The next tropical system is expected to develop in the Eastern Pacific, with Simon expected to form sometime midweek as the strengthening El Niño climate pattern supercharges the basin.

TROPICAL TROUBLE SHIFTS CLOSER TO HOME AS NEW DISTURBANCE COULD DRENCH PARTS OF THE GULF COAST

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the area of thunderstorms that are expected to become Simon is expected to develop just offshore of southern Mexico.

This would be the 21st named storm of the season in the Eastern and Central Pacific, and the basin is already well past the average number of storms even in an El Niño year (17).

HAWAII’S CORAL REEFS HAVE THEIR OWN INSURANCE POLICY — AND IT COULD HELP SAVE THEM AFTER DISASTER STRIKES

Computer and AI forecast models expect future-Simon to eventually track into Mexico, potentially dumping significant rain on the country's western coast.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Rachel is churning into the open Pacific as a Category 1 storm. Rachel briefly became a Category 3 hurricane earlier this week, marking the eighth major hurricane this season in the Pacific.

The NHC said Rachel is located about 405 miles away from the tip of Baja California with wind gusts of 90 mph. The storm is moving west at 8 mph.

CALIFORNIA DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AS POTENTIALLY HISTORIC SUPER EL NIÑO LOOMS

Rachel is expected to stay out to sea but is still generating life-threatening surf and rip currents along the Baja California coast, the NHC said.

Depending on how long Rachel maintains its strength and structure over open water, the hurricane could send large swells toward Southern California beaches later this week, though the exact magnitude and timing of these waves remain uncertain, the FOX Forecast Center said.

And in the Western Pacific, Hurricane Nolo continues to pack a punch as the storm strengthens yet again, becoming a Category 3 storm.

Hurricane Nolo continues its long journey well west of Hawaii, crossing toward the International Date Line as a powerful cyclone over open water.

Nolo is the same storm that soaked Hawaii about a week and a half ago. The hurricane even caused Hawaii's iconic, centuries-old lava rock arch in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park to collapse into the ocean.

CENTURIES-OLD LAVA ROCK ARCH IN HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK COLLAPSES INTO OCEAN FOLLOWING HURRICANE NOLO

The NHC said Hurricane Nolo is expected to continue strengthening over the next day or so before weakening around the middle of next week.

El Niño continues to strengthen and has supercharged tropical development across the Pacific, with a Super El Niño expected to be declared later this year.

Stay with FOX Weather for everything you need to know this hurricane season.

Odds of a tropical system developing in the southern Gulf are increasing amid the quietest start to an Atlantic hurricane season since the start of the satellite era (1966), with no hurricanes having formed this year.

WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

There are now medium odds that a tropical system will develop in the Bay of Campeche later this week, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

A massive cold front is draped over Central Florida and is extending across the Gulf, bringing days of heavy rain to the Sunshine State through the workweek.

A storm could develop at the tail end of this front sometime on Thursday or Friday, potentially developing a more defined center that forecasters can track.

CALIFORNIA DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AS POTENTIALLY HISTORIC SUPER EL NIÑO LOOMS

Regardless of tropical development, forecasts show the front’s remnants lifting north toward the end of the workweek, potentially bringing another round of heavy rain to parts of the Florida and Louisiana coasts by the weekend.

Computer forecast and AI models have yet to agree on whether a system will form at all and, if it does, where it will form, how it will track or whether it will become tropical.

As FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross frequently notes, forecasts for developing systems are always subject to large errors.

CENTURIES-OLD LAVA ROCK ARCH IN HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK COLLAPSES INTO OCEAN FOLLOWING HURRICANE NOLO

The FOX Forecast Center said the system could also struggle to develop or remain closer to the coast of Mexico.

Our Forecast Center notes that even if the system intensifies into a named tropical system, it is unlikely to strengthen into a powerful hurricane.

However, people along the Gulf Coast should still be aware of the potential for flooding and damaging wind gusts. Even weaker tropical systems can produce devastating impacts.

THE LATEST FROM FOX WEATHER HURRICANE SPECIALIST BRYAN NORCROSS

Meanwhile, Gulf water temperatures are currently at their warmest levels on record dating back to 1982. Warm waters are conducive for tropical development.

The Atlantic has gone more than 330 days since the last hurricane formed, with September ending without a hurricane for the first time in 32 years.

SEPTEMBER ENDS HURRICANE-FREE IN THE ATLANTIC FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 32 YEARS AMID IMPENDING SUPER EL NIÑO

It marked only the eighth time since the 1950s that the Atlantic went through September without a hurricane and just the second time since the start of the satellite era in 1966.

Despite it being the climatological peak of the season, El Niño-driven winds have suppressed activity this year.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

If the entire 2026 Atlantic hurricane season ends without a hurricane, it would be just the third time on record, since 1914 and 1917.

However, hurricanes may have formed during those seasons, but went undetected because they remained far from land and ships at sea.

If this happens in 2026, it would mark the first hurricane-free Atlantic season of the modern satellite era.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest. 

The Pacific basin continues to operate in overdrive as several tropical systems churn at once, with Category 2 Hurricane Rachel becoming the 20th named storm of the Pacific hurricane season.

Hurricane Rachel is steadily increasing in strength, nearing Category 3 status as the system moves farther away from Mexico. Rachel briefly became a Category 3 hurricane earlier this week, marking the eighth major hurricane this season in the Pacific.

TROPICAL TROUBLE COULD BE BREWING CLOSER TO HOME WITH NEW AREA TO WATCH DESIGNATED IN THE GULF

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Rachel is located about 340 miles away from the southern tip of Baja California with wind gusts of 105 mph. The storm is moving west-northwest at 6 mph.

Rachel is expected to stay out to sea as it takes a sharp turn away from the Mexican coastline, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Dangerous surf is impacting Baja California and will continue to do so over the next day, bringing life-threatening rip currents and powerful waves to the area, the NHC said.

Depending on how long Rachel maintains its strength and structure over open water, the hurricane could send large swells toward Southern California beaches later this week, though the exact magnitude and timing of these waves remain uncertain, the FOX Forecast Center said.

HAWAII’S CORAL REEFS HAVE THEIR OWN INSURANCE POLICY — AND IT COULD HELP SAVE THEM AFTER DISASTER STRIKES

Behind Rachel is an area to watch, which was designated last week. Currently, that area has a high chance of development over the next seven days, as conditions are expected to become more favorable, the FOX Forecast Center said.

The area to watch — which is likely to become the Pacific's next named storm Simon — could dump inches of rain on the western coast of Mexico, including from Acapulco to Puerto Vallarta.

Also in the Pacific, Hurricane Nolo continues to pack a punch as the storm strengthens yet again, becoming a Category 3 storm.

CALIFORNIA DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AS POTENTIALLY HISTORIC SUPER EL NIÑO LOOMS

Hurricane Nolo continues its long journey well west of Hawaii, crossing toward the International Date Line as a powerful cyclone over open water.

Nolo is the same storm that soaked Hawaii about a week and a half ago. The hurricane even caused Hawaii's iconic, centuries-old lava rock arch in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park to collapse into the ocean.

CENTURIES-OLD LAVA ROCK ARCH IN HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK COLLAPSES INTO OCEAN FOLLOWING HURRICANE NOLO

The NHC said Hurricane Nolo is expected to continue strengthening over the next day or so before weakening around the middle of next week.

El Niño continues to grip both the Pacific and Atlantic basins, and the Pacific is expected to see even more activity in the coming weeks.

Stay with FOX Weather for everything you need to know this hurricane season.

The Atlantic hurricane season is showing signs of life as October gets underway, with tropical trouble brewing closer to home in the Gulf of America.

WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

According to the FOX Forecast Center, a new area to watch was designated Saturday night near the Bay of Campeche, where a broad area of low pressure could develop.

The system has a medium chance of development over the next seven days, but it is too early to say where or when a tropical system could form because a defined area of low pressure has yet to develop.

Any potential system is also expected to move slowly as it drifts across the southwestern Gulf, the FOX Forecast Center said.

CALIFORNIA DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AS POTENTIALLY HISTORIC SUPER EL NIÑO LOOMS

Currently, a cold front is forecast to push into Central Florida and stretch across the Gulf before gradually fizzling out.

The remnants of that front, combined with an upper-level disturbance, could help trigger a low-pressure system in the southwestern Gulf. This will begin to form around Wednesday and Thursday.

As the week goes on, the system may begin to develop. However, it is expected that there will be no major organization, and it is not guaranteed that the system will move north.

