Latest news with #ChadMerrill
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where Millions Face Severe Storms Today
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. Millions of Americans across several states are facing the risk of severe storms on Thursday, according to forecasters. Why It Matters Meteorologists say the potential hazards posed by the storms include heavy rain, hail, and even tornadoes, which can cause widespread disruption and hazards. What To Know "Severe thunderstorms capable of large hail, damaging winds, and perhaps a couple of tornadoes are possible late this afternoon into tonight across parts of the central Great Plains to the Midwest," the NWS Storm Prediction Center (SPC) said in its outlook for Thursday. "Additional severe storms are expected across parts of the Northeast and Southeast," it added. This SPC map shows which areas face the highest risk of severe storms on Thursday. This SPC map shows which areas face the highest risk of severe storms on Thursday. Storm Prediction Center According to a forecast map from the agency, western Iowa, southwestern Colorado, as well as large portions of Nebraska and Kansas were in the highest risk area. In the northeast, parts of Vermont and northern New York also faced higher risk. The highest-risk zone spanned approximately 130,000 square miles and encompassed almost four million people, according to the SPC. AccuWeather meteorologist Chad Merrill told Newsweek that Fargo and Sioux Falls in South Dakota, as well as and Lincoln, Nebraska, face a moderate chance of severe thunderstorms from this Thursday afternoon into Thursday night. Des Moines, Iowa, Bismarck, North Dakota, and Rapid City, South Dakota, are also at risk for severe storms today, Merrill said. Merrill said primary threats include hail, isolated tornadoes and flooding downpours. "There could be a few minor travel disruptions due to the storms. The storms will linger the latest into the night across Iowa into far western Illinois (along and north of I-80)," Merrill added. What People Are Saying The NWS forecast office, Des Moines, Iowa said on X, Thursday: "Several rounds of storms are forecast late tonight through Fri with heavy rain expected, especially during the overnight hours. Rainfall amounts of 1-3" are likely into Fri AM with higher amounts possible. River rises are likely with flash flooding possible mainly in urban areas." It added: "Additional severe weather chances are forecast on Thurs & Friday afternoons into evenings. The primary threats both days are damaging winds & heavy rain, but a tornado is possible on Thurs PM. Continue to monitor the forecast for updates as threats and location may change!" NWS Burlington, Vermont, said on X, Thursday: "Showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon. Showers will develop off the Greens around noon and drift eastward across Vermont with additional chances in northern New York and the Champlain Valley. The main concern will be heavy rain and localized flash flooding." What Happens Next Forecasts are sometimes subject to change. Agencies such as the National Weather Service issue regular updates.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heatwave incoming: How high will temps go and when will it end?
Just in time for summer, here comes the heat. "A dangerous, widespread heat wave will bake the central and eastern U.S., bringing the hottest temperatures of the year and uncomfortably muggy air to the Midwest and Northeast that in some areas could last into much of next week," meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said in an online forecast June 20. AccuWeather estimates that 170 million people will experience temperatures at or above 90 degrees during the building heat wave into next week. "The magnitude and longevity of this heat wave will be a shock to the system," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Chad Merrill said. Heat alerts from the National Weather Service were in place June 20 across large swaths of the central and eastern U.S. Following a broiling Friday June 20, in the Plains, the heat will expand over the weekend across portions of the Midwest and Great Lakes. By Saturday June 21, major heat will expand across the Midwest, and extreme heat impacts will begin in parts of Nebraska, where temperatures could reach triple digits. Extreme levels are defined as rare or long-duration heat with little to no overnight relief, according to the weather service. The heat is then expected to shift and persist across the Ohio Valley, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic later in the weekend through next week. AccuWeather said the heat wave will continue to progress eastward, focusing on the Great Lakes, the central Appalachians, the mid-Atlantic and New England. Daily high temperatures are forecast to be well into the 90s, with overnight temperatures dropping only into the mid-70s from the Great Lakes to the East Coast. That will offer little to no relief to those without adequate or reliable cooling, the Weather Prediction Center said. "The first significant heat wave of the year can pose more danger," the center said. As the heat builds, people should limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and ensure access to air conditioning and other cooling areas. "Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can strike even physically fit individuals in the prime of their lives," Alex Sosnowski said. The heat wave will be triggered by a change in the jet stream pattern, Erdman said in an online forecast. "Specifically a strong bubble of high pressure aloft known as a heat dome will develop over the eastern U.S. Sinking air near the center of this heat dome suppresses clouds, allowing the intense sunshine this time of year to heat the ground and air above it," Erdman said. Southerly and southwesterly winds will also draw hot and humid air from the South into the Midwest and Northeast, he said. Meanwhile, in a testament to the vast size of the U.S., snow and cold will be the story in Montana. Some portions of Glacier National Park could see as much as two feet of snow, the weather service said. The weather service warned of "considerable disruptions to normal activities" and "dangerous or impossible conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heat wave: How hot will it get? How long will it last?
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heatwave incoming: How high will temps go and when will it end?
