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.

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. 

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.

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."

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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.

TOP 10 BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD FOR 2026 ANNOUNCED

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'EXTINCT' TROPICAL SNAILS REINTRODUCED TO TAHITI, MOOREA IN FRENCH POLYNESIA

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.

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.  

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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."

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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

UNDERSTANDING THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE: WHERE EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES MEET

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.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

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.

READY FOR A HUNT? YOU COULD WIN MONEY FOR HUNTING THESE INVASIVE SNAKES DURING ANNUAL CHALLENGE

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.

RARE, ALMOST EXTINCT WILD HORSE BORN AT THE BRONX ZOO

"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.

WHAT IS YOUR STATE ANIMAL? SEE THE OFFICIAL LIST FEATURING ALL 50 STATES

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

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.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

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.

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.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIP CURRENTS, RIP TIDES AND UNDERTOWS?

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!"

WATCH: FDNY USES DRONE TO KEEP STRUGGLING SWIMMERS AFLOAT UNTIL RESCUE TEAMS ARRIVE

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.

HEROIC FATHER DROWNS AFTER RESCUING CHILDREN FROM DANGEROUS RIP CURRENT AT FLORIDA BEACH

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.

AFTER GREAT WHITE SHARK ATTACK, AUSTRALIA'S MOST POPULATED STATE DOUBLES DOWN ON DRONE SHARK PATROLS

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.

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.

AUGUST SKYWATCHING GUIDE: FROM A PLANETARY PARADE AND ECLIPSES TO A METEOR SHOWER

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.

NASA'S ARTEMIS PROGRAM: PAVING THE WAY FOR HUMANKIND'S RETURN TO THE MOON AND BEYOND

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.

WILL SPACEX LAND ANYTHING ON MARS BEFORE 2030?

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.

THE BEST CELESTIAL EVENTS IN 2026 YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

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.

NASA ANNOUNCES ARTEMIS III ASTRONAUTS IN NEXT PHASE OF MISSION TO RETURN HUMANS TO THE MOON

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.

NASA WILL CONDUCT DARING RESCUE MISSION TO REPOSITION TELESCOPE SINKING INTO EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE

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.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER THE SAME SUGAR FOUND IN RASPBERRIES DEEP IN SPACE FOR THE FIRST TIME

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.

HOW OFTEN DO METEORITES CRASH IN THE US?

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.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

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.

CASE TRACKER: HERE IS WHERE FLESH-EATING BACTERIA CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN THE US

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.

REPORTS: BEACHGOER BITTEN BY SHARK AT JONES BEACH ON LONG ISLAND

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.

HEALTH ADVISORIES ISSUED FOR POPULAR FLORIDA GULF COAST BEACHES DUE TO FECAL BACTERIA IN WATER

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.

WHAT IS THE FECAL BACTERIA ENTEROCOCCI AND WHY DOES IT IMPACT BEACHES?

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.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

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.

7 FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT HURRICANES

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.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

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.

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).

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

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.

UNDERSTANDING THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE: WHERE EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES MEET

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.

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.

ANCIENT SECRETS UNLOCKED OF HIDDEN UNDERGROUND FROM EXCEPTIONALLY PRESERVED SNAKE FOSSIL WITH SKULL INTACT

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.

SUNKEN WWI SHIP 'TAMPA' FOUND OFF ENGLISH COAST, SOLVING CENTURY-OLD MYSTERY

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.

THE WEATHER BEHIND D-DAY: HOW METEOROLOGISTS INFLUENCED OPERATION OVERLORD

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.

WOOL UNIFORMS AND EXTREME HEAT: A FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF WEATHER DURING THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG

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.

WHAT WAS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE FIRST EVER INDEPENDENCE DAY IN 1776?

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.

CELEBRATING WEATHER HISTORY: HOW FOG HELPED GEORGE WASHINGTON SAVE AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

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

THE MOST PATRIOTIC FRONT LAWN IN AMERICA CELEBRATES THE NATION'S 250TH WITH A BALD EAGLE MURAL

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.

As we navigate upcoming storms, let's take a look at how experts measure the raw power of hurricanes.

HOW ARE HURRICANES RATED? THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE EXPLAINED

Although central pressure itself is not a hazard, it can sometimes indicate future changes in hurricane intensity, as strengthening often results in lower air pressure.

Within the heart of a hurricane is an area of low pressure, which at sea level is about 1013 millibars.

This is essential to understand when forecasting the potential intensity and category of an upcoming hurricane.

GENEVIEVE NOW A CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE AS STORM BARRELS THROUGH THE EASTERN PACIFIC

1013 millibars is a standard atmospheric pressure at sea level, representing a normal weight of air above the Earth, according to the National Weather Service.

A millibar is 1/1000 of a bar and is the amount of force required to move an object weighing 1 gram by 1 centimeter in 1 second.

According to NOAA, during a severe weather event, barometric pressure tends to be lower, while during fair weather, it tends to be higher.

If the pressure on a barometer begins to fall, it is a sign of approaching severe weather.

HURRICANE FAUSTO TO PASS NORTH OF HAWAII, BUT COULD STILL GENERATE DANGEROUS 15-FOOT WAVES

Each millibar range, whether high or low, helps determine a hurricane’s category and strength.

This is extremely important, as it gives forecasters and government officials an indication of what to expect in terms of damage to homes and other structures, flooding and evacuation warnings.

BATTERED AND BRUISED BERTHA WEAKENS AS ALL STORM WATCHES AND WARNINGS ARE DISCONTINUED

This works hand-in-hand with the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, which has five categories, with low atmospheric pressure associated with stronger hurricanes.

A buck moon is the traditional name for the full moon in July because male deer grow new antlers covered in velvety fur at this time of year, according to the New York State Parks and Historic Preservation.

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The July full moon can also be referred to as a Thunder Moon due to frequent summer thunderstorms, according to the Farmers' Almanac.

As the full moon dazzles the sky, there will be the opportunity to view this celestial event.

The full buck moon will reach peak illumination at 10:36 a.m. EDT, according to the Farmers' Almanac.

THE BEST CELESTIAL EVENTS IN 2026 YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

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

At this time, the moon will be below the horizon, so if you plan to view the event, be sure to arrive at a viewing spot early and look towards the southeast after sunset to watch it rise.

Eleven other cases have been confirmed across Florida.

DEADLY INFECTION: FLORIDA REPORTS FIRST RARE, FLESH-EATING BACTERIA DEATH OF THE YEAR

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Vibrio bacteria live in warm, coastal waters and infections can cause a number of symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, fever, low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions.

While the CDC estimates that some 80,000 cases of vibriosis happen across the country each year, some Vibrio species, like Vibrio vulnificus, can cause a severe flesh-destroying infection and the department said roughly one in five people with this kind of infection die.

Health officials say that the bacteria can enter the body through an open wound when swimming in saltwater or brackish water.

HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLESH-EATING PARASITE IN THE US AS CASES TRIPLE IN SIZE

People can also become infected by eating contaminated, raw shellfish — in which case, no open wound is required.

The Florida Health Department has not listed when the Palm Beach County death occurred.

Meanwhile, the Mobile County, Alabama, Health Department confirmed its first case of vibriosis this year back on April 24.

STUDY FINDS FLESH-EATING BACTERIA, HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN LONG ISLAND WATERS AS QUALITY WORSENS

Connecticut’s Department of Public Health Commissioner told FOX61 that someone contracted Vibrio vulnificus infection in February after eating contaminated oysters that were harvested outside the state.

DANGEROUS, LIFE-THREATENING HEAT WAVE BAKES MORE THAN 85M AMERICANS ACROSS 20 STATES WITH TRIPLE-DIGIT TEMPS

Officials said they are still assessing the extent of the damage while responding to calls for assistance from affected community members.

The storm began around 12:15 p.m. CDT, moving over Appleton and Menasha.

As it tracked across the region, the National Weather Service issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) warning for the region, indicating an imminent threat to life and property.

The Appleton Police Department said on social media that many roads throughout the city are impassable and numerous traffic signals are out, causing significant traffic delays.

Officials also reported several downed power lines, trees and tree limbs across the area.

Photos obtained by FOX Weather show damage to vehicles and structures, including missing sections of roofs and debris scattered throughout the area.

The Appleton Police Department is urging residents to avoid the affected areas and use alternate routes. They will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Currently, over 81,000 customers are without power in Wisconsin, according to PowerOutage.us as severe weather moves across the state.

DESTRUCTIVE TORNADO RIPS THROUGH WISCONSIN AS FAST-MOVING SEVERE STORMS UNLEASH VIOLENT WINDS TO MIDWEST

Governor Tony Evers posted on social media that he has been briefed and is currently monitoring the situation.

According to FOX Forecast Center, severe weather is expected to continue across the Midwest through the evening hours.

SUMMER HEAT FUELS WILDFIRES WHILE MONSOONS TRIGGER SEVERE FLOOD THREATS AS WEATHER WHIPLASH PLAGUES THE WEST

The storms will eventually move into the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas, impacting that region throughout Tuesday.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest updates.

The Cleer Creek County Sheriff's Office received a report of a lightning strike that occurred while five people were hiking along Mount Blue Sky on Sunday.

DESTRUCTIVE TORNADO RIPS THROUGH WISCONSIN AS FAST-MOVING SEVERE STORMS UNLEASH VIOLENT WINDS TO MIDWEST

This comes as another person in the area reported seeing the lightning bolt, followed by calls for help as several agencies of first responders arrived at the scene.

Authorities said one child was seriously injured and airlifted to a nearby hospital, while two others sustained minor injuries.

The FOX Forecast Center said there were 19 lightning reports in the area around 1:30 p.m. MT on Sunday.

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

The sheriff's office said a young man had died, but didn't immediately release his identity.

The status of the severely injured victim is currently unknown.

The Denver area is expected to receive more nasty weather on Monday, with a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms through the night, according to the National Weather Service.

While we might think of lightning dangers as only affecting those caught in the middle of a field, or stuck on a hilltop, lightning safety experts stress that being outside anywhere is a dangerous risk when lightning is in the area.

NEARLY 100M AMERICANS UNDER HEAT ALERTS AS LIFE-THREATENING, TRIPLE-DIGIT TEMPS SCORCH CENTRAL, WESTERN US

If you're outside during a thunderstorm, you're in danger. The priority is to get inside.

That can be inside a car or inside a building, but you should wait until 30 minutes after the last thunder to resume outdoor activity.

Arriving Tuesday through Wednesday, the system is set to bring yet another heightened flash flooding risk along the I-95 corridor, alongside strong, gusty winds along the coast.

THREAT ESCALATES AS FAST-MOVING SEVERE STORMS COULD BRING 75+ MPH WINDS, POWER OUTAGES TO MIDWEST METROS

"Unlike some of the previous storms to impact the Northeast this summer, this particular storm system is expected to take a more southerly trajectory, placing an area of low pressure squarely in the Lower 48," the FOX Forecast Center said.

The main area of low pressure will begin to consolidate during the day Tuesday in parts of New England.

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

As the low strengthens, it will produce widespread storms surrounding the center and extending all along a cold front stretching back across the Appalachians.

WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES MEAN

While most of the rain associated with the low pressure will remain sub-severe, the incredible amount of moisture in the atmosphere will make for higher rain rates.

Flash flooding could quickly become a problem, especially as the low gets closer to the East Coast by Tuesday evening.

2 DEAD IN WEST VIRGINIA AFTER CATASTROPHIC FLOODING SLAMMED THE STATE, TRIGGERING STATE OF EMERGENCY

Furthermore, an even greater flood threat will begin to take shape closer to the I-95 corridor as the system creeps in.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, "The storms that form along the front to the south of the low could have rain rates that exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour."

A Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat currently encompasses parts of the Lower Hudson Valley, New York City and areas as far south as Philadelphia.

In this zone, storms could repeatedly train over the same region, which will quickly create flooding issues for the Tuesday evening commute.

NEARLY 100M AMERICANS UNDER HEAT ALERTS AS LIFE-THREATENING, TRIPLE-DIGIT TEMPS SCORCH CENTRAL, WESTERN US

To complicate matters, a secondary area of low pressure may form just off the coast near Long Island or just inland.

Not only could this low enhance rain rates, it could also trigger strong winds and coastal flooding from Long Island to Down East Maine.

This secondary low will start to form sometime Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, with winds potentially gusting as high as 40 to 50 mph in some locations.

As it forms, it will push north back into New England and rotate around the original, larger low.

GENEVIEVE RAPIDLY INTENSIFIES INTO FIRST CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC SINCE 2024

This shifts the flood threat with it, pushing Wednesday's Level 2 out of 4 risk into Hartford, Boston, Concord and Maine.

Combined, Tuesday and Wednesday's rain totals could surpass 3 to 5 inches.

That said, the greatest flood threat zone may shift, or be upgraded, as confidence increases regarding how the evolution of the secondary low plays out.

The FOX Forecast Center highlights that, contrary to what some have said, this is not expected to be a July nor'easter because the winds are generally out of the south.

HURRICANE FAUSTO TO PASS NORTH OF HAWAII, BUT COULD STILL GENERATE DANGEROUS 15-FOOT WAVES

"Regardless of the classification of this system, many of the impacts could be compared to a Nor'easter. Rain will be heavy at times, the duration of the rainfall could be extended, and the winds may cause coastal flooding issues," the FOX Forecast Center said.

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

Critical fire weather conditions have fueled explosive wildfire growth across the Pacific Northwest and Northern Great Basin, where dozens of large fires continue to burn in Oregon and Washington.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the Northwest is currently battling more than 30 large active fires that have collectively consumed nearly one million acres. The majority of them are in Oregon alone.

Smoke from the fires will continue to degrade air quality across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and perhaps as far east as North Dakota. 

Boise, Idaho, has been under consistently degrading air quality, staying firmly in the very unhealthy category.

Much of the worst smoke is confined to Oregon and Idaho, spreading into Montana and the Dakotas. This is where the smoke is reaching near-surface levels.

Over the coming days, the smoke will begin to shift back toward the east, but nowhere near the levels experienced a couple of weeks ago with the Canadian wildfires.

CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE INVADES A DOZEN STATES, SPREADING HAZARDOUS AIR QUALITY, HAZY SKIES TO OVER 124M

This time around, the smoke is expected to stay higher in the atmosphere because there are no nearby weather systems to push it down to the ground, limiting its impact on the air people breathe.

But that doesn't mean the smoke will be impact-free.

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Moderate air quality issues are still possible across parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, but conditions are not expected to approach the hazardous levels seen in recent days.

Even where air quality remains relatively good, wildfire smoke will still create hazy skies well beyond the Northwest.

The smoke, lingering 20,000 to 40,000 feet above the ground, is expected to spread as far east as the Mid-Atlantic and as far south as the Southeast as it circulates around a sprawling heat dome over the central U.S.

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While the elevated smoke isn't expected to significantly affect air quality at the surface, it will give the sky a milky appearance and could lead to more vivid sunrises and sunsets.

By the morning of July 27, 1926, the destructive Nassau Hurricane was heading northbound offshore of Fort Lauderdale. Winds were still lashing the beach areas and increasing in Palm Beach County and other points north on the Florida East Coast.

LATEST FROM BRYAN NORCROSS

By late morning, hurricane warnings in South Florida were dropped as alerts were issued from Jupiter, just north of the Palm Beaches, north to Charleston, SC. The storm was on a slow arc toward Central Florida or farther north.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The wind in Miami blew from the previous evening through the overnight hours. Most of the damage was near the ocean in Miami Beach, but the waterfront in downtown Miami on the mainland also took a hit. Awnings were ripped off, some buildings were undermined, and ocean water poured through some beachfront hotels. Wires were down across the region. Parts of Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue were washed out. Boats broke loose from their moorings and sank.

Top winds over Miami Beach were estimated at only 50 to 60 mph, but they were relentless as the storm slowly tracked by offshore. The 110 mph winds with the core of the hurricane pushed ocean water up and over the beaches and into the inland waterways.

Fort Lauderdale Beach suffered damage as well. Parts of the Beach Road were washed out. High water flooded homes and roads in the eastern part of the city.

GENEVIEVE RAPIDLY INTENSIFIES INTO FIRST CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC SINCE 2024

The hurricane is estimated to have been a Category 4 when it mauled Nassau the morning of Monday, July 26. But by that Tuesday, it had weakened to a Category 2. Newspapers in Daytona Beach and Jacksonville didn't express any concern to their readers that morning. But that's where the storm was heading.

The July 1926 hurricane in South Florida is largely forgotten because of the destructive impact of the great hurricane to come less than two months later. And it had a role in the September events because of the low bar of expectations it set for what a hurricane could inflict on Miami.

There are no signs of any tropical development into next month.

Looking at the storm naming statistics, we are right on track. On average, the C storm is named on August 3, and the first hurricane doesn't develop until August 11.

Fausto is weakening nicely. The system is down to Category 1 strength as cooler water and hostile upper winds take their toll. Confidence is high now that Fausto’s center will track well north of the islands with the strongest winds on the north side of the storm, away from land.

Impacts will be confined to strong swells and high surf on the east- and north-facing beaches.

HURRICANE FAUSTO TO PASS NORTH OF HAWAII, BUT COULD STILL GENERATE DANGEROUS 15-FOOT WAVES

Hurricane Genevieve is now at Category 5 strength — a relatively rare event in the Eastern Pacific. Its track will take it out to sea over cold water where it will fade away.

The storm's main impacts will be large swells along the Mexico and Southern California coasts. Eventually, swells generated by Genevieve will reach Hawaii as well.

Genevieve reached Category 5 strength in the Eastern Pacific basin early Monday morning, but has since been downgraded. It was the first time a storm reached Category 5 status since Hurricane Kristy in 2024.

Hurricane Genevieve is also the Northern Hemisphere's first major hurricane of the 2026 season, across both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins.

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The storm is currently moving west-northwest across the open waters of the Eastern Pacific, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph.

Genevieve is expected to remain well out to sea, with no expected impacts to land, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

However, Genevieve is bringing swells to parts of southern Baja California and the southwestern coast of Mexico that are causing life-threatening rip currents, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

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According to the FOX Forecast Center, the storm is moving into a region highly conducive to development, as the wind shear is expected to decrease while ocean temperatures continue to rise.

The water in the region is not only warm at the surface but also well below the surface, providing the storm with plenty of fuel.

By the middle of the week, the hurricane will move over cooler waters, which will begin the weakening process.

Progressively cooler water will take its toll on the storm, so by the weekend, it will either be a weak system or have dissipated entirely.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TROPICAL DEPRESSION, TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE?

Hurricane Genevieve was named over the weekend and quickly intensified into a Category 5 storm within 24 hours.

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Typically, the average din the eastern Pacific is July 15.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest developments.

Fausto is slowly weakening and is expected to pass north of the island as a tropical storm from Tuesday into Wednesday.

WHAT IS A CATEGORY 1 HURRICANE?

After peaking as a Category 2 hurricane, Fausto is gradually weakening as it continues westward, with the storm’s core forecast to pass well north of the Hawaiian Islands while its outer bands brush the state.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, forecasts continue to show Fausto tracking north of the Hawaiian Islands on Tuesday into Wednesday, by then as a weakening tropical storm.

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As of the latest advisory, Hurricane Fausto was located about 670 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, moving west at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and a minimum central pressure of 984 mb.

Forecasters expect the hurricane to continue on a general west to west-northwest track over the next several days while gradually weakening.

The system is expected to make its closest approach to Oahu and Kauai on Wednesday, though it will be considerably weaker by then.

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FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray will report live from Hawaii on Tuesday as Hurricane Fausto approaches the islands, bringing viewers the latest conditions and storm impacts from the Aloha State.

Hurricane Fausto's first impacts on Hawaii are expected to come in the form of dangerous surf.

Swells will build along east-facing shores through Tuesday, with waves as high as 15 feet possible in some locations.

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Despite its approach, Hurricane Fausto is not expected to pose a major threat to Hawaii. Aside from increasing surf and dangerous rip currents, little rainfall is forecast as the storm remains well offshore.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest on Tropical Storm Fausto as it churns toward Hawaii.

Hurricane Genevieve is also the Northern Hemisphere's first major hurricane of the 2026 season, across both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

The storm is currently barreling west-northwest across the open waters of the Eastern Pacific, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.

Genevieve is expected to remain well out to sea, with no expected impacts to land.

However, Genevieve is bringing swells to parts of southern Baja California and the southwestern coast of Mexico that are causing life-threatening rip currents, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

According to the FOX Forecast Center, the storm is moving into a region highly conducive to development, as the wind shear is expected to decrease while ocean temperatures continue to rise.

The water in the region is not only warm at the surface but also well below the surface, providing the storm with plenty of fuel.

HOW DO HURRICANES AND TROPICAL STORMS GET THEIR NAMES?

By the middle of the week, the hurricane will move over cooler waters, which will begin the weakening process.

Progressively cooler water will take its toll on the storm, so by the weekend, it will either be a weak system or have dissipated entirely.

The FOX Forecast Center said the storm poses no threat to land.

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Hurricane Genevieve was named Saturday night and quickly intensified into a Category 4 storm by Sunday evening.

7 FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT HURRICANES

Typically, the average date for the first major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in the eastern Pacific is July 15.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest developments.

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The storm is currently moving west-northwest with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, the storm is moving into a region highly conducive to development, as the wind shear is expected to decrease while ocean temperatures continue to rise.

The water in the region is not only warm at the surface but also well below the surface, providing the storm with plenty of fuel.

The FOX Forecast Center said this combination of factors could allow Genevieve to rapidly strengthen, creating a potential path toward becoming a Category 5 if its current rate of intensification continues.

HOW DO HURRICANES AND TROPICAL STORMS GET THEIR NAMES?

However, the storm will likely not have enough time to reach that strength before undergoing structural changes within its inner core.

Genevieve is expected to remain well out to sea and far from land as it continues to strengthen.

By the middle of the week, the hurricane will move over cooler waters, which will begin the weakening process.

Progressively cooler water will take its toll on the storm, so by the weekend, it will either be a weak system or have dissipated entirely.

The FOX Forecast Center said the storm poses no threat to land.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TROPICAL DEPRESSION, TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE?

Hurricane Genevieve was named Saturday night and quickly intensified into a Category 4 storm by Sunday evening.

This makes Genevieve the first major hurricane of the 2026 eastern Pacific hurricane season, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Genevieve is the first storm of this strength in the Pacific since Hurricane Kiko in September 2025.

7 FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT HURRICANES

Typically, the average date for the first major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in the eastern Pacific is July 15.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest developments.

After peaking as a Category 2 hurricane, Fausto is gradually weakening as it continues westward, with the storm’s core forecast to pass well north of the Hawaiian Islands while its outer impacts brush the state.

WHAT IS A CATEGORY 1 HURRICANE?

According to the FOX Forecast Center, forecasts continue to show Fausto tracking north of the Hawaiian Islands on Tuesday into Wednesday, by then as a weakening tropical storm.

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As of the latest advisory, Hurricane Fausto was located about 825 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, moving west at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and a minimum central pressure of 984 mb.

Forecasters expect the hurricane to continue on a general west to west-northwest track over the next several days while gradually weakening.

The system is expected to make its closest approach to Oahu and Kauai on Wednesday, though it will be considerably weaker by then.

7 FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT HURRICANES

FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray will report live from Hawaii on Tuesday as Hurricane Fausto approaches the islands, bringing viewers the latest conditions and storm impacts from the Aloha State.

Hurricane Fausto's first impacts on Hawaii are expected to come in the form of dangerous surf.

Swells will build along east-facing shores through Tuesday, with waves as high as 15 feet possible in some locations.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

Despite its approach, Hurricane Fausto is not expected to pose a major threat to Hawaii. Aside from increasing surf and dangerous rip currents, little rainfall is forecast as the storm remains well offshore.

The three largest and highest-priority wildfires burning across the region all share a common origin: lightning.

WHY DRY THUNDERSTORMS POSE WILDFIRE, DUST STORM RISKS

A series of dry thunderstorms swept across the Pacific Northwest in mid-July, producing thousands of lightning strikes that ignited dozens of wildfires across Oregon and Washington, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and regional incident management teams.

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.

As of Sunday, the NIFC reported 52 large wildfires burning across the Northwest, including 42 in Oregon that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres in total. Fire officials also reported 15 new fire starts and five new large incidents over the previous 24 hours as wildfire activity remained elevated across the region.

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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.

As the region's largest active fire, the Rowe Creek Complex fire has burned over 200,000 acres in north-central Oregon.

The Rowe Creek Complex was sparked by lightning on July 15 and has since grown into one of the largest active wildfires in the country, fueled by hot, dry conditions and wind-driven fire behavior.

According to the latest update from the Rowe Creek Complex Incident Management Team, the wildfire has scorched 208,758 acres and is 31% contained, as more than 1,100 firefighters continue working to strengthen containment lines ahead of another day of critical fire weather.

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According to the Oregon State Fire Marshal, the fire is burning across Wheeler, Wasco and Crook counties, about 10 miles south of Fossil, in central Oregon, and has triggered hundreds of evacuations across impacted areas. 

The Rowe Creek Complex consists of multiple lightning-caused fires sparked by thunderstorms on July 15.

As the fires grew, several merged into the Crosswhite Fire, which has since become the largest fire in the complex, according to the Rowe Creek Complex Incident Management Team.

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The Rowe Creek Complex has also impacted portions of the Ochoco National Forest, prompting the U.S. Forest Service to expand emergency closures across national forest lands, roads and trails as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.

While the Rowe Creek Complex continues to dominate the Northwest in size, the Akawa Butte Fire has become the region's most pressing wildfire threat because of its proximity to homes and communities in Central Oregon.

Dubbed the nation's top firefighting priority by the National Interagency Fire Center, more than 1,000 firefighters are battling the Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters, a small mountain community about 20 miles northwest of Bend.

NEARLY 100M AMERICANS UNDER HEAT ALERTS AS LIFE-THREATENING, TRIPLE-DIGIT TEMPS SCORCH CENTRAL, WESTERN US

The Akawa Butte Fire has destroyed two homes as firefighters work to protect additional residences and infrastructure near Sisters.

According to the Oregon State Fire Marshal, the fire has burned 26,435 acres and is 5% contained as of the latest update.

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The Akawa Butte Fire was sparked by lightning during a series of thunderstorms that ignited multiple fires across Central Oregon in mid-July.

While Oregon is home to the Northwest's two largest wildfire priorities, neighboring Washington is battling a major blaze of its own.

The Kaiser Canyon Fire has grown into the state's largest active wildfire, scorching more than 110,000 acres on the Colville Indian Reservation in north-central Washington.

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According to the Kaiser Canyon Fire Incident Management Team, the lightning-caused wildfire has burned 110,355 acres and is 12% contained. More than 760 personnel are assigned to the incident as firefighters continue working to strengthen containment lines.

The Kaiser Canyon Fire was sparked by lightning on July 16 and is burning in Okanogan County in north-central Washington, according to InciWeb.

MISSING HIKER FOUND DEAD IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK AFTER SUSPECTED BEAR ATTACK

In a video captured by parkgoer Kristi Wilt, the bison can be seen walking toward the man as he fished along the river, completely unaware of the animal's presence.

With his back turned, the fisherman didn't notice the bison until another parkgoer alerted him.

"The truck behind us started honking before we did, alerting the fisherman, who later found out it was his wife who honked," Wilt told Storyful.

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Wilt said she debated honking her own horn before the man was alerted, but worried the noise could cause the bison to charge.

"We were all so relieved as he walked like a boss, no eye contact, no fast movements, away from the bison," Wilt continued. "My family cheered because we all felt so much relief in the way he handled himself."

2 HIKERS ATTACKED BY MAMA GRIZZLY BEAR AND CUBS IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

The close encounter comes just weeks after a 47-year-old woman was gored by a bison near the Lake Lodge Cabins on the north shore of Lake Yellowstone.

According to the National Park Service, the woman was walking with another individual through a field near the lodge when they spotted two bison. The pair turned to walk away, but one of the animals charged and gored the woman.

She suffered significant injuries to her chest and abdomen and was flown by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Park officials are reminding visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes.

WORLD’S LARGEST ACIDIC GEYSER ERUPTS FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2020 IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Visitors should also remain at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, bison, the largest mammals in North America, can become more aggressive during the summer breeding season as they gather in large herds to compete for mates.

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Breeding season typically runs from mid-July through mid-August.

SEE IT: NASA SATELLITE REVEALS HUMMINGBIRD-SHAPED SECRET BENEATH ANTARCTICA'S ICE

It is a frozen continent covered in miles of ice, battered by lashing winds, and defined by one of the harshest environments on the planet: Antarctica.

This frozen landscape completely turns our traditional understanding of a desert inside out, highlighting that the ultimate record-breaker isn't defined by heat at all, but by thirst.

Geologically, deserts are classified by precipitation, not temperature. According to NASA, they are primarily defined by an extreme lack of moisture caused by low annual precipitation, typically receiving roughly 10 inches or fewer per year.

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True to this definition, Antarctica is not only the coldest and windiest continent, but also one of the driest.

According to the United States Antarctic Program, the continent receives only about 2 inches of precipitation per year — making this frozen continent a true desert.

Spanning approximately 5.4 million square miles, this expanse is roughly 1.5 times the size of the Sahara Desert.

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This means that when you see snow blowing across the landscape, it isn't a new storm, but rather ancient crystals being endlessly recycled by the fierce winds.

Ironically, despite receiving almost no new rain or snow, this massive landmass is buried under miles of thick ice — holding about 90% of the world's ice and 70% of its fresh water.

Because of these ultra-dry, sub-zero conditions, NASA often compares the Antarctica Desert to Mars.

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As the agency notes, "The desert conditions in Antarctica are like the conditions on Mars. NASA tested robots in Antarctica that later landed on Mars."

Antarctica truly challenges our assumptions about what a desert can be.

The flesh-eating bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus — is a rare and potentially deadly bacteria that naturally occurs in warm saltwater and brackish water. However, the Florida Department of Health said most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.

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Since it is naturally found in warm waters, people with open wounds can be exposed to the flesh-eating bacteria through direct contact with seawater.

So far this year, there have been 11 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus, according to health officials. Of those cases, one person has reportedly died.

Last year, there were five total flesh-eating bacteria deaths. But in the years before that, deaths were in the double digits.

The Florida Department of Health said several counties experienced unusual increases in cases due to Hurricane Ian and Helene in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

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Health officials said Florida is prone to severe weather events and after a storm such as a hurricane, floodwaters and standing water pose risks for Vibrio vulnificus exposure.

"It's important to take precautions against infection and illness following any storm event," the Florida Department of Health said.

People who are healthy typically develop a mild disease, but the flesh-eating bacteria can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, according to health officials.

The bacteria can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe and potentially life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, septic shock and blistering skin lesions.