CENTURIES-OLD LAVA ROCK ARCH IN HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK COLLAPSES INTO OCEAN FOLLOWING HURRICANE NOLO

The system could also struggle to develop or remain closer to the coast of Mexico.

The FOX Forecast Center notes that even if the system intensifies into a named tropical system, tropical storm conditions are expected as part of the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida’s Big Bend.

Alternatively, even if the system does not fully develop, the deep tropical moisture associated with it could increase the risk for several days of heavy rainfall, reaching areas well north of the Gulf Coast.

THE LATEST FROM FOX WEATHER HURRICANE SPECIALIST BRYAN NORCROSS

That said, it is still far too early to determine specific impacts or whether the system will even develop, but whatever happens over the next few days will be critical in determining the weekend forecast.

Currently, a strong subtropical jet stream is positioned across the Gulf and into the Atlantic. As air begins to rise, a surface low could potentially develop or consolidate.

The exact position of the jet stream will be crucial. If it remains too far south, increased wind shear could rip apart any tropical system trying to form.

Meanwhile, Gulf water temperatures are currently at their warmest levels on record dating back to 1982.

SEPTEMBER ENDS HURRICANE-FREE IN THE ATLANTIC FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 32 YEARS AMID IMPENDING SUPER EL NIÑO

The Atlantic has gone 338 days since the last hurricane formed, with September ending without a hurricane for the first time in 32 years.

It marked only the eighth time since the 1950s that the Atlantic went through September without a hurricane and just the second time since the start of the satellite era in 1966.

Despite it being the climatological peak of the season, El Niño-driven winds have suppressed activity this year.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

If the entire 2026 Atlantic hurricane season ends without a hurricane, it would be just the third time on record, since 1914 and 1917.

However, hurricanes may have formed during those seasons, but went undetected because they remained far from land and ships at sea.

If this happens in 2026, it would mark the first hurricane-free Atlantic season of the modern satellite era.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest. 

A group of scientists in Argentina discovered dozens of new species in the South Atlantic Ocean, shedding new light on one of the world’s most biologically dynamic regions.

NEW WILD CAT SPECIES DISCOVERED AFTER HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY

During a two-week International Species Discovery Workshop led by the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census in partnership with the Schmidt Ocean Institute, scientists identified 57 new marine species and five new genera.

"Discovering 57 new species and five new genera in just two weeks demonstrates the speed and power of collaborative taxonomy," Dr. Michelle Taylor, Ocean Census head of science, said.

The workshop, which took place in July, brought together 20 taxonomists and early-career researchers from across Latin America and Europe to examine deep-sea biological samples.

The team used remotely operated vehicles and integrated taxonomic techniques to identify specimens. They also logged their discoveries directly onto Ocean Census NOVA, the world’s first open-access data platform for newly discovered marine species.

MEET THE 1-IN-100 MILLION ‘GHOST’ LOBSTER HELPING SCIENTISTS UNLOCK A COLORFUL MYSTERY

"International cooperation in taxonomy is critical, especially in groups with few active specialists," Dr. Daniel Lauretta, principal investigator at CONICET and the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales, said.

"The species discovery workshop accelerated species identification, the recognition of species new to science, and increased capacity building for local early-career taxonomists working on deep-sea fauna," Lauretta continued.

Among the key findings was Loki the sea cucumber, a deep-sea echinoderm named for its horned appendages, as well as a collection of newly identified copepods, deep-sea corals and sea pens.

MYSTERIOUS ANIMAL GOES ON THE ATTACK, INJURING 3 PEOPLE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE CITY

In all, the team identified 20 new species of copepods, 22 echinoderms, including sea cucumbers and crinoids, 14 cnidarians, including octocorals, sea pens and stony corals, and one scaphopod mollusk.

The team also found five new scientific genera spanning corals, sea cucumbers and crustaceans.

"These results show the power when world-class technology and expertise meets international scientific collaboration," Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Schmidt Ocean Institute’s executive director, said. "By identifying new species, these scientists have advanced our understanding of South Atlantic marine life and, via Ocean Census, ensured that this data is accessible globally."

The success of the discovery effort has led the team to plan a follow-up expedition in February and March 2027 to a different submarine canyon.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

New samples of marine invertebrates collected during the upcoming expedition could potentially find even more new species and genera, causing further collaborative species discovery efforts.

"By bringing Latin America’s scientific expertise and international experts together, as well as connecting them to the open-access Ocean Census NOVA platform, we are drastically accelerating our understanding of marine biodiversity," Dr. Taylor said.

The Atlantic hurricane season is showing signs of life as October gets underway, with tropical trouble brewing closer to home in the Gulf of America.

WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

According to the FOX Forecast Center, a new area to watch was designated Saturday night near the Bay of Campeche, where a broad area of low pressure could develop.

The system currently has a low chance of development over the next seven days.

However, it is too early to say where or when a tropical system could form. Any potential system is also expected to move slowly as it drifts across the southwestern Gulf.

CALIFORNIA DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AS POTENTIALLY HISTORIC SUPER EL NIÑO LOOMS

Currently, a strong subtropical jet stream is positioned across the Gulf and into the Atlantic. As air begins to rise, a surface low could potentially develop or consolidate.

The exact position of the jet stream will be crucial. If it remains too far south, increased wind shear could rip apart any tropical system trying to form.

Meanwhile, Gulf water temperatures are currently at their warmest levels on record dating back to 1982.

THE LATEST FROM FOX WEATHER HURRICANE SPECIALIST BRYAN NORCROSS

The FOX Forecast Center notes that even if the system does not fully develop, the deep tropical moisture associated with it could increase the risk for several days of heavy rainfall, reaching areas well north of the Gulf Coast.

SEPTEMBER ENDS HURRICANE-FREE IN THE ATLANTIC FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 32 YEARS AMID IMPENDING SUPER EL NIÑO

The Atlantic has gone 338 days since the last hurricane formed, with September ending without a hurricane for the first time in 32 years.

It marked only the eighth time since the 1950s that the Atlantic went through September without a hurricane and just the second time since the start of the satellite era in 1966.

Despite it being the climatological peak of the season, El Niño-driven winds have suppressed activity this year.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

If the entire 2026 Atlantic hurricane season ends without a hurricane, it would be just the third time on record, since 1914 and 1917.

However, hurricanes may have formed during those seasons, but went undetected because they remained far from land and ships at sea.

If this happens in 2026, it would mark the first hurricane-free Atlantic season of the modern satellite era.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest. 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - Evacuations are underway after a wildfire broke out in Los Angeles County on Saturday evening, quickly growing to over 1,000 acres, according to local fire officials.

CAL FIRE said the fire, coined the Bouquet Fire, broke out in the Angeles National Forest around 3:30 p.m., quickly growing from 20 acres to 1,000 overnight.

MEET THREEHALVES: THE VIRAL ROBOT DESIGNED FOR EARTH'S MOST DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS

Just before 5 p.m., the fire had already spread to over 700 acres. In their most recent update, the Angeles National Forest said Bouquet Canyon Road remains closed from Spunky Canyon to Vasquez Canyon.

Evacuations are ongoing, with officials saying the Bouquet Fire is threatening structures and power lines. Firefighters said the blaze is 40% contained.

Some residents living in Santa Clarita have been ordered to evacuate as local authorities work to contain the fast-moving fire. The outskirts of the mandated evacuation zone are under an evacuation warning in the Castaic, California, area.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CONTROLLED AND CONTAINED FIRE?

Firefighters are working to construct and improve fire control lines around the blaze with the help of water-dropping helicopters, according to the Angeles National Forest.

The fire danger remains very high in the area today.

No injuries have been reported at this time. Fire officials said an evacuation shelter is open at the Castaic Sports Complex.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department and CAL FIRE are assisting the Angeles National Forest with the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.

HERE'S A LOOK AT THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE WILDFIRES IN US HISTORY

Authorities have not yet reported the full extent of structural damage or specified how many residents are currently impacted. The cause of the fire is unknown.

This is a developing story. Check back with FOX Weather for updates.

The National Hurricane Center is painting a potential development area in the southwestern Gulf. The odds that a system, even a tropical depression, will develop there are in the low range, but it's something we'll watch this week.

The computer forecast models have been picking up on the possibility. On the forecast map for Thursday morning, you see that both the European and the Google AI models show possible development near Mexico. The more dots you see concentrated in one area, the higher the odds of development according to the model.

THE LATEST FROM FOX WEATHER HURRICANE SPECIALIST BRYAN NORCROSS

There are 64 possible Google dots and 50 Euro dots. If 114 dots showed up, the joint message would be a 100% chance of development. In this case, you see a 25 to 30% showing. But having said that, both models have overstated the chances of development this year.