Just in time for summer, here comes the heat. "A dangerous, widespread heat wave will bake the central and eastern U.S., bringing the hottest temperatures of the year and uncomfortably muggy air to the Midwest and Northeast that in some areas could last into much of next week," meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said in an online forecast June 20. AccuWeather estimates that 170 million people will experience temperatures at or above 90 degrees during the building heat wave into next week. "The magnitude and longevity of this heat wave will be a shock to the system," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Chad Merrill said. Heat alerts from the National Weather Service were in place June 20 across large swaths of the central and eastern U.S. Following a broiling Friday June 20, in the Plains, the heat will expand over the weekend across portions of the Midwest and Great Lakes. By Saturday June 21, major heat will expand across the Midwest, and extreme heat impacts will begin in parts of Nebraska, where temperatures could reach triple digits. Extreme levels are defined as rare or long-duration heat with little to no overnight relief, according to the weather service. The heat is then expected to shift and persist across the Ohio Valley, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic later in the weekend through next week. AccuWeather said the heat wave will continue to progress eastward, focusing on the Great Lakes, the central Appalachians, the mid-Atlantic and New England. Daily high temperatures are forecast to be well into the 90s, with overnight temperatures dropping only into the mid-70s from the Great Lakes to the East Coast. That will offer little to no relief to those without adequate or reliable cooling, the Weather Prediction Center said. "The first significant heat wave of the year can pose more danger," the center said. As the heat builds, people should limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and ensure access to air conditioning and other cooling areas. "Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can strike even physically fit individuals in the prime of their lives," Alex Sosnowski said. The heat wave will be triggered by a change in the jet stream pattern, Erdman said in an online forecast. "Specifically a strong bubble of high pressure aloft known as a heat dome will develop over the eastern U.S. Sinking air near the center of this heat dome suppresses clouds, allowing the intense sunshine this time of year to heat the ground and air above it," Erdman said. Southerly and southwesterly winds will also draw hot and humid air from the South into the Midwest and Northeast, he said. Meanwhile, in a testament to the vast size of the U.S., snow and cold will be the story in Montana. Some portions of Glacier National Park could see as much as two feet of snow, the weather service said. The weather service warned of "considerable disruptions to normal activities" and "dangerous or impossible conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heat wave: How hot will it get? How long will it last?
Newsweek
18-06-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where 'Extreme' Heat Will Hit Hardest Next Week
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. Millions of Americans are bracing for an extreme heat wave that will push the heat index, or feels-like temperature, into the triple digits across the Midwest and Upper Great Lakes next week. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Bryan Howell, who works at the Duluth, Minnesota, office, told Newsweek that temperatures will be as high as 93 degrees Fahrenheit in Duluth on Sunday, which is near the record high of 94 degrees, which was set in 1910. The average high for this time of year in Duluth is closer to 71 degrees. Why It Matters As of Wednesday afternoon, extreme heat watches were in place across states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. Although the region can experience hot weather during the summer, NWS meteorologists warned that the incoming heat wave would bring "dangerously" hot conditions that could increase the chance of heat illness and pose serious threats should someone spend time outdoors without taking proper precautions. The exceptionally hot weather is particularly dangerous for outdoor workers or people conducting activities outdoors during the hottest parts of the day. What to Know According to the NWS HeatRisk forecast tool, widespread "extreme" heat is forecast to begin moving into the region on Sunday. The heat's impact expands on Monday to include Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Missouri, and parts of Tennessee. A map from the NWS HeatRisk tool that shows where the most dangerous heat will be next Monday, June 23. A map from the NWS HeatRisk tool that shows where the most dangerous heat will be next Monday, June 23. NWS HeatRisk "This level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration," the NWS said. "Impacts likely in most health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure." Major heat, one level below the extreme indicator, is expected to hit much of central, Midwest, and Northeast U.S. The heat watches currently in place advise of rising temperatures on Friday that will persist through the weekend as the heat wave treks east. In addition to the heat, AccuWeather meteorologists are warning of high humidity that can make temperatures feel even hotter. As summer solstice approaches, the sun is at its most intense. AccuWeather meteorologists warned that exposure to heat such as this can greatly increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can also affect healthy individuals. What People Are Saying AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said in a report: "Detroit hasn't even hit 90 degrees this year and may have a stretch of at least seven days at or above this mark coming up starting on Saturday. This would tie for the third longest streak of consecutive 90-degree days. The last time Detroit had at least seven consecutive days at or above 90 degrees was July 1-9, 2020." An extreme heat watch issued by Hastings, Nebraska: "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors." What Happens Next The heat is expected to be most widespread on Monday, with warmer-than-average temperatures persisting throughout the first half of the week for much of the region.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Celebrity ship drifts from pier in 'sudden wind squall' during Alaska cruise
Strong winds caused a Celebrity Cruises ship to break from its moorings in Alaska this week. The incident occurred while Celebrity Edge was visiting the capital city of Juneau on June 16. Video footage posted to YouTube shows the vessel floating away from the dock as heavy rain rolls in. 'The ship drifted from the pier due to a sudden wind squall,' a spokesperson for the cruise line's parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. 'Our Captain maneuvered the ship back to the dock where passengers and crew boarded to resume the scheduled itinerary.' There were no injuries, damage to the ship or impacts to its itinerary. Wind speeds in Juneau increased accompanied by rain in the afternoon, with gusts of 30 to 35 miles per hour between 3:30 and 4 p.m., according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill. 'The wind trends show a ramp up period from a sustained wind of 5 mph at 2:05 p.m. to a sustained wind of 26 mph and gust to 35 mph at 3:30 p.m., and an abrupt wind shift from a southwest direction to an east to southeast direction,' he told USA TODAY in an email. 'So, the squall brought with it steadily increasing winds and a sharp change in wind direction.' Skies later cleared and the wind relaxed. Celebrity Edge is currently sailing a week-long Alaska cruise that departed from Seattle on June 13, according to CruiseMapper. While those incidents are relatively rare, it's not the only one of its kind in recent years. Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic ship separated from the pier amid strong winds in Catania, Sicily in late May, causing a guest to fall from the gangway into the water. Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Magic also hit a pier in Jamaica during windy weather in February 2024. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Strong winds cause cruise ship to break from moorings in Alaska
