Weather Headlines

January 2025 will be remembered as the year that turned the sandy beaches on the Gulf Coast to bright white.  By Bret Walts While the month kicked off with heavy snow, ice, major power outages and arctic cold across the lower Ohio Valley, the highlight of January 2025 will undoubtedly…

January Heating Demand Highest in More than a Decade  By Bret Walts Heaters across the United States will be stressed over the next two weeks as another visit from the tropospheric polar vortex brings the coldest air of the season to much of the Central and Eastern US. While the…

On December 28, 2024, a rare and intense severe weather outbreak unfolded across the Deep South and Southeast, disproving the common misconception that severe weather only happens in the spring and summer months. This event, which involved tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail, served as a stark reminder that severe…

The first week of December 2024 was the coldest on record for lower Ohio and Tennessee Valley, but the month will likely be remembered for its significant ups and downs rather than its bouts of cold. While another cold shot arrives late this week, a much milder than normal pattern…

This week, the Pacific Northwest was struck by one of the most powerful atmospheric rivers on record, which also classified as a bomb cyclone—a type of mid-latitude storm that undergoes rapid intensification. This system experienced a dramatic drop in pressure, from 1000mb to 942mb in just 24 hours, far surpassing…

As the vibrant fall colors fade and leaves begin to fall across much of the U.S., the tropics remain active. Tropical Storm Sara formed in the western Caribbean on Thursday, November 14, and is expected to bring significant rainfall and flooding to Central America before moving into the Gulf of…

The Great Lakes are one of the most recognizable geographic features across the United States. Holding 21% of the world’s freshwater, their importance in the winter becomes even more relevant as we get into the colder months, thanks to a phenomenon we call lake effect snow!  These slow moving snow…

The recent issuance of a rare PDS (particularly dangerous situation) Red Flag Warning near Los Angeles, California, highlights how dangerous and unpredictable wildfire season can be. The warning, driven by dry conditions, low humidity, and strong Santa Ana winds of 50-70 MPH, set the stage for a catastrophic fire risk.…

Did you know? Flash floods are the #1 weather-related killer in the United States! The national 30-year average for flood-related deaths is around 127 people per year. Nearly half of these flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related. Many people will underestimate the power of water and drive in flooded roadways.  It…

It seems that this severe weather season has been notably active so far, as there have been few days without some type of severe risk around the country. However, in terms of observed reports, wind and hail reports are both right around normal compared to the last ten years. Confirmed…