The bottom line is that it's something to keep an eye on, but nothing major is likely to develop. And the odds of anything organized developing are low.

FLOOD THREAT RAMPS UP ACROSS THE SOUTH AS MILLIONS FACE MORE HEAVY RAIN THROUGH THE WEEKEND

If we look out further in time, the models show the potential development spread from north to south over the Gulf. This is a sign that the signal for any particular development or track is low. Again, we'll keep an eye on it, but more likely, this will be a large area of rain.

A cold front is forecast to push into Central Florida and drape across the Gulf where it will die. This is a typical weather pattern for October. The tail of the front along with an upper-level disturbance could trigger a low-pressure system to form in the southwestern Gulf.

OCTOBER OUTLOOK: SUMMER TRIES TO HOLD ON WITH EL NIÑO IMPACTS EXPECTED TO MAKE A SPOOKY APPEARANCE

The remnants of the front are forecast to lift back north, and the nascent low-pressure system could move north as well. The upper-level winds across the northern Gulf are forecast to be extremely hostile, so the most likely outcome is a stretched-out area of storminess along the Gulf and over Florida.

Just keep an eye on things for now.

FORT WORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL DEEMED 'UNSAFE FOR OCCUPANCY' BECAUSE OF DAMAGE FROM INTENSE STORMS THAT SLAMMED AREA

IN THE PACIFIC

Hurricane Rachel is slowly chugging away from land, but that gives it more time to put energy into the ocean. Swells will increasingly radiate north, reaching Southern California this week.

Elevated water levels causing some coastal flooding and dangerous beach conditions are likely, especially on south-facing parts of the coast like in Malibu and Long Beach. Though there will be extra energy in the surf across the region. Use care and stay aware.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The system behind it still looks likely to become Tropical Storm Simon at some point, although it’s been slow to develop. It will move north along the Mexican coast late in the week.

The first fall frost of October will greet millions across parts of the East Coast this week, as a gloomy Sunday sets the stage for a chilly temperature drop.

A gray and chilly weather pattern will take shape across the East Coast Sunday as an area of low pressure develops over the Mid-Atlantic.

MILLIONS ACROSS SOUTHEAST FACE DAYS OF HEAVY RAIN, INCREASED FLOOD THREAT IN WET START TO OCTOBER

Light rain and cloudy skies will mainly affect Virginia, New Jersey and Delaware, with showers potentially reaching New York City later in the day.

The unsettled weather will make for a gloomy Sunday across much of the Mid-Atlantic and southern Interstate 95 corridor.

A cold front trailing from the system will usher in another shot of cooler air, plunging temperatures across impacted areas.

OCTOBER OUTLOOK: SUMMER TRIES TO HOLD ON WITH EL NIÑO IMPACTS EXPECTED TO MAKE A SPOOKY APPEARANCE

As the front clears the coast Monday, chilly morning temperatures will settle across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with lows falling into the lower and middle 40s and afternoon highs only recovering into the mid-60s.

Clear skies and calm winds behind the front could create favorable conditions for pockets of morning frost, especially in low-lying areas of the interior Northeast.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Temperatures are expected to remain slightly below average through the rest of the week.

Occasionally, a pocket that could be conducive to tropical development is forecast to appear in the Gulf, but those opportunities look to be fleeting. Anything that develops is unlikely to amount to much.

LATEST FROM FOX WEATHER HURRICANE SPECIALIST BRYAN NORCROSS

The potential Gulf disturbance that could eventually develop fits in that "unlikely to amount to much" category – if it has a chance to develop at all. The odds are very low.

Overall, the wet weather pattern is forecast to continue over Florida, however, until a cold front arrives around the middle of the month. At least that's the indication right now.

For the third year in a row, a hurricane was tormenting South Florida. As with Cleo in 1964 and Betsy in 1965, forecasters predicted that Inez would affect Miami, then it wouldn't, then it might, and on it went.

On this date in 1966, Inez stalled over the Bahamas before turning back and pouncing on the Florida Keys as a Category 2.

SEPTEMBER ENDS HURRICANE-FREE IN THE ATLANTIC FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 32 YEARS AMID IMPENDING SUPER EL NIÑO

The previous year, Hurricane Watches were issued for North Carolina ahead of Betsy. But the storm turned around and attacked the Bahamas and South Florida. It went on to be a huge disaster in New Orleans.

It would be interesting to see how our computer forecast models of today would handle these annoying storms with weak steering currents that bob and weave before finally making their move.

Hurricane Rachel is plodding west away from the Mexican coast, but as it heads farther into the open Pacific, the energy that it is putting into the ocean will increasingly reach the Southern California beaches.

During much of next week, south-facing coastal sections – notably in Long Beach and Malibu – will be impacted by Rachel's swells. The ocean along the entire coastline will be turbulent with strong currents and dangerous surf. Beach erosion and some coastal flooding are likely.

EL NIÑO INTENSIFIES WITH NEARLY 100% ODDS STRENGTHENING INTO 'SUPER' STATUS AS ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON PEAKS

Behind Rachel another system is likely to develop next week. This one would get the name Simon. Early forecasts predict Simon's track will be closer to the Mexican coast, especially north of Manzanillo. But it's too early to have any certainty, of course.

Nolo is back to being a hurricane. It's intensifying as it heads west into the open Pacific.

CHESWICK, Penn. – A wide-eyed racoon with open paws convinced a Pennsylvania resident to share a snack with the cute critter, and when a curious deer wandered over hoping for a bite of its own, an unforgettable caught-on-camera viral snack standoff unfolded.

The raccoon scratched at Jenny Macbeth’s back door like a child in need, and its plea was met with sympathy, and a bowl of kibble.

After chowing down alone for a few tranquil moments, the raccoon is approached by a curious deer hoping to join the feast, but the "hangry" rodent wasn't prepared to share.

THE RACE TO SAVE THE WORLD'S MOST ENDANGERED MARINE MAMMAL ISN'T OVER YET

MacBeth told Storyful, "The animals usually get along well, but this raccoon had a kit late in the season, so she was definitely ‘hangry’ and protective of her food."

When the deer moved within reach for a taste, the cute critter transformed into a ferocious rodent in an instant.

MASSIVE 900-POUND OCEAN SUNFISH FOUND DEAD ON CAPE COD BEACH

The raccoon snapped like a lightning bolt, sending the startled animal back to its herd before finishing its feast with green grapes for dessert.

These national parks may not always dominate the headlines for most visitors, but they still offer some stunning scenery worth checking out. 

So, next time you're making a national parks bucket list, consider these 10 for your next trip: 

For those seeking an adventure through the quiet Nevada wilderness, look no further than Great Basin National Park. 

The National Park Service (NPS) itself says that the natural features of this national park often surprise first-time visitors, filled with desert valleys and snow-covered mountain peaks, there's way more to this rugged landscape in eastern Nevada than you'd expect. 

LAKE MEAD PLUNGES TO HISTORIC LOW AS WATER LEVELS CONTINUE TO FALL

Located in the Painted Desert of Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is made up of more than 200 million years of geologic history. 

This national park spans more than 200,000 acres of magnificent landscapes, which hold ancient petrified trees, fossils, ancestral Puebloan sites and so much more. 

WATCH YOUR STEP: TARANTULA SEASON IS UNDERWAY AT GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

This national park is situated 70 miles west of Key West in Florida, and consists of mostly crystal clear open waters and seven small islands, but that doesn't mean it's not worth missing next time you're in the Florida Keys. 

Dry Tortugas National Park is home to historical and natural wonders above and below the ocean's surface, including Fort Jefferson and a vast expanse of marine life. 

CENTURIES-OLD LAVA ROCK ARCH IN HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK COLLAPSES INTO OCEAN FOLLOWING HURRICANE NOLO

North Cascades National Park is just a few hours from Seattle and is what the NPS calls an "alpine landscape." 

Jagged mountain peaks, tall pine trees and water features encompass this national park, making it a picturesque place in the Pacific Northwest. 

BASEBALL IN THE WILD? MLB EYES ICONIC NATIONAL PARK FOR FUTURE NEUTRAL-SITE GAME

Isle Royale National Park is a remote island in the middle of Lake Superior that maybe not many people know about. 

The national park is well-known for its vast wildlife and camping opportunities. The park is open every year from April 16 to Oct. 31 to avoid the harsh conditions of Michigan winters. 

