Congressman Jesús G. "Chuy" García Secures $5.5 Million Federal Grant for Midway Airport Improvements

Congressman Jesús G. "Chuy" García has announced that Chicago’s Midway International Airport will receive $5,475,808 in federal grant funding. This significant allocation comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its Airport Improvement Program. The primary purpose of this grant is to facilitate essential improvements and reconstruction of paved taxiways and other pavement infrastructure at the airport. According to the announcement, the Airport Improvement Program is designed to support various airport projects, including enhancements to runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. Congressman García emphasized that Midway Airport serves as a crucial domestic travel hub and a vital source of employment within his district, stating that the grant will help the airport continue to operate safely and efficiently for travelers.

Florida Faces Rainy Weekend With Storm Risk

A low-pressure system is expected to bring widespread rain and thunderstorms to Florida over the weekend, starting September 18, 2026. South Florida could see up to four inches of rain, while Central Florida may receive around two inches, and North Florida and the Panhandle are expected to experience lighter rainfall. The system is being influenced by a Rex Block, an atmospheric pattern that stalls weather systems, leading to prolonged stormy conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Miami has forecast an 80% chance of rain for South Florida each day through the weekend. While the system has minimal chances of developing into a tropical storm, it could still bring severe thunderstorms with hail, frequent lightning, and heavy rain.

Flood Watch Issued for Southeast Arizona Until 11 PM MST

A Flood Watch has been issued for Southeast Arizona, including areas such as Tucson, the Tohono O'odham Nation, and the Santa Cruz River Valley, effective until 11 PM MST on September 16, 2026. The National Weather Service warns of potential flooding caused by excessive rainfall, with rain totals of 1 to 2 inches expected in stronger storms and isolated amounts exceeding 2 inches. The region is experiencing well-above-normal moisture levels for September, leading to scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall.

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Las Cruces Faces Flash Flood Threat as Heavy Rains Expected

The city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, is under a flash flood threat this week, with the National Weather Service (NWS) El Paso station forecasting significant rainfall. Approximately 2 to 3 inches of rain are predicted to fall, raising concerns about potential flash flooding. Areas including Deming, Silver City, the Sacramento Mountains, Ruidoso, and Cloudcroft are also in the storm's path. Local law enforcement and emergency personnel are preparing for the inclement weather. While no road closures have been reported in Las Cruces itself, other southern New Mexico regions have already experienced road closures due to overnight rain. The NWS has issued a flood watch for northern and southern Doña Ana County, the Mesilla Valley, and the Sacramento Mountains, which includes Las Cruces and Sunland Park. This flood watch is expected to expire 'late tonight.' Abundant moisture has moved into the region, and scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are anticipated to redevelop and continue into the overnight...

New Mexico Braces for Widespread Monsoon Storms and Flash Flood Risk

New Mexico is preparing for a period of widespread monsoon storms, bringing significant rainfall and cooler temperatures across the state. Meteorologist Carter Greulich of the National Weather Service in Albuquerque indicated that a plume of monsoon moisture is moving through the region, leading to unusually high rainfall for this time of year. The primary concern is scattered to numerous thunderstorms capable of producing substantial rain in short durations, which could result in isolated flash flooding. Wednesday is anticipated to be the rainiest day, with Albuquerque and southern New Mexico expecting precipitation late in the day. While the rain is not expected to alleviate the long-term drought, it offers short-term benefits for vegetation and wildfire prevention. Temperatures are projected to be considerably cooler, ranging from the high 60s to low 70s in Albuquerque, a notable change from the heat advisories issued in August.

Rain forecast for multiple U.S. cities on September 16

On September 16, 2026, measurable precipitation (0.01 inches or more) is forecast for several U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and others. The National Weather Service (NWS) will monitor rainfall across these locations during the climate day, which runs from midnight to midnight local standard time. Official precipitation data will be published in the NWS Daily Climate Report (CLI) the following morning. The forecast is influenced by a frontal boundary and associated moisture transport, with varying probabilities of rain across regions. Historical data suggests scattered showers are common in the Midwest and Northeast during September.

Chicago Faces Marginal Risk of Severe Storms This Week

An unsettled weather pattern is expected to bring strong to severe storms to the Chicago area this week, according to NBC Chicago. The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of the region, including the city, south and southwest suburbs, and northwest Indiana, under a 'marginal' or level one risk of severe weather. Rain and storms are forecast to begin early Tuesday morning, with heavy rainfall and gusty winds being the primary threats. Rainfall totals could exceed half an inch in some areas. Monday, however, will remain sunny and clear, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s °F (around 24 °C).

Showers and storms expected near Lake Erie

The National Weather Service has issued a nearshore marine forecast for Lake Erie, covering areas from Maumee Bay to Ripley, NY. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop throughout the day and into the evening of September 16, 2026. Winds are forecast to shift from south to northeast, with speeds generally remaining at 10 knots or less. Wave heights are predicted to stay at 1 foot or less, though they may increase to 2 feet or more in areas near thunderstorms. Water temperatures are currently 74°F (23°C) off Toledo, 73°F (22.8°C) off Cleveland, and 73°F (22.8°C) off Erie.

Mild weather with moderate winds in Chicago

Chicago has experienced mild weather conditions over the past 18 hours, with temperatures ranging from 70.0°F to 77.0°F (21.1°C to 25.0°C). Wind speeds have varied between 8.4 knots and 18.5 knots, with gusts reaching up to 22.0 knots. The relative humidity has remained relatively high, fluctuating between 71.2% and 83.5%. The wind direction has shifted throughout the day, predominantly coming from the north and northeast. These conditions are typical for late summer in the region, with no significant weather disruptions reported. However, NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) has noted a temporary server outage, which may affect the availability of real-time meteorological data.

Flooding rain and storms threaten Midwest region

A series of storms is bringing heavy rainfall and severe weather to the Midwest, with significant impacts reported in Kansas, Missouri, and surrounding areas. Severe thunderstorms have been observed, including a 75 mph wind gust at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, which caused structural damage at a nearby Boeing and Spirit plant. Flash flooding is a major concern, particularly in areas such as Kansas City, Omaha, Des Moines, and northwestern Illinois. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood watches and warnings for these regions, with heavy rain expected to persist through Thursday and into the weekend. Additional storms are forecast to develop across Minnesota and Wisconsin later in the week, potentially exacerbating flooding risks.