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USA Today
3 days ago
- Climate
- USA Today
Storm Tracker: National Hurricane Center watching disturbance in Atlantic
A tropical wave is interacting with a broad low pressure area to produce the showers and thunderstorms in the open Atlantic Ocean. The National Hurricane Center is watching some disorganized showers and thunderstorms east of the Caribbean that have slight odds of forming into a tropical cyclone, a July 19 outlook says. A tropical wave is interacting with a broad low pressure area to produce the showers and thunderstorms in the open Atlantic Ocean, more than 900 miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, off of Africa, forecasters said. 'Environmental conditions appear marginally conducive for gradual development of this system during the next few days as it moves westward to north-westward around 10 mph,' the center, part of the National Weather Service, said in an update. By the middle of next week, conditions are expected to become unfavorable for the system to develop, forecasters said. AccuWeather said the pattern is expected to be met with wind shear approaching the Caribbean Sea, which could limit the system from intensifying. 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. Prepare now for hurricanes: Here's what you should do to stay safe before a storm arrives Contributing: Joel Shannon, USA TODAY
USA Today
24-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
What are the symptoms of heat stroke? What to know amid extreme heat warnings
The heat is no joke and this year, it is impacting a large portion of the U.S. As large swaths of the country continue to contend with extreme heat, knowing how to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer is key, especially since above-normal temperatures are expected to continue into August. According to a report by the National Weather Service, heat killed more Americans in 2024 than any other major weather event, including floods and tornadoes. The 30-year outlook on weather related fatalities tells a similar story. As temperatures increase, so does the risk of heat-related dangers and injuries, which occurs when the body is exposed to extreme heat or high humidity over an extended period of time. Either way, the consequences can be deadly. "Though record high temperatures are expected in the coming days, the duration of the heat as demonstrated by the numerous record warm morning lows will make this period especially oppressive," the NWS wrote June 20 on X. "Couple this with the fact that this is the first major heat wave of the year – when our bodies aren't acclimated to the heat yet – will make for an especially dangerous period for many." Here's what to know about heat stroke, including how to treat it. What is heat stroke? Heat stroke, as defined by Mayo Clinic, is a condition caused by the body overheating. The body overheats when it's exposed to high temperatures or physical activity in high temperatures for "too long." Heatstroke, which is most common in the summer months, can happen if body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), or higher. It is also the most serious heat-related illness. Other heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps and heat rash. More: What temperature to set your thermostat during summer heat wave? According to the Mayo Clinic, heat stroke requires emergency care and can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles if not treated. The longer treatment is delayed, the higher risk of serious complications or death. Heat stroke: Common signs, symptoms Anyone who works in hot environments or is exposed to extreme is are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these life-threatening conditions occur "when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down." Common signs or symptoms of heat stroke include: Extreme heat kills and maims: Here are some of its victims from across the US How to treat heat stroke If you think you, or anyone around you, is experiencing a heat stroke, call 911 or your local emergency services number immediately. As you wait for medical help to arrive, you can render first aid in these ways: Contributing: Joel Shannon and Julie Gomez, USA TODAY
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Heat wave hits US: See where it will be the hottest
Millions of Americans are under extreme heat warnings on Friday, June 20, as sweltering temperatures are expected to reach the triple digits in some areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) stated that heat could reach "dangerous levels" over much of the central and eastern United States, beginning on June 20 and continuing into the weekend. Temperatures are likely to be hottest between the weekend and early next week, but there will still be a risk for extreme heat in the Mid-Atlantic at the end of next week, the agency said. According to AccuWeather, up to 170 million people across the country are expected to experience temperatures at or above 90 degrees during the heat wave. Here is a look at which areas will be hit the hardest. Midwest to be hit with hottest temperatures on Friday, Saturday According to NWS data, the central U.S. is expected to endure the hottest temperatures on Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21. On Friday, major heat-related impacts are expected in most of Nebraska, Kansas and parts of Colorado, South Dakota and Iowa. Pockets of surrounding states, such as Minnesota, Oklahoma and Louisiana, will also get the worst of the extreme heat. By Saturday, 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 NWS. Extreme heat will move east by later next week Extreme heat will continue moving east across the Midwest through the weekend, reaching Illinois, Indiana and Michigan by Sunday, June 22, according to the NWS. Much of the remaining eastern half of the U.S. will also be under moderate to major heat-related risks, with temperatures likely reaching the high 90s. By mid-next week, extreme heat will mostly linger across Ohio, Pennsylvania and the East Coast, per the NWS. States as far west as Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas will still have a moderate heat risk by Thursday, June 26. NWS has specific temperature forecasts for all the U.S. states available on its website. How to stay safe in extreme heat For those affected by the ongoing heat waves, Contributing: Joel Shannon, USA TODAY Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at