INCREASED WOLF ACTIVITY FORCES TENT CAMPING BAN AT 4 ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUNDS UNTIL HALLOWEEN

This national park found in Northern California is known for its volcanic geology, but that's not all it has to offer its visitors. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park has a rich diversity of plants and wildlife, as well as virtually no light pollution, making it perfect for capturing some beautiful nighttime views of the stars. 

NIAGARA FALLS UNVEILS NEW ATTRACTION BRINGING VISITORS CLOSER THAN EVER TO ICONIC NATURAL WONDER

Lesser-known Congaree National Park in South Carolina is home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. 

The national park's dynamic natural landscape is defined by the presence of both floods and flames, the NPS says. Floodplains help nourish the natural forest landscape that makes up the park. 

WHAT IF YELLOWSTONE ‘BLOWS’? A LOOK AT THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota is a scenic landscape filled with 218,000 acres of lakes, forests and streams ready to take your breath away. 

This national park has a rich ecosystem of not only historical significance but also plants and animals that help sustain the land. 

FROM AIRPODS TO INVISALIGN, HERE ARE SOME OF THIS YEAR'S MOST FUNKY FINDS AT YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

One of Alaska's eight national parks, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, is absolutely stunning. 

Tucked away a few hours from Anchorage, this mountainous landscape features active volcanoes, craggy mountains and turquoise lakes and vast wildlife, including bears. 

THE VOTES ARE IN AND THIS MASSIVE, 'EASY-GOING' BEAR TOOK THE CROWN TO WIN ALASKA'S 2026 FAT BEAR WEEK

This national park boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America, situated between the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve also features grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes and tundra. 

As temperatures drop across much of the U.S. with the arrival of fall, many snowbirds are heading south in search of sunshine, mild weather and an escape ahead of winter’s chill.

A new analysis from StorageCafe ranked the 10 best snowbird destinations in the U.S., with Florida and Texas dominating the list.

The analysis considered the latest available data from the National Centers for Environmental Information, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, FEMA, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other sources.

So, if you're looking to trade a cold winter for a warm one, here are America's top 10 best snowbird locations according to StorageCafe.

In Winter Haven, the name is all you need to hear. 

Known for its chain of freshwater lakes and warm winter climate, the Central Florida city offers plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, golfing and other outdoor activities.

HERE ARE 10 OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COLLEGE CAMPUSES IN AMERICA

Its relaxed atmosphere and year-round access to sunshine make Winter Haven an appealing escape for people looking to leave winter weather behind.

Located in Central Florida, Lakeland offers warm winter weather, outdoor attractions and easy access to both Tampa and Orlando.

The second-best ranked snowbird destination in the country offers lakes, golf courses and a relaxed pace make Lakeland an appealing place for snowbirds looking to trade freezing temperatures for sunshine.

McAllen, Texas, ranked third on StorageCafe’s list of the best snowbird destinations. Located in the Rio Grande Valley, the city is known for its mild winter weather, tropical breezes and abundant outdoor activities.

The South Texas city is also a major birding destination, with more than 500 bird species recorded throughout the region. Golf, shopping and access to nature parks make it a popular winter escape for "Winter Texans."

HERE ARE THE 10 WORST ALLERGY CAPITALS IN THE US FOR 2026

Mission, Texas, offers snowbirds a warm-weather escape in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. 

The city is surrounded by scenic trails, nature parks and outdoor attractions, including Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, where visitors can spot bird species rarely seen elsewhere in the United States. 

Vero Beach, Florida, claimed the No. 5 spot on StorageCafe’s list of the best snowbird destinations. 

Located along Florida’s Atlantic coast, the city offers uncrowded beaches, mild winter weather and easy access to the Indian River Lagoon.

The area’s natural beauty is a major draw, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching and golf. 

Vero Beach is also known as a key sea turtle nesting area along the Treasure Coast.

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Hollywood, Florida, brings together the best of a laid-back beach town and a lively South Florida getaway. 

The city’s nearly 2.5-mile Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is lined with restaurants, shops, live music and ocean views, giving snowbirds plenty to do outdoors during the winter.

Located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood ranked No. 6 in StorageCafe’s list of the best snowbird destinations.

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Brownsville, Texas, offers snowbirds a tropical-feeling escape near the Gulf of America and the Rio Grande. 

The city is known for its rich border culture, outdoor recreation and access to beaches, wildlife areas and nature trails.

Its warm climate and world-class birding opportunities helped Brownsville land at No. 7 on StorageCafe’s list of the best snowbird destinations.

Just 30 miles from Brownsville and South Padre Island, Harlingen, Texas, gives snowbirds a convenient base for exploring the Rio Grande Valley and Gulf Coast.

The city offers mild winter weather, outdoor recreation and easy access to beaches, birding destinations and borderland culture.

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Clearwater, Florida, gives snowbirds a Gulf Coast getaway with sugar-white sand, warm water and spectacular sunsets.

The area also offers plenty of activities beyond the beach, from nightly celebrations at Pier 60 to wildlife encounters at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

On the Florida Gulf Coast surrounded by scenic beaches, Clearwater ranked No. 9 on StorageCafe’s list of the best snowbird destinations.

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For snowbirds seeking a slower pace, Lake Wales, Florida, offers a quieter Central Florida escape surrounded by citrus groves, rolling hills and outdoor attractions. 

The city is best known for Bok Tower Gardens, a historic landmark featuring lush botanical gardens, nature trails and a 205-foot singing tower.

The Pacific Northwest is in the midst of a record-breaking wildfire season, with more than one million acres already burned before the region's climatological peak of fire season in August. Many of the largest and most destructive wildfires are still actively burning and even spreading across state lines.

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Many of the Pacific Northwest's largest wildfires share a common origin: lightning.

A series of dry thunderstorms swept across the Pacific Northwest in mid-July, producing thousands of lightning strikes that ignited dozens of wildfires that thousands of firefighters spread across the region continue to battle.

Dangerous fire weather ranging from hot temperatures, dry vegetation, low humidity and gusty winds allowed the lightning-sparked fires to spread rapidly across the region.

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According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the Northwest is currently battling more than 45 active large fires that have collectively burned over 1.6 million acres. The majority of them (31) are in Oregon alone.

To combat this massive outbreak, thousands of firefighters and support personnel have been deployed to the region, severely straining national resources. 

The flames aren't the only threat. Thick wildfire smoke is spreading far beyond the burn, degrading air quality across large portions of the U.S.

Parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana continue to endure hazardous air quality, while smoke has reached as far east as North Dakota.

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In some areas, air quality remains firmly in the "Very Unhealthy" category as massive wildfires continue to churn out dense plumes of smoke.

The surge in wildfire activity prompted the NIFC to raise the nation to Preparedness Level 5 — the highest level on the five-tier scale —on July 18.

The designation remains in effect until wildfire activity and the demand for crews, aircraft and equipment decline nationwide.

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The wildfire threat is far from over. Fire Weather Watches have been issued for portions of interior Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana on Saturday as a dry cold front sweeps through the region.

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Relative humidity as low as 15% to 25%, combined with wind gusts of 45 to 50 mph, could allow new and existing wildfires to grow and spread rapidly.

The nation's largest wildfire has exploded to more than 300,000 acres, spreading from southwestern Oregon into Idaho less than a week after it ignited on July 23.

As of Wednesday, the Big Grass Fire had scorched 301,000 acres and was 15% contained as extreme fire behavior, fueled by gusty afternoon winds, continued to drive rapid fire growth, according to the Bureau of Land Management.

While the fire is racing across miles of dry grasslands and sagebrush, fuel that allows flames to spread with remarkable speed, it continues to threaten rural communities, ranches and critical infrastructure on both sides of the Oregon-Idaho border.

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Multiple communities across Owyhee County, Idaho, remain under mandatory evacuation orders as the nation's largest wildfire threatens more than 350 homes and continues to spread under dangerous fire weather conditions.

Officials said an aggressive full-suppression strategy is underway to protect threatened communities, critical infrastructure and other valuable resources as hundreds of firefighters continue battling the blaze.

Firefighters from across the Pacific Northwest have joined forces in a multi-agency response led by the Bureau of Land Management, with Oregon and Idaho agencies working together to protect communities threatened by the Big Grass Fire.

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After spreading into Idaho, Governor Brad Little signed a disaster emergency declaration Tuesday to support ongoing wildfire suppression efforts, authorizing Natural Guard resources to combat the growing blaze.

"Idaho's brave firefighters are working around the clock to protect lives, homes and communities under extremely challenging conditions. My declaration taps into additional state resources and enables us to deploy the Idaho National Guard to support firefighting efforts and protect Idahoans," Governor Little said.