Many people infected by Vibrio vulnificus require intensive care or limb amputations, and about one in five people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming sick, according to health officials.

STUDY FINDS FLESH-EATING BACTERIA, HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN LONG ISLAND WATERS AS QUALITY WORSENS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends seeking treatment as soon as possible, and don't wait for consultation with an infectious disease specialist or for laboratory confirmation of the flesh-eating bacteria.

The bacteria can be identified in the stool, wound or blood of a patient with symptoms. Click here for the latest guidance from the CDC.

According to NASA, teams in the U.S. and India have collected data from two powerful radar instruments aboard the ISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, which revealed a fractured, barren surface of an Antarctic landscape in stunning detail.

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This is done to help researchers track the movement of Earth's land and ice masses, monitor changes in ecosystems such as forests and wetlands, and respond to natural disasters such as landslides and earthquakes.

New detailed images from the Antarctic reveal a merge of science and serendipity, as a figure most similar to a hummingbird was captured on the icy surface.

"Despite its otherworldly quality, the Antarctic image shows a very real geographical feature called Nunatak Zaterjavshijsja, a mountaintop in East Antarctica, poking out amid a stream of ice flowing northeast to the ocean," NASA said.

As the glacier continues to move, the mountain’s topography puts stress on the ice, fracturing it into deep cracks called crevasses, which appear as green lines in the image, according to NASA.

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With this technology, scientists can observe and analyze what lies beneath the icy surface.

The hummingbird offers an eye-catching delight and valuable information, as its varying colors reveal differences in how polarized microwave signals are reflected over the ice.

The orientation of the signals that result from satellite imaging, such as vertical or horizontal colored magenta and green lines, reveals clues about the object or surface that is reflected off the targeted surface.

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This type of satellite imaging enables the uncovering of mysteries hidden beneath Earth’s surface across diverse environments.

DANGEROUS, LIFE-THREATENING HEAT WAVE BAKES MORE THAN 85M AMERICANS ACROSS 20 STATES WITH TRIPLE-DIGIT TEMPS

Driven by an active pattern on the eastern periphery of a strengthening heat dome, repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms will track from the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast through Wednesday, bringing a probable threat of severe storms and damaging wind gusts.

Kicking off on Sunday, a Level 3 out of 5 severe risk has been issued for parts of the Upper Midwest.

The FOX Forecast Center said hot temperatures and a very moist air mass will result in a volatile and strongly unstable atmosphere on Sunday across the Upper Midwest.

While this air mass will support a very unstable atmosphere capable of producing powerful thunderstorms, strong atmospheric capping will keep storm development suppressed for much of the day, creating high uncertainty regarding if and when storms break through.

However, if storms manage to break through, they will enter an environment capable of producing large to very large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.

FAUSTO WEAKENS NEAR HAWAII AS GENEVIEVE BECOMES SEASON'S FIRST MAJOR CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE

A Level 3 out of 5 severe storm threat has been issued for primarily all of Wisconsin and only a small sliver of Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, with the largest cities within this threat zone being Milwaukee, Green Bay, Duluth and La Crosse.

Meanwhile, a broader Level 2 threat puts 30 million Americans across nearly a dozen states at risk.

By Monday, the severe risk shifts eastward into the Great Lakes as an upper-level disturbance drops out of Canada.

The same robust air mass driving Sunday's setup will fuel severe storms across a broad Level 2 out of 5 corridor spanning from Chicago to Cleveland, including Milwaukee, Detroit and Fort Wayne.

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Monday serves as the primary transition day toward a more linear or squall-line mode, allowing for segments of storms capable of widespread damaging wind gusts stretching from Illinois into New York by late afternoon and evening, the FOX Forecast Center said.

Come Tuesday, the compact upper-level disturbance moving out of Canada will interact with high moisture values that will be well above average across the Northeast, promoting efficient, heavy-rainfall rates and localized flash flooding.

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Ongoing morning storms from the lower Great Lakes into the Mid-Atlantic will clear out, allowing daytime heating to destabilize the atmosphere southward.

Moderate to strong instability combined with deep-layer shear will drive an organized severe threat — primarily damaging wind gusts and isolated hail — from New Jersey down to North Carolina during the afternoon and evening.

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Meanwhile, depending on how the pattern evolves and where the surface cold front stalls, widespread rain and trailing thunderstorms may linger across the Northeast into Wednesday.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest on severe storms impacting the Midwest and East Coast.

There was severe flooding and widespread damage across the Bahamian capital and on surrounding islands. They said it was the worst storm in 125 years. Some 300 people died. The modern estimate is that the winds were about 130 mph when the hurricane slammed Nassau, but there is no conclusive data available.

In Miami, the wind increased through the day so that it was blowing hard along the beaches that night. Northeast storm warning flags were flying from Key West to Jupiter, north of the Palm Beaches. (The alert is similar to a tropical storm warning in today's system.)

In the Miami News that afternoon, shipping was the big concern. They reported that communication with Nassau was lost. The meteorologist in charge in Miami, Richard Gray, expressed confidence, however, that the worst of the storm would stay offshore, but Florida would feel the effects of the hurricane from Miami Beach to Daytona Beach.

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People in Miami had no idea that this July storm was Mother Nature's opening salvo in a hurricane season that would change their lives forever. There were three more storms yet to come.

The mid-summer pause continues.

BRYAN NORCROSS: THE ATLANTIC GOES QUIET AFTER BERTHA FADES AWAY

Confidence is increasing that the center of Fausto will pass Hawaii to the north. The storm is now a Category 1, and cooler water and hostile upper winds are dead ahead.

The system will likely be at tropical storm strength when it arrives well north of the Big Island late Tuesday. The weakened version of the system will be asymmetric, with its strongest winds on the north side of the circulation – the opposite side from the islands.

Large swells and dangerous surf will impact the east and north-facing coastlines of all the islands, starting with the Big Island today.

FAUSTO WEAKENS NEAR HAWAII AS GENEVIEVE AIMS TO BECOME SEASON'S FIRST MAJOR HURRICANE

Everybody in Hawaii should stay informed just in case something unexpected happens to the track of Fausto, but it's looking good right now.

No tsunami threat has been issued.

UNDERSTANDING THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE: WHERE EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES MEET

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said that the earthquake struck at 11:35 p.m. (8:35:18 UTC) about 61.5 miles southeast of Atka at a depth of about 6 miles.

So far, the USGS said no one has reported feeling the shaking. This could be largely due to the distance from the epicenter to the island.

The Pacific Ring of Fire is the most seismically and volcanically active region on Earth, with frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions caused by the movement of these tectonic plates.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Additionally, Guatemala and Nicaragua were recently rattled along the Ring of Fire with magnitude 4.2 and 4.6 earthquakes, respectively.

The countries were also rattled by a powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake on July 17, adding to the region's recent seismic activity.

This is a developing story. Stick with FOX Weather for more details as they become available.

The recent discovery of the snake fossil known as Tametara mirim is among the best-preserved snake skeletons in the world.

It was broken down using state-of-the-art techniques that combined morphological and molecular data to infer that this species is the earliest-evolving snake in the fossil record, according to research from Princeton University.

The skull was the best-preserved portion of the entire fossil.

Researchers at the University of Helsinki in Poland digitally reconstructed the fossil skeleton using high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning, which provided the skull anatomy. 

This includes the digital reconstruction of the snake’s brain, cranial nerves, and inner ear anatomy.

This offers new insight into the evolution of early snakes over millions of years.

DEEP-SEA DISCOVERY UNCOVERS ONE OF THE LARGEST KNOWN WHALE GRAVEYARDS ON THE FLOOR OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

Through further research, experts discovered that the snake was not adapted to a single habitat but instead resided in various ground-dwelling environments.

The shape of the brain and the microstructure of the skull bones provide evidence that the species lived a burrowing lifestyle, as many present-day snakes do.,

FIRST-KNOWN FOOT BONE OF A BABY T. REX FOUND STASHED IN PILE OF FOSSILS AFTER BEING MISTAKENLY IDENTIFIED

"By combining CT-based brain reconstructions with comparative data from living snakes, we could show that early snakes were not simply progressing toward a single modern condition," said Nicolas Di-Poï, Research Director at the Institute of Biotechnology for the University of Helsinki. "They were already experimenting with different sensory and ecological strategies."

BURMESE PYTHON POPULATION BOOMS NEAR POPULAR FLORIDA TOURIST AREA, PROMPTING HIGHER CONSERVATION PRESENCE

This provides a boost in confidence when researching the brains of other well-preserved fossils, offering a new opportunity to understand better the daily lives of prehistoric creatures, such as their diets, behaviors, hunting practices, and how some modern-day animals became what they are today.

As a surge of moisture from monsoon storms brings a flash flood threat to the Southwest, the Pacific Northwest is bracing for an explosion of wildfires driven by dry, hot conditions.

In the Pacific Northwest and Northern Great Basin, hot temperatures and gusty winds are setting the stage for extreme fire conditions across the region.

This comes as the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) issued a maxed-out level 5/5 preparedness level to help ensure enough crews, aircraft, and equipment are available for new incidents across the region.

According to the NIFC, the Northwest is currently battling 48 active large fires that have collectively consumed nearly 1 million acres, with more than half in Oregon alone.

Thousands of firefighters and other first responders have been deployed across to combat the spread of the flames.

In light of the growing threat, the Severe Storm Prediction Center has issued a Critical Fire Weather outlook across the region.

ROUNDS OF SEVERE STORMS TO RIDE ALONG HEAT DOME, BRING THUNDERSTORMS TO MIDWEST, NORTHEAST THROUGH NEXT WEEK

"The severe fire threat is driven by gusty winds and dry air as well as dry thunderstorms," said the FOX Forecast Center. "Dry thunderstorms produce lightning but little to no rain, as the precipitation evaporates before reaching the ground. This acts as a primary ignition source for new wildfires."

This will undoubtedly affect air quality in major cities across Oregon, Washington, Montana, and as far east as North Dakota.

FOURTH FIREFIGHTER DIES FROM INJURIES CAUSED BY NOW EXTINGUISHED KNOWLES WILDFIRE IN UTAH AND COLORADO

Millions of Americans in the Southwest are experiencing the opposite conditions, as a surge of moisture combined with daytime heating will fuel afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

This comes as the Weather Prediction Center highlights portions of New Mexico, Colorado, and the broader Four Corners region for an elevated flood flash flood risk.

As a result, a level 1/4 Flash Flood Threat and Watch is in place across portions of Central New Mexico and Eastern Arizona. 

Dry conditions along wildfire burn scars put areas at high risk of flooding, as charred soil is unable to absorb water. Intense rainfall can cause flooding in low-lying areas within just six hours.

Flooding may trigger mudslides and debris flows due to persistent wet weather.

DANGEROUS, LIFE-THREATENING HEAT WAVE BAKES MORE THAN 85M AMERICANS ACROSS 20 STATES WITH TRIPLE-DIGIT TEMPS

Be sure to monitor your local area for severe weather updates this weekend, as persistent summer heat combined with a surge in moisture can result in nasty weather.

The recent discovery of the snake fossil known as Tametara mirim is among the best-preserved snake skeletons in the world.

It was broken down using state-of-the-art techniques that combined morphological and molecular data to infer that this species is the earliest-evolving snake in the fossil record, according to research from Princeton University.

The skull was the best-preserved portion of the entire fossil.

Researchers at the University of Helsinki in Poland digitally reconstructed the fossil skeleton using high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning, which provided the skull anatomy. 

This includes the digital reconstruction of the snake’s brain, cranial nerves, and inner ear anatomy.

This offers new insight into the evolution of early snakes over millions of years.

DEEP-SEA DISCOVERY UNCOVERS ONE OF THE LARGEST KNOWN WHALE GRAVEYARDS ON THE FLOOR OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

Through further research, experts discovered that the snake was not adapted to a single habitat but instead resided in various ground-dwelling environments.

The shape of the brain and the microstructure of the skull bones provide evidence that the species lived a burrowing lifestyle, as many present-day snakes do.,

FIRST-KNOWN FOOT BONE OF A BABY T. REX FOUND STASHED IN PILE OF FOSSILS AFTER BEING MISTAKENLY IDENTIFIED

"By combining CT-based brain reconstructions with comparative data from living snakes, we could show that early snakes were not simply progressing toward a single modern condition," said Nicolas Di-Poï, Research Director at the Institute of Biotechnology for the University of Helsinki. "They were already experimenting with different sensory and ecological strategies."

BURMESE PYTHON POPULATION BOOMS NEAR POPULAR FLORIDA TOURIST AREA, PROMPTING HIGHER CONSERVATION PRESENCE

This provides a boost in confidence when researching the brains of other well-preserved fossils, offering a new opportunity to understand better the daily lives of prehistoric creatures, such as their diets, behaviors, hunting practices, and how some modern-day animals became what they are today.

It seems like every year, there's an increased number of shark sightings or reports on beaches along the East and West Coast. 

Studies show the reason it feels that way is because it might actually be true. 

YOUNG GREAT WHITE SHARK PINGS OFF CANADA'S COAST AS HE HEADS TO SUMMER FEEDING GROUNDS

According to NOAA, more than 90% of the warming that has happened on Earth over the past 50 years has occurred in the ocean. 

When ocean waters warm, it causes a number of environmental concerns, and it can change the way certain animals behave. 

GREAT WHITE SHARK RIPPLE TRACKED OFF CANADA COAST AFTER TRAVELING 350 MILES IN A WEEK

Every year, sharks like great whites, migrate up and down the East and West Coast in search of cooler or warmer waters and more food. 

Sharks habituating on the East and Gulf Coasts migrate up into Cape Cod and Atlantic Canada for the summer, as ocean temperatures become too warm for them to comfortably handle.

Dr. Chris Lowe, professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at California State University in Long Beach, said white sharks in particular do not like water warmer than 82 degrees. 

"That tends to be a major break for them, and pushes them either deeper or further north," Lowe said. 

So, when marine biologists note sharks in places where they are usually not much earlier or later in the year, it makes them wonder why. 

MASSIVE 1,400-POUND GREAT WHITE SHARK BRETON RAISES QUESTIONS AFTER IT PINGS OFF FLORIDA COAST

For example, Breton, a white shark tagged by OCEARCH in Sept. 2020, was pinged off the coast of Florida in mid-July, while most sharks of his kind are hanging out much further north at this point in the year. 

At one of his most recent pings, water temperatures showed 87 degrees, OCEARCH found. 

SEE IT: RARE GREAT WHITE SHARK CAUGHT ON CAMERA IN THIS STATE'S WATERS FOR EXPECTED FIRST TIME

OCEARCH said the shark could be following food sources and because sharks can dive deep for long periods of time, Breton can handle it. 

"There's going to be range extensions that we're seeing where sharks aren't normally seen because the waters are warming in different areas," Joe Yaiullo, curator and co-founder of the Long Island Aquarium said. "They're very adaptable, they've been around hundreds of millions of years." 

BREWING SUPER EL NIÑO COULD TURN THE CALIFORNIA COAST INTO A SUMMER HOTSPOT FOR GREAT WHITE SHARKS

Yaiullo said sharks go wherever the food goes, which sometimes means more populated areas in the summer. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

If the water is salty, there will be sharks, Yaiullo said. "The fact that these Apex Predators are doing really well is a great sign to us and something that shouldn't be really feared." 

Yaiullo and Lowe said humans are not sharks' ideal prey, so be aware, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk and stay away from areas with a ton of prey like seals and large schools of fish. 

The Burmese python is an invasive species that was first sighted in the Florida Everglades in the 1970s, likely due to the pet trade and accidental or intentional releases by pet owners.

These creatures are native to India and lower China.

Florida is home to more invasive animal species than any other U.S. state, except California, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.

It is difficult to estimate the true population of Burmese pythons in South Florida, but conservatively, there are tens of thousands of these creatures throughout the Greater Everglades region.

Non-native Burmese pythons have established a breeding population in South Florida. They are among the most concerning invasive species because they compete with native wildlife for food, including mammals, birds, and other reptiles.

In fact, a study spanning 1997 to 2012 found that animal populations such as raccoons declined by 99.3%, opposums by 98.9%, and bobcats by 87.5%, according to the United States Geological Survey.

These creatures also significantly reduce the prey available to native predators in the region.

In light of the growing problem over the last couple of decades, officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offer a no-cost training program that aims to create a network of people able to search for, identify, capture, and humanely kill the invasive creatures.

SCIENTISTS MAKE RARE DISCOVERY IN ONE OF EARTH'S MOST EXTREME OCEANS

An effective way to promote and combat the growth of the reptile is the annual Florida Python Challenge, which offers three categories of rewards, including the chance to win up to $2,500 for the most pythons caught.

Despite the annual promotion, managing the populations of these large creatures is a year-round practice, as Burmese pythons have no natural predators, allowing rapid population growth.

DOZENS OF BABY SEA TURTLE NESTS LOST AS TROPICAL STORM BERTHA BATTERS FLORIDA COAST

This species can grow up to 20 feet long, live for over 25 years, and females can produce up to 100 eggs per year, which underscores the impacts these snakes have on the ecosystem.

THE TOP 10 WORST STATES FOR BATTLING MOSQUITOS THANKS TO HEAT AND HUMIDITY

The next steps in conservation efforts include implementing the use of innovative tools such as near-infrared cameras to help detect and remove these creatures as officials and everyday citizens try to do their part in combating the slithery invaders.

On July 24 Nathan Matthews, 43, of the Wildland Fire Service of Lincoln, Nebraska died from injuries he sustained while responding to the Knowles Fire on June 27.

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

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, "Nate was assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and was one of five firefighters involved in a burnover while engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire."

Three other firefighters – Emily Barker, 38 of Clinton Township, Michigan, Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona and Sydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Alabama  – died at the scene. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Nate had been receiving care for burn injuries suffered during the incident.

The Knowles fire merged with nearby blazes and become the Snyder fire. After burning nearly 30,000 acres, the fire had been 100% contained.

Dry and dusty air plus hostile upper-level winds are dominating the tropical zone in the Atlantic and the Caribbean, so no development is expected into early August, at least.

Fronts will continue to push down the East Coast, like the one producing excessive rainfall and flooding across the South, including the coastal Carolinas. This type of system can sometimes trigger a tropical system over the Gulf Stream offshore of the Southeast, so we'll keep an eye out for that. But there's no indication of that happening in the long-range computer forecasts.

EYE OF THE SEASON: THE MOST NOTABLE ATLANTIC HURRICANES DURING EL NIÑO YEARS

Hurricane Fausto is in a slow weakening phase. The forecast storm track takes it in the direction of Hawaii. The storm is forecast to reach the state around Tuesday, passing by or near the islands on Wednesday.

Currently, the strong indication from the computer forecast models is that the center of then-Tropical Storm Fausto will pass north of the islands. The storm will be plowing into dry air, and the upper-level winds will become more hostile, so the weakening trend should continue as it tracks near the islands. The strongest winds associated with the circulation look likely to be north of the center, away from the islands, when the system makes its closest approach.

HURRICANE FAUSTO EXPECTED TO TRAIL NORTH OF HAWAII, WITH TROPICAL STORM GENEVIEVE POISED TO RAPIDLY INTENSIFY

If this forecast holds, it will be noticeable that the tropical storm is passing. The wind direction will shift, affecting where rain will fall on the islands, but the main effect will be very high surf, which should begin tomorrow.

A slight deviation in the track, however, would bring tropical storm conditions – very gusty winds and heavy rain – especially at the higher elevations. Residents in Hawaii should stay up-to-date on the latest forecast in case preparations need to be made early next week.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Because the Hawaiian Islands are laid out at a slight angle, the center of Fausto or whatever's left of it looks likely to come closest to Oahu and Kauai. The storm should be quite weak at that time, but gusty winds and heavy rains are still possible, especially on the north side of the island.

The strongest heat dome on the planet is currently centered over Central U.S., fueling a dangerous and expansive heat wave that will intensify in the coming days.

WHAT IS A HEAT DOME AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT YOU DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS?

On Saturday, triple-digit temperatures are forecast across portions of 20 states stretching from California to Illinois.

Phoenix is expecting its hottest day of the year so far, with highs expected to reach 115 degrees.

TOO MUCH SUN? WHEN A SUNBURN BECOMES SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS AND HOW TO TREAT IT

Cities like Salt Lake City, Denver, Oklahoma City and Omaha are forecast to surpass 100 degrees.

Record-breaking daily highs for Saturday are in jeopardy in cities such as Denver, Cheyenne, Wyoming and Billings, Montana.

Further east, from the Southern Plains to Florida, temperatures may not reach the 100 degree threshold, but humidity will make it feel just as hot. Dew points well into the 70s will severely limit the body's ability to cool itself through evaporating sweat, driving heat indices above 100°.

EXTREME HEAT SAFETY: RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS AND HOW TO TREAT IT

These hazardous conditions are expected to persist through Sunday and Monday.

While this heat dome may weaken slightly by the middle of next week, models indicate it will dramatically strengthen and shift back west over the Desert Southwest heading into the first weekend of August. 

Numerous long-standing daily records could fall, bringing some of the most extreme heat seen this year.

As it heads toward Hawaii, Fausto will slowly weaken as it will be met with a hostile environment that makes tropical development much less likely. 

BRYAN NORCROSS: THE ATLANTIC GOES QUIET AFTER BERTHA FADES AWAY

While Hawaii is technically in the forecast cone, the actual outlook is a bit more complicated.

The FOX Forecast Center said cooler waters and intensely dry air will slowly weaken the storm as it inches closer to Hawaii. 

The latest forecast has Fausto downgrading to a Category 1 hurricane sometime on Saturday and then to a tropical storm come Monday. 

This is very common when a storm weakens upon its approach to Hawaii. This is due to cooler waters east of the islands and an increase in wind shear.

Fausto, or its remnants, will track just north of the Hawaiian Islands Tuesday into Wednesday. The strongest winds will be kept away from the islands as they remain to the northern side of the storm.

"Based on a wide range of computer models, the chance that Fausto takes a track farther south and remains a stronger storm is very low," according to the FOX Forecast Center.

If the storm does hold together, impacts to Hawaii will range from heavy rain to high surf on the east and northeast-facing beaches on the islands. 

The FOX Forecast Center said Hawaii will begin to see impacts Tuesday night into Wednesday. 

Forecasts could change as the storm gets closer. 

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Tropical Storm Genevieve was named on Friday, and forecasters say its strengthening is far from over. 

In fact, it's forecast to become the first major hurricane of the 2026 eastern Pacific hurricane season in the coming days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

'EVOLVING CRISIS': COULD EL NIÑO BRING NEEDED RAIN TO THE 2 LARGEST RESERVOIRS IN THE US?

The storm is moving into a region highly conducive to development, due to low wind shear and warm waters.

Not only is the surface water warm, but that warmth extends well below the surface, providing the storm with plenty of fuel. The combination of these three factors will allow the storm to quickly get its act together.

Forecasts indicate that Genevieve will undergo one or more periods of rapid intensification this weekend.

Come Monday, the storm is forecast to be a powerful Category 4 hurricane, the first of this strength in the Pacific since Hurricane Kiko in September 2025.

Fortunately, current forecasts indicate Tropical Storm Genevieve is expected to remain over the open eastern Pacific, posing no threat to land, including Hawaii.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring another system far to the southwest of Hawaii. 

The system has a high chance of development over the next week. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

A tropical depression is likely to form as the system moves west-northwest into the Western Pacific, the NHC said. 

We're currently behind schedule in tropical activity in the East Pacific, with the average second hurricane forming by July 15, and the third forming by July 31. 

As it heads toward Hawaii, Fausto will be met with a hostile environment that makes tropical development much less likely. 

The FOX Forecast Center said cooler waters and intensely dry air will slowly weaken the storm as it inches closer to Hawaii. 

BRYAN NORCROSS: THE ATLANTIC GOES QUIET AFTER BERTHA FADES AWAY

By the time Fausto hits the islands, it's expected to be a very weak tropical storm, but forecast models show the system ranging from a tropical storm to a weak remnant low. 

If the storm does hold together, impacts to Hawaii will range from heavy rain to high surf on the east and northeast-facing beaches on the islands. 

The FOX Forecast Center said Hawaii will begin to see impacts Tuesday night into Wednesday. 

Forecasts could change as the storm gets closer. 

What began as Tropical Depression Seven-E rapidly strengthened into Tropical Storm Genevieve on Friday, and forecasters say its strengthening is far from over.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Genevieve is expected to rapidly intensify over the next few days and is forecast to become the first major hurricane of the 2026 eastern Pacific hurricane season.

'EVOLVING CRISIS': COULD EL NIÑO BRING NEEDED RAIN TO THE 2 LARGEST RESERVOIRS IN THE US?

Tropical Storm Genevieve was located about 585 miles south of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, according to the latest advisory.

Fortunately, current forecasts indicate Tropical Storm Genevieve is expected to remain over the open eastern Pacific, posing no threat to land, including Hawaii.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring another system far to the southwest of Hawaii. 

The system has a high chance of development over the next week. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

A tropical depression is likely to form as the system moves west-northwest into the Western Pacific, the NHC said. 

We're currently behind schedule in tropical activity in the East Pacific, with the average second hurricane forming by July 15, and the third forming by July 31. 

The tiny insects thrive in warm, humid climates where standing water provides ideal breeding habitat. 

In the United States, mosquitoes are more of a seasonal nuisance than a widespread public health crisis, but some states offer far better breeding conditions than others.

Here are the top 10 worst mosquito states in 2026, according to OutsideOnline.com. 

In the Lone Star State, mosquitoes are just as much a part of summer as cowboy boots and barbecue.

Texas is home to more than 85 mosquito species, with the densest populations thriving in the humid forests of East Texas and along the Gulf Coast's low-lying plains. Even sprawling urban centers like Houston aren't spared from the persistent pests.

Outdoor destinations offer little relief. From the desert landscapes of Big Bend National Park to marshes and waterways across the state, mosquitoes are a familiar nuisance for hikers, campers and anglers alike.

Florida's subtropical climate gives mosquitoes little reason to take a break. Warm temperatures, abundant rainfall and high humidity allow the biting insects to thrive nearly year-round across the Sunshine State.

More than 80 mosquito species call Florida home, with activity typically peaking between March and September as heat and frequent downpours create ideal breeding conditions.

The Everglades are among the state's most infamous mosquito havens. Its vast wetlands, slow-moving water and humid environment create the perfect habitat for explosive mosquito populations, often leaving visitors swatting through clouds of persistent pests despite sharing the landscape with alligators, crocodiles and other iconic wildlife.

Mosquitoes can thrive in just about any jungle — even the concrete one.

From the bustling streets of New York City to the forests of the Adirondacks and Catskills and the sandy shores of Long Island, mosquitoes make their presence known across the Empire State. More than 70 species have been identified in New York, turning everything from city parks to backcountry trails into prime swatting territory during the warmer months. 

Mosquito season typically stretches from May through September, when warm, humid weather fuels breeding in woodlands, wetlands and coastal marshes.

Louisiana's subtropical climate and Gulf Coast influence create the perfect recipe for a long, relentless mosquito season that typically stretches from March through September.

Home to 68 mosquito species, the Pelican State is defined by swamps, bayous and cypress-lined waterways that provide abundant breeding habitat. Add in 21 state parks and nearly thousands of miles of navigable waterways, and it's easy to see why mosquitoes thrive across much of Louisiana for months on end.

Georgia's warm, humid climate is famous for producing peaches, but it also creates prime breeding conditions for mosquitoes. 

More than 60 mosquito species call the Peach State home, thriving in its dense forests, coastal swamps and sprawling salt marshes. Summer heat, frequent rainfall and abundant standing water provide ideal habitat for the biting insects.

Mosquito season typically runs from March through September, when Georgians and visitors alike can expect the familiar buzz to accompany outdoor adventures across much of the state.

Alabama may be famous for football, but its forests, state parks and Gulf Coast also provide prime habitat for mosquitoes.

Warm, humid summers and frequent Gulf moisture create favorable breeding conditions, allowing mosquito populations to thrive from spring through fall.

South Carolina may be one of the smaller states on the list, but it still offers ideal conditions for mosquitoes.

The state's subtropical climate, coastal marshes and frequent summer rainfall create prime breeding habitat, with tropical systems often boosting mosquito populations even further.

Home to 61 mosquito species, South Carolina's mosquito season typically runs from March through September.

North Carolina offers many of the same mosquito-friendly ingredients as its southern neighbor, but with a landscape that stretches from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast.

Long, warm summers and plentiful moisture create favorable breeding conditions across much of the state, allowing nearly 60 mosquito species to thrive.

Mosquito season typically peaks from April through September.

Kentucky's hot, humid summers and frequent rainfall create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive across the Bluegrass State.

Mosquito season typically runs from April through September, when warm weather keeps the biting pests at their most active.

The Great Lakes shape Michigan's climate, delivering harsh winters but also warm summers that draw visitors to the state's countless lakes, rivers and forests.

Those same waterways that make Michigan a premier outdoor destination also provide ideal mosquito habitat once temperatures rise.

Mosquito activity typically peaks from May through September, when the state's warmest months bring both outdoor adventure and plenty of biting pests.

Breton, an adult white shark weighing more than 1,400 pounds at the time of his tagging, has been tracked by OCEARCH since Sept. 2020, when he was tagged off Scatarie Island, Nova Scotia.

YOUNG GREAT WHITE SHARK PINGS OFF CANADA'S COAST AS HE HEADS TO SUMMER FEEDING GROUNDS

When looking at the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker, most sharks are north around Cape Cod or into Atlantic Canada. Breton's latest pings show him hanging out off the coast of eastern Florida, where not many sharks frequent at this point in the season. 

This has scientists wondering why, as the shark continues heading south into much warmer waters. 

GREAT WHITE SHARK RIPPLE TRACKED OFF CANADA COAST AFTER TRAVELING 350 MILES IN A WEEK

During one of Breton's most recent pings, scientists noted a sea surface temperature of 87 degrees, which is very warm for a white shark. 

"Warm surface water doesn't necessarily mean unsuitable habitat," OCEARCH Senior Data Scientist John Tyminski said. "Breton likely has access to much cooler water at depth."

Tyminski explained that white sharks like Breton make deep dives, sometimes hundreds of meters deep, into cooler waters. 

WORLD'S LARGEST SEA TURTLE SPECIES NESTS IN VIRGINIA FOR FIRST TIME IN RECORDED HISTORY

As to why Breton is making these moves? There's no way to know for sure, but scientists suggest that the shark is chasing pelagic fish that stay in large schools down off Florida's coast. 

"Sharks don't always follow the rulebook," Tyminski said. "Breton's unexpected journey reminds us that the factors driving white shark movements are complex, and we're still uncovering the secrets behind these remarkable migrations."

