Top News Stories

How Is a Nor’easter Different From a Hurricane?

Hurricanes and nor'easters are like weather cousins.

September Nor'easter 2026 What We Know About the East Coast Storm

A strengthening storm system could bring several days of wind, rain, flooding and rough surf from the Mid Atlantic to New England.

Drought Remains Widespread Across the U.S.

When Is the First Freeze Where You Live

See when temperatures typically reach 32 degrees across the United States and why your neighborhood may freeze earlier or later

See Where Fall Colors Are Starting

The first signs of fall color are appearing in northern New England, the Upper Midwest and parts of the Rockies, but most of the country is still green.

Why Is Pumpkin Spice Associated With Fall

Why does pumpkin spice mean fall? Here is how a simple pie-spice blend became an unofficial season that often arrives before the weather changes.

See Where Fall Colors Are Starting

The first signs of fall color are appearing in northern New England, the Upper Midwest and parts of the Rockies, but most of the country is still green.

Why Is Pumpkin Spice Associated With Fall

Why does pumpkin spice mean fall? Here is how a simple pie-spice blend became an unofficial season that often arrives before the weather changes.

El Niño Winter 2026–2027 What It Could Mean for the US

A rapidly strengthening El Niño could shift storm tracks, snow and temperatures across the country. Here is what each region may notice.

Why Do the Days Get Shorter So Fast in September

The earlier sunsets are not your imagination. September brings one of the fastest losses of daylight of the entire year.

Where Do Cold Fronts Come From

There’s something about that first good cold front that makes it finally feel like fall.

Why the First Big Rain After a Drought Can Turn Dangerous

Dry ground does not always absorb sudden rain quickly. Learn how drought can increase runoff and flash-flood risk as heavy rain and El Niño return.

When Fall Colors Peak at 12 Top US Destinations

Find the best time to see peak fall colors at 12 popular U.S. destinations, including New England, the Smokies, Michigan and Colorado.

Why the First Big Rain After a Drought Can Turn Dangerous

Dry ground does not always absorb sudden rain quickly. Learn how drought can increase runoff and flash-flood risk as heavy rain and El Niño return.

When Fall Colors Peak at 12 Top US Destinations

Find the best time to see peak fall colors at 12 popular U.S. destinations, including New England, the Smokies, Michigan and Colorado.

2026 Fall Foliage Forecast: When and Where Colors Could Peak

See the 2026 fall foliage forecast for New England, the Great Lakes and Appalachia, including likely peak timing and how drought may affect color.

The Real Odds of a Tornado Hitting Your Home

We used NOAA tornado data to estimate the risk at a single location in every state, and Texas does not come out on top.

The Real Meaning Behind “Super El Niño”

A “Super El Niño” is an unusually strong El Niño. This year’s event has a real chance of becoming one of the strongest on record.

Top News Stories

How Is a Nor’easter Different From a Hurricane?

September Nor'easter 2026 What We Know About the East Coast Storm

Drought Remains Widespread Across the U.S.

When Is the First Freeze Where You Live

Latest News

See Where Fall Colors Are Starting

Why Is Pumpkin Spice Associated With Fall

See Where Fall Colors Are Starting

Why Is Pumpkin Spice Associated With Fall

El Niño Winter 2026–2027 What It Could Mean for the US

Why Do the Days Get Shorter So Fast in September

Where Do Cold Fronts Come From

Why the First Big Rain After a Drought Can Turn Dangerous

When Fall Colors Peak at 12 Top US Destinations

Why the First Big Rain After a Drought Can Turn Dangerous

When Fall Colors Peak at 12 Top US Destinations

2026 Fall Foliage Forecast: When and Where Colors Could Peak

The Real Odds of a Tornado Hitting Your Home

The Real Meaning Behind “Super El Niño”