Explore

Fall 2026 Weather Outlook: Super El Niño and Regional Variations

Fall 2026 Weather Outlook: Super El Niño and Regional Variations

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Fall 2026 forecast highlights a national weather split, with warmer-than-average conditions in the interior U.S. and cooler, wetter weather along the coasts. The High Plains and Heartland will experience lingering summer warmth, while Texas and Oklahoma may see up to 4 inches of above-average rainfall. Cooler-than-average temperatures are expected in the Northeast, Southeast, and Pacific Coast, with wetter-than-normal conditions in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast. Meanwhile, transitional weather is forecast for the Upper Midwest and Desert Southwest. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts a 97% chance of El Niño persisting into early spring 2027, with an 81% likelihood of becoming “very strong” from October to December. This could lead to more intense winter storms in the interior southwest and southern states, according to climate scientist Daniel Swain.

Explained: What exactly is a heat index?

Explained: What exactly is a heat index?

It's not just the temperature, it's how hot it feels. Here's a clear explanation of what the heat index means for your health and safety.

Hurricane Genevieve's Swells Pose Dangers to California's Coastline

Hurricane Genevieve's Swells Pose Dangers to California's Coastline

Hurricane Genevieve, a major hurricane in the eastern Pacific, is generating large swells that are expected to impact the California coastline. The storm, which briefly reached Category 5 strength, is currently a high-end Category 3 hurricane. Although it poses no direct threat to land, the National Hurricane Center has warned of potentially life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the West Coast. The hurricane's powerful wind field is creating long-period swells that are affecting parts of Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula. These conditions are expected to continue throughout the week, with the largest waves forecasted around Thursday and into the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued advisories for portions of the Southern California coast, citing risks of dangerous swimming conditions and coastal flooding.

Falls Lake Water Levels Improve After Heavy Rain, Drought Conditions Persist

Falls Lake Water Levels Improve After Heavy Rain, Drought Conditions Persist

Falls Lake, a primary water source for Raleigh, North Carolina, has seen significant water level improvements following recent heavy rainfall. The lake's water-supply storage increased from 66% to 84% full, marking the highest level since mid-April. Despite the improvement, the lake remains below its normal pool level, and conservation efforts continue. The drought affecting the area has persisted for nearly a year, with previous brief recoveries during winter months. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local officials emphasize the need for continued rainfall to fully alleviate drought conditions.

Lake Mead and Lake Powell Near Record Low Levels, Raising Concerns

Lake Mead and Lake Powell Near Record Low Levels, Raising Concerns

Lake Mead and Lake Powell, two of the largest reservoirs in the United States, are nearing record low water levels, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Lake Powell's elevation is close to the critical level needed to produce hydropower, and projections indicate a new record low could be reached in August. The Colorado River basin, which supplies water to 40 million people and provides hydropower to seven states, is experiencing severe drought conditions. The situation underscores the need for new water management strategies as the region faces prolonged drought and low snowpack.

Western U.S. Faces Prolonged Heatwave Due to Building Atmospheric Ridge

Western U.S. Faces Prolonged Heatwave Due to Building Atmospheric Ridge

A significant atmospheric ridge is developing over the southwestern United States, leading to a prolonged heatwave expected to persist into August. This ridge, centered over Southern California and Arizona, is anticipated to bring record-breaking temperatures and elevated humidity levels, particularly in Southern California. The heatwave is characterized by high 500mb geopotential heights, indicating extreme atmospheric conditions. The warm ocean temperatures along the California coast are contributing to the elevated humidity, making the heat more oppressive. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories and warnings, highlighting the potential for health impacts due to the combination of heat and humidity.

Lakes Powell and Mead Reach Record Low Levels Amid Colorado River Crisis

Lakes Powell and Mead Reach Record Low Levels Amid Colorado River Crisis

Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the two largest reservoirs in the United States, have reached their lowest combined level on record, marking a significant moment in the ongoing Colorado River water supply crisis. As of July 12, the combined live storage in these reservoirs dropped to 12,675,509 acre-feet, breaking the previous record low set in March 2023. This decline is attributed to accelerated storage losses throughout 2026, with daily depletion rates reaching up to 16,661 acre-feet. The Colorado River is a crucial water source for millions of people and vast agricultural economies across several U.S. states and Mexico. The current situation has raised concerns about the river's ability to continue supporting water deliveries and hydropower generation.

Heavy Rains in North Carolina Offer Hope for Drought Relief

Heavy Rains in North Carolina Offer Hope for Drought Relief

North Carolina experienced its wettest rain event in over a year, providing much-needed relief to drought-affected areas. A frontal boundary combined with moisture from Tropical Storm Bertha resulted in significant rainfall across the state, with some areas receiving over six inches of rain. This event has helped reduce precipitation deficits and improve soil moisture levels, although long-term drought impacts remain. The rain has also benefited reservoirs and groundwater levels, though full recovery will take time.

U.S. Faces Resource Strain as Wildfire Preparedness Reaches Level 5

U.S. Faces Resource Strain as Wildfire Preparedness Reaches Level 5

Federal officials have elevated the national wildfire preparedness level to its highest, level 5, indicating a severe strain on resources as the U.S. approaches peak fire season. This level signifies that federal agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and the National Weather Service, may not have sufficient resources to address new fires. The preparedness levels help allocate resources like helicopters and firefighters, but at level 5, these resources are already committed to ongoing fires, leaving little capacity for new incidents.

Lake Mead and Lake Powell Reach Record Low Levels, Intensifying Water Supply Challenges

Lake Mead and Lake Powell Reach Record Low Levels, Intensifying Water Supply Challenges

The two largest reservoirs in the United States, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, have reached their lowest levels on record. This development is exacerbating water supply challenges for several states that rely on these reservoirs. The dwindling water levels are a result of prolonged drought conditions and increased water demand, putting pressure on states to manage and share the limited water resources effectively.

July 2023 Climate Summary for Desert Rock-Mercury, NV

July 2023 Climate Summary for Desert Rock-Mercury, NV

The National Weather Service has released the preliminary climatological data for July 2023 at Desert Rock-Mercury, Nevada. The average monthly temperature was recorded at 89.8°F (32.1°C), which is 3.8°F above normal. The highest temperature reached was 114°F (45.6°C) on July 16, while the lowest was 64°F (17.8°C) on July 10. No precipitation was recorded throughout the month, and the total cooling degree days (CDD) amounted to 774, which is 123 above the normal value. Wind speeds peaked at 47 mph on July 11, with visibility occasionally reduced due to dust storms and haze. The data highlights a hot and dry month with consistent high temperatures and minimal cloud cover. [Source: National Weather Service]

Heat dome builds over Texas as temperatures soar into the triple digits

Heat dome builds over Texas as temperatures soar into the triple digits

A heat dome building over Texas is fueling triple-digit heat, dangerous heat indexes and increased wildfire risks across the state.