Latest tornado tallies for the active 2025 season
On average, Missouri sees 45 tornadoes each year, according to NOAA data from 1991 to 2020. Kansas records nearly twice that number, averaging 87 annually. But so far in 2025, Missouri ranks second in the nation for the most confirmed tornadoes, trailing only Texas, which leads with 137. In third place is Illinois with 110 confirmed tornadoes in 2025, including the strongest tornado of the year so far, an EF-4 that struck near the town of Marion with maximum winds of 190 mph. The Sunflower State, meanwhile, has recorded just 40 tornadoes so far this year.
Tornadoes can happen at any time of year given the right conditions. For parts of America's heartland, the classic spring and summer tornado season has yet to peak, typically ramping up in June and July for the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains. While late April, May, and early June historically tally the highest number of tornadoes across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas, neighboring states to the north often see the most activity later into the warm season. For example, Iowa and Nebraska historically see the most tornadoes in June, with Minnesota and North Dakota are known to see the most tornadoes in July.
As the classic 'tornado season' starts to wind down locally over the next month, powerful thunderstorm complexes known as mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) will provide the biggest threat for severe weather. While an MCS can occasionally produce a brief tornado, the biggest hazard they pose is straight-line winds and very heavy rainfall. Several MCSs traverse the Mid-Missouri River Valley every year, usually during the summer. While these powerful storm systems can be problematic, they are also essential, providing inches of beneficial rainfall to area crops between spells of scorching heat.
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USA Today
23 minutes ago
- USA Today
Storm tracker: Disturbance east of Caribbean expected to weaken, forecasters say
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disorganized group of showers and thunderstorms east of the Caribbean, with odds of it forming into a tropical cyclone slightly decreasing on Monday, July 21. As of the center's July 21 midday report, there are showers and thunderstorms associated with an area of low pressure hundreds of miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles, with a 10% chance it will form into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours. The disturbance was set to move west at about 15 miles per hour, forecasters said, but conditions are expected to prevent further formation in the coming days. Chances of it strengthening into a cyclone within the next week are similarly low, forecasters say, also at about 10%. "Although the wave is still producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, environmental conditions are not expected to be conducive for development during the next few days," the July 21 update said. The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will last through the end of November. Active hurricane weather typically peaks between mid-August and mid-October. Atlantic hurricane season storm tracker How do hurricanes form? Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression. A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reaches 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane. Prepare now for hurricanes Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends. Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her atkapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
New Jersey 'Blood Red' River Ignites Theories and Concern
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A YouTube video from April sparked concerns about the end times on TikTok, as viewers wondered why the Passaic River in New Jersey appeared to be red. YouTuber Two Feet Outdoors posted a video on April 17 in which he paddled the Passaic, calling it "one of the most polluted rivers in the United States." About halfway through, as he passed the Newark Asphalt Corporation on the north side of Newark, the water became a deep red. "I'm paddling currently through red water," he said, lifting his paddle out to demonstrate. "Look at that. You can see in the splash that water is red. That is wild. [...] "It looks like fruit punch." File photo: Sun sets by the Passaic River after a large rainstorm in Paterson, New Jersey on December 18, 2023. File photo: Sun sets by the Passaic River after a large rainstorm in Paterson, New Jersey on December 18, 2023. Photo byIn an email to Newsweek, Two Feet Outdoors—who asked to be identified by only his first name, Matt—said he wasn't concerned about his own well-being in his limited exposure to the water, but he was concerned for the health of the river and the wildlife living in it. "I've been to a lot of dirty rivers, but nothing looked quite like that," Matt told Newsweek. A Dirty History The Lower Passaic River has a history of pollution that stretches back into the 1950s. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the river was polluted by byproducts from the chemical herbicide Agent Orange—a substance best known for its use by the American military in the Vietnam War. The toxic byproduct released into the river was called "TCDD," known for causing cancer in humans and deformities in animals. As Matt paddled through the red water, he spotted a pair of Canada geese that flew away at the sight of him. "Look at that," he marveled, "They're splashing red water." Industrial contamination has also been a massive problem in the Passaic: According to the NOAA, more than 70 facilities located along the banks of the river have released contaminants into the water including pesticides, heavy metals and more. 