OCEARCH is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to researching and protecting sharks, whales, sea turtles and other ocean life, tagging these animals to track and study their migration habits and behaviors from afar.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Keep up with Breton and more than 400 other ocean animals in real time using the free OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker app.

As it heads toward Hawaii, Fausto will be met with a hostile environment that makes tropical development much less likely. 

The FOX Forecast Center said cooler waters and intensely dry air will slowly weaken the storm as it inches closer to Hawaii. 

BRYAN NORCROSS: THE ATLANTIC GOES QUIET AFTER BERTHA FADES AWAY

By the time Fausto hits the islands, it's expected to be a very weak tropical storm, but forecast models show the system ranging from a tropical storm to a weak remnant low. 

If the storm does hold together, impacts to Hawaii will range from heavy rain to high surf on the east and northeast-facing beaches on the islands. 

The FOX Forecast Center said Hawaii will begin to see impacts Tuesday night into Wednesday. 

Forecasts could change as the storm gets closer. 

On Friday, Tropical Depression Seven-E formed behind Fausto. 

Current forecasts show Seven-E strengthening into a tropical storm and possibly even a hurricane by late weekend. 

'EVOLVING CRISIS': COULD EL NIÑO BRING NEEDED RAIN TO THE 2 LARGEST RESERVOIRS IN THE US?

If it does intensify, it will gain the name Genevieve. 

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring another system far to the southwest of Hawaii. 

The system has a high chance of development over the next week. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

A tropical depression is likely to form as the system moves west-northwest into the Western Pacific, the NHC said. 

We're currently behind schedule in tropical activity in the East Pacific, with the average second hurricane forming by July 15, and the third forming by July 31. 

The remnants of former Tropical Storm Bertha have moved into northern Mexico. It's now a weak disturbance over the mountains. 

A few tropical downpours accompanied Bertha's trek across South Texas. An isolated strong cell caused some flooding in the southwest suburbs of Houston, and a couple pockets of heavy rain fell outside of San Antonio. Otherwise, rain was light.

'EVOLVING CRISIS': COULD EL NIÑO BRING NEEDED RAIN TO THE 2 LARGEST RESERVOIRS IN THE US?

Just before midnight Wednesday night, a sustained wind of 75 mph with gusts of about 82 mph were measured on an oil platform about 120 miles south of Cameron, Louisiana. The wind instrument is 75 feet above the Gulf, so that intensity is not from a "surface" wind. But there is a formula to estimate what the official measurement at ground level would have been. The calculation comes out to about 68 mph.

Bertha's backside was producing most of the wind. Even yesterday when the storm was in its dying phase, winds gusted over 40 mph at the coast outside Houston.

The point is, even though strong winds were not widespread with Bertha, there were intense bands, especially over the water. Remember, the system is a tropical storm if it has a well-defined circulation with non-transient winds of at least 40 mph.

EYE OF THE SEASON: THE MOST NOTABLE ATLANTIC HURRICANES DURING EL NIÑO YEARS
 

El Niño continues to create conditions hostile to development across the Caribbean and into the tropical Atlantic, with the water temperatures in the deep tropics abnormally cool to boot. Going forward, we'll keep focused on the warm water band from the northern Gulf across Florida and into the Atlantic as the potential storm zone.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Nothing is forecast to develop for the foreseeable future – into the beginning of August, at least.

OCTOPUS WRAPS ITSELF AROUND DIVER'S CAMERA

In a recently published study, scientists from the University of Western Australia's School of Biological Sciences recorded a female Arctic bobtail squid, called a Rossia muelleri, alongside multiple egg masses in Northeast Greenland National Park.

According to the researchers, Northeast Greenland National Park is one of the largest national parks in the world, but remains one of the least-studied regions of the Arctic.

The discovery was made at a depth of more than 164 feet in water measuring about 29 degrees Fahrenheit.

The observation provides the first direct evidence that cephalopods, including squids and octopuses, can reproduce in sub-zero Arctic waters.

THOUSANDS OF GIANT LION'S MANE JELLYFISH SIGHTINGS TRIGGER PUBLIC SAFETY ALERTS FOR NEW ENGLAND BEACHGOERS

Researchers said cephalopods are highly sensitive to environmental change and play a critical role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey.

The finding highlights just how adaptable these animals are in some of the planet's harshest conditions.

Scientists said the discovery provides a valuable baseline for tracking ecological change in the rapidly warming Arctic. It also helps understand how the ecosystem functions as climate change accelerates.

POPULAR $7 BILLION TINY, SEAFOOD DELICACY IS RAPIDLY TRANSFORMING INTO A NEW INVASIVE SPECIES ALONG THE COAST

The researchers used a lightweight remotely operated underwater vehicle during the expedition aboard a Secret Atlas Micro Cruise Expedition vessel, with support from Yachts for Science.

The team said the findings demonstrate how low-impact scientific research and expedition tourism can help fill major biodiversity gaps in some of the world's most remote polar regions.

The study was published in the journal Polar Biology.

The FOX Forecast Center is monitoring storms that are forecast to bring large hail and damaging wind gusts to the Midwest on Friday. The storms will continue through the overnight hours to kick off the weekend through the start of next week.

WHAT IS A HEAT DOME AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT YOU DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS?

By Saturday, there will be a brief break in severe weather, as a series of disturbances along the northern U.S. will build a heat dome, keeping rounds of rain and severe weather in place through the end of the month.

Despite this, forecasters are unsure where the heat dome will settle, which will ultimately determine which areas experience severe storms and intense summer heat.

By Sunday, the Great Lakes region and other areas along the Canadian border will experience a developing low-pressure system along the perimeter of the heat dome, which will combine with a surge of moisture from the Gulf.

2 DEAD IN WEST VIRGINIA AFTER CATASTROPHIC FLOODING SLAMMED THE STATE, TRIGGERING STATE OF EMERGENCY

"High instability and strong lower-atmospheric winds will fuel severe storm development by late afternoon, with damaging wind gusts serving as the primary threat," the FOX Forecast Center said.

As a result, a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk is in place for Sunday across Minnesota, northern Iowa and western Wisconsin.

The storm risk will continue through Monday, as another round of storms is expected to develop across major cities, including Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis and Cleveland.

If the severe storms weren’t enough, there is also a risk for flash flooding across the Midwest. 

OVER 20 MILLION AMERICANS FACE DANGEROUS FLOOD THREAT AS HEAVY RAINS BATTER CAROLINAS, MID-ATLANTIC

Rain totals will generally be around 1 to 2 inches, with localized heavier amounts where storms repeatedly hang out over the same areas. 

Surging Gulf moisture will also drive up rain totals across the Northeast, where saturated soils could heighten the overall flood potential, the FOX Forecast Center said.

The moving storm system will bring a return of wet weather to portions of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic by Tuesday and Wednesday, with rain totals generally around 1 to 2 inches.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

While it seems like it has rained every weekend along the immediate East Coast, much of the region remains under ongoing drought conditions. 

Be sure to check with FOX Weather all weekend long as we monitor the developing weather conditions.

As the world's largest sea turtle, the leatherback's presence on Virginia Beach didn't go unnoticed by wildlife officials.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the unprecedented nesting marks the first recorded time a leatherback sea turtle has laid eggs in Virginia.

Wildlife officials at Naval Air Station Oceana quickly located and identified the nest before fencing off the area to give the eggs the best possible chance of hatching.

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

For its inaugural Virginia nest, the leatherback chose a well-protected stretch of the Atlantic Ocean coastline in front of Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex.

The nesting site is protected from both national security threats and curious beachgoers alike, giving the eggs an added layer of security.

It's also a reminder that conservation and national defense can sometimes go hand in hand.

Though built for national defense, many military installations have become unexpected havens for wildlife, with expansive, restricted beaches serving as critical nesting habitat for sea turtles and countless other species.

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This is no small sea turtle. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, leatherback sea turtles can grow up to 8 feet and weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

Unlike other sea turtles, leatherbacks don't have a hard shell. Instead, they're named for the thick, leathery skin covering their backs that helps them dive deeper and travel farther into colder waters than any other sea turtle.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

With leatherbacks typically nesting on warmer beaches from Florida through the Caribbean, the unprecedented Virginia nest marks a remarkable milestone, with wildlife biologists now eagerly awaiting the moment the eggs begin to hatch.

The combined storage of Lake Mead and Lake Powell fell to a record low of about 12.7 million acre-feet on July 12, breaking the previous record set in March 2023, according to the University of Colorado.

Lake Mead and Lake Powell are the Colorado River's two primary storage reservoirs. The river helps supply water to roughly 40 million people across seven Western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

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The Colorado River is predominantly fed by snowpack from the Intermountain West, which received very little snow this past winter.

As of Thursday, Lake Powell is at a record-low 3,523 feet, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

THESE EVERYDAY COMMODITIES MAY COST YOU MORE AS SEVERE DROUGHT TRICKLES DOWN TO CONSUMERS

This is the lowest combined storage level since May 23, 1957, when all of that water was stored in Lake Mead because Lake Powell had not yet begun filling during construction of Glen Canyon Dam, the university said.

However, some relief may be on the way this fall and winter.

According to NOAA, odds have increased that a Super El Niño will develop in the Central Pacific by this fall.

El Niño is one of three phases of a climate cycle called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It describes natural temperature changes in the central Pacific Ocean that alter atmospheric circulation and can greatly influence global weather.

Some of El Niño's most significant impacts are felt across the Lower 48 during the winter months.

DOZENS OF BABY SEA TURTLE NESTS LOST AS TROPICAL STORM BERTHA BATTERS FLORIDA COAST

According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, California is expected to see increased chances of above-average rain due to a wider and wavier Pacific jet stream helping steer more storms into the region.

The jet stream acts as an atmospheric conveyor belt for storms, guiding them across the Pacific and onto the West Coast.

WHAT IS THE JET STREAM?

This could help mitigate potential water shortages and even replenish the snowpack across the Intermountain West and increase runoff into Lake Powell and Lake Mead next spring.

"Every day going forward, until runoff from the 2026-2027 winter snowpack begins next spring, a new record low will likely be set," the University of Colorado said. "This is a significant moment in the evolving Colorado River water supply crisis."

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

However, even an extremely wet winter would not reverse the steady 26-year decline in storage at Lake Mead and Lake Powell.

The FOX Forecast Center is monitoring storms that could bring large hail and damaging wind gusts to the Midwest on Friday. The storms will continue through the overnight hours to kick off the weekend through the start of next week.

WHAT IS A HEAT DOME AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT YOU DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS?

By Saturday, there will be a brief break in severe weather, as a series of disturbances along the northern U.S. will build a heat dome, keeping rounds of rain and severe weather in place through the end of the month.

Despite this, forecasters are unsure where the heat dome will settle, which will ultimately determine which areas experience severe storms and intense summer heat.

By Sunday, the Great Lakes region and other areas along the Canadian border will experience a developing low-pressure system along the perimeter of the heat dome, which will combine with a surge of moisture from the Gulf.

2 DEAD IN WEST VIRGINIA AFTER CATASTROPHIC FLOODING SLAMMED THE STATE, TRIGGERING STATE OF EMERGENCY

"High instability and strong lower-atmospheric winds will fuel severe storm development by late afternoon, with damaging wind gusts serving as the primary threat," the FOX Forecast Center said.

As a result, a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk is in place for Sunday across portions of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

The storm risk will continue through Monday, as another round of storms is expected to develop across major cities from Chicago to Cleveland.

OVER 20 MILLION AMERICANS FACE DANGEROUS FLOOD THREAT AS HEAVY RAINS BATTER CAROLINAS, MID-ATLANTIC

The moving storm system will bring a return of wet weather to portions of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic by Tuesday and Wednesday, with rain totals generally around 1 to 2 inches.

Be sure to check with FOX Weather all weekend long as we monitor the developing weather conditions.

The commission approved the approval from California start-up company Reflect Orbital, which aims to tap into and expand upon the solar potential that powers so much of our planet.

SEE IT: NASA ASTRONAUT GROWS OTHERWORLDLY CRYSTALS ABOARD INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

The company aims to launch a space satellite mirror that will beam sunlight onto desired spots on Earth.

The American Astronomical Society petitioned against the new technology, arguing it would contribute to light pollution and interfere with research telescopes.

THE BEST CELESTIAL EVENTS IN 2026 YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

Still, the FCC is not required to conduct an environmental review for satellite launches.

The FCC’s approval clears the path to test the technology for up to two years.

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

The company's long-term goal would be a constellation of up to 50,000 orbiting mirrors that could extend solar panel operations past sunset, influence overnight agricultural growth, illuminate disaster and industrial work zones and much more.

The first test will be operated by a satellite carrying a large mirror called Earendil-1, which will project a roughly 3-mile-wide beam of light over a targeted area.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER THE SAME SUGAR FOUND IN RASPBERRIES DEEP IN SPACE FOR THE FIRST TIME

This would revolutionize a variety of daily practices worldwide, offering the opportunity to play a significant role in economic, agricultural, and environmental practices.

Astronomers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a giant exoplanet hiding within one of the most closely studied planetary systems in the Milky Way, revealing a new way to search for worlds beyond our solar system.

Located about 63 light-years from Earth, Beta Pictoris is a relatively young star system at just 23 million years old. While that may sound ancient to humans, it's still young enough to offer astronomers a rare glimpse into how planets form and evolve, according to a new study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

NASA'S ARTEMIS PROGRAM: PAVING THE WAY FOR HUMANKIND'S RETURN TO THE MOON AND BEYOND

Astronomers already knew the star Beta Pictoris hosted two giant exoplanets: Beta Pictoris b, one of the first exoplanets ever directly imaged, and Beta Pictoris c. The newly discovered Beta Pictoris d makes it only the second known planetary system to contain at least three directly imaged planets, according to NASA.

Unlike its planetary siblings, Beta Pictoris d wasn't found by spotting a bright object in an image. Instead, Webb detected the planet through the chemical fingerprint of its atmosphere, identifying planetary molecules like carbon monoxide, methane and water vapor.

The breakthrough marks the first time a directly imaged exoplanet has been discovered using the revolutionary method of moderate-resolution spectroscopy.

While Beta Pictoris was a system well-known to astronomers, Pictoris d remained hidden for years in what was described as a hide-and-seek game.

The exoplanet lies within one of the brightest known debris disks, that serves as a layer that hides the planet.

PAN AMERICAN PLANE FOUND 2,000 FEET UNDER ATLANTIC OCEAN AFTER CRASH 74 YEARS AGO

The dusty disk acts like a fog, scattering the star's light and making it difficult for conventional imaging techniques to distinguish planets from the surrounding dust.

The team of researchers using the NASA telescope were able to effectively ignore the dust using a unique method that allowed them to isolate a planetary atmosphere, which in turn allowed them to make the ground-breaking discovery.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Beyond adding a new member to the famous Beta Pictoris system, researchers said the discovery demonstrates a powerful new approach for finding new planets and potentially opens the door to uncovering many more previously hidden worlds.

NASA astronaut Don Pettit shared photos and a video on his social media showing crystals made from potassium chloride, exhibiting "hopper growth," which is a phenomenon that happens when in microgravity.

NASA SAYS LONGTIME HIDDEN COMET MISTAKEN FOR ASTEROID COULD UNLOCK NEW METHODS FOR PLANETARY DEFENSE

Potassium chloride is often used as a substitute for salt in foods and drinks.

In microgravity, these crystals, which on Earth would typically grow in an even, solid structure, actually grow faster on their outer edges than in the center, creating a step-like structure.

Electron microscope photos of the crystals give a close-up view of their ornate formation, creating a C-shape in stepped crystals.

Hopper growth can be seen in multiple different materials, not just potassium chloride. Other substances that can experience hopper growth include gold, bismuth, quartz and more.

BUSY JULY KEEPS US COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCHES ON A RAPID PACE

Timelapse footage of the crystals in a water solution shows them gaining their unique structure.

Pettit said that the crystalline structure reminded him of an inverted Mesoamerican pyramid.

Pettit returned to Earth in April 2025 after a seven-month mission on the International Space Station.

NASA said during his time aboard the space station, Pettit did a lot of helpful work for NASA's future missions.

FIRST-KNOWN FOOT BONE OF A BABY T. REX FOUND STASHED IN PILE OF FOSSILS AFTER BEING MISTAKENLY IDENTIFIED

He also used his surroundings aboard the station to conduct unique experiments in his spare time and captivate the public with his photography, NASA said.

Science experiments are a crucial part of the research astronauts do on the International Space Station. NASA itself calls ISS Earth's "state-of-the-art orbiting laboratory."

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

One of the main points of research for astronauts aboard ISS was growing protein crystals and studying how their structure varied on Earth and in space.

The mesophotic coral reef off the coast of the West African country of Benin was once written off as a dead reef, but the emergence of new technology has rewritten this notion.

HERE'S HOW EL NIÑO AFFECTS THE FUTURE OF CORAL REEFS

Mesophotic coral ecosystems are found in tropical and subtropical regions at depths ranging from 100 feet to over 490 feet below the ocean surface, according to NOAA.

Researchers at the Benin Fisheries and Oceanological Research Institute confirmed the sonar’s signal living in the oceans’ "twilight zone."

Mesophotic coral ecosystems serve as essential fish habitats for some economically and ecologically important species, which use these areas for spawning, breeding, feeding and growth to maturity.

This coral ecosystem consists of light-dependent corals and associated communities, populated by organisms such as macroalgae, sponges, fish and other species unique to mesophotic depths.

CANNIBALISTIC JELLYFISH ARE INVADING THE PRECIOUS LAGOONS OF VENICE WITH NO WAY OF REMOVING THEM

Some areas, such as American Samoa, contain mesophotic reefs covering nearly 80% of their coral habitat.

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Further research will help experts determine whether the reef has existed continuously since the 1960s or waxed and waned over the years.

NOT ALL BAD: CYBORG COCKROACHES COULD ONE DAY HELP SAVE LIVES

An international team of scientists has announced the discovery of a new species of harvester ant, named Messor odrysarum.

The discovery was made by researchers Albena Lapeva-Gjonova of Sofia University in Bulgaria and Lech Borowiec of the University of Wrocław in Poland. They said the ant species is part of the Messor genus, a group of harvester ants known for their unusual reproductive behaviors and complex genetic diversity.

Some Messor ants are considered among the most interesting insects in Europe because their queens can reproduce through xenoparity, a rare process where they produce or clone offspring of a completely different species.

FIRST-KNOWN FRESHWATER CONTAGIOUS CANCER SPREADING AMONG CATFISH IN VERMONT LAKE

Researchers said these types of ants are also known for cryptic diversity, meaning many species appear nearly identical to the naked eye, but are genetically distinct. This has made identifying and classifying Messor ants a major challenge for taxonomists.

According to the study, the discovery brings the total number of recognized Messor ant species in Bulgaria to nine.

HOW THE WEATHER PREDICTS WHEN YOU SEE FIREFLIES

Messor odrysarum is a lowland species that has been documented in Bulgaria’s Eastern Rhodopes region. 

Researchers found the ants living in nests along dirt roads within oak forests and open grasslands.

The nest entrances are built at ground level, and researchers observed seed remains near the entrances during late summer, providing clues about the species’ feeding habits.

Researchers named the species odrysarum in honor of the ancient Thracian state of Odrysia, which was founded in the early 5th century B.C.

DEADLY FLESH-EATING PARASITE POSES RISK TO PETS THIS SUMMER: HERE ARE THE SAFETY TIPS TO KNOW

This region’s historical borders include the area where the newly discovered ant species was found.

Missions to the great beyond have deployed broadband satellites, launched scientific payloads and carried out vital resupply missions to the world's home base in orbit: the International Space Station.

So far, SpaceX has accounted for the overwhelming majority of launches, with additional missions from other U.S. commercial launch providers helping push the monthly total higher.

Let's take a look at how prediction market traders are sizing up the outlook.

While several companies contribute to the monthly launch count, the market largely hinges on SpaceX.

SpaceX has led the way this month, accounting for roughly 80% of July's commercial launches.

Through July 23, the company had completed 13 of the month's 16 qualifying launches, with Rocket Lab and United Launch Alliance responsible for the remaining missions.

According to a study published in the journal Nature, since 2012, these catfish have shown high rates of raised black lesions, leading researchers to investigate if the lesions were cancer that could be spread among species.

CANNIBALISTIC JELLYFISH ARE INVADING THE PRECIOUS LAGOONS OF VENICE WITH NO WAY OF REMOVING THEM

Lake Memphremagog is located in both Vermont and Quebec, Canada, and is a glacial lake.

A study determined these raised black lesions to be malignant melanomas and observed these lesions in 23 to 37% of brown bullheads sampled between 2014 and 2017.

The high number of melanomas led scientists to believe that the cancer was caused by a contaminant or contagion, thus beginning the testing to determine what caused the cancer, as Lake Memphremagog serves as drinking water for 175,000 people.

SEE IT: RARE FOOTAGE CAPTURES ELUSIVE BLUE-RINGED OCTOPUS CARRYING HER EGGS OFF AUSTRALIAN COAST

One hypothesis scientists had was that Tropical Storm Irene, which caused extensive flooding in 2011, led to reduced water quality of the lake because of runoff pollution.

To identify the cause of the cancer, researchers conducted multiple studies, including genomic analyses to determine if there were differences between diseased and healthy fish.

Preliminary genomic analysis showed that the tumors were distinct from healthy tissue. This suggested the cancer may be transmissible, spreading between hosts like a contagious parasite.

DEADLY PARASITE KILLS HUNDREDS OF SALMON THROUGH WELL-KNOWN RIVER EXPANDING THROUGH PACIFIC NORTHWEST

The study noted that transmissible cancers have only even been noted in three species: dogs, Tasmanian devils and multiple species of bivalves like clams, oysters, mollusks and scallops.

In transmissible cancers, tumor genomes across different hosts match each other more closely than they match their host’s own DNA — showing they all share a single clonal origin, the study said.

THOUSANDS OF GIANT LION'S MANE JELLYFISH SIGHTINGS TRIGGER PUBLIC SAFETY ALERTS FOR NEW ENGLAND BEACHGOERS

To test if the cancer had a clonal origin, scientists took tissue from healthy fish along with normal and tumor tissues from fish with confirmed lesions from all stages, from mild to severe.

They found evidence to suggest the cancer was indeed transmissible, and the first-known transmissible cancer in fish species as well as in freshwater.

Scientists said they aren't sure exactly how the cancer transmits, but using clues from other transmissible cancers in animals as well as the biology of the brown bullhead catfish, inferred that reproduction or aging had a role in the transmission.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The study said future sampling of populations of affected brown bullhead catfish will address the age and origin of this clonal cancer, which is also essential for understanding the evolution and the way it impacts the brown bullhead population.

NASA FINDS CLUES TO EARLY SOLAR SYSTEM AND LIFE’S ORIGINS IN PRISTINE 2024 METEORITE DISCOVERED IN NEW JERSEY

For nearly three decades, astronomers tracked 1998 SH2 as a routine asteroid wandering through space. But during its close pass to Earth in August 2025, the object missed its predicted location, suggesting to scientists that its true identity could be a comet.

"After we measured the nongravitational perturbations affecting the motion of 1998 SH2 and recognized they weren’t compatible with the object being an asteroid, we suspected the object could be an active comet," said Davide Farnocchia, a navigation engineer at NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies and lead author of the study.

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

In simpler terms, this means research found that gravity from the Earth and sun was not the only driving force acting on the object.

During the August 2025 close approach, scientists were able to test this hypothesis with the help of global tracking telescopes.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Images captured by the telescopes revealed a faint but visible tail, confirming their suspicions. 

"That’s how science works — you form a hypothesis, and you set out to test it. This data is exactly what was needed to confirm our hypothesis that 1998 SH2 was a comet," said Olivier Hainaut, an astronomer with the European Southern Observatory and coauthor of the study.

Following the discovery, astronomers officially reclassified the object as comet P/1998 SH2.

HOW OFTEN DO METEORITES CRASH IN THE US?

Additionally, scientists said the findings will aid planetary defense by allowing them to better calculate the flight paths of near-Earth objects that push themselves off course.

Because its outgassing was so faint, the object was initially suspected to be a "dark comet"—a space rock that vents gas without showing a tail. However, the deep-space imaging ultimately revealed a faint tail, proving it is actually an active comet in disguise.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER THE SAME SUGAR FOUND IN RASPBERRIES DEEP IN SPACE FOR THE FIRST TIME

This breakthrough alerts researchers that other supposed asteroids or dark comets near Earth could be hiding faint activity, giving astronomers a way to spot and track their erratic shifts before they pose a threat.

WILL SPACEX LAND ANYTHING ON MARS BEFORE 2030?

"Detecting these perturbations can be an important diagnostic tool for planetary defense that will help understand which objects may be comets rather than asteroids, how their orbits evolve, and how that influences their Earth impact risks," Farnocchia stated. 

Bertha is stretched out and ugly, but the National Hurricane Center is still classifying it as a tropical storm. It's an unconventional storm, for sure. The center of circulation at the surface of the earth is tracking over southwestern Louisiana, but the worst weather is associated with a center of rotation higher in the atmosphere a couple hundred miles farther southwest.

In a well-developed storm, the circulations are stacked on top of one another as you go up in the atmosphere. But strong upper-level winds have tilted the storm over and pushed the mid-level center well out into the Gulf.

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA RACES TOWARD A SECOND LANDFALL ALONG THE TEXAS COASTLINE

Still, winds at the ground are gusting 30 to 50 mph along the Gulf Coast, and the tides are higher than normal – 2 to 3 feet above normal high tide in some areas to the east of the center.

It's unclear if the low-level center – the circulation center we track to locate the storm – will survive until the whole complex moves into Texas later today, but regardless of the technical meteorological structure, low-end tropical storm conditions are likely in some areas.

The National Hurricane Center has a tropical storm warning in effect from Sargent, Texas, just south of Houston/Galveston, north and east into Louisiana. Boaters and people with vulnerable properties should take common-sense precautions.

TRACK TROPICAL STORM BERTHA: LIVE RADAR, FORECAST CONE, FLOOD THREAT, WIND SPEED AND WARNINGS

Most of the heavier rain should move into the southern part of Texas, parts of which have been in a drought, so this could be beneficial. But gusty squalls will be possible everywhere along the coast and pushing inland this evening.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

We'll be done with Bertha by tomorrow, though its remnant will continue across south Texas.

Nothing else appears to be in the offing in the Atlantic for the foreseeable future.

The quake's epicenter was relatively shallow at just 3.42 miles below the surface, according to USGS.

According to the USGS earthquake catalog, this was the strongest earthquake recorded in the Texas Panhandle and only the fourth magnitude 4.0 or stronger earthquake to strike the region since 1900.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The quake was felt in Amarillo, Texas, as well as Oklahoma City and as far east as Tulsa, Oklahoma.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

The quake's epicenter was relatively shallow at just 3.42 miles below the surface, according to USGS.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The quake was felt in Amarillo, Texas, as well as Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

The main threat will be flooding, as a cold front will start to slow down as it approaches the Mid-Atlantic region, allowing it to tap into high moisture from Tropical Storm Bertha and other activity in the Atlantic.

TRACK TROPICAL STORM BERTHA: LIVE RADAR, FORECAST CONE, FLOOD THREAT, WIND SPEED AND WARNINGS

This will lead to repeated rounds of heavy rain across the region, as some areas have already experienced extreme and exceptional drought.

The persistent drought conditions will increase the flood threat, as dry soil will not absorb water efficiently.

There is currently a level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk through Thursday, stretching from Southeastern Virginia and into the Outer Banks of North Carolina, before it tapers down to a level 2 out of 4 threat on Friday.

To end the week, the front is expected to drift a little farther south, shifting the heaviest rain closer to the coast.

STATE OF EMERGENCY ISSUED IN WEST VIRGINIA AFTER CATASTROPHIC FLOODING SLAMS THE STATE

"That could bring some improvement to inland areas while keeping the flood threat active from the Outer Banks south through coastal South Carolina," according to the FOX Forecast Center said.

Locations such as Wilmington, North Carolina, and Norfolk, Virginia, could see rain totals of 3 to 5 inches through the weekend.

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA MAKES LANDFALL IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA AS IT LASHES THE GULF COAST

Stay tuned to FOX Weather all week as we monitor these developing severe weather threats across the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas.

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Several communities, including Destin and Panacea, reported losing nearly a dozen sea turtle nests after the storm eroded beaches and flooded nesting areas.

According to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Sea Turtle Patrol's Facebook page, only four of the organization's 22 nests survived the storm.

WATCH: DRONE VIDEO CAPTURES THE WORLD’S LARGEST HATCHING OF BABY TURTLES

"We use the term survived lightly because they all still experienced high amounts of wash over and inundation," the organization wrote in a Facebook post.

The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Sea Turtle Patrol said it hopes to relocate the nests and reevaluate them using GPS coordinates and beach measurements that were recorded before the storm.

Meanwhile, the Alligator Point Sea Turtle Patrol in Panacea said the storm's impacts were devastating, with all of its nests either destroyed by storm surge or completely washed away.

"All of our nests were either inundated with storm surge or completely washed out and we’re heartbroken," the post reads. "While sea turtle nests can survive being washed over, once water inundates the nest and fills the nest chamber, the eggs suffocate and are ruined."

The sea turtle patrol said all seven of its nests were washed over during the storm.

According to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, sea turtle nesting season in Florida runs from March through October, when turtles nest along more than 1,300 miles of sandy beaches.

Each year, tens of thousands of female sea turtles come ashore on Florida's beaches to dig nests and lay eggs that will hatch into the next generation.

FLORIDA'S SEA TURTLE SEASON BEGINS BUT SOME NESTS ALREADY DOT THE LANDSCAPE

A sea turtle typically lays between 80 and 120 eggs in a single nest, with an average clutch size of about 110 eggs. The eggs generally hatch between August and October.

DEADLY FLESH-EATING PARASITE POSES RISK TO PETS THIS SUMMER: HERE ARE THE SAFETY TIPS TO KNOW

According to a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories, a division of J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. based in Panoli, Gujarat, India, recalled four lots of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 5 mg, due to contamination with ranitidine.

The FDA warned that consuming the contaminated tablets could be life-threatening. It can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis including hypotension, difficulty swallowing, breathing, swelling of the throat or face, hives and loss of consciousness.

"For consumers with a hypersensitivity to the ingredients in ranitidine, there is a reasonable probability that ingestion of Cetirizine tablets contaminated with ranitidine could result in serious adverse health consequences," the FDA said.

The company said it has not received any reports of adverse events related to the recall.

ALLERGY SEASON IS WORSE THAN EVER. HERE ARE THE 10 WORST ALLERGY CAPITALS IN THE US FOR 2026

Ranitidine, best known under the brand name Zantac, was once one of the most commonly used medications to reduce stomach acid.

However, it was pulled from the U.S. market in 2020 after regulators raised concerns over contamination with a probable human carcinogen. A reformulated version of the drug was later approved by regulators in 2025.