Gray wolves historically have ranged across the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia and North America and once roamed across more than two-thirds of the U.S., according to the National Wildlife Federation.

Because wolves, dogs and coyotes are related, it can be difficult to distinguish them.

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The gray wolf is the largest wild member of the dog family, with a muscular build, long legs and a narrow chest designed for long-distance running. It can weigh between 70 and 115 pounds, according to the National Park Service.

The gray wolf comes in various colors, such as black, white, all shades of gray and tan, and is never spotted.

The difference from a coyote is size: they can weigh 20 to 30 pounds and come in all shades of gray and tan.

Dog breeds are related to wolves, but have evolved over the last one to two thousand years, breaking away from them as a result of association with human tribes, leading to distinct differences over time, according to Pet MD.

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Every dog in the world is descended from wolves that were tamed in the Middle East about 12,000 years ago.

As humans evolved, some wolves saw an opportunity to scavenge more easily, becoming less fearful of humans.

This trait would likely be passed on through generations via genes as dogs became domesticated and developed intimate relationships with humans.

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Despite this, wolves, including the dominant gray wolf, still rule the wild, often hunting in packs, employing coordinated strategies to isolate and bring down larger prey.

An adult can consume up to 20 pounds of meat in a single meal after a successful hunt, but can also go several days without eating if prey isn't readily available.

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Wolf packs are highly territorial, with an average home range of 140 to 400 miles, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Wolves eat mostly mammals such as moose, elk, deer, beaver and marmot, and were likely the major predator for thousands of years until the late 19th century.

Flash forward to now, and there are probably fewer than 2,500 wolves across the U.S. outside Alaska.

The wolf plays a significant role in the ecosystem. Like bears and cougars, these apex predators have few competitors and influence the dynamics of wildlife species across the spectrum.

Wolves in the wild are afraid of humans and generally avoid contact, as most places where these animals roam are free of people, who are completely unaware of their presence.

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Places such as Yellowstone National Park use strategies to track wolf populations and learn how they live, interact with and affect other wildlife, using tools such as radio collars, remote cameras, sound recording and other observations.

The tiny town of Churchill, nestled in the far north of Manitoba, Canada, offers visitors the chance to experience all three.

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Located on the shores of Hudson Bay, Churchill is nicknamed the "Polar Bear Capital of the World" and is home to fewer than 1,000 year-round residents.

During the fall and winter months, visitors can watch polar bears as they gather along the coastline, waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze. 

In the summer, Churchill becomes one of the best places to see beluga whales. More than 3,000 belugas gather at the mouth of the Churchill River during July and August after the ice breaks apart.

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The region is rich in food, including herring, flounder, salmon, shrimp, mollusks, squid, crab and other bottom-dwelling organisms, making it an ideal place for beluga whales to feed and give birth.

If the beluga whales aren't enough to impress you, Churchill also offers one of the best opportunities on Earth to see the Northern Lights. The town sits beneath the auroral oval, a ring-shaped region around Earth's magnetic poles causing auroral activity to be frequent.

According to the town's website, scientists from around the world travel to Churchill to study the Northern Lights, and it is considered one of the top three places on the planet to view the colorful display.

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Although the aurora can be seen for up to 300 nights each year, January through March are considered the best months for viewing due to the dark nights and cold weather.

Beyond the polar bears, beluga whales and Northern Lights, Churchill also offers bird-watching excursions, nature tours and dog sledding adventures.

For those looking for a truly unforgettable experience, companies such as Lazy Bear Expeditions offer guided tours that allow visitors to float alongside thousands of beluga whales in the Churchill River. Guests glide across the water on floating mats while the whales swim just inches away.

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Whether you visit during the winter or the summer, Churchill offers an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible wildlife and some of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.

Throughout July, repeated rounds of classic summer thunderstorms at points overwhelmed New York City's streets and subway system, with Flash Flood Warnings and submerged vehicles becoming familiar scenes across the five boroughs.

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According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), at New York City's official long-term climate station at Central Park, the historical average rain rate for the month of July is 4.60 inches.

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After multiple rounds of soaking thunderstorms and flash flooding, New York City's July rainfall total has added up as we push towards the end of the month.

With only the final days of the month remaining, prediction market traders are watching where the official Central Park rain gauge ultimately lands.

Prediction market trading suggests New York City's July rainfall will finish just above the historical monthly average, but there's still time.

Throughout the month, concerts, sporting events and other outdoor gatherings were canceled or delayed as repeated rounds of rain and thunderstorms disrupted plans across New York City.

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With only a couple of days remaining in July, there is still time for the official rainfall total to climb.

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While the National Weather Service forecasts a quieter pattern to close out the month, isolated showers and thunderstorms remain possible before sunshine becomes more widespread to round out the month.  

Conservationists from the Chester Zoo in Portugal have reintroduced hundreds of tiny mollusks to Bugio Island to restore the habitat and support biodiversity on the island.

Mollusks are invertebrates, which means they are animals without a backbone that come in all shapes and sizes.

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The mollusca is the group of animals that includes gastropods (snails, slugs and limpets), bivalves (clams, oysters and mussels), cephalopods (octopuses, nautiluses and squids) and much more, according to the University of Oxford.

Certain mollusks, such as clams and oysters, act similarly to ecosystem engineers, filtering water and benefiting the environment.

Before the initiative took place, various zoos took in the mollusks to save them from extinction, as 21 slimy creatures were found barely clinging to life, according to the Chester Zoo.

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"Over the course of a few hundred years, people managed to destroy the islands’ woodland and introduced rabbits and goats, which prevented native plants from regrowing," the Chester Zoo said.

Since then, more than 300 mollusks have been bred at the Chester Zoo and released into the wild, as these creatures play a vital role in nutrient cycling by breaking down organic matter.

"The released snails measure no bigger than 8 mm in size, but they are important to the health of ecosystems as they eat vegetation and enrich the soil," the Chester Zoo said.

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The surge in population growth is a huge step in the right direction toward reviving the thriving habitats on this island and many more across the world.

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Astronomers say both the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids will reach peak activity just one night after the full July Buck Moon.

This will prevent most skywatchers from seeing this event since the moon will still be 98% full.

According to the American Meteor Society, the Southern Delta Aquariids are active from July 23 through Aug. 23 and are best seen from the southern tropics.

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The shower typically produces a steady number of meteors, but they are usually faint and rarely produce persistent trains or fireballs.

The Alpha Capricornids, which are active from July 12 through Aug. 12, are a much weaker meteor shower and rarely produce more than five meteors per hour at their peak. However, they are known for creating bright fireballs.

If you plan to catch the celestial event, the best viewing time will be between midnight and dawn. Observers across the southern U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean will have the best chance of seeing the meteors.

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Experts recommend keeping the moon behind you or blocked by a building, tree or hill and looking toward the darkest part of the sky.

No special equipment is needed, as the meteors can be seen with the naked eye.

If clouds or the moon prevent you from seeing these meteor showers, don't worry—you'll have an even better chance in August. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight from Aug. 12 to 13.

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During this time, the skies will be moonless, and the meteor shower will peak at a rate of 100 meteors per hour.

While on a mission to tag sandbar sharks in Southern New England on Friday, the ASI happened to see a massive endangered scalloped hammerhead shark, of which they got video.

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Footage of the massive hammerhead was captured by Tomas Koeck of Silent Flight Studios, showing the giant beast as it swam through the turquoise waters of the Atlantic.

"Hammerhead sharks are among the ocean's most iconic predators, and documenting this first-ever tagging event by the ASI is an exciting opportunity to showcase the groundbreaking research taking place right here in Rhode Island," Koeck said.

Jon Dodd, executive director of the Atlantic Shark Institute, said the crew attempted to bait and tag the scalloped hammerhead, but it wouldn't take.

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Later on in their expedition, they came across another species of hammerhead shark, a 6-foot-long female, and were able to tag her successfully.

"With our warming waters, many of the shark species that New England residents associate with Florida and southern states are finding our water temperatures much more attractive than they would have just 25 years ago," Dodd said. "The arrival of these sharks, and the tagging of our first hammerhead shark in our waters, raises a lot of questions, and we look forward to answering them with our partners and collaborators."

The institute said the hammerhead's tagging is a significant addition to their research program, which helps scientists better understand shark populations in waters off southern New England.

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Dodd said they're hoping to return to the area where they saw the hammerhead sharks to tag more of the shark species.

Scallop hammerheads are more rare than smooth hammerheads, Dodd said, because they do not have as wide of a temperature range as smooth hammerheads.

