The weather landscape across the United States is quite active today, with ongoing concerns over heat, severe storms, and tropical activity. Here’s a summary of the latest national updates:
Tsunami Impacts Across the Pacific Basin Following Major Earthquake
A significant tsunami warning is in effect for parts of the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii, following a powerful M8.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia. Residents in affected coastal areas are advised to seek higher ground and stay updated on local advisories.
- Source: https://www.weather.gov/ (Look for “Tsunami Warning” or “Tsunami Advisory” on the main page for the latest updates.)
- Source: https://www.foxweather.com/ (Search for “tsunami waves hit Hawaii, US West Coast” for more details and video.)
Dangerous Heat Continues in the Central US, Expanding East
A dangerous, long-lasting heat dome remains over the Mid-South to Mid-Mississippi Valley, with heat expanding into the Northeast for a brief period today. Multiple areas are under Extreme Heat Warnings or Heat Advisories, urging residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
- Source: https://www.weather.gov/gid/nwr_general (General information section often highlights current widespread hazards.)
- Source: https://www.accuweather.com/ (Check their “Heat Alert” section for specific regional impacts.)
Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Warnings Across Multiple Regions
Various parts of the country are experiencing severe thunderstorms and flash flood warnings. Recent alerts have been issued for areas including Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, New Mexico, and parts of the Pacific Northwest. There’s also a “slight risk of heavy precipitation for portions of the Great Lakes, and the Ohio and Middle and Upper Mississippi Valleys” into early August.
- Source: https://www.weather.gov/crh/outlooks (Check “Severe Weather Outlook” and “Rainfall Outlook” for current information.)
- Source: https://kamala.cod.edu/svr/ (This site provides a detailed list of current severe weather warnings by NWS office.)
Active Tropical Cyclone Season in the Central Pacific; Atlantic Remains Quiet (For Now)
The Central Pacific is currently active with Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli being monitored by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Both systems are currently south of Hawaii, with forecasters tracking their movements. In the Atlantic, tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 7 days, though tropical wave activity continues to be monitored. There is an expectation that the Atlantic Basin will become more conducive for tropical development as August arrives.
- Source: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php (Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook)
- Source: https://www.wunderground.com/hurricane (Provides current details on Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli.)
- Source: https://www.weather.gov/lwx/tropical (General tropical weather information and outlooks.)
U.S. Drought Monitor Updates Show Mixed Conditions
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor indicates some improvements in drought conditions across parts of the Southeast, South, Midwest, and Intermountain West due to recent precipitation. However, areas like the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida have seen an expansion of Abnormally Dry or Moderate Drought conditions.
- Source: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/ (Refer to the “This Week’s Drought Summary” for detailed regional information.)
Disclaimer: This information was researched and curated with the assistance of AI but reviewed and verified by a human.