According to the recall notice, the contamination was discovered after a pharmacy technician noticed red dots and discoloration on some Cetirizine Hydrochloride tablets while counting them during dispensing.

The recall affects HDPE bottles containing 100 tablets (NDC: 16571-401-10).

Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories has notified its distributor, Rising Pharma Holdings Inc., which has in turn notified distributors and direct customers by email and is arranging for the return of all recalled products.

NEARLY 1,000 CASES CONFIRMED IN MICHIGAN AS EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA-CAUSING PARASITE OUTBREAK INTENSIFIES ACROSS US

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. by phone at 1-844-874-7464 or by email at pv@risingpharma.com or qa@risingpharma.com.

Anyone who believes they experienced an adverse reaction after taking the recalled medication should contact their physician or healthcare provider.

The main threat will be flooding, as a cold front will start to slow down as it approaches the Mid-Atlantic region, allowing it to tap into high moisture from Tropical Storm Bertha and other activity in the Atlantic.

TRACK TROPICAL STORM BERTHA: LIVE RADAR, FORECAST CONE, FLOOD THREAT, WIND SPEED AND WARNINGS

This will lead to repeated rounds of heavy rain across the region, as some areas have already experienced extreme and exceptional drought.

The persistent drought conditions will increase the flood threat, as dry soil will not absorb water efficiently.

There is currently a level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk through Thursday, stretching from Southeastern Virginia and into the Outer Banks of North Carolina, before it tapers down to a level 2 out of 4 threat on Friday.

"There is a chance Friday’s threat could be upgraded depending on how much rain falls Wednesday and Thursday," the FOX Forecast Center said. "To end the week, the front is expected to drift a little farther south, shifting the heaviest rain closer to the coast."

STATE OF EMERGENCY ISSUED IN WEST VIRGINIA AFTER CATASTROPHIC FLOODING SLAMS THE STATE

Locations such as Wilmington, North Carolina, and Norfolk, Virginia, could see rain totals of 3 to 5 inches through the weekend.

While the main threat this week will be heavy flooding, persistent severe storms are expected to bring repeated rain and damaging winds headed into the weekend.

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA MAKES LANDFALL IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA AS IT LASHES THE GULF COAST

Stay tuned to FOX Weather all week as we monitor these developing severe weather threats across the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas.

Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) have posted clips of Jackie and her eagle partner Shadow on social media for several years in a row, providing people with updates from their popular live eagle nest cam.

FIRST-KNOWN FOOT BONE OF A BABY T. REX FOUND STASHED IN PILE OF FOSSILS AFTER BEING MISTAKENLY IDENTIFIED

On Friday, July 17, Friends of Big Bear Valley was notified of an adult bald eagle on the ground near Dana Point Park. The eagle was seen the day before on the ground, too, sparking concern.

Later that day, the eagle got into a fight with two other bald eagles, and was only able to defend itself with its talons, and couldn't fly far.

They believed the eagle was Jackie, after not seeing her for several days on their cameras, but weren't sure at first. Eventually, the nonprofit said the eagle is more than likely Jackie.

LARGEST KNOWN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN STRANDING OFF NEW ENGLAND COAST PROMPTS MASSIVE RESCUE EFFORT

FOBBV said that visitors and locals alike stayed near the eagle to keep an eye on it and make sure it was safe while they awaited for the eagle to be rescued.

It took several hours and several attempts to get an agency to respond to the situation, but eventually San Dimas Raptor Rescue, of the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department, responded and took the eagle into care.

Jackie was rescued at about 2 a.m. by the raptor team and then transferred to a new care facility.

YOUNG GREAT WHITE SHARK PINGS OFF CANADA'S COAST AS HE HEADS TO SUMMER FEEDING GROUNDS

FOBBV didn't post on social media about the situation until Sunday, alerting the public to the situation and providing additional daily updates on Jackie's condition.

Jackie remains in care with The Ojai Raptor Center, who is trying to determine what's wrong with her.

SEE IT: TOURISTS CAUGHT WANDERING ON DANGEROUS AND DEADLY EDGE OF YELLOWSTONE HOT SPRING

She's underweight, anemic and has inflamed kidneys, FOBBV said, but X-rays showed no fishing hooks, sinkers or other metal objects affecting her.

The center is testing Jackie's lead, zinc and rodenticide levels and working with several specialty veterinarians to help figure out what's going on. 

"Her condition remains critical, and this is still a very serious case," Ojai Raptor Center said in an update on Jackie's condition Tuesday. 

SEE IT: YELLOWSTONE BISON RAMPAGES THROUGH CAMPGROUND, TOSSING GRANDFATHER 8 FEET IN THE AIR

Jackie is still feisty and had more energy as of the most recent update on Tuesday. She's eating and perching and able to stand up without problem, FOBBV said. 

"We will keep updating you the minute we hear any new information. Thank you for your support, well wishes to Jackie and the entire eagle family," Friends of Big Bear Valley said. 

Jackie and Shadow hatched two eaglets this spring, named Sandy and Luna, and hatched on April 4 and 5, respectively, from Jackie's second clutch of eggs this season.

The pair will eventually flee the nest for good as they get older.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

To follow along with the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagles, visit the Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Nest Cam and check them out on Facebook for daily updates on Jackie and the other eagles.

Pan Am’s Flight 526A is one of the worst air disasters in Puerto Rican history, after 52 people lost their lives in a plane crash on April 11, 1952.

According to the Air Sea Heritage Foundation, the Douglas DC-4 aircraft was found using high-resolution sonar on June 2, located almost 2,000 feet under the Atlantic Ocean, broken into two parts.

DELTA FLIGHT 191 DEADLY CRASH 41 YEARS AGO LED TO CHANGES IN FORECASTING AFTER MICROBURST BROUGHT DOWN PLANE

The plane took off from Puerto Rico bound for New York’s Idlewild Airport (later John F. Kennedy International Airport), carrying 64 passengers and five crew members.

According to the Air Sea Heritage Foundation, the plane experienced multiple engine failures shortly after takeoff, which forced the pilot, Captain John C. Burn, to conduct a water landing.

"The conditions below were not optimal for a water landing," the Pan Am Historical Foundation said. "What had been a gentle breeze had freshened to a 15-knot wind, which whipped up the sea surface."

DEEP-SEA DISCOVERY UNCOVERS ONE OF THE LARGEST KNOWN WHALE GRAVEYARDS ON THE FLOOR OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

All aboard the plane initially survived the impact, but the tail section broke off, and the aircraft began flooding and sinking within three minutes.

FIRST-KNOWN FOOT BONE OF A BABY T. REX FOUND STASHED IN PILE OF FOSSILS AFTER BEING MISTAKENLY IDENTIFIED

According to the historical foundation, the aircraft was equipped with life rafts and personal floatation devices for everyone on board.

Still, most of the passengers remained glued to their seats in the plane's cabin rather than springing into action, resulting in the death of 52 people.

Despite the action taken by Capt. Burn and crew members, most people refused to leave the rapidly sinking airplane and went down with it.

This disaster shed light on the rules and safety regulations for commercial flights over water, becoming a turning point in aviation history and prompting new reforms, including now-mandatory preflight safety and emergency procedure demonstrations.

CELEBRATING WEATHER HISTORY: HOW FOG HELPED GEORGE WASHINGTON SAVE AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

Only 17 people aboard the aircraft survived the crash, including all five crew members, after rescue teams from the Coast Guard and Air Force responded within six minutes of the initial distress call.

ATLANTIC’S LARGEST MALE GREAT WHITE CONTENDER LIKELY HEADING TOWARD THIS POPULAR SUMMER GETAWAY

Cross, a juvenile great white shark, was tracked moving north through the Gulf of St. Lawrence. His latest ping placed him about 5.5 miles off the coast of Quebec in the Honguedo Strait, between the Gaspé Peninsula and Anticosti Island.

According to OCEARCH, a global nonprofit that studies sharks around the world, Cross traveled about 114 miles in just three days, making him the northernmost shark actively pinging on the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker.

Experts say this is a typical part of the species' seasonal migration, as great white sharks move north to productive feeding grounds during the summer and fall.

As temperatures begin to cool in the fall, great white sharks migrate south in search of warmer waters and abundant food sources for the winter. They typically travel toward the southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean.

Cross was tagged off the coast of Nova Scotia in October 2025 during OCEARCH's ongoing research to better understand how great white sharks use Atlantic Canada's coastal waters.

At the time of tagging, Cross measured 9 feet, 1 inch long.

SCIENTISTS WATCHING FOR MORE DUSKY SHARK SIGHTINGS OFF THE COAST OF NANTUCKET FOLLOWING 2025 SEAL ATTACKS

OCEARCH said Cross is providing valuable data that helps researchers better understand the vital ecosystems that support both people and marine predators across Atlantic Canada.

The flesh-eating parasite is a dangerous pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, birds and less commonly, humans.

HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLESH-EATING PARASITE IN THE US AS CASES TRIPLE IN SIZE

Screwworm infestations begin when a female fly lays eggs on a wound or body opening, where they hatch into larvae that burrow into the wound and feed on living tissue.

After feeding for about seven days, the larvae drop to the ground, where they emerge as adult screwworm flies to continue the cycle.

This can be distinguished by feeling or seeing maggots move in the skin, or in the ears, nose, eyes or mouth, with an often painful, foul-smelling odor, according to the CDC.

The first reported case of NWS in the U.S. occurred on June 3, 2026, and since then, 41 cases have been recorded across two states in domestic animals, according to the USDA.

THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT WITH YOUR DOG THIS SUMMER

The active cases are located in Pecos, Brewster, Crockett, Sutton and Starr Counties in Texas.

As concern about these pests grows amid the small, but still active threat, experts at Kalshi ponder how many human cases will be reported in the U.S. by the end of 2026.

Prediction markets at Kalshi are predicting a 30% chance of at least one human NWS case in the country this year.

VIDEO: LARGE POD OF KILLER WHALES HUNT DOWN DOLPHINS IN CALIFORNIA WATERS

People with medical conditions that can cause bleeding or open pores, such as eczema, are at risk of these infectious pests.

VIDEO: WOMAN SENT RUNNING AS TWO LARGE MOOSE STALK HER ALONG COLORADO TRAIL

It is important to keep open wounds clean and covered, no matter how small or where on the body they are, to help prevent NWS flies.

WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES MEAN

Every year, thousands of people rely on sandbags to protect homes, businesses, roads and other structures—especially during tropical storms and hurricane season.

SKIP THE GRIDLOCK AND SOARING PRICES: THIS COMPANY WANTS TO REINVENT HURRICANE EVACUATIONS IN FLORIDA

But do they actually work at preventing inundation? The short answer is yes. However, they are most effective against shallow flooding, and you must use them properly for them to work.

According to FEMA, shallow flooding is defined as inundation that is 3 feet deep or less. Sandbags function by forming a physical barrier that absorbs water energy and diverts floodwaters away from vulnerable areas.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

Now let’s break down how to properly prepare sandbags, critical common mistakes to avoid and alternative flood defenses to consider for the best protection during an impending storm.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), St. Paul District, filling a sandbag typically requires two people.

When filled to capacity—typically about halfway—the bags weigh approximately 35 pounds, and using a funnel during the filling process can speed up the process.

WHAT HURRICANE AND TROPICAL STORM WATCHES AND WARNINGS MEAN

Once your sandbags are ready, it is time to prepare the site by clearing away any debris or obstacles from the layout area.

"Site preparation begins with scraping away ice, snow and topsoil, if possible. A shallow trench sometimes helps hold the levee in place," the USACE notes.

When building sandbag levees, the USACE recommends constructing them at least a foot higher than the water’s expected peak crest. Regarding levee dimensions, the USACE advises:

"...that a levee have a base three times wider than its height. Other sources say a 1:2 ratio is adequate for a solid levee. Bags are staggered, like bricks in a wall. The water’s weight helps hold a levee in place."

Lastly, to prevent water seepage through the structure, plastic poly sheets can be wrapped around the water-facing side of the levees.

TIMELINE: WHEN YOU WILL SEE FIRST IMPACTS OF TROPICAL STORM BERTHA IN THE SOUTHEAST

Proper preparation and placement are everything when it comes to these significant weather events. We see this in real time as New Orleans activates sandbag operations across the city to prepare for the heavy rains and surge expected from Tropical Storm Bertha.

FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell was live in the city on Tuesday as preparations were already underway.

Tying bags too low: Avoid tying the knot tight against the sand inside. Secure the bag near the top to allow the sand to spread out flat. Tight bags create lumps and allow water to seep through.

Filling bags too much: It’s important to only fill bags about halfway. Filling the bag to its maximum capacity will not allow the sand to spread out, as it will, once again, create more of a lump for water to pour through.

WHAT IS STORM SURGE?

Stacking vertically: It’s crucial to use a pyramid shape and staggering build, so the structure does not fall over from the pressure.

When it comes to techniques for preventing flood damage beyond sandbagging, Flood Risk America highlights key engineered options including custom flood panels, passive automatic floodgates, water-filled and fabric barriers and permanent flood doors.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

As major storms barrel through the Gulf during hurricane season, taking the time to prepare proper flood defenses before landfall is vital.

Nick Longrich, a paleontologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of Bath in England, along with other researchers, made this discovery while going through collections of small dinosaur bones that were tucked away and typically misidentified. 

In a video posted to his YouTube page, Longrich described how he stumbled upon such a rare find, saying he couldn't make sense of a third metatarsal or foot bone of what was believed to be a theropod dinosaur. 

ANCIENT 'LOST WORLD' COULD REWRITE HISTORY FOR HOW FIRST AMERICANS ARRIVED 13,000 YEARS AGO

Longrich said this bone varied in appearance from other theropod bones he'd seen in the past, and determined it wasn't from a number of species of dinosaur. 

"It doesn't match anything I've seen before," Longrich said, as he described the discovery. "It just didn't seem to fit in any of the categories." 

He said upon taking a closer look at the bone, he noticed its texture, which was porous and typical of an immature dinosaur. 

JURASSIC GIANT: WORLD’S MOST COMPLETE T-REX FOSSIL COULD SELL FOR $30 MILLION AT AUCTION

Eventually, the bone was identified as that of a hatchling T. rex. 

"By process of elimination, this is the foot bone of a very, very tiny T. rex," Longrich said. "This is the smallest T. rex that we've ever seen." 

This little bitty bone helped Longrich and his research partners figure out a whole host of information about these tiny hatchlings, information which was published in the journal Biology. 

Researchers discovered that hatchling T. rex's were very small, likely no bigger than a small cat, Longrich said. 

SEE IT: ARCHEOLOGISTS UNCOVER RESIDENTIAL CITY FROM BYZANTINE EMPIRE IN EGYPT

Additionally, they theorized that baby T. rex's moved quickly after hatching, much like modern day chickens or crocodiles. 

Evidence suggests that these babies would be protected by their parents, but in general, the babies would seek their own food and receive little care from their parents otherwise. 

The study also revealed that T. rex egg clutches were likely very large, with somewhere between 15 and 30 eggs per clutch, with the chance of between 50 and 100 eggs in a clutch also possible. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Longrich said dozens of eggs were likely, but the mortality rate was also likely incredibly high. 

The bone marks an important discovery for scientists and paleontologists who are working to learn more about the dinosaurs, how they lived and the evolution of the extinct species. 

Nick Longrich, a paleontologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of Bath in England, along with other researchers, made this discovery while going through collections of small dinosaur bones that were tucked away and typically misidentified. 

In a video posted to his YouTube page, Longrich described how he stumbled upon such a rare find, saying he couldn't make sense of a third metatarsal or foot bone of what was believed to be a theropod dinosaur. 

ANCIENT 'LOST WORLD' COULD REWRITE HISTORY FOR HOW FIRST AMERICANS ARRIVED 13,000 YEARS AGO

Longrich said this bone varied in appearance from other theropod bones he'd seen in the past, and determined it wasn't from a number of species of dinosaur. 

"It doesn't match anything I've seen before," Longrich said, as he described the discovery. "It just didn't seem to fit in any of the categories." 

He said upon taking a closer look at the bone, he noticed its texture, which was porous and typical of an immature dinosaur. 

JURASSIC GIANT: WORLD’S MOST COMPLETE T-REX FOSSIL COULD SELL FOR $30 MILLION AT AUCTION

Eventually, the bone was identified as that of a hatchling T. rex. 

"By process of elimination, this is the foot bone of a very, very tiny T. rex," Longrich said. "This is the smallest T. rex that we've ever seen." 

This little bitty bone helped Longrich and his research partners figure out a whole host of information about these tiny hatchlings, information which was published in the journal Biology. 

Researchers discovered that hatchling T. rex's were very small, likely no bigger than a small cat, Longrich said. 

SEE IT: ARCHEOLOGISTS UNCOVER RESIDENTIAL CITY FROM BYZANTINE EMPIRE IN EGYPT

Additionally, they theorized that baby T. rex's moved quickly after hatching, much like modern day chickens or crocodiles. 

Evidence suggests that these babies would be protected by their parents, but in general, the babies would seek their own food and receive little care from their parents otherwise. 

The study also revealed that T. rex egg clutches were likely very large, with somewhere between 15 and 30 eggs per clutch, with the chance of between 50 and 100 eggs in a clutch also possible. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Longrich said dozens of eggs were likely, but the mortality rate was also likely incredibly high. 

The bone marks an important discovery for scientists and paleontologists who are working to learn more about the dinosaurs, how they lived and the evolution of the extinct species. 

Tropical Storm Bertha will soon make landfall on the east-facing coast of southeastern Louisiana. Gusty winds are impacting the Gulf Coast from Alabama to Louisiana, but so much dry air is pushing in from the north that the rain associated with the circulation is relatively light.

Winds on the backside of the circulation are pushing Gulf water toward the coast. Tides have been running 2 to 3 feet above normal, resulting in some limited coastal flooding around high tide.

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA APPROACHES LOUISIANA WITH POTENTIAL LANDFALL HOURS AWAY

Once Bertha’s broad center makes landfall, the circulation is likely to get sufficiently disrupted that the tropical system essentially dissipates.

But the cluster of thunderstorms south of Louisiana over the very warm Gulf water is quite intense. It's not out of the question that a new center forms from that compact system, and the new circulation and the remnants of Bertha continue west toward Texas.

TRACK TROPICAL STORM BERTHA: LIVE RADAR, FORECAST CONE, FLOOD THREAT, WIND SPEED AND WARNINGS

There might be a time that there, technically speaking, is no surface circulation to follow, but it's likely this will all be called Bertha.

In any case, the consensus of the computer forecast models that pick up on the redeveloped center is that Bertha, or whatever becomes of it, will be at most a low-end tropical storm when it reaches Texas late tomorrow. That's also the forecast from the National Hurricane Center.

The trend of the computer models has been to take Bertha or the combo system farther south than the cone for the "old" center has indicated.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Exactly what shape the system will be in tomorrow and Friday is an open question. Coastal interests in Texas between Corpus Christi and Galveston should stay aware. Winds gusting to tropical storm strength are increasingly likely. The NHC has issued a Tropical Storm Watch to cover that possibility.

The HAFS-A computer model, a special hurricane-focused model, shows an area of winds gusting over 50 mph impacting the coast between Port Lavaca and Galveston. It also shows an elongated circulation, so the system is not very well organized.

The environment will continue to be somewhat hostile to development tomorrow, and the redeveloped system won't have much time to pull itself together, so it's unlikely that a strong storm would impact Texas based on what we know now. But systems can flare up quickly due to the curvature of the Texas coast and the very warm Gulf water, so stay aware of the latest alerts in the potentially affected areas.

If this comes together as now seems possible, essentially a new storm will be organizing just off the Texas coast tomorrow and making landfall. Don't be surprised.

MAGNITUDE 3.3 EARTHQUAKE RATTLES YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEAR INFAMOUS SUPERVOLCANO

Viral footage shows what appears to be the two park visitors casually walking along the spring's thermal perimeter to take photos. 

Stepping off the designated paths is strictly prohibited, with signs lining the area warning visitors to stay on the boardwalks.

According to the National Park Service (NPS), Grand Prismatic Spring is Yellowstone’s largest hot spring, with water reaching scalding temperatures.

WOLF'S CONCERNING BEHAVIOR PROMPTS TENT CAMPING BAN AT MICHIGAN NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUND

"It is 90 meters (300 feet) across and 50 meters (160 feet) deep. In the center of the pool the water is 87° C (188° F)—too hot to support life," NASA reported. 

Even along the cooler outer edges, temperatures remain dangerously hot as steam continuously rises from the thermal water.

As one of the most popular attractions in the park, Grand Prismatic draws thousands of visitors daily. However, stepping off the boardwalk puts visitors in immediate, life-threatening danger.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The NPS warns that straying from designated paths carries a severe risk of thermal burns or death, as the ground surrounding these features is often just a thin, brittle crust concealing super-heated water underneath.

"Burns from thermal features are a common cause of serious injury and death in the park," the NPS stated, noting that more than 20 people have died from thermal burns after falling into or entering Yellowstone’s hot springs.

Beyond the boiling water, thermal runoff poses a secondary burn hazard, while toxic gases lingering near hydrothermal vents can cause illness.

BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA DETECTED IN WATER AT ICONIC US NATIONAL PARKS, STUDY FINDS

To prevent tragedies, the National Park Service outlines crucial safety rules on its website:

Thermal features aren't the park's only hazard. Wildlife poses an equal threat—highlighted by the recent bull bison that charged through Bridge Bay Campground and launched a 65-year-old grandfather into the air, despite him keeping a safe distance.

SEE IT: YELLOWSTONE BISON RAMPAGES THROUGH CAMPGROUND, TOSSING GRANDFATHER 8 FEET IN THE AIR

"Think safety, act safely. Yellowstone is a dangerous place," the NPS warns.

However, beyond landfall, Bertha's future is more uncertain. The entire storm could dissipate over Louisiana or an unusual scenario could unfold, with Bertha's original center potentially dissipating over land while a new center forms offshore within the storm's broader area of thunderstorms.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

If Bertha reforms, it would track farther south and bring tropical downpours to the Corpus Christi, Texas, region with wind and rain as far north as Houston and Galveston.

Bertha formed Monday in the northeastern Gulf, becoming the second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.

WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

Tropical storm conditions are spreading across the northern Gulf Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

As of Wednesday morning, Bertha was about 55 miles north-northeast of the mouth of the Mississippi, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, and is moving west at 6 mph.

"The NHC may never officially declare a landfall due to the weak nature of the storm and how lopsided the center is expected to become later this afternoon," the FOX Forecast Center said.

TRACK BERTHA: LIVE RADAR, FLOOD THREAT, WIND SPEED AND RADAR

FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray experienced rough surf and 40 mph wind gusts on Dauphin Island, Alabama, early Wednesday.

Bertha is set to move over the uninhabited Chandeleur Islands, a set of barrier islands that mark the easternmost point of Louisiana Wednesday morning.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect from the Okaloosa-Walton county line in Florida to Morgan City, Louisiana, indicating that these areas could experience tropical storm conditions over the next 36 hours.

This warning includes New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.

WHAT HURRICANE AND TROPICAL STORM WATCHES AND WARNINGS MEAN

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Watches were extended westward and now cover the area west of Morgan City to Sargent, Texas.

A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for southeastern Louisiana and the Mississippi coast, with up to 4 feet of water expected in low-lying coastal areas. 

 WHAT IS STORM SURGE?

Bertha is also bringing life-threatening rip currents along the northern Gulf Coast, as well as parts of the Florida Gulf Coast.

According to the NHC, Bertha is forecast to move west along the northern Gulf Coast, and is expected to make landfall in southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon.

TIMELINE: WHEN YOU WILL SEE THE FIRST IMPACTS OF TROPICAL STORM BERTHA IN THE SOUTHEAST

The FOX Forecast Center said Bertha reached peak intensity Tuesday as a moderate tropical storm, with the heaviest rain offshore.

"Its lopsided nature means most of the rain will fall on the southern side of the system — well off the coast," the Forecast Center said.

HOW ARE HURRICANES RATED? THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE EXPLAINED

Meanwhile, Bertha is expected to still bring short, intense downpours over the coastal and inland areas of the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The intense rain over a short period of time could trigger low-level flash flooding.

Rain totals of 1 to 4 inches are expected through Thursday, with isolated higher amounts possible. 

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

The storm's slow western crawl will cause coastal flooding from the Alabama border to the mouth of the Mississippi in Louisiana.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

Bertha formed Monday in the northeastern Gulf, becoming the second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.

The storm has turned westward, and tropical storm conditions are spreading across the northern Gulf Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

As of Wednesday morning, it was about 50 miles east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, and is moving west at just 5 mph.

WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect from the Okaloosa-Walton county line in Florida to Morgan City, Louisiana, indicating that these areas could experience tropical storm conditions over the next 36 hours.

This warning includes New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.

WHAT HURRICANE AND TROPICAL STORM WATCHES AND WARNINGS MEAN

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from west of Morgan City to Cameron, Louisiana.

Additionally, the NHC dropped a Storm Surge Watch that was in effect along the Gulf Coast for life-threatening flooding, but issued a Coastal Flood Warning for southeastern Louisiana and the Mississippi coast.

This means that there is less concern that Bertha will cause a sudden push of 2 to 4 feet of ocean water inland, but rather the flooding is expected to be more gradual, with up to 4 feet of water expected within the Flood Warning in low-lying coastal areas. 

 WHAT IS STORM SURGE?

According to the NHC, Bertha is forecast to move slowly west along the northern Gulf Coast, and is expected to make landfall in southeast Louisiana sometime Wednesday evening.

TIMELINE: WHEN YOU WILL SEE THE FIRST IMPACTS OF TROPICAL STORM BERTHA IN THE SOUTHEAST

The FOX Forecast Center said Bertha is a lopsided storm that will peak as a moderate tropical storm Tuesday, remaining well below hurricane strength.

"Its lopsided nature means most of the rain will fall on the southern side of the system — well off the coast," the Forecast Center said.

HOW ARE HURRICANES RATED? THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE EXPLAINED

From there, Bertha is expected to lose even more strength, but current forecast models have it moving back over the Gulf as it approaches Texas, where it may bring pockets of rain.

Meanwhile, Bertha is expected to bring short, intense downpours over the coastal and inland areas of the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The intense rain over a short period of time could trigger low-level flash flooding.

TRACK BERTHA: LIVE RADAR, FLOOD THREAT, WIND SPEED AND RADAR

Rain totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected through the middle of the week, with isolated higher amounts possible. 

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

The floods prompted Governor Patrick Morrisey to declare a State of Emergency across all 55 counties late Tuesday.

No deaths or serious injuries have been reported. 

SEVERE STORMS TO TRIGGER MULTIDAY FLOOD THREAT ACROSS MID-ATLANTIC, CAROLINAS AS BERTHA NEARS GULF COAST

First responders said they received hundreds of calls for assistance in the wake of a Flash Flood Emergency that impacted Lewis, Randolph and Upshur counties.

Gov. Morrisey said 100 National Guard members would arrive across those counties overnight Tuesday.

Interstate 79 remained closed due to flooding in the Weston area early Wednesday.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The National Weather Service designated the warning as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) — a rare designation reserved for the most extreme and life-threatening flash flood events. The Flash Flood Emergency was in effect until 10:30 p.m. ET.

Gov. Morrisey's Office issued a State of Preparedness earlier in the day, ahead of the severe weather. 

More than 7 inches of rain fell in Upshur County in a roughly 6 hour span beginning Tuesday afternoon.

Gov. Morrisey said the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources conducted at least 33 water rescues Tuesday.

The City of Buckhannon issued an Immediate Evacuation Order early Wednesday for parts of the city due to "rapidly escalating hazardous conditions."

RESCUE ENDS WITH 5 KILLED AT POPULAR MIDWEST RIVER AFTER CHILD CALLS FOR HELP

Officials in Lewis County declared a local state of emergency after widespread flooding damaged public infrastructure, private property, roads, bridges, culverts, utilities and other critical facilities, according to the Lewis County Commission.

The emergency declaration authorizes the Lewis County Office of Emergency Management to coordinate all available local resources and request additional assistance from the West Virginia Emergency Management Division and, if necessary, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

Authorities have conducted multiple water rescues, responded to dozens of flooded homes and impassable roads.

In addition to rescues, a creek near Buckhannon in north-central West Virginia, called Sand Run, surged to record levels.

HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY: FIRE CAPTAIN, HIS WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN HAVE DIED AMID FLASH FLOODING IN SOUTHERN UTAH

According to preliminary river data, Sand Run rose more than 8 feet in less than five hours, cresting at over 10.63 feet, crushing the former record.

The rapid rise shattered the previous record of 8.34 feet, which was set in 1985 during one of the region's most significant flood events.

7 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS

"Please keep our first responders in your prayers tonight. Across central West Virginia, they are moving through complete darkness with only the lights from their trucks, boats and rescue equipment showing what is directly in front of them. They are driving into flooded areas where roads may be washed away and taking boats into fast-moving water filled with debris and hidden dangers," Sen. Ben Queen, who represents the 12th District of West Virginia, said in a statement.

In addition to the flooding, there were also multiple tornado warnings issued in the northwest corner of the state Tuesday night.

HOW FLOODWATER CAN MAKE YOU VERY SICK

Officials urge residents to avoid flooded roadways and heed all evacuation orders and emergency instructions as the flood emergency remains ongoing.

In a statement, Vienna Mayor Chad Emrick said, "As we reflect on today’s devastating storms, our hearts are with the many families across West Virginia who are facing unimaginable loss, damage, and uncertainty. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we stand with every community that has suffered loss."

Check back for updates on this developing story.

First responders said they have received hundreds of calls for assistance in the wake of a Flash Flood Emergency that impacted Lewis, Randolph and Upshur counties.

SEVERE STORMS TO TRIGGER MULTIDAY FLOOD THREAT ACROSS MID-ATLANTIC, CAROLINAS AS BERTHA NEARS GULF COAST

The National Weather Service designated the warning as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) — a rare designation reserved for the most extreme and life-threatening flash flood events. The Flash Flood Emergency was in effect until 10:30 p.m. ET.

As floodwaters continue to impact communities, officials in Lewis County have declared a local state of emergency after widespread flooding damaged public infrastructure, private property, roads, bridges, culverts, utilities and other critical facilities, according to the Lewis County Commission.

RESCUE ENDS WITH 5 KILLED AT POPULAR MIDWEST RIVER AFTER CHILD CALLS FOR HELP

The emergency declaration authorizes the Lewis County Office of Emergency Management to coordinate all available local resources and request additional assistance from the West Virginia Emergency Management Division and, if necessary, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

Authorities have conducted multiple water rescues, responded to dozens of flooded homes and impassable roads.