The ASI puts satellite and acoustic tags on sharks across New England in order to collect data such as migration patterns, habitat use, nursery grounds, shifting residency and seasonal movements.

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This tag will allow ASI to follow the hammerhead shark up and down the East Coast for a decade or longer.

The ASI studies multiple species of shark found in Rhode Island's waters and the eastern coast.

Dodd said they've tagged between 10 and 15 different species of sharks for various research projects.

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This week alone, the institute has tagged about a dozen sharks for their research.

It's important that each tag the institute deploys helps benefit one of their projects, as they are a nonprofit organization.

He said putting multiple tags on multiple species of shark won't benefit their research as much, because only one tag would be in each species. He said focusing on one species and tagging multiple of that species helps their research even more.

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To learn more about the Atlantic Shark Institute and keep up with their projects and work, visit their website and check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

To see more of Tomas Koeck's footage, check out "Ocean State: Rhode Island's Wild Coast," an Ocean State Media docuseries featured on PBS Passport.

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The impact snapped the 30-foot vessel's mast, leaving the two stranded until rescue crews arrived. One of the boaters suffered a minor head injury, officials said.

Authorities said strong winds may have contributed to the crash, although it is still under investigation.

"Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly, turning a day on the water into a dangerous situation in minutes," the Manatee County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook regarding the incident.

Marine deputies along with lifeguards and fire personnel all responded to the scene and brought them back to shore, with one suffering a minor head injury, officials said.

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Body camera footage from the rescue shows the catamaran's mast completely on its side, draping into the water as emergency crews wade through to reach the catamaran.

The crew then guides the stranded occupants through the water and onto the rescue boat.

"These gentlemen are going to check you out real quick," a crew member can be heard saying as they make it back to the dock.

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Following the incident, the sheriff's office urged all boaters to check the forecast before heading out, specifically highlighting the need to check it "for your entire trip — not just when you launch."

The alert follows the discovery of a live yellow-legged hornet, which was spotted and photographed by a state grain inspector aboard a ship at the Port of Vancouver in April, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).

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They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia and typically make their way into the country with international shipments.

Following the sighting, WSDA personnel conducted visual surveys of the surrounding area, though no additional hornets were found.

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While both the northern giant hornet—commonly known as the infamous "murder hornet"—and the yellow-legged hornet pose serious threats to agriculture, experts say the yellow-legged species may be more dangerous because it adapts easily to new regions, reproduces quickly, and is far harder to contain.

Though smaller than the "murder hornet", the yellow-legged hornet builds massive, exposed aerial nests that allow it to spread and multiply rapidly.

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Additionally, unlike its relative, the yellow-legged hornet is highly adaptable to a wide range of climates, whereas the 'murder hornet' prefers cool, moist environments, which limits its geographic spread.

"If allowed to establish in the United States, these invasive pests could threaten populations of domestic and feral honey bees – some of which are already endangered – and other native pollinators. Their presence could also disrupt the pollination of many crops," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

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Officials urge the public to remain vigilant, while the WSDA continues its ongoing surveillance, trapping, and outreach to monitor the threat. 

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Additionally, the yellow-legged hornet has already established an active presence in other parts of the country.

Agriculture officials have been working to track, trap, and eradicate a localized population of the invasive hornets in Georgia and South Carolina since they were first detected near Savannah in 2023.

According to the National Lightning Safety Council, a 32-year-old male was struck by lightning while out in a field amidst severe weather conditions.

This comes just a day after the end of Lightning Safety Awareness Week, which began in 2001 to bring attention to the lesser-known killer, as lightning deaths have dropped from 55 per year to about 20.

About 37 million lightning strikes hit the ground in the U.S. each year, but the odds of being struck are less than one in a million and almost 90% of victims survive, according to the CDC.

"States with the highest numbers of lightning-related injuries and deaths include Florida, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, Arizona, Missouri, and Pennsylvania," said the CDC.

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Unfortunately, this is the eighth lightning death so far in 2026, with two occurring in Florida, as more than 2,000 injuries have been reported in the Sunshine State over the last 50 years.

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Police have yet to release further information about the victim.

For much of the last week, the heat dome had settled over the Central U.S., bringing dozens of record high temperatures over the course of a few days. 

Now, as it shifts west, much of the Southwest is likely to see temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above average, during what's typically the hottest part of the year. 

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According to the FOX Forecast Center, Las Vegas and Phoenix are likely to be two of the hottest cities alongside Death Valley and other parts of Southern California, with temperatures as high as 118 to 120 degrees.

Las Vegas is already holding a six-day streak of consecutive days over 110 degrees, and the FOX Forecast Center said Sin City could continue to see temps at 110 or higher through the next week. The city's highest record was set in July 2024 at 11 days. 

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Heading north, temperatures in Utah and other parts of the Great Basin will soar into the triple digits as well this weekend. 

Montana, which saw several new record temperatures in early July, will have no problem surpassing 100 degrees again, the FOX Forecast Center said. 

Heat Alerts are in effect across the West through Sunday. 

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The heat combined with smoke from Pacific Northwest wildfires will make outdoor conditions miserable. 

Remember to hydrate, not spend long periods of time outdoors without shade and water and take frequent breaks when outdoors. 

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The large heat dome will last through at least the weekend, but possibly longer.

Unfortunately, it's unlikely heat relief will come anytime soon. The Climate Prediction Center firmly keeps the region at higher chances of above-average temperatures through the first half of August.

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Long-range computer models continue to show an empty slate well into August.

This season seems to be off to a freakishly slow start, but El Niño years often kick in late. Fewer storms normally end up forming, but it's still hurricane season and stuff can happen.

Famously, in 1983, the first named storm was Alicia, which was designated a tropical storm the afternoon of August 15. Hurricane Alicia made landfall on Galveston Island, Texas as a Category 3 just two and a half days later. Downtown Houston took a hard hit.

Enjoy the pause for now.

Word was just reaching American newspapers from Nassau in the Bahamas of the tremendous damage suffered there three days before. Radio communications were still down, but reporters reached the island by plane from Miami. Devastation was widespread and numerous ships were lost at sea.

In the U.S., the east coast of Florida from Miami to Jacksonville and north to Charleston, South Carolina, was impacted by the storm. Storm surge flooded the islands along the Georgia coast. Water pushed into downtown Savannah.

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The system was over south Georgia and had weakened significantly. It would rain itself out over Georgia and Alabama.

After that July hurricane, which came to be known as the Nassau Hurricane, the tropics went quiet. But not for long.

Fausto is now a tropical depression and is weakening fast as it tracks well north of Hawaii. No significant impacts on the islands beyond extremely high surf and powerful waves are expected.

To the east, Hurricane Genevieve is also slowly weakening as it heads toward cooler water. It will wind down in the open ocean.

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The marine heat wave that includes the superheated El Niño waters will provide extra energy for storms in the Eastern and Central Pacific this hurricane season. It's especially important that residents of Hawaii have thought out their hurricane plan. The odds are never high that Hawaii is going to get hit, but the chances are higher than normal this year.

A robust disturbance will ride along the northern and eastern edge of the heat dome, bringing repeated rounds of thunderstorms from Thursday into Friday and triggering a multiday flash flood threat.

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The storms will tap into a high amount of moisture that is surging north along an old frontal boundary leftover from storms earlier in the week. 

The front will be draped along the Gulf Coast and work back toward the Plains, which will help transport the moisture north.

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Starting primarily on Thursday, the greatest concern stretches from eastern South Dakota, Nebraska into Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, and Missouri, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

While it won't be record hot, there will still be a very warm air mass providing plenty of fuel for thunderstorms, with the potential for some storms to organize into larger complexes capable of producing torrential rain in a short period. 

By Friday, the heavy rain threat shifts farther east into the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley. 

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Areas that receive heavy rain on Thursday will be more vulnerable to flooding if another round of storms develops.

While there is still some uncertainty about exactly where the heaviest rain sets up, rainfall totals exceeding 3 inches are possible where storms repeatedly move over the same locations.

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The same disturbance will likely keep tracking southeast, teaming up with weekend rain across the region and giving those areas in the Midwest and Plains a much-needed break from the extreme heat.

The eruption began shortly before 7:30 p.m. local time, according to USGS. Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes and this is its 52nd eruptive episode since December 23, 2024. 

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Lava fountains have reached a peak of 500 feet in this latest episode.

Volcano officials said this eruption, like all recent eruptions, is expected to be confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

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Volcanic gas that's released during eruptions can impact people downwind, particularly those with respiratory issues or other sensitive populations.

Kilauea's 51st eruption ended on July 15, after spewing lava for more than 8 hours, according to USGS. 