'Are we currently living in Biblical times?' More conspiratorial TikTok users, however, saw the red water as an ominous sign. "Are we currently living in Biblical times?" user joed69 asked rhetorically, showing clips of Two Feet Outdoors' video. The user, along with numerous highly upvoted commentators, were referencing Revelations 16 in the New Testament, in which the Apostle John—describing a vision he received from God—wrote that he heard a loud voice sending seven angels out to pour out seven bowls of God's wrath on the Earth. "The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood," John wrote in verses four and five. "Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: 'You are just in these judgments, you who are and who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged; for they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve." A Pipe Leak The red water, however, was not blood. After seeing Two Feet Outdoors' video in April, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted an investigation. A spokesperson for the DEP told Newsweek that they determined there was a blocked sewage main around Safer Textiles—a textile processing mill along the Passaic near where Matt was paddling. According to the DEP, Safer Textiles dyes fabric and discharges its wastewater into the Newark sewage collection system for treatment, but the blocked sewage main caused sewage to back up and spill over into Newark's stormwater collection system, which discharged into the Passaic. The waste water was red when it discharged. The DEP clarified that Safer Textiles was properly disposing of its wastewater. When the Newark Sewer Department cleared the blockage, the issue resolved. According to the DEP, they are continuing to investigate that region of the river and sewage system. 'Cities need to do better' Matt said the department contacted him with an explanation. "I was very impressed with the response by the New Jersey [DEP]," Matt said. "They reached out to me before I was able to reach out to them. They took quick action and I was very pleased with how they handled it." Still, Matt told Newsweek that sewers are often a problem when he kayaks through New Jersey and New York in particular. "Routinely, raw sewage and often trash that gets flushed, is pumped into our waterways after major rain events through combined sewer overflows," Matt said. "The cities need to do better when it comes to waste water management to be able to handle this. Our waterways deserve better."
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Florida burning with heat advisories issued across entire state, heat index up to 115
It's not just you. It's hot out there, dangerously hot. Heat index advisories have been issued for the entire state of Florida with heat index values of 110-115 expected for July 21 as a heat dome spreads across the South, forecasters said. Temperatures across most of the state are expected to be in the 90s and may approach 100 degrees around Orlando and Southwest Florida, forecasters said. July 21 is also the one-year anniversary of the hottest day on record for the Earth. North Florida and the Panhandle (and parts of southeast Alabama and southern Georgia) are under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. ET through 7 p.m. with heat index values up to 112 expected. Advisories for Central, Southwest and South Florida are scheduled for noon through 6 p.m., with heat index values from 109 to 112 possible. The National Weather Service's Heat Risk map shows roughly two-thirds of Florida from the Panhandle down into the Central and Southwest regions facing major heat risk, with pockets of extreme heat risks in the Big Bend area and parts of the Southwest. "The 'Dog Days of Summer' are in full swing for most of the eastern two-thirds of the Lower 48," Peter Mullinax with the NOAA/NWS Weather Prediction Center said in a Monday morning update. "This is brought about by a strengthening heat dome originating over the Deep South that builds in over the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys by mid-week. "Expect some localized daily record highs to be broken in the Southeast," he said. Florida heat wave: What's the best setting for your AC thermostat? Heat index alert: Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida How dangerous is the heat in Florida? When your body gets hot, it cools itself off by sweating. If you get too hot, you can't cool off fast enough and your brain, your heart, and other organs can be damaged. If the relative humidity is high (that's the moisture in the atmosphere), your sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly — or at all — and you heat up even faster. That leads to dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heat stroke. Anyone can get heat stroke, but infants, the elderly, and people with chronic disease, or people who have suffered from heat stroke in the past are at higher risk because their bodies may not be able to regulate temperature effectively. Heat waves kill more people in the U.S. than hurricanes, tornadoes and floods combined, despite being more preventable. According to the CDC, the average number of heat-related deaths per year in the U.S. has risen 95% from 2010 to 2022. Florida saw an 88% increase in heat-related deaths from 2020 to 2023. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke in Florida: Symptoms, what to do, when to call 911 Heat advisory issued for Panhandle. Heat index up to 110 A heat advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. CT to 7 p.m., National Weather Service Mobile said, with heat index values up to 108 expected. Heat advisory issued for Tallahassee, Big Bend area. Heat index up to 112 A heat advisory is in effect for the North Florida region July 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Heat index values are expected to reach 112 in portions of southeast Alabama, the Big Bend and Panhandle of Florida, and south central and southwest Georgia. Heat advisory issued for Jacksonville, Northeast Florida. Heat index up to 110 A heat advisory was issued for Northeast Florida for July 21, in effect from noon ET to 6 p.m. Heat index values up to 110 expected for all of northeast and north central Florida and southeast Georgia, the National Weather Service Jacksonville said. Heat advisory issued for Central Florida, East Coast. Heat index up to 112 A heat advisory has been issued for Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Okeechobee, Indian River, St Lucie, and Martin counties from noon to 6 p.m. ET July 21. Heat index values from 108 to 112 expected, the National Weather Service Melbourne said. Heat advisory issued for Southwest Florida. Heat index could be 109 A heat advisory has been issued for portions of southwest and west central Florida from noon to 6 p.m. ET July 21. Heat index values up to 109 expected. Heat advisory issued for South Florida. Heat index from 105 to 110 The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for South Florida from noon July 12 until 6 p.m. The heat index could reach between 105 and 110 across portions of southeast, south and southwest Florida and could reach even higher is some isolated locations, the National Weather Service said. A major heat risk means there is a risk for heat-related illnesses for most residents, especially for those without access to air conditioning or who don't stay hydrated. Dangerous heat: Heat advisory issued for Palm Beach County as temperatures and humidity soar Heat index and temperature map for US, Florida What is the heat index? The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature, according to the National Weather Service. At its most basic: the heat index is what the temperature feels like when you're outside. The chart above shows the combination of air temperature with humidity. It's important to note the chart uses the air temperature in the shade. In direct sun, the air temperature can be up to 15 degrees higher. In Florida, except for Miami-Dade County, the National Weather Services offices around the state would issue a heat advisory if the heat index is expected to reach 108 to 112 degrees. The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for an advisory for its population, which was set at 105 degrees. NWS issues several types of heat-related warnings National Weather Service changed its heat watch and warning terms in March 2025. Here's what you should know: Excessive heat watches were renamed to extreme heat watches. Issued when dangerous heat is possible and residents are encouraged to be prepared. Excessive heat warnings were renamed to extreme heat warnings. Issued when dangerous heat is happening or about to happen. What is a heat advisory? Issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. ➤ See when heat watches and warnings could be issued in your area What is a heat advisory? A heat advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria, according to the National Weather Service. "Residents are advised to consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening." When a heat advisory is issued also depends on where you are in Florida. For most of the state, a heat advisory is issued if the heat index is expected to be between 108 to 112 degrees. Here is the breakdown by each NWS region. A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to be: Western Panhandle: 108-112 degrees Central Panhandle, North Florida: 108 to 112 within the next 6 to 24 hours or air temperature is forecast to reach 103 degrees Northeast Florida: 108-112 degrees East Central Florida: 108 to 112 degrees In South Florida: 108 degrees in South Florida or 105 degrees for Miami/Dade and Broward counties Southwest, West Central Florida: 108-112 or the air temp is greater or equal to 103 degrees The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for a heat advisory for its population. Signs, symptoms of heat stroke Heat stroke is the most serious of heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Signs and symptoms include: Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech Loss of consciousness (coma) Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Seizures Very high body temperature Heat stroke is fatal if treatment is delayed What to do: Call 911 Move the person to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing Cool the person quickly, using the following methods: With a cold water or ice bath, if possible Wet the skin Place cold wet cloths on the skin Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin Soak clothing with cool water Circulate the air around the person to speed cooling Signs, symptoms of heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating, the CDC said. Signs and symptoms include: Headache Nausea Dizziness Weakness Irritability Thirst Heavy sweating Elevated body temperature Decreased urine output What to do: Take the person to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment Call 911 if medical care is unavailable Have someone stay with the person until help arrives Remove the person from the hot area Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks Cool the person with cold compresses or have the them wash their head, face, and neck with cold water Encourage frequent sips of cool water How to stay safe. What do meteorologists recommend when it's hot outside? ➤ What's the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat? Drink plenty of fluids Stay in an air-conditioned room Stay out of the sunshine Check on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911. Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will provide weather coverage as conditions warrant to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida heat advisories issued with heat index up to 115 expected Solve the daily Crossword