It's unknown if there are any injuries at this time. The situation continues to evolve as crews work to help their communities.

In addition to rescues, a creek near Buckhannon in north-central West Virginia, called Sand Run, surged to record levels.

HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY: FIRE CAPTAIN, HIS WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN HAVE DIED AMID FLASH FLOODING IN SOUTHERN UTAH

According to preliminary river data, Sand Run rose more than 8 feet in less than five hours, cresting at over 10.63 feet, crushing the former record.

The rapid rise shattered the previous record of 8.34 feet, which was set in 1985 during one of the region's most significant flood events.

7 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS

"Please keep our first responders in your prayers tonight. Across central West Virginia, they are moving through complete darkness with only the lights from their trucks, boats and rescue equipment showing what is directly in front of them. They are driving into flooded areas where roads may be washed away and taking boats into fast-moving water filled with debris and hidden dangers," Sen. Ben Queen, who represents the 12th District of West Virginia, said in a statement.

In addition to the flooding, there were also multiple tornado warnings issued in the northwest corner of the state Tuesday night.

HOW FLOODWATER CAN MAKE YOU VERY SICK

Officials urge residents to avoid flooded roadways and heed all evacuation orders and emergency instructions as the flood emergency remains ongoing.

In a statement, Vienna Mayor Chad Emrick said, "As we reflect on today’s devastating storms, our hearts are with the many families across West Virginia who are facing unimaginable loss, damage, and uncertainty. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we stand with every community that has suffered loss."

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The situation remains dynamic, with additional rainfall threatening to worsen already dangerous conditions.

A group of boaters set out for a whale-watching adventure in Monterey Bay, California, when they were treated to a sudden emergence of a large pod of killer whales hunting down dolphins.

THOUSANDS OF GIANT LION'S MANE JELLYFISH SIGHTINGS TRIGGER PUBLIC SAFETY ALERTS FOR NEW ENGLAND BEACHGOERS

A video shared by Luke Kilpatrick of Sanctuary Cruises shows the large aquatic mammals quickly chasing down dolphins, often striking from below and sending them flying.

Killer whales rely on underwater sound to feed, communicate and navigate through various environments in the ocean.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), killer whales use a coordinated hunting strategy and work as a team to catch prey, as the large pod leaps out of the water in pairs.

Pods of these whales consist of a few to 20 or more closely related individuals, with larger groups sometimes forming a temporary social interaction.

GREAT WHITE SHARK RIPPLE TRACKED OFF CANADA COAST AFTER TRAVELING 350 MILES IN A WEEK

"As a whole, the species has the most varied diet of all cetaceans, but different populations are usually specialized in their foraging behavior and diet," NOAA said. "They often use a coordinated hunting strategy, working as a team like a pack of wolves."

LARGEST KNOWN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN STRANDING OFF NEW ENGLAND COAST PROMPTS MASSIVE RESCUE EFFORT

Throughout the video, the killer whales repeatedly pop out of the water, often at high speeds, almost out of nowhere, before launching more dolphins into the sky.

CANNIBALISTIC JELLYFISH ARE INVADING THE PRECIOUS LAGOONS OF VENICE WITH NO WAY OF REMOVING THEM

These animals are considered apex predators at the top of the food chain. They will base their diet on the region they live in, such as in the Pacific Northwest, where killer whales exclusively eat fish, salmon and other marine mammals.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

The newly launched company, PriorityEvac, is selling an evacuation membership program that guarantees members a seat on a contracted airbus out of Florida when a major hurricane threatens their area.

"Every hurricane season, families face the same difficult reality: roads become gridlocked, commercial flights sell out, and private aviation options become limited just as demand peaks," Jason Murgio, founder of PriorityEvac, said. "I just really thought there had to be a better way to do this."

Murgio, who spent 27 years working in the insurance industry, said he came up with the idea after a friend struggled to evacuate Florida ahead of a hurricane and was shocked by the soaring cost of airfare during the storm. 

The experience inspired him to create a more affordable and accessible evacuation option.

WHAT HURRICANE AND TROPICAL STORM WATCHES AND WARNINGS MEAN

The company is designed to provide Florida residents and seasonal homeowners with access to prearranged air evacuation services before major hurricanes make landfall.

By combining aviation resources, emergency management expertise and disaster-response partnerships, PriorityEvac aims to provide members with a structured evacuation plan during hurricane season.

"The benefits are obviously for our members because they want to get out and be prepared, but it's also about helping relieve stress on the system," Murgio said. "It frees up resources, whether that's a tank of fuel, a bed in a shelter or a hotel room. It takes stress off a system that is very fragile during those times."

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA FORMS, BRINGING DAYS OF RAIN AND STORM SURGE ALONG PARTS OF THE GULF COAST

Membership costs $1,250 per person and covers the entire Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

PriorityEvac also offers family and couple memberships, catering to a wide range of customers, including seniors, snowbirds, families and pet owners.

Members receive access to the company's evacuation network with no activation fees or storm-related surge pricing. The membership also includes up to two hurricane evacuations per season, guaranteeing a seat on the aircraft whenever an evacuation is activated.

"We did try to be very mindful when we priced this to be something that was not out of the range for people," Murgio said.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

PriorityEvac currently serves 12 counties across Florida's East and West coasts, spanning Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties in South Florida, as well as the Tampa Bay, Sarasota and Southwest Florida regions.

Flights, operated by Global Crossing Airlines, depart from six designated airports: Miami International Airport, Palm Beach International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport.

WHAT IS STORM SURGE?

Members are flown to Atlanta, a short flight from Florida and one of the nation's largest airline hubs, allowing them access to easily continue to their final destination.

The service does not include a return flight home. Instead, members receive a guidebook with information on ground transportation, connecting flights, lodging options and other resources to help them after arriving in Atlanta.

"We are an evacuation service. It's not a travel concierge service," Murgio said.

When a hurricane threatens Florida, Murgio and his team follow a detailed plan designed to safely evacuate members before conditions deteriorate.

According to Tim Houston, the company's chief operating officer and a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who previously served as chief of operations at NORAD, PriorityEvac closely follows guidance from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Also, one of the company's advisors was a former lead forecaster from the NHC who helps keep the team informed of the latest forecasts and models.

"So the second we see a tropical depression start to form, we're already taking action behind the scenes and keeping all of our members informed," Houston said. "Once there's a 40% or greater probability of hurricane-force winds arriving at one of our affected airports, that's what triggers our response."

"That's when we are calling our members and saying, 'Look, we're going to have somewhere, depending upon how rapidly that storm is intensifying, between 30 and 72 hours to successfully run an evacuation by air,'" Murgio said.

TIMELINE: WHEN YOU WILL SEE THE FIRST IMPACTS OF TROPICAL STORM BERTHA IN THE SOUTHEAST

From there, case managers begin contacting members through text messages, email and direct phone calls to coordinate flight times.

According to Murgio, PriorityEvac is designed to operate at a large scale during an evacuation. Multiple aircraft will continuously shuttle between Florida and Atlanta, transporting passengers to safety before returning to pick up additional members.

HOW ARE HURRICANES RATED? THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE EXPLAINED

The program is designed to give Floridians a simpler, less stressful way to evacuate ahead of a hurricane, avoiding skyrocketing airfare and hours spent sitting in traffic trying to leave the state.

"We'd love to help people change what can be a very scary and chaotic moment into something that is more planned and controlled," Murgio said.

Sitting just offshore, these natural landforms act as a buffer between the open ocean and the mainland, taking the brunt of severe storms.

PROPERTY SUSTAIN HURRICANE DAMAGE? HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Barrier islands are long, narrow stretches of sand that run parallel to the coastline.

Iconic barrier islands protect both bustling coastal communities — like North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Florida’s Sanibel Island and Texas’s Galveston Island — and vital wilderness areas, such as Louisiana’s Chandeleur Islands.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR HURRICANE SEASON

Separated from the mainland by bays, lagoons or marshes, they constantly shift and reshape due to waves, tides and storms.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), barrier islands are dynamic landforms that naturally migrate over time as sand is moved by wind and water.

When a storm strikes, barrier islands absorb the initial impact before powerful hazards reach populated mainland areas. They help by:

Absorbing wave energy: Breaking down massive ocean waves before they hit the mainland.

Slowing storm surge: Acting as a physical wall to reduce inland flooding.

HERE'S WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A FLOODED ROAD

Protecting sensitive wetlands: Shielding estuaries, salt marshes, and inland communities from direct ocean exposure.

Reducing inland erosion: Healthy sand dunes and native vegetation bind the sand, stabilizing the shoreline against erosion.

Sheltering marine ecosystems: The calm waters behind the islands create protected lagoons and salt marshes that serve as vital habitats for sea turtle nesting, migratory birds and fish nurseries.

Experts say healthy dunes and natural vegetation on barrier islands also help stabilize and reduce erosion during storms.

WHAT IS COASTAL EROSION AND WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?

While barrier islands are naturally dynamic, they face increasing pressure today.

Sea-level rise, stronger hurricane seasons and coastal development can disrupt an island's ability to naturally rebuild itself.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Protecting native vegetation, restoring sand dunes and limiting artificial disruption are key to ensuring these natural shields continue guarding our coastlines for generations to come.

So far this month, Chicago has received just over 3.5 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service.

LAKE TRAVIS PASSES CAPACITY AFTER DEVASTATING TEXAS FLOODS, THREATENING HOMES AS BERTHA MOVES ALONG GULF

Despite this, the city is above the annual average precipitation, with 24.1 inches so far, compared to the usual average of 21.1 inches.

Scattered showers are expected this evening as precipitation chances increase overnight.

With more wet weather on the way, prediction markets at Kalshi are analyzing the expected rainfall totals for Chicago by the end of the month.

OVER 116M AMERICANS ACROSS EASTERN US TARGETED BY POSSIBLE TORNADOES, FLASH FLOODING AS SEVERE STORMS TAKE AIM

Experts at Kalshi are predicting a 99% chance that precipitation totals will exceed 3 inches, along with a 51% chance of surpassing 4 inches by the end of July.

This comes as a multiday threat kicked off Monday, impacting portions of the Upper Midwest throughout the afternoon and evening with multiple tornado-warned storms, large hail and damaging winds.

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA STRENGTHENS, THREATENS GULF COAST WITH HEAVY RAIN, COASTAL FLOODING AND SQUALLS

As the severe weather trend continues across portions of the Midwest and Northeast today, there is a chance that rain totals could surpass 3 inches this month, according to experts.

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA STRENGTHENS, THREATENS GULF COAST WITH HEAVY RAIN, STORM SURGE AND SQUALLS

The Louisiana Health Department urged people on Monday to review their emergency plans and stock up on supplies.

TIMELINE: WHEN YOU WILL SEE THE FIRST IMPACTS OF TROPICAL STORM BERTHA IN THE SOUTHEAST

The City of New Orleans advised residents to complete their storm preparations by Tuesday and clear catch basins around their properties.

Louisiana State University (LSU) began monitoring Bertha when it was still a tropical depression.

Entergy, Louisiana's largest electric utility, said it will provide live updates of any power outages and asked people to have their emergency kits ready.

TRACK BERTHA: LIVE RADAR, FLOOD THREAT, WIND SPEED AND RADAR

Meanwhile, energy company Chevron told FOX Weather it had moved all personnel from its Petronius platform onshore.

The company said it also moved people from its Tubular Bells and Blind Faith platforms.

"Chevron will continue to closely monitor the storm. We remain focused on the safety of our workforce, the integrity of our facilities and the protection of the environment," Chevron said in a statement.

Alabama's Emergency Management Agency shared information on assembling a disaster supply kit and Mobile County asked people to stay out of the water due to the High Rip Current Risk caused by Bertha.

The City of Orange Beach, Alabama, urged residents and property owners to secure boats and loose outdoor furniture in preparation for any potential storm surge flooding.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

Tropical Storm Bertha is producing some winds gusting near hurricane force, but they are confined to a robust thunderstorm cell near the center of rotation well offshore of the Florida Panhandle.

Dry air has penetrated the circulation since the get-go and continues to be an inhibiting factor. In addition, the upper-level winds over the Gulf are hostile to dramatic development.

TRACK TROPICAL STORM BERTHA: LIVE RADAR, FORECAST CONE, FLOOD THREAT, WIND SPEED AND WARNINGS

Bertha might intensify a bit more, but the strong upper winds are forecast to increase as it tracks in the direction of southeastern Louisiana, so the intensity is likely to peak soon, and the strongest winds will stay offshore. The National Hurricane Center's forecast shows slow weakening beginning tomorrow.

Some outer bands containing gusty tropical downpours are arcing over the coast and adjacent inland areas. There is some potential for flash flooding in isolated spots. But most of the heavy rain will remain offshore.

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA STRENGTHENS, THREATENS GULF COAST WITH HEAVY RAIN, STORM SURGE AND SQUALLS

Bertha's main effect will be at the coast. The persistent and strong winds on the backside of the circulation will push Gulf water above the normal tide levels. A water rise of 2 to 4 feet above normal high tide is possible, especially in the low-lying areas of southern Alabama, Mississippi, and southeastern Louisiana.

In addition, the surf will be dangerous with large waves and rip currents likely. Pay attention to alerts.

TIMELINE: WHEN YOU WILL SEE FIRST IMPACTS OF TROPICAL STORM BERTHA IN THE SOUTHEAST

There's high confidence that Bertha's center will track west offshore of the western Florida Panhandle and Alabama. As the system nears Mississippi and Alabama late on Wednesday, the forecast is less certain.

The most reliable computer forecasts – both the consensus of traditional models and the Google DeepMind model – indicate that the increasing upper winds could rip the system apart, disconnecting the upper circulation from the one we track at ground level. In that case, the system would die out over or near southern Louisiana. But that's not 100%.

SEVERE STORMS TO TRIGGER MULTIDAY FLOOD THREAT ACROSS MID-ATLANTIC, CAROLINAS AS BERTHA NEARS GULF COAST

Whether it's a weaker system or just a remnant, tropical moisture with some gusty winds could continue west toward Texas. There is no indication of a strong storm impacting the Texas coast, however.

Poorly developed systems over the very warm Gulf water can surprise us, so everyone along the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle to Texas should stay aware.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Track errors for weak systems are, on average, three times as large as they are for strong hurricanes. When a system is moving slowly like this, it compounds the uncertainty. So stay informed, just in case.

The surging water levels are directly impacting low-lying shoreline communities.

Local news outlets report floodwaters at Graveyard Point have already completely swallowed back patios and are pushing toward living spaces.

WATCH: FLOODED GUADALUPE RIVER RUSHES THROUGH KERRVILLE DURING FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY

Last week, Central and Southwest Texas were battered by historic downpours, with up to two feet of rain falling over the Hill Country within a three-day period. 

Multiple water rescues were carried out, and officials tragically reported two fatalities. 

The days of relentless rain also caused the catastrophic collapse of the Farm-to-Market (FM) 481 bridge in Uvalde County.

BRIDGE COLLAPSES DUE TO INTENSE FLOODING IN UVALDE COUNTY AS NONSTOP RAIN SLAMS TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

The current state of Lake Travis remains a primary focus for water officials. According to the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), Lake Travis is considered full for water supply purposes at 681 feet above mean sea level (MSL).

WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES MEAN

As of Tuesday morning, the water level sat at 683.65 feet MSL—roughly 2.6 feet above its full pool capacity, or approximately 105% full.

"The flood pool of Lake Travis is the area between 681 feet above mean sea level (feet msl) to the crest of the emergency spillway at 714 feet msl. The Lake Travis flood pool can store 776,062 acre-feet," LCRA states.

This indicates the lake remains roughly 30 feet below the emergency spillway crest. However, the rapidly rising water prompted the LCRA to open floodgates at Mansfield Dam on Saturday, July 18—marking the dam's first floodgate operation since 2019.

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA STRENGTHENS, THREATENS GULF COAST WITH HEAVY RAIN, STORM SURGE AND SQUALLS

Compounding the situation, Tropical Storm Bertha continues to track through the Gulf. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Although the FOX Forecast Center said the storm is not expected to drop heavy, flood-producing rainfall on the areas still recovering from last week’s disaster, as of Tuesday morning, it is still forecast to bring gusty winds and scattered pockets of rain to parts of Texas later this week.

Stick with FOX Weather as we continue to track Bertha and its regional impacts.

LATEST ON TROPICAL STORM BERTHA

NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a Level 2 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms beginning Wednesday afternoon for northern North Carolina, Eastern Virginia and parts of the Delmarva, with the primary threat being damaging winds gusts.

This threat covers Raleigh, North Carolina, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Salisbury, Maryland.

A broader Level 1 threat includes New Jersey, Washington, D.C., central Virginia, Western and southern North Carolina, as well as parts of northwestern South Carolina.

However, the FOX Forecast Center said the main concern will be flash flooding, especially as the cold front slows down near the Carolinas and taps into increasing moisture from Tropical Storm Bertha in the Gulf. Exactly how much moisture Tropical Storm Bertha will provide will depend on where the storm tracks.

Repeated rounds of heavy rain are expected from Wednesday through at least Friday.

Eastern North Carolina is expected to see the highest rain totals, while the mountains of Western North Carolina are not expected to see significant impacts.

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

Raleigh, areas eastward toward the Outer Banks, and locations along the coast are in the bull's-eye of the greatest flood risk. The threat will extend south toward Wilmington, North Carolina, and north toward Virginia Beach.

Some areas in Eastern North Carolina could receive more than 8 inches of rain between Wednesday and Saturday. A widespread 2-3 inches of rain is expected across the region.

Currently, the flood threat is at a Level 2 out of 4, but the FOX Forecast Center said it could be upgraded to a Level 3 out of 4 depending on how Bertha develops and how much moisture it brings into the region.

TRACK TROPICAL STORM BERTHA: LIVE RADAR, FORECAST CONE AND WARNINGS

By the end of the week, the front is expected to drift farther south, shifting the heaviest rainfall closer to the coast. This could improve conditions inland while moving the flood threat from the Outer Banks toward coastal South Carolina.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest updates.

FOX Weather is here to let you know when to expect the worst conditions in your area.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

Currently, Tropical Storm Watches are in effect from the Florida panhandle to southeastern Louisiana as winds, heavy rain and storm surge are expected to intensify while the storm moves across the region.

The growing threat prompted the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to issue a Storm Surge Watch for parts of the Alabama, Mississippi and southeastern Louisiana coasts.

Some areas could receive up to 4 inches of rain in a short period of time, while storm surge could reach as high as 4 feet above normally dry ground in some locations.

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA FORMS, BRINGING DAYS OF RAIN AND STORM SURGE ALONG PARTS OF THE GULF COAST

Here's a timeline of when Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to arrive in your area and the impacts forecasters expect it to bring.

The day will begin with Bertha located about 100 miles south of Pensacola, Florida.

Despite the storm's proximity to the coast, much of the northern Gulf Coast will see a mix of sun and clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms moving in from the east.

WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

Those storms could extend as far east as Tampa along the west coast of Florida.

Gusty winds between 25 and 35 mph will develop north and east of Bertha's center, creating breezy conditions from the Emerald Coast towards Apalachicola, Florida.

By the afternoon, Bertha will begin turning west, with those gusty winds expanding toward Alabama's coastline.

WHAT IS STORM SURGE?

Scattered showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy downpours will continue across northern Florida while spreading into southern Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.

Meanwhile, the west side of the storm will remain relatively dry. This includes cities like New Orleans.

Tropical storm conditions will become possible along the Alabama coast extending east through the Florida panhandle as Bertha is expected to peak in strength.

Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible, along with increasing rain chances for cities such as Pensacola, Destin, Panama City Beach and possibly Gulf Shores, Alabama.

HERE ARE THE BUZZWORDS YOU'LL BE HEARING DURING HURRICANE SEASON

Any freshwater flooding is expected to be minor and localized. The greater flood threat will come from storm surge, which could reach up to 4 feet.

Most locations are expected to see 1 to 2 feet of surge. That will be enough to cause areas of minor coastal flooding.

Bertha's center will likely be approaching the Louisiana or Mississippi coast.

Winds will increase throughout the day in cities including Gulfport, MS and Biloxi, MS, and eventually New Orleans.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

Landfall is expected sometime Wednesday afternoon or night.

Widespread heavy rain is expected to be hard to come by as strong winds aloft continue to displace the rain over the Gulf.

If Bertha survives its interaction with land, the weakened system will continue tracking west toward Texas, where it could produce pockets of rain.

HOW ARE HURRICANES RATED? THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE EXPLAINED

Luckily, it is not expected to cause heavy rainfall in the parts of Texas that are still recovering from last week's deadly flooding.

Bertha strengthened from Tropical Depression Two and is expected to bring days of heavy rain to parts of the Southeast through Thursday.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Bertha has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

BRIGHT IDEA: BOLD PLAN SUGGESTS WEAKENING ONE OF EARTH'S MOST POWERFUL CLIMATE FORCES

Here is everything you need to know about Tropical Storm Bertha, including where it is, when to expect impacts, tropical alerts and more.

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA FORMS, BRINGING DAYS OF RAIN AND STORM SURGE ALONG PARTS OF THE GULF COAST

MULTIDAY STORM THREAT TARGETS OVER A DOZEN STATES WITH TORNADO THREAT, FLOOD RISK FROM MIDWEST TO NORTHEAST

MAJOR OIL REFINERY SUSPENDS SOME OPERATIONS ALONG GULF IN ANTICIPATION OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO

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WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

OVER 40 MILLION AT RISK AS SEVERE STORMS TARGET MID-ATLANTIC, CAROLINAS FOLLOWING DANGEROUS EAST COAST STORMS

According to the FOX Forecast Center, showers and thunderstorms will continue across the region, but a surge of moisture moving in from the Gulf Coast could worsen impacts as the week goes on.

As the severe weather threat shifts south, parts of southern Virginia and North Carolina will be impacted. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk, with the primary threat being damaging winds.

TROPICAL STORM BERTHA FORMS, BRINGING DAYS OF RAIN AND STORM SURGE ALONG PARTS OF THE GULF COAST

However, the FOX Forecast Center said the main concern will be flash flooding, especially as the cold front slows down near the Carolinas and taps into increasing moisture from Tropical Storm Bertha. This setup could lead to repeated rounds of heavy rainfall.

Eastern North Carolina is expected to be one of the main areas of concern, while the mountainous terrain is not expected to see significant impacts.

Raleigh, areas eastward toward the Outer Banks, and locations along the coast are at the greatest risk. The threat will extend south toward Wilmington, North Carolina, and north toward Virginia Beach.

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

Some areas could receive more than 8 inches of rain by the time the system moves through.

Currently, the flood threat is at a Level 2 out of 4, but the FOX Forecast Center said it could be upgraded to a Level 3 out of 4 depending on how Bertha develops and how much moisture it brings into the region.

HOW MUCH LONGER WILL THE CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE PLAGUE THE NORTHERN US?

By the end of the week, the front is expected to drift farther south, shifting the heaviest rainfall closer to the coast. This could improve conditions inland while moving the flood threat from the Outer Banks toward coastal South Carolina.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest updates.

Due to disruptions to the seawater environment and warming temperatures, these invasive species have thrived, threatening fisheries, ecosystems and disrupting swimmers.

POPULAR $7 BILLION TINY, SEAFOOD DELICACY IS RAPIDLY TRANSFORMING INTO A NEW INVASIVE SPECIES ALONG THE COAST

Comb jellies have jelly-like bodies with bright-colored bands, which are made up of tiny hairs called combs, according to the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Unlike jellyfish, these animals do not have stinging tentacles, which can help swimmers feel much calmer as they enter the beautiful lagoons in Venice.

Surprisingly, the natural predator of this creature is itself, as comb jellies are cannibalistic, with the pink comb jelly as the usual culprit.

THOUSANDS OF GIANT LION'S MANE JELLYFISH SIGHTINGS TRIGGER PUBLIC SAFETY ALERTS FOR NEW ENGLAND BEACHGOERS

As summer temperatures rise in such lagoons across Italy, this gives the jellies a boost, allowing them to develop more quickly and increase populations further, creating a nuisance for swimmers.

These creatures can cause significant disruption to local fish populations by eating anchovies, sardines and sprats, leaving little behind and harming local fisheries.

The comb jelly can thrive in a wide range of water temperatures and reproduce quickly, creating an ongoing problem for fisheries and swimmers looking to enjoy time in the water this summer.

LARGEST KNOWN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN STRANDING OFF NEW ENGLAND COAST PROMPTS MASSIVE RESCUE EFFORT

Warming temperatures and a lack of persistent natural predators have allowed this animal to thrive with no exact plan to stop its destructive ways.

"Eradication of this invader is almost impossible, given its widespread establishment," the U.S. Department of State said. "Focus has now moved to controlling the growth and success of the comb jelly in attempts to reverse the fisheries decline in the Black and Azov Seas."

SEE IT: RARE FOOTAGE CAPTURES ELUSIVE BLUE-RINGED OCTOPUS CARRYING HER EGGS OFF AUSTRALIAN COAST

Over time, control methods can help contain invasive species and, hopefully, discover ways to protect better underwater ecosystems that comb jellies affect so drastically.

Bertha strengthened from Tropical Depression Two and is expected to bring days of heavy rain to parts of the Southeast.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

Bertha is located about 100 miles south of the eastern Florida Panhandle Monday morning, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

A tropical storm is a type of tropical cyclone — a rotating, organized system of thunderstorms — with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, making it stronger than a tropical depression.

Tropical Storm Watches expanded Monday morning along the coast from the Ochlockonee River in the Florida Panhandle to the Jefferson-Plaquemines Parish border in Louisiana, indicating that these areas could experience tropical storm conditions into Tuesday.

Additionally, the NHC warned that the storm surge along the immediate coast in this area could reach 1 to 3 feet.

WHAT IS STORM SURGE?

A Storm Surge Watch was issued late Monday morning from the Alabama-Florida border to the Mouth of the Mississippi River, meaning that there is the possibility of life-threatening flooding from rising water moving inland from the coast. A storm surge of 2 to 4 feet is possible for this area.

In preparation for Tropical Storm Bertha, Chevron said they are suspending some operations, including shutting-in production at their Petronius facility, and all associated employees are being moved onshore, according to the company.

"We are also transporting nonessential personnel from our Tubular Bells and Blind Faith platforms. At our onshore facilities, we are following our storm preparedness procedures and paying close attention to the forecast and track of the system," Chevron said in a statement to FOX Weather.

HOW ARE HURRICANES RATED? THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE EXPLAINED

According to the NHC, Bertha is currently forecast to move slowly northwest along the northern Gulf Coast over the next several days.

However, there is still some uncertainty about Bertha's forecast track.

HOW ARE HURRICANES RATED? THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE EXPLAINED

"If the system stays weaker and moves inland sooner, the heaviest rain would spread farther inland across parts of the Southeast," the FOX Forecast Center said. 

"If it strengthens and remains over the Gulf longer, the heaviest rain would stay closer to the coast before gradually shifting west along the Gulf Coast later in the week."

This second scenario would bring the heaviest rain toward the Middle Texas Coast toward the end of the week.

HURRICANE MELISSA TIES RECORD FOR STRONGEST HURRICANE IN ATLANTIC HISTORY

Meanwhile, forecast models are much more confident that this system will bring periods of heavy rain to the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend as it passes by.

Rain totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected through the middle of the week, with isolated higher amounts possible. 

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, part of the Egyptian Government, has uncovered a residential city dating back to the Byzantine Empire, when the Eastern Roman Empire thrived for over a thousand years.

ANCIENT 'LOST WORLD' COULD REWRITE HISTORY FOR HOW FIRST AMERICANS ARRIVED 13,000 YEARS AGO

Experts analyzed the residential city, noting that it followed an organized urban plan of intertwining main streets, open fields, squares and a Basilica Church overlooking one of the main streets.

Many other features of the city make it seem more like a residential community, with two watchtowers, a thick-walled fortress and a collection of houses with spacious halls, ovens, kitchens and various tools, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Along with these discoveries, officials uncovered a number of bronze and gold coins depicting Roman emperors and Latin and Christian symbols.

BRIGHT IDEA: BOLD PLAN SUGGESTS WEAKENING ONE OF EARTH'S MOST POWERFUL CLIMATE FORCES

Among the most prominent discoveries was a residence that housed the city’s deacon, dating back to the 4th century, when the Western Roman Empire fell, leaving the eastern half as the last standing piece of the once-great Imperium.

The Eastern Roman Empire is very different from the rest of its unified history, as Constantine was the first Christian Emperor.

ANCIENT DISCOVERY: LOST PAGES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT REVEAL LETTERS OF THE APOSTLE ST. PAUL

Rome’s influence in Egypt began hundreds of years before the establishment of the Eastern Roman Empire. Still, this era marked a new time when Emperor Constantine established a "New Rome," which spawned a rich tradition of art, literature and learning.

This is the city of Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul, Turkey.

In 330 A.D., Constantine established the new city, governed by Roman law, observed by Christianity, and adopted Greek as its primary language, serving as a melting pot of various cultures due to its unique geographical location.

SEE IT: VILLA CONTAINING RUINS FROM ROMAN EMPIRE UNCOVERED IN EGYPT

Emperor Constantine would seek to quickly populate the city by offering residents full citizenship and free food rations, supported by a system of aqueducts to ensure access to water within the city walls.

He brought art and other ornaments from Rome to display and more strongly influence the culture of the new land.

Eventually, Constantine built an enormous city that served as the heart of Eastern Christianity and thrived for over a thousand years, until May 29, 1453, when it fell to the Ottoman Empire.

CEMETERY FROM THE ROMAN EMPIRE UNCOVERED IN EGYPT REVEALS NEW DETAILS ABOUT MONUMENTAL ERA IN HISTORY

Further discoveries from these eras, hundreds of years ago, continue to shed light on Egypt's diverse history and culture.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office said a driver noticed a young child running along State Route 257, clearly distraught, around 9 p.m. on Sunday. They called police to relay that the child said his family was in the river.

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

Multiple first responders arrived, and two adult women were subsequently pulled from the water. They were taken to nearby hospitals and later pronounced dead, according to authorities.

The search for three adult men who are also believed to have been in the water continued on Monday. The sheriff's office told FOX Weather that officials found the bodies in the river around 2 p.m.

The Scioto River appears to have risen over the past few days, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Parts of Ohio experienced scattered showers and thunderstorms on Sunday.

MULTIDAY STORM THREAT TARGETS OVER A DOZEN STATES WITH SEVERE WEATHER, FLOOD RISK FROM MIDWEST TO NORTHEAST

The Midwest is also currently facing a multiday risk of severe storms and flooding, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Multiple fire and police agencies responded to the scene to assist with search efforts.

The sheriff's office said they are withholding identities pending family notification. They said they're investigating the incident and will provide updates as they become available.

HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY: FIRE CAPTAIN, HIS WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN HAVE DIED AMID FLASH FLOODING IN SOUTHERN UTAH

The Scioto River is 231 miles long and is a popular attraction for people in the area. It's a major central Ohio waterway that's famous for fishing (particularly saugeye, catfish and smallmouth bass), kayaking and boating, according to publiclands.com.

The incident comes just days after a fire captain, his wife and three kids were killed during flash flooding in Utah.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

SEE IT: NEWLY DISCOVERED GOLF BALL-SIZED BLUE OCTOPUS FOUND OFF COAST OF GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

Jules Casey, who shared the incredible footage on her Instagram account, recounted the unique encounter.

Casey said she was initially pointing out a conger eel to her dive buddy when he spotted the octopus.

After briefly losing sight of the creature while moving toward it, she returned about an hour later and found the octopus in the same spot.

SEE IT: RARE BUS-SIZED PHANTOM JELLYFISH CAUGHT ON DEEP SEA VIDEO OFF ARGENTINA'S COAST

The striking video shows the octopus's brilliant blue rings contrasting sharply against what appears to be an orange sponge.

The white/cream and almost translucent jellybean-like structures wrapped around her tentacles are her eggs.

According to a post by Casey, encountering a blue-ringed octopus out in the open is highly unusual because they generally remain concealed in their dens. She notes that a predator might have disturbed this particular female.

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"But what was really interesting, she stayed out in this position for hours," Casey wrote in her post, regarding the creature's unusual behavior.

Due to the impending dangerous conditions, the petroleum refineries company Chevron, which is headquartered in Houston, Texas, will shut down some operations and move personnel onshore.

This comes as officials begin storm-preparedness procedures as Tropical Depression Two is expected to develop into Bertha on Monday.

7 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS

"In preparation for Tropical Depression Two, we are shutting-in production at our Petronius facility, and all associated personnel are being moved onshore," Chevron said in a statement to FOX Weather.

Most petroleum refineries are located along major coastlines, putting personnel directly under threat.

If the storm system becomes better organized and strengthens, a large area of high pressure along the southern U.S. could keep it over warm Gulf waters, increasing the chances of the storm impacting the Texas coast this week.

TROPICAL STORM WATCHES EXPANDED AS TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO EXPECTED TO BECOME BERTHA LATER MONDAY

Tropical Depression Two is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain of 2 to 4 inches throughout the week across Florida, the Texas panhandle and the Big Bend region.

This will also bring a Level 1 out of 4 flash flood threat to start the week, before it is upgraded to a Level 2 out of 4 for areas along the immediate Gulf coast.

MULTIDAY STORM THREAT TARGETS OVER A DOZEN STATES WITH SEVERE WEATHER, FLOOD RISK FROM MIDWEST TO NORTHEAST

As storm conditions continue to develop, it is possible that Chevron and other coastal businesses could take further safety precautions.

By studying its composition, researchers are unlocking secrets about ancient water, the chemical changes that shaped early asteroids and the materials that may have helped create the conditions for life.

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

Classified as a CM carbonaceous chondrite, this meteorite belongs to a group of space rocks known for being rich in carbon.

According to NASA, "These primitive rocks preserve some of the oldest materials in the solar system, recording the chemical processes that shaped asteroids more than 4.5 billion years ago."

Scientists learned that the rock does carry fundamental components for life.

The breakthrough began on July 16, 2024, when the meteorite landed on the property of a New Jersey amateur astronomer. Because of its sudden landing spot, the space rock officially became known as the Hillsborough meteorite.

METEOR? EARTHQUAKE? UNCOVERING WHY NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK FELT SHAKING

Given the homeowner's background in astronomy, he instantly knew the rock's significance and took immediate action to preserve it in foil and glass before it could face environmental contamination.

Additionally, because many people caught video of the meteorite streaking across the sky, researchers were able to track its trajectory and determine its likely point of origin.

"When we have both a documented fireball and a quick recovery of its meteorite, we can learn not only what the rock is made of, but where it came from in the asteroid belt," said Peter Jenniskens, a meteor astronomer at the SETI Institute and NASA's Ames Research Center, in a NASA press statement.

Evidence found reveals that liquid, salty water once flowed through the parent asteroid. 

By examining tiny cracks inside the rock, scientists found evidence of sodium deposits left behind by ancient, salt-rich brines that flowed through the asteroid billions of years ago.

NEW STUDY SUGGESTS EARTH COULD ESCAPE THE SUN'S FIERY DEMISE HOWEVER HUMANITY'S FATE REMAINS SEALED

"Hillsborough marks the first time the salts have been identified in a CM carbonaceous chondrite meteorite, offering a new glimpse into the surfaces of the primitive asteroids that produced these meteorites," NASA stated.

Researchers also found that the meteorite contains complex organic compounds, including amino acids, which are the raw chemical building blocks of biology. 

HOW OFTEN DO METEORITES CRASH IN THE US?

"It's just more proof that the chemical building blocks of life could have been delivered — and are still being delivered — to Earth today by these carbonaceous asteroid fragments," said Danny Glavin, an astrobiologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Glavin, a co-investigator on NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, previously led the international team that analyzed organic samples brought back from the asteroid Bennu.

PHOTOS: MYSTERIOUS METALLIC SPHERES WASHING UP ON AUSTRALIAN BEACH IDENTIFIED

Ultimately, this newly discovered information plays a vital role in the continued understanding of how life could have started early in our solar system.

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"If you follow the water through the solar system, you're actually following life," Mike Zolensky, a meteorite researcher at NASA Johnson and co-author of the study, said. "Following the history of water through the solar system is an essential part of understanding the origin of life."

The active start to the Eastern Pacific hurricane season is in keeping with the strengthening El Niño climate pattern, which historically enhances tropical activity in the basin.

ODDS INCREASE AGAIN FOR SUPER EL NIÑO BY THIS FALL

Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring an area several hundred miles south of Mexico for potential tropical development. The NHC is giving this area a medium chance of development over the next seven days.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TROPICAL DEPRESSION, TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE?

According to the NHC, Tropical Storm Fausto is expected to strengthen into the basin's first hurricane sometime Monday night.

Fausto is roughly 785 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, with wind speeds of 60 mph.

Once a tropical storm’s winds reach 74 mph, it is called a hurricane and maintains the same name it had when it was a tropical storm.

Fausto is expected to move into a more favorable environment for tropical development, where it could continue to strengthen through midweek before it encounters more hostile conditions and gradually weakens.

It is expected to track northwest over the next several days in the general direction of Hawaii, which it could approach in eight to 10 days.

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Meanwhile, Elida became post-tropical Monday morning as it moved north over cooler waters, roughly parallel to Baja California.

However, the NHC warned that the system will still generate life-threatening rip currents for parts of Southern California during the next several days.

WHAT IS A RIP CURRENT AND HOW TO SURVIVE ONE

The FOX Forecast Center said the storm's remnants could also bring rain to parts of Southern California as well.

"So far, the basin has produced six named storms: Amanda, Boris, Cristina, Douglas, Elida and now Fausto," the Forecast Center said.

"All storms formed ahead of their average climatological formation dates."

Tropical Depression Two has a broad circulation with clusters of heavy thunderstorms, but it's infused with dry air. The overall environment is less conducive to organizing and strengthening today, but the moderately hostile upper winds still might abate enough for the system to spin up into Tropical Storm Bertha. So far, the sustained winds are less than 40 mph.

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Rain bands rotating around the sprawling circulation contain tropical downpours. In the short term, rainfall will be the biggest threat wherever they spread over the coastal sections.

Onshore wind in Apalachee Bay south of Tallahassee could push the water 1 to 3 feet above the normal high tide level. As the storm tracks west, watch for elevated tides all along the northern Gulf Coast.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO EXPECTED TO BECOME TROPICAL STORM BERTHA LATER MONDAY AS RAIN TARGETS THE SOUTHEAST

For the next couple days, the system will drift northwest to west offshore of the coastline. The expectation is for a slow strengthening process under slightly less hostile upper winds, so that by later today or tomorrow, the depression will strengthen enough for the National Hurricane Center to upgrade it to Tropical Storm Bertha.

Remember the rule: Predictions for just-developing, poorly developed, and slow-moving systems are subject to much higher errors, and forecast details are likely to change. Every caveat applies to this system.

Yesterday, there was some concern that Bertha might develop quickly and miss interaction with land as it moved to the west later in the week. That might have resulted in a stronger system reaching Texas. But today, the strong consensus of the computer forecasts is that the depression or a weak Bertha will run into Louisiana and die out there.

The yellow line represents the consensus of the traditional models, and the red one is the Google DeepMind forecast. Notice that both of them lose the circulation over Louisiana.

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In addition, upper-level winds are forecast to be quite hostile at that point. Those winds would likely carry the moisture from what's left of the depression or Bertha toward Texas.

Until or if a well-developed center actually forms, the forecasts will be iffy. But the trends are good for a low-end tropical storm at most.

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Those upper-level winds are also likely to push the heaviest rain south of the coast and over the Gulf. But heavy, tropical rain bands with gusty winds are still possible at the coast and in adjacent inland sections. Be ready for any local alerts from the National Weather Service.

For now, there's nothing to do but stay aware. We have to see how the system develops today. Will the hostile environment of upper-level winds and dry air continue to take its toll, or will a pocket of conducive atmosphere allow the system to become better developed? Forecasts for well-organized systems are almost always more accurate.

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year. 

SECTION OF SPACEX FALCON 9 ROCKET EXPECTED TO SMASH INTO THE MOON

The annual shower is known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors and bright fireballs as Earth passes through a trail of debris left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.

The Perseids are active from July 17 through Aug. 24, but the best viewing is expected during the peak from Aug. 12 into Aug. 13. 

Under clear, dark skies, observers could see up to 100 meteors per hour, along with fireballs. 

This year's display is expected to be one of the best in years because the peak coincides with a new moon, leaving the skies darker and making even the smallest meteors easier to spot.

According to the American Meteor Society, the meteors are called the Perseids because they appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, even though they can be seen across much of the night sky.

THE BEST CELESTIAL EVENTS IN 2026 YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

The shower's peak comes just hours after a total solar eclipse visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain. A partial solar eclipse will also be visible across portions of Europe and parts of North America, including some areas in the U.S. and Canada.

For the best viewing experience, experts recommend heading to a dark location away from city lights and streetlamps. Allow your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, avoid looking at your phone, and look up after midnight through the hours before dawn for the greatest chance of spotting a shooting star.

NASA'S EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT FLIES SUPERSONIC FOR THE FIRST TIME

Whether you're an experienced stargazer or simply looking to make a wish on a shooting star, the Perseid meteor shower is one of the summer's most spectacular celestial displays.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

Tropical Depression Two formed in the eastern Gulf on Sunday and is expected to bring days of heavy rainfall to parts of the Southeast.

Tropical Depression Two was located about 100 miles south of the eastern Florida Panhandle Monday morning, with maximum sustained winds increasing to 35 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, making it stronger than a tropical depression.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect along the coast from the Ochlockonee River in the Florida Panhandle to the Mississippi-Alabama border, indicating that these areas could experience tropical storm conditions into Tuesday.

Additionally, the NHC warned that the storm surge along the immediate coast in this area could reach 1 to 3 feet.

WHAT IS STORM SURGE?

According to the NHC, Tropical Depression Two is currently forecast to move slowly northwest along the northern Gulf Coast over the next several days.

However, there is still some uncertainty about Bertha's forecast track after it forms later Monday.

HOW ARE HURRICANES RATED? THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE EXPLAINED

"If the system stays weaker and moves inland sooner, the heaviest rain would spread farther inland across parts of the Southeast," the FOX Forecast Center said. 

"If it strengthens and remains over the Gulf longer, the heaviest rain would stay closer to the coast before gradually shifting west along the Gulf Coast later in the week."

This second scenario would bring the heaviest rain toward the Middle Texas Coast toward the end of the week.

HURRICANE MELISSA TIES RECORD FOR STRONGEST HURRICANE IN ATLANTIC HISTORY

Meanwhile, forecast models are much more confident that this system will bring periods of heavy rain to the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend as it passes by. Rain totals of 2–4 inches are expected through the middle of the week, with isolated higher amounts possible. 

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department said their search and rescue team responded to the Santa Cruz River near the I-10 and I-19 interchange around 1 p.m. Friday.

HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY: FIRE CAPTAIN, HIS WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN HAVE DIED AMID FLASH FLOODING IN SOUTHERN UTAH

Deputies said they received reports of a man being swept down the Julian Wash. Search crews spent several hours canvassing several areas along the Julian Wash and Santa Cruz River, but were unsuccessful.

The search was later suspended after not being able to locate the man. The Tucson Fire Department and police department helped with the search, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety helped search by air.

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Authorities said a separate search began later in the evening after the man's family reported him missing.

His family told officials that the man had been in the wash earlier in the day and were concerned for his safety.

Storm activity later in the day caused water levels in the Julian Wash to rise, according to the sheriff's department.

BRIDGE COLLAPSES DUE TO INTENSE FLOODING IN UVALDE COUNTY AS NONSTOP RAIN SLAMS TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

The man's family told deputies that he had developmental disabilities and low cognitive ability.

Search efforts resumed on Saturday, and crews were ultimately able to recover the body of 29-year-old Ernesto Ojeda.

The tragedy happens as the Southwest's monsoon season kicks off.

SOUTHWEST MONSOON SEASON OFFICIALLY BEGINS AS DRAMATIC ATMOSPHERIC FLIP UNDERWAY FROM HEAT TO FLASH FLOODING

A monsoon is a seasonal reversal of prevailing winds driven by the temperature contrast between land and ocean, pumping vast amounts of moisture into a region.

The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. No additional information was immediately available.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

Officials said the system is likely to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha over the next day or so as it continues to organize and the pressure near the center of the storm gradually drops.

A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, making it stronger than a tropical depression.

As of now, Tropical Depression Two, formerly known as Invest 91L, is producing thunderstorms over the center of the system, helping it overcome dry air that has been penetrating the circulation.

WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

Moisture from the very warm Gulf waters is expected to help the system gradually strengthen into a tropical storm.

At the same time, slightly hostile upper-level winds from the northeast are forecast to affect the system, limiting its overall intensity.

Those winds are also expected to keep much of the heaviest rainfall offshore, although tropical downpours are still likely from Florida's west coast to Louisiana.

HOW ARE HURRICANES RATED? THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE EXPLAINED

The FOX Forecast Center said computer models indicate the center of the storm will move into the northeastern Gulf, well south of Tallahassee, beginning Monday.

From there, the storm's future will depend on how it organizes.

If it strengthens into a tropical storm, thunderstorms are expected to shift west toward the Louisiana and Texas coasts, which is considered the most likely scenario. If the system remains weaker, it will drift inland.

HURRICANE MELISSA TIES RECORD FOR STRONGEST HURRICANE IN ATLANTIC HISTORY

Fortunately, due to the upper-level winds and dry air, there is currently no indication the system will become very strong from a wind standpoint.

However, because the storm is moving over warm Gulf waters, the FOX Forecast Center is continuing to closely monitor the system and potentially affected areas through at least the middle of next week.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

Rescuers noted the initial incident involved the "largest known stranding of bottlenose dolphins off Massachusetts."

THOUSANDS OF GIANT LION'S MANE JELLYFISH SIGHTINGS TRIGGER PUBLIC SAFETY ALERTS FOR NEW ENGLAND BEACHGOERS

According to NOAA Fisheries, a marine mammal stranding refers to an animal that is found dead or is alive, but unable to return to its natural habitat without assistance.

The incident unfolded on Monday, July 13, when the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) was alerted to nearly 30 bottlenose dolphins mass stranded along the Brewster coastline.

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The animals were spread out across the beaches between First Light and Ellis Landing.

While most refloated with the incoming tide, several dolphins died before rescuers arrived.

By Tuesday morning, the situation intensified. Rescue teams initially located four bottlenose dolphins in Wellfleet's Herring River Gut, but the crisis rapidly expanded to 19 live dolphins stranded across three separate locations, spanning a 9-mile stretch from Brewster to Wellfleet.

ATLANTIC’S LARGEST MALE GREAT WHITE CONTENDER LIKELY HEADING TOWARD THIS POPULAR SUMMER GETAWAY

The rapid expansion underscores the unique risks of the local coastline.

According to the IFAW, "The area within the ‘crook’ of Wellfleet and Eastham is a globally recognized hotspot for mass stranding events due to the extreme tidal fluctuations and the shallow flats of Cape Cod’s unique geography."

Within that 9-mile stretch, crews fitted two of the dolphins with satellite tags, later tracking the separated groups as they successfully reunited to form a single pod of about 22 dolphins on the water.

PORTUGUESE MAN O' WAR WARNINGS ISSUED IN MYRTLE BEACH AFTER STRONG CURRENTS WASH VENOMOUS WILDLIFE ASHORE

By Wednesday, satellite data showed the tagged dolphins traveling about two miles northwest of Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable — a promising sign that the animals had moved into safer, deeper water.

Following the incidents, IFAW officials emphasized that stranded marine mammals require highly specialized care and cautioned beachgoers against taking matters into their own hands.

"Similar to a person involved in a car accident, dolphins can become injured and exhausted during a stranding event and should never be pushed or dragged back into the water. Members of the public who encounter a stranded or distressed marine mammal should keep a safe distance and contact trained rescue experts through our IFAW Stranding Hotline," officials said.

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IFAW said they conduct activities under a federal stranding agreement between IFAW and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

FOX News Digital reports that homes and a church collapsed due to the magnitude 5.5 earthquake, and an unknown number of people remain missing.

MAGNITUDE 3.3 EARTHQUAKE RATTLES YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEAR INFAMOUS SUPERVOLCANO

The earthquake struck around 9:20 p.m., and it happened at a depth of roughly 6.2 miles about a mile away from Sicaya, which is in central Peru, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Peru's National Civil Defense Institute said more than 20 people have been injured and at least 300 residents have been forced from their homes.

Officials are still trying to account for missing residents after several buildings collapsed or were left unsafe, including a local church and convent, according to FOX News Digital.

TSUNAMI THREAT CANCELED FOR MEXICO, GUATEMALA AFTER MAGNITUDE 7.3 EARTHQUAKE ALONG THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE

Authorities said the region's widespread use of traditional adobe construction likely made the damage worse. Luis Vásquez, head of the local civil defense office, said the rustic building materials "contributed to the greater impact and damage," FOX News Digital reported.

Shaking from the earthquake was reported all across the country, including in Lima, the country's capital.

Peru is smack-dab in the middle of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which has seen a lot of earthquakes lately.

UNDERSTANDING THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE: WHERE EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES MEET

The Ring of Fire is the most seismically and volcanically active region on Earth, with frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions caused by the movement of these tectonic plates.

Since 1900, numerous magnitude 8.0 earthquakes have occurred in the region, which were followed by devastating tsunamis, including the 1960 magnitude 9.5 earthquake in southern Chile, the largest recorded quake in the world, according to the USGS.

That megaquake and its subsequent Pacific-wide tsunamis killed thousands of people, left two million homeless and caused widespread devastation as far away as Japan and Hawaii, according to officials.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Other notable shallow tsumani-generating earthquakes include the 1906 magnitude 8.5 quake near Esmeraldas, Ecuador, the 1922 magnitude 8.5 quake near Coquimbo, Chile and the 2007 magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck the coastal province of Pisco.

Fueled by surging moisture ahead of a cold front, the storms will shift east each day as the severe risk ramps up through Wednesday, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

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As the system and its cold front move in, some storms could become severe, with damaging wind gusts, large hail and even a few tornadoes possible.

The setup begins Monday as a system moves out of southern Canada and into the Great Lakes. Ahead of it, warm and humid air will build across the Upper Midwest, creating favorable conditions for thunderstorms.

OVER 40 MILLION AT RISK AS SEVERE STORMS TARGET MID-ATLANTIC, CAROLINAS FOLLOWING DANGEROUS EAST COAST STORMS

In fact, the Storm Prediction Center upgraded portions of Wisconsin and northern Iowa to Level 3 out of 5 for risk ahead of Monday's threats.

Destructive winds will be likely in these areas, the FOX Forecast Center said.

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Additionally, cities to monitor on Monday include Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay and Des Moines, where a Level 2 out of 5 threat exists.

By Tuesday, the threat shifts farther east into the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians as the cold front continues to move across the region.

BRIDGE COLLAPSES DUE TO INTENSE FLOODING IN UVALDE COUNTY AS NONSTOP RAIN SLAMS TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Additional storms are expected to develop during the afternoon and evening, with the potential for damaging winds remaining the primary concern.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO FORMS IN THE GULF, WITH HEAVY DOWNPOURS EXPECTED IN THE SOUTHEAST

Cities to monitor on Tuesday are Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Columbus, Louisville and Indianapolis to name a few, where another Level 2 out of 5 severe storm threat is present.

By Wednesday, another disturbance reinforcing the pattern will track through the Great Lakes, pushing the severe weather threat into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, including the I-95 corridor.

Within any multiday severe weather event, flash flooding will also be likely each day, the FOX Forecast Center said.

Deep, rich moisture is expected to pool ahead of the front, which will allow for intense rain rates approaching 2 to 3 inches in some locations.

BRIDGE COLLAPSES DUE TO INTENSE FLOODING IN UVALDE COUNTY AS NONSTOP RAIN SLAMS TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Due to the fact that storms may repeatedly track over the same areas — especially across urbanized corridors susceptible to fast runoff — the flash flooding threat will escalate as the week progresses.

While confidence is growing in this overall pattern, there are still some uncertainties about the exact timing and location of the strongest storms.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

"Thunderstorms from one day can leave behind clouds and cooler air that influence where storms develop the following day. Even so, the overall setup continues to support multiple days of severe weather as the threat gradually shifts east," the FOX Forecast Center said.

Stay weather-aware and stick with FOX Weather for the latest updates on these developing storms.

There is not much wind, but the rain bands have enough organization to fit the definition of a depression. The pressure near the center of the system is slowly dropping.

WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

The National Hurricane Center is forecasting the system to become Tropical Storm Bertha by tomorrow.

Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for the Florida Panhandle from south of Tallahassee to the Alabama line.

Dry air is still penetrating the circulation both from the north and the south, but the very warm Gulf should provide plenty of moisture, allowing the system to strengthen and Bertha to form.

WHAT IS A TROPICAL DEPRESSION?

Slightly hostile upper-level winds from the northeast or north are forecast to plague the system during its time over the Gulf, which should put an upper limit on its intensity. And those upper winds will also hold most of the heaviest rain offshore, though tropical downpours will certainly affect the coastal zones from the west coast of Florida to Louisiana, including sections within about 50 miles of the coast.

There is a high consensus in the computer forecast models that the center of the broad circulation will move into the northeastern Gulf well south of Tallahassee tomorrow. After that, the future track seems to depend on how organized the system is.

If it has tall thunderstorms, which seems likely, it will be pushed west in the general direction of the Louisiana coast. If it's weaker, it's more likely to continue to drift closer to the coast or inland, but fewer computer forecasts indicate that scenario.

The National Hurricane Center’s forecast cone follows that thinking. The farther offshore it stays, the better opportunity it will have to get a bit stronger. As of now, the NHC's forecast is for a 60-mph tropical storm drifting west offshore of the central northern Gulf Coast.

Here you see the location of the center as forecast by the European model (ECMWF), the U.S. GFS, the Google AI model, and the European AI model (AIFS) on Wednesday.

Notice that the dark green, where the tropical moisture is concentrated, is mostly offshore. This is the work of the upper-level winds blowing out of the north, pushing the moisture south.

Still, the biggest threat is heavy rain from a slow-moving system first over the west coast and peninsula of Florida, and then across the eastern half of the Gulf Coast and surrounding areas. 

TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO FORMS IN THE GULF, WITH HEAVY DOWNPOURS EXPECTED IN THE SOUTHEAST

Here is the map showing the forecast rain based on current forecasts. But higher amounts are likely to fall where a rotating band traverses the same area for an extended period of time.

Notice that the heavier rain bulges north over the eastern Panhandle around Tallahassee because the storm will only slowly make the turn to the left.

Because of the somewhat hostile upper winds and dry air, there's no indication that, from a wind standpoint, it will get terribly strong. But a 60 mph storm is not nothing.

If those sustained winds occur near the coast, gusts will reach hurricane strength.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Whenever systems are drifting over the warm water of the Gulf, we pay attention, of course.

In the affected areas, plan to stay aware at least until the middle of next week.

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office said they responded to the Sunglow Campground Area in Bicknell, Utah, after getting a report that a body had been found.

SEE IT: FIREFIGHTERS USE RESCUE BOATS TO SAVE 15 CAMPERS STRANDED IN FAST-RISING FLOODWATERS

Deputies found the body of a young boy in a wash near the campground. Search and rescue officials received reports that there was a missing family in the area.

Authorities said the family arrived at the campground around 11:30 a.m. Friday to go hiking and canyoneering.

During their search, two more men were found dead, believed to have fallen victim to flooding caused by heavy rain.

RELENTLESS RAIN COMING TO AN END IN TEXAS AS DEADLY FLASH FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS CONTINUE

Provo Fire and Rescue said Fire Captain Spencer Long and his family died.

"We are absolutely heartbroken by the death of Captain Spencer Long and his family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family and the ongoing official process, we will not be commenting further at this time," Provo Fire and Rescue said on Facebook.

The sheriff's office later said two more missing people were found dead.

All search teams have since cleared the area, and the campground is no longer restricted to access.

SOUTHWEST MONSOON SEASON OFFICIALLY BEGINS AS DRAMATIC ATMOSPHERIC FLIP UNDERWAY FROM HEAT TO FLASH FLOODING

Later, the sheriff's office identified the other two people who had died. However, they did not release their identification.

A GoFundMe created in honor of the family said Long, his wife Katrina and their sons Reid, Thayne and Gage died due to devastating flash floods.

The GoFundMe — which appears to have been created by Provo Fire and Rescue — said their daughter Lydia's life "has changed forever in an instant."

"She lost the people she loved most and now faces the overwhelming challenge of moving forward while carrying an unimaginable grief," the GoFundMe reads.

According to the Mona City Government, former councilmember Katrina Long was deeply devoted to her community, leaving a lasting legacy through her tireless service and kindness.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

"We will forever be grateful for all that Katrina and her family have done to support and strengthen our community," they wrote.

According to our affiliate station, FOX 13, local Wayne County resident James Todd Manwill recalled watching a heavy emergency presence — including the Highway Patrol and deputies from both Sevier and Wayne counties — rush past his home toward the scene.

Manwill added that he feels perhaps something more can be done to prevent future tragedies.

"We need to have...some kind of warning system about monsoon season down in our county because we've had some serious flash floods down here before," he told FOX 13.

SOUTHWEST MONSOON SEASON: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A monsoon is a seasonal reversal of prevailing winds driven by the temperature contrast between land and ocean, pumping vast amounts of moisture into a region.

The invest has an 80% chance of development over the next two days, as well as an 80% chance of developing over the next week, as it moves slowly to the north and north-west, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). 

Invest 91L was designated on Saturday by the NHC.

The term "invest" is used every hurricane season in the Atlantic and the Eastern and Central Pacific basins, accompanied by a number from 90 to 99 and either the suffix "L," "E" or "C," respectively. It is used to identify areas they are investigating for possible development into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next seven days.

WHAT IS AN INVEST DURING HURRICANE SEASON?

Rain from this system is already falling in Florida, with showers reported in Tampa and along Florida's northwestern coast.

Those along Florida's panhandle and along the western coast as well as in coastal Alabama should pay attention to the progress of this system, the NHC said.

The FOX Forecast Center said we will need to watch how far north the invest tracks. If it moves into the Florida panhandle, it will weaken, and the story will be over early. If it stays over water, then the development prospects become more interesting. 

Sunday will be the main day to look out for.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

On Friday, the NHC finally placed an "X" on the map, which means there is officially an area of low pressure to track. Not only is there an area of low pressure, but it formed farther away from the coast than originally anticipated, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Most impacts will come in the form of rain. Wind impacts are not expected unless a tropical depression or tropical storm forms.

Hurricane hunters will begin scheduled flights into Invest 91L starting Sunday. The first flight is set to take off around 1 p.m. ET.

If the system develops into a tropical storm, it'll be given the name Bertha.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

This story is developing. Check back frequently for updates. 

The final comes to East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday. As millions of fans around the world turn their attention to New York New Jersey Stadium, the weather forecast is looking favorable for the match-up of two soccer titans: Argentina and Spain. 

Located about 12 miles from New York City, the open-air, 80,000-seat venue is fully exposed to the elements, but on Sunday, that won't have a major impact on the game. 

CAN CONCERTS AND SPORTING EVENTS CAUSE EARTHQUAKES?

According to the FOX Forecast Center, weather is expected to cooperate for Sunday's World Cup Final between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Lamine Yamal's Spain.

While things will inevitably get Messi during the World Cup Final, the weather isn't expected to. The forecast calls for low-impact conditions, allowing the most anticipated match in sports to take center stage.

Clear skies and temperatures in the low 80s are expected from the 3 p.m. kickoff through the final whistle. After two halves, hydration breaks, a star-studded halftime show and perhaps a little stoppage-time drama, the 2026 FIFA World Cup champion should be crowned under sunny skies. 

THE MOST PATRIOTIC FRONT LAWN IN AMERICA CELEBRATES THE NATION'S 250TH WITH A BALD EAGLE MURAL

The biggest weather factor may be the breeze, with winds around 10 mph and occasional gusts up to 15 mph. While players could notice it on long balls and set pieces, the wind isn't expected to have a major impact on the match.

Earlier this week, thick smoke from Canadian wildfires clouded the New York City skyline, reducing visibility and pushing air quality into unhealthy ranges at times. While some haze may still linger Sunday, Saturday's cold front is expected to usher in cleaner air, with air quality improving significantly and posing little concern for players or fans at the World Cup Final.

Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET on Sunday. Tune in to FOX as Spain and Argentina battle for soccer's biggest prize under a forecast that should let the action—not the weather—take center stage.

The invest has a low chance of development over the next two days, but medium chances of development over the next week, as it moves slowly to the north and north-west, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). 

Invest 91L was designated on Saturday by the NHC. 

The term "invest" is used every hurricane season in the Atlantic and the Eastern and Central Pacific basins, accompanied by a number from 90 to 99 and either the suffix "L," "E" or "C," respectively. It is used to identify areas they are investigating for possible development into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next seven days. 

Rain from this system is already falling in Florida, with showers reported in Tampa and along Florida's northwestern coast. 

Those along Florida's panhandle and along the western coast as well as in coastal Alabama should pay attention to the progress of this system, the NHC said. 

On Friday, the NHC finally placed an "X" on the map, which means there is officially an area of low pressure to track. Not only is there an area of low pressure, but it formed farther away from the coast than originally anticipated, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Most impacts will come in the form of rain. Wind impacts are not expected unless a tropical depression or tropical storm forms. 

