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Today's Severe Weather Outlook

Gusty Thunderstorms Expected From the Plains to Gulf Coast

Scattered severe thunderstorms will develop over the southern Plains this afternoon and evening.

Weekend Weather Outlook

Weekend Weather Outlook

Outdoor weekend plans may be in jeopardy if you are in the Central or Eastern U.S.

Drought Monitor for May 7, 2026

Unsettled Spring Pattern Leads to Mixed Drought Results

An active spring weather pattern was seen across most of the U.S. this week.

Image by 15299 from Pixabay

Tornado Myths

Tornado myths can be the difference between life and death. Here are the facts behind them.

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A Convective Outlook from March 25, 2021 that depicts all thunderstorm risk categories. Numerous Tornadoes occurred across the Deep South and Tennessee Valley. NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center

Understanding Severe Thunderstorm Risk Categories

Thunderstorm risk categories describe the potential for severe weather within 25 miles of any location for the contiguous United States.

Drought via Pixabay

Drought Safety Tips

The heat has already been intense across the West this year, driving large swaths of ground to be designated as exceptionally dry.

A Convective Outlook from March 25, 2021 that depicts all thunderstorm risk categories. Numerous Tornadoes occurred across the Deep South and Tennessee Valley. NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center

Understanding Severe Thunderstorm Risk Categories

Thunderstorm risk categories describe the potential for severe weather within 25 miles of any location for the contiguous United States.

Drought via Pixabay

Drought Safety Tips

The heat has already been intense across the West this year, driving large swaths of ground to be designated as exceptionally dry.

(Image provided by Pixabay.com)

Sun Safety: Protect Your Skin During Spring

Time to brush up on sun safety before heading outdoors.

Rough seas as thunderstorms form off the coast. (Pixabay.com)

Beach Safety: Waves, Rip Currents and Other Beach Dangers

There are a few things to keep in mind if you are planning a trip to the beach.

Pile of hail after a hail storm hits Perth.

How Does Hail Form?

The sound of hail plunking car hoods is synonymous with summer thunderstorms, but many wonder, what causes meteor-sized balls of ice to fall in the heat of summer in the first place.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Cynthia Kearley runs during the Air Force Marathon. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Brett C. Clashman)

Late-Spring Outdoor Activities

As spring unwinds and with summer right around the corner, the warm weather brings outdoor fun.

California was affected by a historic drought from 2011-2016. When faced with a water shortage, agricultural land in California’s Central Valley that remains unplanted, or “fallow,” tends to increase markedly because farmers are unable to fully irrigate their crops. (NASA Goddard Photo and Video)

Weather vs. Climate: What Is The Difference?

While weather and climate are both changes in the atmosphere, the difference between them is a measure of time

U.S. Air Force Maj. Cynthia Kearley runs during the Air Force Marathon. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Brett C. Clashman)

Late-Spring Outdoor Activities

As spring unwinds and with summer right around the corner, the warm weather brings outdoor fun.

California was affected by a historic drought from 2011-2016. When faced with a water shortage, agricultural land in California’s Central Valley that remains unplanted, or “fallow,” tends to increase markedly because farmers are unable to fully irrigate their crops. (NASA Goddard Photo and Video)

Weather vs. Climate: What Is The Difference?

While weather and climate are both changes in the atmosphere, the difference between them is a measure of time

The U.S. Drought Monitor showing widespread drought conditions in the western and central U.S. on October 4, 2022

What Is The U.S. Drought Monitor?

The drought monitor is the go-to product used by many meteorologists, but what exactly is the weekly map showing?

A blanket of smog lays over Los Angeles in September 2011. Source: Temeku, Wikimedia Commons

What is the Air Quality Index?

What is the Air Quality Index and how can pollutants impact your health?

Image from pixel2013 via Pixabay

Asthma and the Weather

During an asthma attack, the airways in and out of your lungs narrow and your body makes extra mucus, both of which make it hard for you to breathe.