollen looks like. This fine, dust-like substance helps fertilize plants.

    (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

    With all that pollen in the air, certain types of weather conditions can play a role in which days can be worse for the allergy sufferers.

    Dry, windy days can certainly cause allergy symptoms to spike. Wind plays a big role in pollen levels. It is very lightweight, and is easily picked up and carried through the air when it’s dry and windy. The allergen is then in the air you breathe, in very large amounts.

    Mold is another source of allergy symptoms on dry, windy days. Molds and fungi are very common outdoors, and wind can pick up their spores (seeds) and spread them around.

    (File Photo)

    Allergy symptoms can also be worse on humid, rainy days. Although mold spores often spread through wind, some types of mold spread when humidity is higher. Spores from these types of mold travel through fog or dew.

    Humid, rainy days can sometimes be beneficial for people with pollen allergies. When pollen gets wet, it becomes heavier, making it more likely to stay on the ground rather than in the air where you might breathe it in.

    However, rain can sometimes have the opposite effect on pollen. When humidity is very high, pollen particles can actually explode and leak allergenic proteins into the air. This often happens during a thunderstorm.

    (File Photo)

    Also, different seasons bring with them different types of allergies.

    Spring

    Spring allergies typically start in February and end toward June. This is because of plant pollination cycles. Large amounts of pollen from grasses and trees are present in the spring when temperatures are cooler at night and warmer during the day.

    Pollen levels are highest in the evenings during the spring.

    Summer

    Pollen season for grass and trees continues into the summer. Pollen levels are highest in the evenings at the beginning of summer. Ragweed pollen season hits later in the summer, with higher pollen levels in the mornings.

    (File Photo)

    Fall

    Fewer plant allergens are present in the air when fall hits, but ragweed pollen season continues into early fall. Mold can also be present in damp areas, such as near piles of dead leaves.

    (File Photo)

    The best way to deal with allergies is to try to avoid those days when the weather can play an adverse role and, of course, keep your allergy medication close at hand.

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    Meteorologist Scott Dean

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  • March kicked off a busy spring severe weather season

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    After a record-setting number of tornadoes last year, 2025 has started off with a well above-average number of tornadoes thanks to the month of March and its near-record tornado count.

    What You Need To Know

    • March 2025 tallied more than 200 tornadoes, that’s more than double than an average March

    • 15 EF3 and EF4 tornadoes were observed in March

    • Three separate multi-day outbreaks occurred during the month


    Based on a 25-year average from 1999 to 2023, March accounts for 95 tornadoes, which is the fifth-highest total on a per-month basis. March 2025 accounted for more than double that number, with at least 215 tornadoes confirmed by the National Weather Service. These numbers are preliminary and will be verified later in the year. 

    The usual hot spots for tornado formation during the spring were hit hard by multiple outbreaks during the month. However, a few states that rarely see severe weather in the spring saw tornadoes as well, including West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

    Tornado damage from an EF3 tornado near Alton, Mo. on March 14, 2025. (Photo by NWS Springfield)

    Violent tornadoes in March

    The sheer number of tornadoes is notable, but the strength of these early spring tornadoes is also remarkable. Over the last three years (2022-2024), only three EF4 tornadoes were reported in March. This past March saw three EF4 tornadoes on its own. We also saw at least 11 EF3 tornadoes, which outpaces the average for a typical March over the last three years. 

    (Photo NWS Little Rock, Arkansas)

    (Photo NWS Little Rock)

    Multi-day outbreaks 

    Severe weather outbreaks can span multiple states and multiple days, and this past March saw three separate multi-day and multi-state outbreaks.

    The outbreaks from March 4-5, 14-16 and 30-31 were responsible for most of the tornadoes this past month, and also for the strongest of the tornadoes. The March 14-16 outbreak was particularly devastating as it saw all EF4s and EF3s reported during the month.

    Tornado damage from an EF3 tornado in Poplar Bluff, Mo. on March 15, 2025. (Photo by NWS Paducah

    We’ve also had a very busy start to the month of April, with a widespread tornado outbreak the first two days of the month. Preliminary tornado reports have been scattered as National Weather Service offices that were hit hard on the 1st and 2nd deal with more severe weather. We may not have a handle on just how many tornadoes touched down across the country until later in April.

    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 Nathan Harrington

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  • National Weather Service cuts back weather balloon launches

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    The National Weather Service (NWS) announced that it is eliminating or reducing weather balloon launches across multiple offices around the country. This comes in response to NOAA layoffs and a lack of staffing necessary to continue regular launches.

    What You Need To Know

    • The National Weather Service is cutting back its weather balloon launches

    • Data from weather balloon launches helps improve model forecasts

    • Less data could harm forecast accuracy for severe, winter and tropical weather


    The NWS launches weather balloons twice daily from more than 100 upper air sites across the United States, Caribbean and Pacific Basin. These balloons reach up to 100,000 feet in the atmosphere with a radiosonde attached to each balloon.