If the system develops into a tropical storm, it'll be given the name Bertha. 

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. 

This story is developing. Check back frequently for updates. 

The invest has a low chance of development over the next two days, as it moves slowly to the north and northwest. 

The term "invest" is used every hurricane season in the Atlantic and the Eastern and Central Pacific basins, accompanied by a number from 90 to 99 and either the suffix "L," "E" or "C," respectively. It is used to identify areas they are investigating for possible development into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next seven days. 

Rain from this system is already falling in Florida, with showers reported in Tampa and along Florida's northwestern coast. 

Those along Florida's panhandle and along the western coast should pay attention to the progress of this system, the NHC said. 

On Friday, the NHC finally placed an "X" on the map, which means there is officially an area of low pressure to track. Not only is there an area of low pressure, but it formed farther away from the coast than originally anticipated, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Most impacts will come in the form of rain. Wind impacts are not expected unless a tropical depression or tropical storm forms. 

If the system develops into a tropical storm, it'll be given the name Bertha. 

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. 

This story is developing. Check back frequently for updates. 

The system is well developed about 10,000 feet above the surface, but there is very little reflection of the system in the winds or pressure at the ground. The first requirement for a tropical system is a circulation at the surface of the earth.

INVEST 91L DECLARED IN THE GULF, WITH HEAVY DOWNPOURS EXPECTED IN FLORIDA

Over time, especially over very warm water, an upper-air system can develop a surface circulation, and a tropical depression or tropical storm can form. The National Hurricane Center is giving this one a low chance of that happening the first part of next week.

Tuesday looks like the day the system will have its best chance to transition to a tropical depression or maybe a low-end tropical storm. The forecasts indicate that it will be just south of the Florida Panhandle at that time. 

WHAT IS A TROPICAL STORM?

There is no indication at this time it will become very strong, even if it does transition, but of course we’ll watch it to be sure.

The system is battling dry air and will face some hostile upper winds. You can see that most of the thunderstorms have been shoved into the Gulf this morning, although heavy rain is rotating into Southwest Florida and will increase in coverage over the peninsula with the heating of the day.

The strong consensus of the computer forecast models is that the system will drift north over the Gulf. That will keep the right side of the circulation, which is pulling tropical moisture from the south, over Florida. Corridors of heavy rain will move north, meaning some areas could receive 6 or more inches.

Be ready for flooding alerts from the National Weather Service.

WHAT IS A TROPICAL DEPRESSION?

Over the next several days, the rain zone will likely spread into the surrounding states. By the middle of the week, if the system is still around, it could drift west along the Gulf coast, pushed along by the base of the heat-dome high-pressure system to the north.

Stay aware. This broad system will be around for a number of days. Effects will extend well away from the center of circulation.

The dust and hostile upper winds took the system the NHC was tracking off the board. Still, some gusty winds and rain will affect the Cabo Verde Islands.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The conga line of storms continues. There's no threat to land.

Fausto and Genevieve appear to be in the offing. The potential for development southwest of Hawaii has ended.

Wildfire smoke from raging Canadian wildfires has plagued much of the northern U.S. all week, bringing air quality to hazardous levels in the Upper Midwest and "very unhealthy" levels in the Northeast. 

More than 125 million Americans in 18 states are still under Air Quality Alerts on Saturday, but the smoke is beginning to shift out of the country. 

SEVERE STORMS TARGET 135M AMERICANS ACROSS NORTHEAST, MID-ATLANTIC WITH TORNADOES POSSIBLE ALONG I-95 CORRIDOR

A warm front positioned south of the Mid-Atlantic is the main boundary keeping smoke trapped along the Interstate 95 corridor into New England early Saturday. 

As the day continues, the front will attach itself to a weak area of low pressure and move north. 

INVEST 91L DECLARED IN THE GULF, WITH HEAVY DOWNPOURS EXPECTED IN FLORIDA

As it moves north, dense smoke is quickly going to shift as southerly winds behind the front usher in a cleaner mass of air. 

Major cities, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia, will begin to see clearer skies. 

New York City is expected to remain hazy until the warm front fully passes through the area. 

The front will bring the final wave of smoke before storms return across the region along a cold front later on Saturday, the FOX Forecast Center said. 

The Great Lakes and Midwest will also see some smoke clearing as storms move in with a cold front. 

The cold front will be part of a larger low-pressure system moving through Canada. As it extends across the region, it will not only sweep a large chunk of the remaining smoke away but will bring severe weather as well. 

VACATION WINNERS AND LOSERS: HOW THE POWERFUL SUPER EL NIÑO PATTERN MAY RESHAPE YOUR TRAVEL PLANS WITH DELAYS
 

The FOX Forecast Center said the smoke is likely not gone for the long run, especially in the Upper Midwest and western Great Lakes, as another cold front sweeping through the area early next week also brings the chance of smoke coming back. 

Winds will shift back out of the north on Sunday, keeping unhealthy air in the mix for places like Marquette, Michigan, and surrounding areas in Wisconsin. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Wildfires to the north in Canada have seen some rain, which has limited smoke production, on the bright side. 

All in all, air quality and smoke should not be nearly as bad as it has been over the past couple of days. 

Tagged in September 2025 off the coast of Nova Scotia by Tancook Islands Marine Field Station in collaboration with OCEARCH, Ripple was 11 feet, 6 inches long and weighed 778 pounds. 

In the time since, the white shark has made quite the trek, traveling more than 8,000 miles all the way down the East Coast, around Florida and deep into the Gulf before coming all the way back to Canada. 

ATLANTIC’S LARGEST MALE GREAT WHITE CONTENDER LIKELY HEADING TOWARD THIS POPULAR SUMMER GETAWAY

OCEARCH said the white shark's latest ping puts Ripple about 45 miles off the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and the shark tops the leaderboard for most miles traveled in the last week with 354 miles. 

Currently, Ripple is further north than he's ever been tracked by OCEARCH. And the nonprofit said he could make two different moves next. 

He could continue northeast, up around Newfoundland, or he could venture northwest into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which OCEARCH said is an important feeding place for white sharks like Ripple. 

Sharks like Ripple head north into Canada in search of cooler waters and abundant food sources. 

THOUSANDS OF GIANT LION'S MANE JELLYFISH SIGHTINGS TRIGGER PUBLIC SAFETY ALERTS FOR NEW ENGLAND BEACHGOERS

In the fall and winter, the sharks begin their journey back south into warmer waters. 

Keep up with Ripple and more than 400 other ocean animals in real time using the free OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker app.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

OCEARCH is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to researching and protecting sharks, whales, sea turtles and other ocean life. 

The earthquake happened at 7:48 a.m. Pacific time, and was originally reported as a magnitude 7.4 before being recalculated as a magnitude 7.3. 

UNDERSTANDING THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE: WHERE EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES MEET

It was reported at a depth of 6.2 miles, and happened about 30 miles southwest of Aquiles Serdán, Mexico, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. 

A tsunami threat was issued for Mexico and Guatemala within 186 miles of the earthquake's epicenter and canceled about 3 hours later. 

Shaking was reported in Guatemala and Mexico, but the USGS said strong shaking could be expected across western Mexico and Guatemala, especially near the coasts. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

This is the latest in a string of large earthquakes in the Pacific Ring of Fire. 

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

The earthquake happened at 7:48 a.m. Pacific time, and was originally reported as a magnitude 7.4 before being recalculated as a magnitude 7.3. 

UNDERSTANDING THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE: WHERE EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES MEET

It was reported at a depth of 6.2 miles, and happened about 30 miles southwest of Aquiles Serdán, Mexico, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. 

A tsunami threat was issued for Mexico and Guatemala within 186 miles of the earthquake's epicenter. 

Shaking was reported in Guatemala and Mexico, but the USGS said strong shaking could be expected across western Mexico and Guatemala, especially near the coasts. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

This is the latest in a string of large earthquakes in the Pacific Ring of Fire. 

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

A Flash Flood Emergency was issued Friday morning for the Ozona area in Crockett County. The local fire department said water rescues were underway and asked people in flooded areas to wait for first responders instead of trying to leave.

WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES MEAN

Another Flash Flood Emergency was issued earlier Friday morning for the area in and around Sonora, Texas, just as the sun came up. Officials urged people in low-lying areas to seek higher ground immediately. The Flash Flood Emergency also covered parts of Interstate 10.

Heavy rain is expected to continue across south-central Texas through Friday morning, with up to 2 more inches of rainfall possible and locally higher amounts.

Some locations have already received more than 2 feet of rain, leaving rivers swollen and the ground saturated.

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

Authorities remain on high alert for additional catastrophic flooding, particularly in areas that have already been hit the hardest.

NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk across portions of south-central Texas through Friday. But the storm will begin to move west past the worst impacted areas.

The flooding began Monday as slow-moving storms combined with abundant Gulf moisture, caused days of torrential rainfall.

Parts of South-central Texas have been inundated by heavy rain since Monday night, with more than 2.5 million people remaining in the path of additional rounds of torrential rainfall through Friday.

The dangerous conditions prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to declare a state of emergency for 59 counties.

WATCH: DRONE REVEALS DEVASTATING FLASH FLOODING SWEEPING THROUGH SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI

Abbott said Black Hawk helicopters and additional rescue teams were deployed Tuesday, while the Texas National Guard and other state resources were activated ahead of the storms.

The National Weather Service (NWS) also warned of several large and deadly flood waves moving down the Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers as flooding expanded into the Nueces and Frio River basins through Thursday morning.

The storm intensified during the early morning hours Thursday, when the NWS issued a series of warnings before dawn about "large and deadly flood waves" moving down major rivers across the region, including the Guadalupe River.

7 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS

The NOAA Weather Prediction Center upgraded parts of the Texas Hill Country to a Level 4 out of 4 flash flood risk on Thursday, with a broader Level 3 risk covering much of the surrounding region.

Multiple Flash Flood Emergencies were issued across numerous counties during the pre-dawn hours Thursday.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, at least five Flash Flood Emergencies were issued Thursday.

Officials urged residents in low-lying areas and communities under Flash Flood Emergencies to evacuate immediately or seek higher ground, while warning everyone else to stay off the roads.

The Guadalupe River surged more than 34 feet in less than two hours, reaching major flood state Thursday morning before beginning to recede later in the afternoon as rainfall gradually eased.

As floodwaters rapidly spread Thursday morning, communities across south-central Texas were left with widespread destruction and dozens of emergency rescues.

2 DEAD AS CATASTROPHIC FLOODING PARALYZES COMMUNITIES WHILE WAVES RACE DOWN TEXAS HILL COUNTRY RIVERS

Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed that a woman died near Uvalde after she was swept away by floodwaters while driving.

In Kerr County, the sheriff's office confirmed at least one person died in flooding near Center Point on Thursday afternoon. The victim's identity has not been released.

Floodwaters also damaged critical infrastructure. The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) said a barge struck the Sidney Baker Bridge in Kerr County during the flooding.

As of Thursday afternoon, TXDOT reported at least 125 roadways across Central Texas had been impacted by flooding, with at least 87 roads closed because of floodwaters, damage or debris.

HOW MUCH LONGER WILL THE CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE PLAGUE THE NORTHERN US?

Rescue crews carried out numerous high-water rescues throughout the day.

FOX 7 Austin reported that the Comfort RV Resort was evacuated, while 10 people were rescued by helicopter from the roof of a barn near Kerrville.

Farther southwest, police in Uvalde said they had conducted at least 25 water rescues since Tuesday.

HERE'S WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A FLOODED ROAD

FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray reported that portions of Uvalde were cut off from the rest of the city Thursday as the Taylor Slough overtopped its banks.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, more than 20 inches of rain has fallen in Uvalde over the past three days, where police were seen going door-to-door Wednesday morning evacuating neighborhoods threatened by rapidly rising floodwaters.

This latest flooding comes just over a year after the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country rose to record-breaking levels during the early morning hours of July 4, 2025, killing at least 135 people.

Over the course of just a few hours, relentless rainfall caused rivers to surge, prompting Flash Flood Emergencies across Kerr County and surrounding communities.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

In some locations, waterways rose more than 30 feet in just one hour.

Hundreds of people were swept away as the Guadalupe River burst from its banks, washing away homes and vehicles while inundating campgrounds, including the all-girls summer camp, Camp Mystic.

At Camp Mystic, the search for more than two dozen missing girls quickly turned from a rescue operation into a recovery effort.

In total, 28 people connected to the camp lost their lives, including 25 campers between the ages of 8 and 10, two 18-year-old counselors and the camp's co-executive director.

SEE IT: RADAR-CONFIRMED TORNADO TOUCHES DOWN NEAR MAJOR TEXAS CITY

Now, just over a year later, many families and communities are still recovering from that historic disaster as another stalled storm system brings renewed flooding to the same region.

The Farm-to-Market (FM) 481 bridge in Uvalde County, just south of Uvalde, collapsed Friday morning due to flooding. Aerial images from the Texas Department of Public Safety showed that a segment of the bridge was completely gone, while the swollen Nueces River nearly submerged the remaining span.

FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCIES ISSUED AS RELENTLESS DEADLY FLOODS CONTINUE TO SLAM TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

There's no word if anyone was injured. Officials reminded people to stay off flooded roads and heed road closures and barricades.

Widespread road closures remain across south-central Texas.

WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES MEAN

Farther north, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Emergency Friday morning for the Ozona area in Crockett County. The local fire department said water rescues were underway and asked people in flooded areas to wait for first responders instead of trying to leave.

Another Flash Flood Emergency was issued earlier Friday morning for the area in and around Sonora, Texas, just as the sun came up. Officials urged people in low-lying areas to seek higher ground immediately. The Flash Flood Emergency also covered parts of Interstate 10.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service warned of several deadly flood waves surging down the Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers as flooding spread to the Nueces and Frio river basins through Thursday morning.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

It looks likely that the rain will fall where it's needed most. Drought conditions persist across the western part of the peninsula.

Early next week, there's a slight chance the low-pressure system will drift over very warm Gulf or ocean water, which could allow it to turn into a tropical depression. The National Hurricane Center puts the odds in the low category.

TROPICAL DEVELOPMENT POSSIBLE AS AREAS TO WATCH IDENTIFIED NEAR FLORIDA AND APPROACHING ATLANTIC BASIN

The strong consensus of the computer forecast models is that the non-tropical low-pressure system will remain in the Gulf, drifting west or northwest along or over the Gulf coast pushed along by the flow around the heat-dome high to the north. While it's over the water, there remains the low chance that it becomes a tropical depression. We’ll keep an eye on it.

But by far the highest odds from the various models is that the system gets stretched out by the strong upper winds and creates unsettled weather along the coastal South and Florida.

BRIGHT IDEA: BOLD PLAN SUGGESTS WEAKENING ONE OF EARTH'S MOST POWERFUL CLIMATE FORCES

From the northern Gulf Coast across a good part of the Florida peninsula and possibly to the Georgia and Carolina coast, be ready for an extended period of enhanced storminess that peaks Sunday to Tuesday. 

The National Hurricane Center is still painting a potential development area for a disturbance that moved off Africa a couple days ago. If it's going to pull itself together, it's going to have to do it in a hurry because there's a bumpy road ahead. It's plowing into Saharan dust, and the upper winds will soon become too hostile for development.

They'll have to watch it in the Cabo Verde Islands, but otherwise, there's no threat to land.

Elida is almost a hurricane. It will soon run into cooler water and weaken without any effect on land except big surf in Hawaii.

The NHC is showing a big red development zone where Fausto is likely to form. It is likely to strengthen, but will follow Elida and die over the cold water.

VACATION WINNERS AND LOSERS: HOW THE POWERFUL SUPER EL NIÑO PATTERN MAY RESHAPE YOUR TRAVEL PLANS WITH DELAYS

Next week, another system looks likely to plow the same furrow in the eastern Pacific.

The weather pattern over the tropics is exactly what we would expect for an El Niño July. Hostile upper-level winds are protecting Mexico and the Caribbean. Saharan dust is eliminating development over the open tropical Atlantic.

This midsummer lull is expected and usual. The question is: what's going to happen a month from now when, on average, dust season lets up? The tropics are likely to be less conducive than normal to development due to El Niño's upper winds. But there will still be plenty of warm water areas to watch.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

On average, the second named storm of the season forms on this date, July 17. So by tomorrow, we'll officially be behind the curve. All good.

Warm and muggy temperatures are once again plaguing portions of the East Coast, but thick Canadian wildfire smoke could throw a wrench into exactly how hot it gets.

THREE MAJOR US CITIES RANK AMONG WORST AIR QUALITY IN THE WORLD AS CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE INVADES AMERICA

Fortunately, this warm, smoky pattern will break as storms move in this weekend.

The heat dome parked across the East Coast will still keep temperatures hot and humidity levels high through Friday. But the massive wildfire smoke remains a wildcard for daily temperatures.

WHAT IS A HEAT DOME AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT YOU DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS?

The thick layer of smoke acts like a filter, scattering and reflecting incoming sunlight before it can reach and heat the ground, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

As we head into the weekend, a slow-moving cold front will sweep through the East Coast.

This incoming front will trigger widespread, heavy showers and thunderstorms, beginning Friday in the Ohio Valley and continuing through Sunday across portions of the Mid-Atlantic.

While these storms will carry a risk of damaging winds, downpours and frequent lightning, the greatest concern will be Saturday. A Level 2 out of 5 severe storm threat extends throughout most of the Northeast and southeastern Great Lakes.

TROPICAL DEVELOPMENT POSSIBLE AS AREAS TO WATCH IDENTIFIED NEAR FLORIDA AND APPROACHING ATLANTIC BASIN

An intense line of storms will develop across western parts of the Northeast late-evening on Saturday and move eastward through the overnight hours, the FOX Forecast Center said.

Large, damaging hail will be the primary threat early on. However, once the storms transition into a line, damaging wind gusts will become the main hazard. A few tornadoes are also possible. 

As the cold front continues its eastward progress farther south, severe storms will also be likely across Western Virginia and North Carolina, where there is a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm threat on Sunday.

In addition to the storm threat, a flash flooding threat stretches across the Ohio Valley on Friday. On Saturday, the flood threat inlcudes a large portion of the Northeast, where a level 2 flood threat is in effect for New York City, parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

On Sunday, a level 1 flash flood threat is in place for parts of Virginia and North Carolina. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

For New York City, rainy weekends have become all too familiar this summer. Central Park has recorded measurable rain every single weekend since the beginning of June, and if the current forecast holds, that streak will likely continue.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest on this weekend's storms.

Heavy rain is expected to continue across south-central Texas through Friday morning, with up to 2 more inches of rainfall possible and locally higher amounts.

WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES MEAN

Some locations have already received more than 2 feet of rain, leaving rivers swollen and the ground saturated.

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

Authorities remain on high alert for additional catastrophic flooding, particularly in areas that have already been hit the hardest.

NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk across portions of south-central Texas through Friday. But the storm will begin to move west past the worst impacted areas.

The flooding began Monday as slow-moving storms combined with abundant Gulf moisture, caused days of torrential rainfall.

Parts of South-central Texas have been inundated by heavy rain since Monday night, with more than 2.5 million people remaining in the path of additional rounds of torrential rainfall through Friday.

The dangerous conditions prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to declare a state of emergency for 59 counties.

WATCH: DRONE REVEALS DEVASTATING FLASH FLOODING SWEEPING THROUGH SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI

Abbott said Black Hawk helicopters and additional rescue teams were deployed Tuesday, while the Texas National Guard and other state resources were activated ahead of the storms.

The National Weather Service (NWS) also warned of several large and deadly flood waves moving down the Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers as flooding expanded into the Nueces and Frio River basins through Thursday morning.

The storm intensified during the early morning hours Thursday, when the NWS issued a series of warnings before dawn about "large and deadly flood waves" moving down major rivers across the region, including the Guadalupe River.

7 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS

The NOAA Weather Prediction Center upgraded parts of the Texas Hill Country to a Level 4 out of 4 flash flood risk on Thursday, with a broader Level 3 risk covering much of the surrounding region.

Multiple Flash Flood Emergencies were issued across numerous counties during the pre-dawn hours Thursday.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, at least five Flash Flood Emergencies were issued Thursday.

Officials urged residents in low-lying areas and communities under Flash Flood Emergencies to evacuate immediately or seek higher ground, while warning everyone else to stay off the roads.

The Guadalupe River surged more than 34 feet in less than two hours, reaching major flood state Thursday morning before beginning to recede later in the afternoon as rainfall gradually eased.

As floodwaters rapidly spread Thursday morning, communities across south-central Texas were left with widespread destruction and dozens of emergency rescues.

2 DEAD AS CATASTROPHIC FLOODING PARALYZES COMMUNITIES WHILE WAVES RACE DOWN TEXAS HILL COUNTRY RIVERS

Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed that a woman died near Uvalde after she was swept away by floodwaters while driving.

In Kerr County, the sheriff's office confirmed at least one person died in flooding near Center Point on Thursday afternoon. The victim's identity has not been released.

Floodwaters also damaged critical infrastructure. The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) said a barge struck the Sidney Baker Bridge in Kerr County during the flooding.

As of Thursday afternoon, TXDOT reported at least 125 roadways across Central Texas had been impacted by flooding, with at least 87 roads closed because of floodwaters, damage or debris.

HOW MUCH LONGER WILL THE CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE PLAGUE THE NORTHERN US?

Rescue crews carried out numerous high-water rescues throughout the day.

FOX 7 Austin reported that the Comfort RV Resort was evacuated, while 10 people were rescued by helicopter from the roof of a barn near Kerrville.

Farther southwest, police in Uvalde said they had conducted at least 25 water rescues since Tuesday.

HERE'S WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A FLOODED ROAD

FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray reported that portions of Uvalde were cut off from the rest of the city Thursday as the Taylor Slough overtopped its banks.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, more than 20 inches of rain has fallen in Uvalde over the past three days, where police were seen going door-to-door Wednesday morning evacuating neighborhoods threatened by rapidly rising floodwaters.

This latest flooding comes just over a year after the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country rose to record-breaking levels during the early morning hours of July 4, 2025, killing at least 135 people.

Over the course of just a few hours, relentless rainfall caused rivers to surge, prompting Flash Flood Emergencies across Kerr County and surrounding communities.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

In some locations, waterways rose more than 30 feet in just one hour.

Hundreds of people were swept away as the Guadalupe River burst from its banks, washing away homes and vehicles while inundating campgrounds, including the all-girls summer camp, Camp Mystic.

At Camp Mystic, the search for more than two dozen missing girls quickly turned from a rescue operation into a recovery effort.

In total, 28 people connected to the camp lost their lives, including 25 campers between the ages of 8 and 10, two 18-year-old counselors and the camp's co-executive director.

SEE IT: RADAR-CONFIRMED TORNADO TOUCHES DOWN NEAR MAJOR TEXAS CITY

Now, just over a year later, many families and communities are still recovering from that historic disaster as another stalled storm system brings renewed flooding to the same region.

Heavy rain is expected to continue across south-central Texas into Friday, with another 2 to 5 inches of rainfall expected.

Some locations have already received more than 2 feet of rain, leaving rivers swollen and the ground saturated.

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

Authorities remain on high alert for additional catastrophic flooding, particularly in areas that have already been hit the hardest.

A Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk remains in effect across portions of south-central Texas through Friday. But the storm will begin to move west past the worst impacted areas.

The flooding began Monday as slow-moving storms combined with abundant Gulf moisture, caused days of torrential rainfall.

Parts of South-central Texas have been inundated by heavy rain since Monday night, with more than 2.5 million people remaining in the path of additional rounds of torrential rainfall through Friday.

The dangerous conditions prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to declare a state of emergency for 59 counties.

WATCH: DRONE REVEALS DEVASTATING FLASH FLOODING SWEEPING THROUGH SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI

Abbott said Black Hawk helicopters and additional rescue teams were deployed Tuesday, while the Texas National Guard and other state resources were activated ahead of the storms.

The National Weather Service (NWS) also warned of several large and deadly flood waves moving down the Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers as flooding expanded into the Nueces and Frio River basins through Thursday morning.

The storm intensified during the early morning hours Thursday, when the NWS issued a series of warnings before dawn about "large and deadly flood waves" moving down major rivers across the region, including the Guadalupe River.

7 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS

The NOAA Weather Prediction Center upgraded parts of the Texas Hill Country to a Level 4 out of 4 flash flood risk on Thursday, with a broader Level 3 risk covering much of the surrounding region.

Multiple Flash Flood Emergencies were issued across numerous counties during the pre-dawn hours Thursday.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, at least five Flash Flood Emergencies were issued Thursday.

Officials urged residents in low-lying areas and communities under Flash Flood Emergencies to evacuate immediately or seek higher ground, while warning everyone else to stay off the roads.

The Guadalupe River surged more than 34 feet in less than two hours, reaching major flood state Thursday morning before beginning to recede later in the afternoon as rainfall gradually eased.

As floodwaters rapidly spread Thursday morning, communities across south-central Texas were left with widespread destruction and dozens of emergency rescues.

2 DEAD AS CATASTROPHIC FLOODING PARALYZES COMMUNITIES WHILE WAVES RACE DOWN TEXAS HILL COUNTRY RIVERS

Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed that a woman died near Uvalde after she was swept away by floodwaters while driving.

In Kerr County, the sheriff's office confirmed at least one person died in flooding near Center Point on Thursday afternoon. The victim's identity has not been released.

Floodwaters also damaged critical infrastructure. The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) said a barge struck the Sidney Baker Bridge in Kerr County during the flooding.

As of Thursday afternoon, TXDOT reported at least 125 roadways across Central Texas had been impacted by flooding, with at least 87 roads closed because of floodwaters, damage or debris.

HOW MUCH LONGER WILL THE CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE PLAGUE THE NORTHERN US?

Rescue crews carried out numerous high-water rescues throughout the day.

FOX 7 Austin reported that the Comfort RV Resort was evacuated, while 10 people were rescued by helicopter from the roof of a barn near Kerrville.

Farther southwest, police in Uvalde said they had conducted at least 25 water rescues since Tuesday.

HERE'S WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A FLOODED ROAD

FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray reported that portions of Uvalde were cut off from the rest of the city Thursday as the Taylor Slough overtopped its banks.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, more than 20 inches of rain has fallen in Uvalde over the past three days, where police were seen going door-to-door Wednesday morning evacuating neighborhoods threatened by rapidly rising floodwaters.

This latest flooding comes just over a year after the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country rose to record-breaking levels during the early morning hours of July 4, 2025, killing at least 135 people.

Over the course of just a few hours, relentless rainfall caused rivers to surge, prompting Flash Flood Emergencies across Kerr County and surrounding communities.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

In some locations, waterways rose more than 30 feet in just one hour.

Hundreds of people were swept away as the Guadalupe River burst from its banks, washing away homes and vehicles while inundating campgrounds, including the all-girls summer camp, Camp Mystic.

At Camp Mystic, the search for more than two dozen missing girls quickly turned from a rescue operation into a recovery effort.

In total, 28 people connected to the camp lost their lives, including 25 campers between the ages of 8 and 10, two 18-year-old counselors and the camp's co-executive director.

SEE IT: RADAR-CONFIRMED TORNADO TOUCHES DOWN NEAR MAJOR TEXAS CITY

Now, just over a year later, many families and communities are still recovering from that historic disaster as another stalled storm system brings renewed flooding to the same region.

Warm and muggy temperatures are once again plaguing portions of the East Coast, but thick Canadian wildfire smoke could throw a wrench into exactly how hot it gets.

THREE MAJOR US CITIES RANK AMONG WORST AIR QUALITY IN THE WORLD AS CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE INVADES AMERICA

Fortunately, this warm, smoky pattern will break as storms move in this weekend.

The heat dome parked across the East Coast will still keep temperatures hot and humidity levels high through Friday. But the massive wildfire smoke remains a wildcard for daily temperatures.

WHAT IS A HEAT DOME AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT YOU DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS?

The thick layer of smoke acts like a filter, scattering and reflecting incoming sunlight before it can reach and heat the ground, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

As we head into the weekend, a slow-moving cold front will sweep through the East Coast.

This incoming front will trigger widespread, heavy showers and thunderstorms, beginning Friday in the Ohio Valley and continuing through Sunday across portions of the Mid-Atlantic.

While these storms will carry a risk of damaging winds, downpours and frequent lightning, the greatest concern will be Saturday. A Level 2 out of 5 severe storm threat extends throughout most of the Northeast and southeastern Great Lakes.

TROPICAL DEVELOPMENT POSSIBLE AS AREAS TO WATCH IDENTIFIED NEAR FLORIDA AND APPROACHING ATLANTIC BASIN

An intense line of storms will develop across western parts of the Northeast around midday on Saturday and move eastward through the evening hours, the FOX Forecast Center said.

Large, damaging hail will be the primary threat early on. However, once the storms transition into a line, damaging wind gusts will become the main hazard.

As the cold front continues its eastward progress farther south, severe storms will also be likely across Western Virginia and North Carolina, where there is a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm threat on Sunday.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

For New York City, rainy weekends have become all too familiar this summer. Central Park has recorded measurable rain every single weekend since the beginning of June, and if the current forecast holds, that streak will likely continue.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest on this weekend's storms.

This comes as numerous wildfires are burning across the border in Ontario, with the Northwest portion enduring 136 active fires.

A total of 77 new fires have emerged, bringing the total to 876 actively burning across the country.

WATCH: DRAMATIC VIDEO SHOWS FREIGHT TRAIN, CREW CAUGHT IN CANADIAN WILDFIRES

As the wildfires continue to burn, smoke from the flames has invaded the U.S., creating an otherworldly scene in popular cities such as New York City and Chicago in the north.

As a result, over 130 million Americans are under air quality alerts due to the thick smoke produced by these wildfires.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, Michigan is being impacted the worst so far by these large plumes of smoke, with the entire state reporting the worst air quality on record since they began in the early 2000s.

Air quality alerts are in place stretching from Minnesota through Wisconsin to Michigan and into the Mid-Atlantic region.

As expected, the worst air quality is generally found in northern states near the Canadian border. However, smoke from the wildfires has still affected some locations farther east toward the I-95 corridor.

New York City, Philadelphi, and Pittsburgh are a few big cities that have felt the effects of the persistent wildfires across the border.

WATCH: DRAMATIC VIDEO SHOWS FREIGHT TRAIN, CREW CAUGHT IN CANADIAN WILDFIRES

On Thursday, a plethora of major cities reported unhealthy air quality:

The wildfire smoke has remained trapped in these states due to northwesterly winds behind a passing cold front, as the smoke is stuck in a belt of winds from Canada.

"Until the wind fully shifts back out of the southwest, some form of smoke and worsening air quality is anticipated to hang around through at least Friday, possibly into Saturday," the FOX Forecast Center said.

CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE INVADES A DOZEN STATES, SPREADING HAZARDOUS AIR QUALITY, HAZY SKIES TO OVER 124M

Despite this, forecasters are monitoring a new area of low pressure that will dip into Ontario this weekend, as wind direction shifts the smoke back across the border and helps clear things up here in the states.

THREE MAJOR US CITIES RANK AMONG WORST AIR QUALITY IN THE WORLD AS CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE INVADES AMERICA

Hopefully, by this weekend, people in affected areas will begin to notice more fresh air and clearer skies around the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast as the smoke begins to disperse.

The Venus and moon conjunction will occur shortly after sunset, and it will be visible to the naked eye. You may also be able to see the phenomenon with binoculars.

THE BEST CELESTIAL EVENTS IN 2026 YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

WHICH COUNTRY WILL LAND ON THE MOON NEXT AS THE SPACE RACE ENTERS A CRITICAL PHASE

For best viewing, look above the western horizon shortly after sunset. The planets will dip below the horizon about two hours after sunset.

The moon and Venus conjunction occurs when the planets appear very close to each other from our perspective on Earth.

The planets seem nearly aligned, but are actually separated by millions of miles in space, according to NASA.

NASA TELESCOPE DISCOVERS NEW 'SUPER-JUPITER' EXOPLANET NEARLY 40,000 LIGHT-YEARS FROM EARTH

A Venus and moon conjunction recently happened on May 18.

JULY SKYWATCHING GUIDE: FROM PLANETARY CONJUNCTIONS TO CLOSE ENCOUNTERS IN SPACE

Locations such as Miami, Denver and Los Angeles will have the best chances of viewing the event with little cloud coverage. If you're in New York or Chicago, you'll have a harder time seeing the phenomenon with overcast skies in the forecast.

Be sure to set up early to be prepared for the celestial event and pick the best locations with the least cloud coverage for the ideal viewing experience.

As officials at SpaceX continue to test the Starship spacecraft, confidence grows as the ship is designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the moon, Mars and beyond.

MAN VS MACHINE: WHO WILL WALK ON MARS FIRST?

Flight tests for the reusable rocket continue to achieve new milestones, as the 13th flight test is scheduled for Tuesday evening in Texas.

SpaceX’s Starship is a fully reusable rocket that, like the Falcon 9 spacecraft, is vital for the transportation of supplies, but can travel much farther.

As more tests are conducted and confidence grows, SpaceX announced that Starship cargo flights to the Martian surface for research, development and exploratory missions will start no later than 2028.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER NEW METHOD OF DEFENSE AGAINST SOLAR STORMS TO HELP PROTECT EARTH

As we are halfway through 2026, people wonder whether SpaceX will be able to achieve this feat by landing on Mars before 2030.

As we inch closer day by day, prediction markets at Kalshi are expecting a 27% chance that SpaceX will successfully land anything on Mars before 2030.

NASA SEEKS RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS TO SPEND A YEAR ON A SIMULATED MISSION TO MARS OR THE MOON

There are still a plethora of tests that must be completed outside the Starship for SpaceX and NASA before we can send humans to Mars as part of the next Artemis III mission, which will complete a series of objectives in Earth's low orbit to demonstrate the critical systems needed for future moon landings.

WHICH COUNTRY WILL LAND ON THE MOON NEXT AS THE SPACE RACE ENTERS A CRITICAL PHASE

It's a necessary first step before humans land on the moon. Experts from NASA, SpaceX and Blue Origin are on track to meet these goals before 2030 and beyond.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said a magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck right along the Yellowstone River inside the national park in Wyoming around 1:20 p.m. UTC, or 8:20 a.m. ET.

SEE IT: YELLOWSTONE BISON RAMPAGES THROUGH CAMPGROUND, TOSSING GRANDFATHER 8 FEET IN THE AIR

The earthquake struck at a depth of 6.5 kilometers, or 4 miles, about 24.2 miles from Mammoth.

It happened just miles from an ancient supervolcano feared to be overdue for a catastrophic eruption. While a catastrophic supereruption is not anticipated in our lifetime, the area is heavily monitored by the USGS to track its magma system, pressure valves and hydrothermal activity.

There was also a separate magnitude 3.2 earthquake that happened in Wyoming on Thursday — that one near Little America in Sweetwater County.

51ST ERUPTION OF MOUNT KILAUEA VOLCANO PRODUCES LARGE PLUMES OF SMOKE AND LAVA IN HAWAII

Yellowstone is classified as a supervolcano because its past major eruptions reached a magnitude of 8 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), each releasing over 1,000 cubic kilometers of magma and ash, according to Outside.

The three eruptions happened 2.1 million, 1.2 million and 640,000 years ago, respectively. The Yellowstone eruption area collapsed upon itself, creating a giant crater, or caldera, 1,500 square miles in area.

THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT WITH YOUR DOG THIS SUMMER

While Yellowstone is frequently rattled by small earthquakes — averaging 1,500 to 2,500 per year — the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory notes that larger, damaging earthquakes have also struck the area.

The park's largest recorded earthquake, a magnitude 6, occurred on June 30, 1975, along the north-central boundary of Yellowstone Caldera, a few miles southeast of Norris Geyser Basin. No injuries were reported, and all park campgrounds and facilities remained open.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Yellowstone became the first national park, and today, millions of people visit each year to camp, hike and enjoy the park, according to the National Park Service.

A flood wave is a surge of rapidly rising water that travels downstream through a river, capable of sweeping away vehicles, overtopping bridges and destroying homes in a matter of minutes.

The Kerr County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Thursday afternoon that at least one person had died in the flooding near Center Point in Kerr County. The person's identity wasn't released. 

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

Last year's devastating floods killed at least 135 people in Kerrville and other vulnerable communities along the Guadalupe.

"The [Guadalupe] river gauge at Center Point has risen 32 feet in 4 hours and is expected to reach a crest similar to [the] July 4, 2025, catastrophic river flood," the NWS said in a Flash Flood Emergency warning bulletin issued just after 5:30 a.m. local time.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The NWS warned of several deadly flood waves surging down the Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers as flooding spread to the Nueces and Frio river basins through Thursday morning.

Flash Flood Emergencies were issued in the pre-dawn hours Thursday across Kerr, Kendall and Uvalde counties and have expanded through the morning to include Blanco and Gillespie counties.

Officials ordered people in low-lying areas and communities under Flash Flood Emergencies to evacuate or seek higher ground immediately, while urging everyone else to stay off the roads.

The Guadalupe River at Comfort rose more than 34 feet in less than two hours, reaching major flood state Thursday morning. 

HERE'S WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A FLOODED ROAD

South-central Texas has been battered by heavy rain since Monday night, with more than 2.5 million people in the bull's-eye for additional rounds of torrential rain through Friday.

Flooding forced widespread closures of state highways and local roads, according to county officials and real-time traffic maps from the Texas Department of Transportation.

Aerial rescue units were seen rejoining water rescue teams after first light.

FOX 7 Austin reported that the Comfort RV Resort was evacuated, and 10 people had to be rescued by helicopter from the roof of a barn near Kerrville Thursday morning.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly issued an official disaster declaration Thursday morning, while the Kerr County Sheriff's Office said it confirmed that campers at all camps in the county are safe.

The Ingram Fire Department in Kerr County said it rescued a driver whose vehicle stalled in floodwaters overnight and received additional reports of stranded vehicles.

7 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS

Kendall County officials said they performed multiple water rescues Thursday morning, while at least 68 people took shelter at county facilities during the height of the initial flooding.

Uvalde police said they have conducted at least 25 water rescues since Tuesday.

FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray showed parts of Uvalde cut off from the rest of the city Thursday as the Taylor Slough overtopped its banks.

More than 20 inches of rain has fallen in Uvalde over the past 3 days, and police were seen going door to door evacuating neighborhoods on Wednesday morning.

A viewer in Uvalde told FOX Weather that helicopters rescued people on County Road 429 north of the city Wednesday.

A Flash Flood Emergency was issued for Kendall County on Wednesday as Boerne officials said high-water rescues were ongoing across the city, while a second Flash Flood Emergency was issued for D'Hanis in Medina County.

Within the warned area, nearly 4 to 12 inches of rain fell in the span of six hours, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

SEE IT: RADAR-CONFIRMED TORNADO TOUCHES DOWN NEAR MAJOR TEXAS CITY

Ray reported widespread washouts and roads that had been rendered impassable near Camp Wood in Real County Wednesday. 

Officials from Sabinal and Medina County told FOX Weather on Tuesday they made multiple water rescues, with one driver saved by a tree that prevented their vehicle from being swept away.

FLOOD WATCH, WARNING AND EMERGENCY: HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

The torrential rain and flooding prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to declare a state of emergency for 59 counties on Tuesday.

Abbott said the Blackhawk helicopters and other rescue teams were deployed Tuesday, and the National Guard and other state resources were activated ahead of the storms.

Meanwhile, the same weather system responsible for the flooding spawned a radar-confirmed tornado in northwest San Antonio that damaged a popular shopping mall during the Wednesday morning rush.

Dramatic video near Interstate 10 in San Antonio appeared to show a tornado in the distance as traffic streamed along during the Wednesday morning rush. 

WATCH: DRONE REVEALS DEVASTATING FLASH FLOODING SWEEPING THROUGH SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI

FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell reported damage at The RIM shopping mall near where the funnel cloud was seen. It's unknown if there are any injuries.

NOAA's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) increased Thursday's flood risk to a Level 4 out of 4 flash flood risk for parts of the Texas Hill Country, with a broader Level 3 threat including the rest of Hill Country.

A Level 2 threat covers the northwestern part of the San Antonio metro area through Friday morning.

The region is forecast to see an additional 2 to 5 inches of rain through Friday.

"Localized spots could see another foot of rain or more if storms repeatedly impact the same locations," the FOX Forecast Center said.

The FOX Forecast Center noted this is the first time the WPC has issued a Level 4 flash flood risk since April 2025, when it issued Level 4 risks on three consecutive days across the Mississippi River Valley.

Flood Watches for life-threatening floods remain in place across central and southwestern Texas, including Austin, Kerrville and Del Rio through Thursday.

BRIGHT IDEA: BOLD PLAN SUGGESTS WEAKENING ONE OF EARTH'S MOST POWERFUL CLIMATE FORCES

The massive heat dome locked over the northern half of the country is forcing a weak storm system underneath it, causing steering winds higher in the atmosphere to come to a crawl. This will create an environment where a weather disturbance can spin over the western half of Texas, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

"Without a driving force to keep storms moving, downpours are expected to park themselves over the same areas day after day," the FOX Forecast Center said.

This week's flood threat also comes on the heels of a deadly flash flooding along the Black River in southeastern Missouri that began on Friday and lasted into the weekend.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

A recent wildfire outbreak across western Ontario, Canada, and Minnesota is sending thick plumes of smoke toward the Great Lakes and Northeast through Thursday.

CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE INVADES A DOZEN STATES, SPREADING HAZARDOUS AIR QUALITY, HAZY SKIES TO OVER 124M

According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, 69 fires are burning out of control in Ontario, mostly in the western part of the province, north of Minnesota.

As of Thursday morning, three cities in the U.S. ranked in the top five worst air quality in the world because of wildfire smoke, according to IQ Air.

Detroit ranked in first place across the whole world, according to IQ Air.

As of 10 a.m. central on Thursday, Detroit reportedly had an air quality of 724, more than double the qualifying ranking for hazardous air.

THESE MAJOR US CITIES ARE EXPECTED TO SEE THE WORST OF THE CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE

Hazardous air quality ranks 301 or higher, and has the potential to cause a health emergency and impact everyone, not just those sensitive.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy extended an air quality alert for the entire state into Friday, warning of air quality ranging from very unhealthy to hazardous.

Minneapolis took second place on the list.

An air quality index of 289 was reported by IQ Air, as of 11 a.m. central time.

WATCH: DRAMATIC VIDEO SHOWS FREIGHT TRAIN, CREW CAUGHT IN CANADIAN WILDFIRES

"Very unhealthy" air quality is anything from 201 to 300, the second-highest reported index.

When a very unhealthy air quality is reported, outdoor activities should be limited.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert through 11 a.m. CT on Friday, warning that air quality is likely to reach hazardous levels.

Chicago ranks third place, also with a very unhealthy air quality of 250, according to IQ Air.

US LIKELY FACES INCREASING WILDFIRE RISKS AS AMERICANS BUILD IN FIRE-PRONE AREAS, STUDY FINDS

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day for Thursday, warning people to limit time outside.

Air quality could reach a hazardous level as the day goes on. Toronto, Canada, ranked fourth place. 

Conditions are likely to improve on Friday for many in the U.S., as the smoke pushes south and east.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Wildfire smoke is expected to linger across much of the region through Saturday before another cold front clears the smoke from the eastern U.S.

A flood wave is a surge of rapidly rising water that travels downstream through a river, capable of sweeping away vehicles, overtopping bridges and destroying homes in a matter of minutes.

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

"The [Guadalupe] river gauge at Center Point has risen 32 feet in 4 hours and is expected to reach a crest similar to [the] July 4, 2025, catastrophic river flood," the NWS said in a Flash Flood Emergency warning bulletin issued just after 5:30 a.m. local time.

Last year's devastating floods killed at least 135 people in Kerrville and other vulnerable communities along the Guadalupe.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The NWS warned of several deadly flood waves surging along the Guadalupe, Pedernales, Nueces and Frio rivers through Thursday morning.

Flash Flood Emergencies were issued in the pre-dawn hours Thursday across Kerr, Kendall and Uvalde counties and have expanded through the morning to include Blanco and Gillespie counties.

Officials ordered people in low-lying areas and communities under Flash Flood Emergencies to evacuate or seek higher ground immediately, while urging everyone else to stay off the roads.

The Guadalupe River at Comfort rose more than 34 feet in less than two hours, reaching major flood state Thursday morning. 

South-central Texas has been battered by heavy rain since Monday night, with more than 2.5 million people in the bull's-eye for additional rounds of torrential rain through Friday.

Flooding forced widespread closures of state highways and local roads, according to county officials and real-time traffic maps from the Texas Department of Transportation.

Aerial rescue units were seen rejoining water rescue teams after first light.

FOX 7 Austin reported that the Comfort RV Resort was evacuated, and 10 people had to be rescued by helicopter from the roof of a barn near Kerrville Thursday morning.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly issued an official disaster declaration Thursday morning.

The Ingram Fire Department in Kerr County said it rescued a driver whose vehicle stalled in floodwaters overnight and received additional reports of stranded vehicles.

Uvalde police said they have conducted at least 25 water rescues since Tuesday.

FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray showed parts of Uvalde cut off from the rest of the city Thursday as the Taylor Slough overtopped its banks.

More than 20 inches of rain has fallen in Uvalde over the past 3 days, and police were seen going door to door evacuating neighborhoods on Wednesday morning.

A viewer in Uvalde told FOX Weather that helicopters rescued people on County Road 429 north of the city Wednesday.

A Flash Flood Emergency was issued for Kendall County on Wednesday as Boerne officials said high-water rescues were ongoing across the city, while a second Flash Flood Emergency was issued for D'Hanis in Medina County.

Within the warned area, nearly 4 to 12 inches of rain fell in the span of six hours, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

SEE IT: RADAR-CONFIRMED TORNADO TOUCHES DOWN NEAR MAJOR TEXAS CITY

Ray reported widespread washouts and roads that had been rendered impassable near Camp Wood in Real County Wednesday. 

Officials from Sabinal and Medina County told FOX Weather on Tuesday they made multiple water rescues, with one driver saved by a tree that prevented their vehicle from being swept away.

FLOOD WATCH, WARNING AND EMERGENCY: HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

The torrential rain and flooding prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to declare a state of emergency for 59 counties on Tuesday.

Abbott said the Blackhawk helicopters and other rescue teams were deployed Tuesday, and the National Guard and other state resources were activated ahead of the storms.

Meanwhile, the same weather system responsible for the flooding spawned a radar-confirmed tornado in northwest San Antonio that damaged a popular shopping mall during the Wednesday morning rush.

Dramatic video near Interstate 10 in San Antonio appeared to show a tornado in the distance as traffic streamed along during the Wednesday morning rush. 

WATCH: DRONE REVEALS DEVASTATING FLASH FLOODING SWEEPING THROUGH SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI

FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell reported damage at The RIM shopping mall near where the funnel cloud was seen. It's unknown if there are any injuries.

NOAA's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) increased Thursday's flood risk to a Level 4 out of 4 flash flood risk for parts of the Texas Hill Country, with a broader Level 3 threat including the rest of Hill Country.

A Level 2 threat covers the northwestern part of the San Antonio metro area through Friday morning.

The region is forecast to see an additional 2 to 5 inches of rain through Friday.

"Localized spots could see another foot of rain or more if storms repeatedly impact the same locations," the FOX Forecast Center said.

The FOX Forecast Center noted this is the first time the WPC has issued a Level 4 flash flood risk since April 2025, when it issued Level 4 risks on three consecutive days across the Mississippi River Valley.

Flood Watches for life-threatening floods remain in place across central and southwestern Texas, including Austin, Kerrville and Del Rio through Thursday.

BRIGHT IDEA: BOLD PLAN SUGGESTS WEAKENING ONE OF EARTH'S MOST POWERFUL CLIMATE FORCES

The massive heat dome locked over the northern half of the country is forcing a weak storm system underneath it, causing steering winds higher in the atmosphere to come to a crawl. This will create an environment where a weather disturbance can spin over the western half of Texas, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

"Without a driving force to keep storms moving, downpours are expected to park themselves over the same areas day after day," the FOX Forecast Center said.

This week's flood threat also comes on the heels of a deadly flash flooding along the Black River in southeastern Missouri that began on Friday and lasted into the weekend.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

The National Hurricane Center is painting two Areas to Watch for possible (but unlikely) tropical development. Even without tropical development, however, the yellow zone that spans Florida from the Gulf to the ocean waters off the Southeast coast has the potential to disrupt weekend plans.

A combination of factors, including a front that's pushing slowly through the Southeast and a well-organized upper-level disturbance, are likely to come together to generate a low-pressure system in or near the extreme northeastern Gulf over the weekend. A weak tropical disturbance now over Cuba will add some extra moisture and spin. This type of slow-moving system has the potential to produce heavy rain wherever a plume of moisture sets up.

TROPICAL STORM ELIDA FORMS AS STRENGTHENING EL NIÑO FUELS ACTIVE EASTERN PACIFIC HURRICANE SEASON

The National Hurricane Center is giving the system a low chance of becoming at least a tropical depression over the weekend or early next week. If anything, the computer forecast models show the odds of something developing are lower than yesterday.

Slow-moving non-tropical systems that start out energized by the contrast of cold and warm air can transition to a tropical system powered by the warmth of the ocean. That's especially true when the seawater temperature is unusually high, which it is in the northeast Gulf and offshore of Georgia and the Carolinas.

TROPICAL DEVELOPMENT POSSIBLE AS AREAS TO WATCH IDENTIFIED NEAR FLORIDA AND APPROACHING ATLANTIC BASIN

Whether it technically ends up a tropical system or not, the consensus of the forecasts is that there will be a swath of heavy rain from the Gulf Coast across part of Florida to the coastal sections of the Southeast. In Florida, the focus looks likely to be the I-75 corridor from Southwest Florida up to at least the Georgia line. How far south the rain zone develops is an open question, because we don't know exactly where the initial system will form.

Next week, there's also a big question about the track of the low. If it ends up over or inland of the coastline, it almost certainly won't be a tropical system, but the rain over the coastal sections of Georgia and the Carolinas will be heavier.

On the other hand, today the computer forecasts show a weaker system that is more likely to track west under the heat dome to the north. We won't know until the system develops over the weekend, but the odds highly favor simply a rainy weather pattern, not a concerning tropical system.

The bottom line is that there's a high probability that an extra-rainy weather pattern will develop over or near the northern half of Florida over the weekend and affect the coastal sections from the Gulf to the Carolinas early next week, although the heaviest rain could well stay offshore. There's a low probability that the system will take on any tropical characteristics and transition to a tropical depression or tropical storm.

The NHC is also painting a potential development area near the Cabo Verde Islands off the coast of Africa. There is a pocket of moist air south of the Saharan dust plume that could spawn a tropical depression or tropical storm as it moves near the islands and then tries to head west across the Atlantic. It doesn't appear that the system would last very long because the road ahead is full of dust, dry air, and hostile upper winds.

This disturbance is starting out tropical, but it will have to thread a needle to develop a circulation and get a mention in the 2026 hurricane season record book. The National Hurricane Center puts the odds of that happening at very low. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Except for these small pockets that are slightly conducive to development, hostile conditions prevail across the Atlantic, the Caribbean, and the Gulf, and long-range forecasts say that that will continue for the foreseeable future.

Tropical Storm Elida is forecast to reach hurricane strength as it tracks into the open ocean well offshore of Mexico. Another system, likely Fausto, is forecast right behind it. Neither appears to be a threat to land.

An Area to Watch well south of Hawaii is less likely to develop, but in any case, is moving away from the islands.

"The river gauge at Center Point has risen 32 feet in 4 hours and is expected to reach a crest similar to [the] July 4, 2025, catastrophic river flood," the NWS said in a Flash Flood Emergency warning bulletin issued just after 5:30 a.m. local time.

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

Last year's devastating floods killed at least 135 people in Kerrville and other vulnerable communities along the Guadalupe.

Flash Flood Emergencies were issued in the pre-dawn hours Thursday across Kerr, Kendall and Uvalde counties after intense rain rates sent rivers and creeks surging toward major flood stage.

South-central Texas has been battered by heavy rain since Monday night, with more than 2.5 million people in the bull's-eye for additional rounds of torrential rain through Friday.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The Ingram Fire Department in Kerr County said it rescued a driver whose vehicle stalled in floodwaters overnight and received additional reports of stranded vehicles into Thursday morning.

The county warned people in low-lying areas to seek higher ground before dawn Thursday. The Guadalupe River at Hunt rose more than 10 feet in just one hour.

A Flash Flood Emergency was issued for Kendall County on Wednesday as Boerne officials said high-water rescues were ongoing across the city.

A second Flash Flood Emergency was issued for D'Hanis in Medina County.

Within the warned area, nearly 4 to 12 inches of rain fell in the span of six hours, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

More than 20 inches of rain has fallen in Uvalde over the past 3 days, and police were seen going door to door Wednesday morning.

A viewer in Uvalde told FOX Weather that helicopters rescued people on County Road 429 north of the city Wednesday.

SEE IT: RADAR-CONFIRMED TORNADO TOUCHES DOWN NEAR MAJOR TEXAS CITY

Uvalde police said they have conducted at least 25 water rescues since Tuesday.

FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray reported widespread washouts and roads that had been rendered impassable near Camp Wood in Real County Wednesday. Water and air rescue units have been activated across the region.

Officials from Sabinal and Medina County told FOX Weather on Tuesday they made multiple water rescues, with one driver saved by a tree that prevented their vehicle from being swept away.

FLOOD WATCH, WARNING AND EMERGENCY: HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

The torrential rain and flooding prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to declare a state of emergency for 59 counties on Tuesday.

Abbott said the Blackhawk helicopters and other rescue teams were deployed Tuesday, and the National Guard and other state resources were activated ahead of the storms.

Meanwhile, the same weather system responsible for the flooding spawned a radar-confirmed tornado in northwest San Antonio that damaged a popular shopping mall during the Wednesday morning rush.

Dramatic video near Interstate 10 in San Antonio appeared to show a tornado in the distance as traffic streamed along during the Wednesday morning rush. 

WATCH: DRONE REVEALS DEVASTATING FLASH FLOODING SWEEPING THROUGH SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI

FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell reported damage at The RIM shopping mall near where the funnel cloud was seen. It's unknown if there are any injuries.

NOAA's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) increased Thursday's flood risk to a Level 4 out of 4 flash flood risk for parts of the Texas Hill Country, with a broader Level 3 threat including the rest of Hill Country.

A Level 2 threat covers the northwestern part of the San Antonio metro area through Friday morning.

The region is forecast to see an additional 2 to 5 inches of rain through Friday.

"Localized spots could see another foot of rain or more if storms repeatedly impact the same locations," the FOX Forecast Center said.

The FOX Forecast Center noted this is the first time the WPC has issued a Level 4 flash flood risk since April 2025, when it issued Level 4 risks on three consecutive days across the Mississippi River Valley.

Flood Watches for life-threatening floods remain in place across central and southwestern Texas, including Austin, Kerrville and Del Rio through Thursday.

BRIGHT IDEA: BOLD PLAN SUGGESTS WEAKENING ONE OF EARTH'S MOST POWERFUL CLIMATE FORCES

The massive heat dome locked over the northern half of the country is forcing a weak storm system underneath it, causing steering winds higher in the atmosphere to come to a crawl. This will create an environment where a weather disturbance can spin over the western half of Texas, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

"Without a driving force to keep storms moving, downpours are expected to park themselves over the same areas day after day," the FOX Forecast Center said.

This week's flood threat also comes on the heels of a deadly flash flooding along the Black River in southeastern Missouri that began on Friday and lasted into the weekend.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

The quake was relatively deep, with an epicenter around 48 miles below the surface.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The earthquake prompted New Zealand's National Emergency Agency to issue a Tsunami Warning for the west coast of the South Island from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point.

"The earthquake may not have been felt in some of these areas, but evacuation should be immediate as a damaging tsunami is possible," the emergency agency said.

MAGNITUDE 6.3 EARTHQUAKE STRIKES WEST OF LOYALTY ISLANDS IN LATEST PACIFIC RING OF FIRE QUAKE

According to USGS, the quake was felt across much of the southern half of the South Island.

New Zealand sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 25,000-mile belt of volcanoes and earthquake zones surrounding much of the Pacific Ocean, where about 90% of the world's earthquakes occur.

South-central Texas has been battered by heavy rain since Monday night, with more than 2.5 million people in the bull's-eye for additional rounds of torrential rain through Friday.

KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN

This comes a little more than a year after Kerrville and other vulnerable communities along the Guadalupe River saw devastating flooding last July 4 that killed 135 people.

A Flash Flood Emergency was issued for Kendall County on Wednesday as Boerne officials said high-water rescues were ongoing across the city. A second Flash Flood Emergency was been issued for D'Hanis in Medina County.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Within the warned area, nearly 4 to 12 inches of rain fell in the span of six hours, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

More than a foot of rain has fallen in Uvalde since early Tuesday, and police were seen going door to door Wednesday morning, evacuating neighborhoods as heavy rain redeveloped over the area.

FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray reported widespread washouts and roads that had been rendered impassable near Camp Wood in Real County Wednesday. Water and air rescue units have been activated across the region.

Meanwhile, the same weather system responsible for the flooding spawned a radar-confirmed tornado in northwest San Antonio that damaged a popular shopping mall during the Wednesday morning rush.

SEE IT: RADAR-CONFIRMED TORNADO TOUCHES DOWN NEAR MAJOR TEXAS CITY

The torrential rain and flooding prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to declare a state of emergency for 59 counties on Tuesday.

NOAA's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a Level 4 out of 4 flash flood risk for the southern part of Texas Hill Country, with a broader Level 3 threat including the rest of the Hill Country and the San Antonio metro area through Thursday morning.

A viewer in Uvalde told FOX Weather that helicopters rescued people on County Road 429 north of the city on Wednesday.

WATCH: DRONE REVEALS DEVASTATING FLASH FLOODING SWEEPING THROUGH SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI

An image taken north of Uvalde on Tuesday showed floodwaters nearly reaching the 5-foot mark on a roadside flood marker.

Uvalde police said they have conducted at least 25 water rescues since Tuesday.

Officials from Sabinal and Medina County told FOX Weather on Tuesday they made multiple water rescues, with one driver saved by a tree that prevented their vehicle from being swept away.

HERE'S WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A FLOODED ROAD

Gov. Abbott said the Blackhawk helicopters and other rescue teams were deployed Tuesday, and the National Guard and other state resources were activated ahead of the storms.

Dramatic video near Interstate 10 in San Antonio appeared to show a tornado in the distance as traffic streamed along during the Wednesday morning rush. The National Weather Service (NWS) office in San Antonio said there was a radar-confirmed tornado in the area at the time.

FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell reported damage at The RIM shopping mall near where the funnel cloud was seen. It's unknown if there are any injuries.

FLOOD WATCH, WARNING AND EMERGENCY: HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

The region is forecast to see an additional 2 to 5 inches of rain through Friday.

"Localized spots could see another foot of rain or more if storms repeatedly impact the same locations," the FOX Forecast Center said.

The FOX Forecast Center noted this is the first time the WPC has issued a Level 4 flash flood risk since April 2025, when it issued Level 4 risks on three consecutive days across the Mississippi River Valley.

Flood Watches for life-threatening floods remain in place across central and southwestern Texas, including Austin, Kerrville and Del Rio through Thursday.

BRIGHT IDEA: BOLD PLAN SUGGESTS WEAKENING ONE OF EARTH'S MOST POWERFUL CLIMATE FORCES

The massive heat dome locked over the northern half of the country is forcing a weak storm system underneath it, causing steering winds higher in the atmosphere to come to a crawl. This will create an environment where a weather disturbance can spin over the western half of Texas, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

"Without a driving force to keep storms moving, downpours are expected to park themselves over the same areas day after day," the FOX Forecast Center said.

This week's flood threat also comes on the heels of a deadly flash flooding along the Black River in southeastern Missouri that began on Friday and lasted into the weekend.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), episode 51 of lava fountaining began at 8:30 a.m. HST on Wednesday.

Lava fountain heights quickly jumped to 950 feet and spread at about 400 cubic yards per second.

As the volcano got off to a hot start, the National Weather Service reported the smoke plume from the eruption reaching 18,000 feet above sea level, along with light amounts of Pele’s hair falling along Highway 11 outside the national park.

"Fountaining episodes typically last 12 hours or less, but ash can remain in the air for longer depending on wind and weather conditions," the USGS said.

CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE SPREADS HAZY SKIES, EXTREMELY POOR AIR QUALITY TO MILLIONS AS PLUME INVADES US

A video shared by the USGS shows lava steadily flowing from the summit before increasing over time.

The USGS warned of low-level winds moving the lower part of the smoke plume southwest of the summit, resulting in tephra fall below the eruption's inversion level (about 8,000 to 10,000 feet).

BRIGHT IDEA: BOLD PLAN SUGGESTS WEAKENING ONE OF EARTH'S MOST POWERFUL CLIMATE FORCES

TROPICAL STORM ELIDA FORMS AS STRENGTHENING EL NIÑO FUELS ACTIVE EASTERN PACIFIC HURRICANE SEASON

As the volcano continues to erupt, the National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement for the region due to the threat of falling ash amid winds up to 13 mph.