This period of frequent activity at Kiluea is being driven by magma chambers that are quickly refilling within the volcano. These short eruptions have not been strong enough to dramatically change the pressure in these chambers, which have reached something of an equilibrium.

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"Since the ongoing eruption began in December of 2024, there has been little overall change in the amount of pressurization of the magma chambers beneath Kīlauea summit," the USGS said in a FAQ report on Kilauea.

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Check back for updates on this developing story.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said it happened about five miles away from Cloverdale, California, at 7:40 p.m. local time.

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The earthquake struck at a depth of 3.4 miles, and people in the immediate area have reported feeling the shaking, according to the USGS. This includes San Francisco and San Jose.

There have been a few aftershocks reported in the area following the earthquake, the USGS said.

It's the latest earthquake to rattle the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a 25,000-mile belt of volcanoes and earthquake zones surrounding much of the Pacific Ocean.

JAPAN ROCKED BY SEVERAL EARTHQUAKES, INCLUDING MAGNITUDE 6.8 QUAKE, AS PACIFIC RING OF FIRE ACTIVITY CONTINUES

Earlier in the day, a series of earthquakes, including a magnitude 6.8, shook Japan. Nearly a dozen fires broke out and a building partially collapsed, triggering hundreds of emergency calls.

Other notable earthquakes have occurred in the area this year, including a magnitude 3.7 in June and a magnitude 4.2 earthquake in January, respectively.

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No major damage or injuries have been reported at this time.

SCIENTISTS MAKE BREAKTHROUGH DISCOVERY OF INSECT SPECIES THAT IS SURE TO GIVE YOU NIGHTMARES

The Chinese goral was born on the stormy afternoon of July 21, without assistance from zoo staff.

"The birth of this Chinese goral is terrific news for the zoo and our animal care team," Dr. Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, said.

Within minutes, the newborn was on its feet, closely following its mother.

Zoo officials said Chinese goral kids, like many young mountain goats and their antelope relatives, are born ready to move. Their ability to quickly stand and follow their mother is a critical survival instinct that helps protect them in the wild.

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Chinese gorals are small goat-antelope species native to the steep, rocky mountains of China, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. They are known to be excellent climbers, using their powerful legs and specialized hooves to navigate rugged cliffs and steep terrain.

Due to habitat loss and hunting, the species has experienced a significant population decline.

The newborn is one of just 26 Chinese gorals living at eight Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited institutions.

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"With such a small population in AZA care, every successful birth matters. We’ll have fun watching this little one grow, and we’re thrilled to share our newest arrival with visitors," Wharton said.

The birth is especially significant for the AZA's Species Survival Plan, as there were no Chinese goral births in 2025.

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Zoo animal care staff are closely monitoring the new family, and officials said both the mother and her child are doing well.

Dramatic video shows the lifeguard, reported by FOX News to be a 16-year-old high school student, fighting through powerful shore break and crashing waves as he held onto the child in distress for dear life.

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The young lifeguard's heroic actions have earned widespread praise online, including from President Donald Trump, who said the teen should receive a high civilian honor and invited him and his family to the White House in recognition of the dramatic rescue.

In response to a video on the social media platform X, President Trump wrote, "We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor. Very brave, he deserves it!"

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The heroic rescue came during an exceptionally busy weekend for California lifeguards. In Los Angeles County alone, lifeguards performed nearly 2,000 rescues as dangerous heat sent thousands of beachgoers into the Pacific in search of relief.

But one rescue at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, captured on camera, is drawing widespread attention — and for good reason.

The young lifeguard never let go of the child, whom the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association estimated to be about 10 years old, repeatedly duck-diving beneath powerful shore-breaking waves as he fought to bring the victim safely back to shore.

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After fighting through several pounding waves, a second lifeguard rushed in to assist, and together they pulled the child farther up the beach before bystanders helped carry the young victim to safety on the sand.

The combination of dangerous surf and extreme heat created hazardous conditions along much of the Southern California coastline, keeping lifeguards exceptionally busy as thousands flocked to the beaches to escape the soaring temperatures.

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Los Angeles County Lifeguards encouraged beachgoers to take the proper precautions, noting that with a Heat Advisory continuing across Southern California and an unfavorable swell for inexperienced swimmers expected to keep surf elevated throughout the week, visitors should check with a lifeguard about ocean conditions before entering the water.

The emergency includes San Isabel and North Creek near Beulah, Colorado.

LIGHTNING-SPARKED WILDFIRES RAGE ACROSS OREGON AND WASHINGTON AFTER MID-JULY SEVERE STORMS

The National Weather Service warned that this is a particularly dangerous situation and urged residents to seek higher ground immediately, calling it a life-threatening situation.

The Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District said on social media that the area is experiencing significant debris flows.

"Please get to high ground. Do not attempt to drive through water," the Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District said in a Facebook post.

3 FIREFIGHTERS KILLED, 2 INJURED AS LARGE WILDFIRES SCORCH MORE THAN 200K ACRES IN UTAH AND COLORADO

In Fremont County, the sheriff's office warned residents on social media about impassable roads and to avoid the area until further notice.

The National Weather Service also issued a Flash Flood Warning for east-central Custer County and west-central Pueblo County in southeastern Colorado.

As of Tuesday evening, between 1 and 3 inches of rain had fallen across the region. Forecasters said rainfall rates of 0.25 to 0.75 inches per hour are possible, with an additional 0.2 to 0.5 inches of rain expected in the warned area.

Officials said heavy rainfall over the Aspen Acres burn scar, where the wildfire has burned more than 100,000 acres since June 28, is creating a dangerous situation due to the debris flows. The wildfire is currently 66% contained.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), debris flows are fast-moving landslides that pose a significant threat to life and property because they can occur with little warning and destroy nearly everything in their path.

Debris flows can travel at speeds exceeding 35 mph and are capable of carrying massive boulders, trees and even vehicles downstream.

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Burn scars are susceptible to debris flow and flash flooding since soil that normally helps absorb rainfall has been destroyed, allowing water, mud and debris to rush downhill.

SpaceX's Starship has already achieved a series of modern spaceflight milestones as the world's largest rocket prepares for its role in NASA's Artemis program.

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Looking to the future, one of its most critical tests still lies ahead: successfully docking in Earth orbit.

One of the most important milestones on Starship's road to Artemis is demonstrating an orbital docking maneuver, a key step that would pave the way for in-space refueling—a capability NASA is relying on for future missions to the moon.

With NASA's ambitious timeline drawing closer, the pressure is on to prove the technologies that will make those missions possible.

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Let's take a look at what prediction market traders think about when two SpaceX Starships will successfully dock together in orbit.

The pivotal chapter in NASA's Artemis program is fast approaching. Artemis III, targeted for 2027, will test critical lunar landing technologies in space, while Artemis IV, planned for early 2028, aims to return astronauts to the moon's surface.

With those milestones on the horizon, the countdown is on for SpaceX and other commercial partners to prove the technologies that will shape the next era of human spaceflight.

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Successfully docking two Starships in orbit would mark the first step toward refueling the spacecraft in space — a capability NASA is counting on to land astronauts on the moon during future Artemis missions.

Not only does August feature the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower, but this month's skies will also dazzle with planetary alignments and conjunctions, along with eclipses.

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The fun thing about some of these events is that they overlap, bringing what we could call a buy-one-get-one deal for skywatchers.

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Here's a breakdown of August’s celestial events.

On the night of Monday, Aug. 3, the moon will appear in close conjunction with Saturn.

According to In-The-Sky.org, the pair will be too wide to be viewed together through a telescope or binoculars.

Although they are in conjunction, they only look closer while remaining vast distances apart in space.

Because of this wide separation, the best way to view the event is with the naked eye.

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On the 12th, six planets will align, featuring Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn, Neptune and Mars.

The planetary parade will be best viewed in the pre-dawn hours.

While Uranus and Neptune will require optics to see, the remaining four planets will be visible without any equipment.

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August 12 also brings a new moon, causing a total and partial solar eclipse.

According to NASA, the total solar eclipse will grace the skies in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small corner of Portugal, while the Northern Hemisphere will experience a partial solar eclipse.

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This includes parts of the northern U.S., from Alaska to North Carolina, along with much of Canada, Europe, and northwestern Africa.

Adding to the show, the Perseid meteor shower is set to peak overnight from Aug. 12 through Aug. 13.

THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER IS HERE AND SKYWATCHERS COULD SEE UP TO 100 SHOOTING STARS PER HOUR

Given the new moon on the 12th, this year's display is expected to be one of the best in years because the skies will be darker, making even the smallest meteors easier to spot.