    A radiosonde is an instrument that measures atmospheric data, including temperature, dew point, relative humidity, barometric pressure and wind speed and direction. The weather data that a radiosonde collects is just one piece of the puzzle that goes into weather models to help improve forecasts.

    A press release from the NWS confirmed that it is temporarily suspending all weather balloon launches in Omaha, Neb., and Rapid City, S.D. due to a lack of Weather Forecast Office (WFO) staffing, effective immediately.

    Along with eliminating launches from those two locations, the NWS is reducing its weather balloon launches down to one flight per day from multiple other sites, including Aberdeen, S.D., Grand Junction, Colo., Green Bay, Wis., Gaylord, Mich., North Platte, Neb. and Riverton, Wyo.

    These cuts come in addition to NWS announcements earlier this year that it was reducing weather balloon launches in Albany, N.Y. and Gray, Maine because of staff shortages.

    The NWS offices in Boulder, Colo. and Tallahassee, Fla. aren’t launching balloons because of a nationwide helium shortage, and the weather balloon facility on Morris Island in Chatham, Mass. has suspended launches because the facility has been closed due to coastal erosion.

    Bay News 9 Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay says, “these weather balloons may not seem important, but they are the basis for all the forecasts seen on apps, TV, everything from all weather sources. The more the better, we don’t need less data.”

    “It might be hard to understand, but a weather balloon launched in Montana can help us forecast where a hurricane in the Caribbean might go,” Mike Clay adds.

    It’s too soon to determine the impacts, but the reduction in launches across the Midwest and Great Plains is particularly concerning this time of year, as spring severe weather season ramps up in the coming months.

    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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  • The weather’s impact during baseball season

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    The 2025 Major League Baseball season is underway, and just like any outdoor sport, the weather can have an impact.

    What You Need To Know

    • Temperatures play a key role in the movement of a baseball

    • Baseballs don’t travel as far during the colder months of the season

    • Warmer temperatures can add more distance to the flight of a baseball



    Most notably, rain and sometimes snow can lead to weather delays. But the temperature can affect the sport more than you would think.

    The air temperature has an impact on the movement of a baseball over the course of the season.

    At the start of the MLB season in late March and early April, temperatures can be in the 30s and 40s at the time of the first pitch, especially for the teams playing in the northern U.S.

    Baseballs hit during this time of the year don’t travel as far because of the cooler temperatures.

    A ball struck in early April may be a pop fly, but in May or June, the same ball could be a home run and it’s all because of colder air being denser than warm air.

    So when a batter hits a ball during colder temperatures, the baseball has to push through more air molecules which act as resistance, causing the ball to travel shorter distances compared to the warmer months.

    This is great for pitchers, but can also prevent some batters from getting into a good rhythm at the beginning of a long season.

    Heading into the middle of the season, temperatures get warmer. That typically favors the batters more compared to the colder months.

    The warmer air is less dense, so there is less resistance, allowing for baseballs to travel further, leading to more base hits and home runs.

    Whether you’re watching a game at home or attending one in person, keep in mind how the air temperature can influence the trajectory of the baseball, especially early in the season.

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

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    Meteorologist Ramel Carpenter

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  • Cherry blossoms have an interesting history in the nation’s capital

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    Spring is here and everyone’s favorite flowering trees are painting the nation pink, as cherry blossom season continues across the country.

    What You Need To Know

    • There are many cherry tree types
    • The Yoshino Cherry tree is the most popular
    • Cherry blossoms are not native to the United States


    The vibrant blooms draw sizable crowds each spring to Washington D.C., where they are most famously recognized.

    While there are many types of cherry trees, the Yoshino Cherry Tree is the most popular and known for its white-pink blossoms and almond smell in the spring.

    (Spectrum News/Carl Brewer)

    History

    Though Yoshino Cherry Trees are well known, cherry blossoms are not native to the United States. The cherry trees were a gift from the Japanese to Americans. The cherry tree symbolizes human life and exemplifies the revolution of Japanese culture, according to the National Park Service.

    However, the first gift of cherry trees had some issues. The first group of cherry trees arrived in 1909. The trees were inspected by scientists from the Department of Agriculture. They found that the trees had an infestation of bugs and root gall. President Taft approved the destruction of the trees in January of 1910. This led to the passing of the Plant Quarantine Act of 1912 and a second shipment of trees.

    (Spectrum News/Carl Brewer)

    The second shipment of trees was much better! On March 26, 1912, over 3,000 cherry trees arrived in Washington, D.C. While 12 varieties of cherry trees were sent, the majority of the trees were of the Yoshino Cherry variety. The next day, Helen Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted two Yoshino cherry trees on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin. 

    From that point, more cherry trees were planted each year. In 1935, the first “Cherry Blossom Festival” occurred, and it became an annual event in subsequent years.

    The best time to see cherry blossoms in D.C.

    Cherry blossoms are certainly being seen across Washington, D.C.

    When 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open, that’s considered the peak bloom date. According to the National Park service, peak bloom could last several days. This year, the expected peak bloom will be this weekend through Monday (March 29th-31st).


    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 Britney Hamilton

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