Skywatchers could see up to 100 shooting stars per hour.

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The month will close out with the final eclipse of 2026.

This deep partial lunar eclipse will leave 96% of the moon shadowed and darkened.

TOXIC ALGAE BLOOM BECOMING DEADLY FOR SEA LIONS, DOLPHINS IN PACIFIC OCEAN

Harmful algal blooms are the rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria in water that can produce toxins that harm people, animals and the environment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these blooms can develop in freshwater, saltwater, brackish water and even drinking water systems.

Some blooms can look like foam, scum, mats or paint on the surface of the water. They can also grow underneath the water, making some harmful algae blooms hard to see.

They occur around the world and have been reported in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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While harmful algal blooms can occur anywhere, some states experience them more frequently or on a larger scale, particularly during the summer. 

States with recurring blooms include Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, California, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it works with states and tribes to support harmful algal bloom monitoring programs and maintain resources to help the public track advisories and water conditions.

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According to the CDC, many different types of algae cause harmful algal blooms, but cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and diatoms are the most common causes that make people and animals sick.

Other environmental factors, including warm water temperatures, abundant sunlight and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer runoff, wastewater, stormwater and agricultural sources can fuel explosive growth.

Climate change is also contributing to more frequent and longer-lasting blooms by warming waterways and increasing the likelihood of heavy rainfall that can wash nutrients into lakes, rivers and coastal waters.

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Exposure to harmful algal blooms can cause a range of illnesses depending on the type of algae and how a person comes into contact with it. 

People can become sick after swimming or wading in contaminated water, inhaling airborne droplets or eating contaminated fish or shellfish.

Symptoms may include skin rashes and irritation, eye, nose and throat irritation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, coughing or difficulty breathing, headaches and dizziness.

Some toxins can also affect the liver or nervous system.

TOXIC ALGAE BLOOM BECOMING DEADLY FOR SEA LIONS, DOLPHINS IN PACIFIC OCEAN

Pets, especially dogs, are vulnerable since they are more likely to drink contaminated water or lick algae from their fur after swimming. Exposure can be life-threatening.

Health officials recommend taking the following precautions:

If exposed, immediately rinse yourself and pets off with clean water. Then contact the healthcare provider of the Poison Control hotline.

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Since harmful algal blooms can develop quickly and change with weather conditions, officials encourage checking local advisories before heading to the water, especially during the warmest months of the year.

A few minutes spent checking water conditions could help keep your summer plans on track.

The first major hurricane to form in the life-changing 1926 season made landfall just south of Daytona Beach, Florida, just after sunrise on July 28, 1926. It's known as the Nassau Hurricane because of the tremendous damage done to the Bahamian capital, but it also strafed the entire East Coast of Florida, finally landing as a Category 2.

The bad weather arrived in Daytona Beach the previous evening and spread up the coast to St. Augustine and Jacksonville. The St. Augustine newspaper published in the afternoon and reported on the impact to the city.

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At that time, newspaper reporters apparently didn't understand the distinction between the windy and rainy weather and the center of circulation. So while the center went inland and tracked into South Georgia and weakened, 50 to 60 mph winds and elevated tides spread north along the coast, which is what the paper focused on.

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In South Florida, repairs were underway to coastal roads and buildings that were damaged by the high winds and storm surge that the hurricane threw against the oceanfront over the previous two days. There was great concern for ships that routinely plied the waters between Miami and Nassau and were caught in the hurricane.

The Palm Beaches seemed to get the worst of the storm. Boats sank in Lake Worth, the lagoon between the fancy city of Palm Beach on the ocean and West Palm Beach on the mainland. Buildings were damaged. Communications lines were out all along the Florida coast.

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Long-timers in Miami said the July hurricane of 1926 was the worst storm to impact the city since 1910. The center of that Category 2 storm made landfall near Fort Myers and moved up the center of the peninsula. Neither storm came even close to making a direct hit. 

And Mother Nature’s hurricane machine kept cranking out storms. Another strong hurricane tracked north well offshore of the U.S. East Coast in early August of 1926. Then yet another powerful storm made landfall southwest of New Orleans in late August. New Orleans got fringe effects, but the wind and high water took a toll. Both of those storms were Category 3s according to modern reckoning.

And the storms kept coming. Yet another major hurricane briefly hit Category 4 strength on September 12. It tracked north well east of the Bahamas.

So four Category 3 or 4 hurricanes had already formed in the Atlantic heading into mid-September. Mother Nature was on a tear, and the worst of the season was still to come.

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Hostile atmospheric conditions continue across the tropical Atlantic and the Caribbean. Even the long-range computer models show no development. But remember, on average the season doesn't crank up until about the third week of August.

Now-tropical-storm-strength Fausto will be well north of the Hawaiian Islands this evening Hawaii time. Giant swells on the east-facing beaches are likely to be the biggest impacts. Some flooding of low-lying areas is possible. Larger than normal waves are also likely on the north-facing shorelines.

DOWNGRADED TROPICAL STORM FAUSTO FORECAST TO PASS NORTH OF HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, BRING DANGEROUS 15-FOOT WAVES

Otherwise, a few showers will spin over the islands from the edge of Fausto, especially where the winds are blowing onshore against the mountains. But Fausto’s circulation to the north will counteract the trade winds that typically blow east to west across the islands, so the net effect will likely be less rain, and certainly less wind than usual. 

The ocean around Hawaii should briefly calm down on Thursday before energy from Hurricane Genevieve arrives at the islands at the end of the week. Genevieve was briefly Category 5, but now it's weakening as it heads into cool water in the open ocean.

World War I was known as "the war to end all wars," claiming the lives of 15 to 22 million people.

Weather played a role in the war in various ways, as battles were won and lost under different conditions.

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Both England and the U.S. established meteorology programs within the military after discovering the major role it played in daily combat.

In 1915, a year into the war, the Meteorological Field Service, known as Meteor, conducted operations from British Headquarters in Montreuil, France, where two meteorologists, Ernest Gold and AEM Geddes, were granted temporary appointments to the general list as captain and lieutenant, respectively.

This operation became a 24/7 service for the first time, supported by the Meteorological Office in London.

Along with the demands of the war, the U.S. military was established within the Signal Corps, as commanders needed information to support anti-aircraft defenses, long-range artillery, aviation and general operational planning.

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The Army Signal Corps is responsible for communications and information systems that support all the armed forces.

They recruited experts outside the army to meet these needs and one individual, William R. Blair, received a commission as a major in the Signal Corps Officer Reserve and became the Chief of the Meteorological Service for the American Expeditionary Forces, according to the U.S. Army.

Throughout the four-year war, soldiers endured harsh conditions of torrential rain and sub-zero temperatures on the Western Front, conditions that significantly influenced the outcome of some battles.

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A notable siege in which weather played a role was the Battle of Passchendaele, which took place from July 31 to Nov. 10, 1917, and was one of the bloodiest confrontations of World War I.

This marked one of the wettest periods in 75 years along the western front, according to the United Kingdom Meteorological Office.

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Due to the heavy rain, artillery and tanks often got stuck in the liquid mud. Not to mention that the wet mud would cling to soldiers' uniforms and get into their rifles, jamming them and making them useless.

When soldiers would shoot artillery, the shell holes would fill with water due to days of persistent rainfall, and the mud would become so deep that some men and horses would get stuck and drown.

As a result of the relentless rainfall, forecasts became critical for planning military operations.

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When the weather finally improved in late September, aided by meteorologists’ precise forecasts of good and poor conditions, the Allies were able to gain an essential ridge of land in Northwest Belgium.

In total, the battle resulted in the casualties of around 275,000 British soldiers, including thousands of soldiers from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, along with 70,000 dead, according to History.com.

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The Germans, on the other hand, lost 260,000 men in one of the most costly and controversial Allied offensives of World War I.

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This is a prime example of how much weather played a role in one of the bloodiest battles in human history, and why meteorology has been essential to military operations ever since.

The earthquake struck just before 4:30 p.m. local time and was relatively shallow, with an epicenter about 6 miles beneath the surface. It was felt across much of Kyushu, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

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The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami advisory for parts of Kyushu, warning of waves up to 3 feet, before lifting it a short time later.

A magnitude 5.6 and a magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck near the city of Tsunagi within an hour of the main earthquake.

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Kumamoto Airport said that it is closed due to the effects of the earthquake. 

There's no immediate word on the extent of any damage or any serious injuries. 

Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 25,000-mile belt of volcanoes and earthquake zones surrounding much of the Pacific Ocean. 

Check back for updates on this developing story.