Latest news with #OhioValley
CBS News
14 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Extreme heat is heading for Minnesota this weekend. Here's what you need to know
Minnesota will experience the first heatwave of the summer this weekend as sweltering heat and humidity settle in. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning from Saturday at noon until Sunday at 9 p.m for the Twin Cities on south. Northern Minnesota is under an extreme heat warning. The NWS says the Plains and the Midwest region will see the "hottest temperatures of the season." The heat is then expected to persist across the Ohio Valley and move towards the East Coast, where it will stay for several days. In Minnesota, the feels-like temperatures could enter into the triple digits from St. Cloud on south on Satuday. Sunday, the feels-like temperature for the Twin Cities will hover around 99 degrees. A NEXT Weather Alert is in effect for both weekend days. WCCO WCCO There won't be any overnight relief from the extreme heat, according to NEXT Weather meteorologists. The forecast low for Saturday night is 79 degrees, which would shatter a 1923 record of 75 degrees. The NWS rates heat risk on a scale of zero to four, with four being the most extreme. Over the weekend, most of central and southern Minnesota will see a category three rating, which indicates that the heat will affect anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration. Lengthy outdoor activities could also be dangerous, the NWS says. The hot weather is fueled in part by moisture blown north from the Gulf of Mexico. To stay cool, experts encourage people to limit time in direct sunlight and drink plenty of water. Cranking the AC could mean big electric bills, so Xcel Energy encourages Minnesotans to clean out the AC filter and running dishwashers and washing machines at night. contributed to this report.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Maps show heat wave forecast across U.S. Here's what to know.
A heat wave is forecast across the eastern United States, and it's expected to bring severe storms and several days of record high temperatures at the start of the weekend and into next week. As a low-pressure system slowly shifts from the West, the Ohio Valley and the Midwest down into the lower Mississippi Valley face the threat of tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds, according to CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan. As the system moves eastward, showers and storms are also on deck for parts of the Northeast through Thursday. Behind the system are warm and above-average temperatures, or what the National Weather Service called "the first significant heat wave this season." Temperatures are expected to soar more than 25-35 degrees above average in the Plains on Friday, Nolan said. Potential daily record highs are also forecast for parts of the Rockies and Plains on Friday and Saturday. CBS News' temperature outlook across the U.S. this week. CBS News Here's what to know about the upcoming heat wave. Heat wave forecast maps "Summer has taken its time arriving in the Northeast, but it's coming in HOT," the National Weather Service wrote Wednesday in a social media post. "Triple-digit heat indices will be common through next week, with oppressive humidity." The heat index is what the actual temperature feels like when it's combined with relative humidity. These maps show daily highs across the country and their departures from average temperatures. Thursday's high temperatures across the U.S. CBS News Friday's high temperatures across the U.S. CBS News Saturday's high temperatures across the U.S. CBS News Sunday's high temperatures across the U.S. CBS News Monday's high temperatures across the U.S. CBS News Tuesday's high temperatures across the U.S. CBS News How long will the heat wave last? The heat is expected to shift into the Midwest and Ohio Valley by the end of the weekend and arrive in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic on Sunday through the first half of next week. Parts of the Northeast face a "High Risk" — a greater than 60% chance — of extreme heat through the middle of next week, according to the National Weather Service. What constitutes a heat wave? A heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather that lasts more than two days, according to the National Weather Service. It often, but not always, covers a large area and exposes a large number of the population to hazardous heat, which can be extremely dangerous for vulnerable people, including children and the elderly. How to stay safe during a heat wave The simplest way to way to avoid heat-related illnesses is to stay out of the sun, experts say. If strenuous outdoor activities are unavoidable, you should dress for the heat and wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing, the National Weather Service recommended. You should also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you're not thirsty. It's also important to be aware of any symptoms of overheating, which include muscle cramps, unusually heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, weakness or nausea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you experience these symptoms, one major sign to seek care is if the symptoms don't improve after getting into a cooler environment or hydrating, experts say. contributed to this report.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Record amounts of atmospheric moisture fueling heavy rainfall in western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia
While the Upper Ohio Valley is no stranger to heavy rainfall and flooding, the conditions that have been in place over the past couple of days have supercharged the atmosphere to produce some localized deluges in portions of the area. What makes this latest round of heavy rain and flooding unique is the amount of moisture that has been observed in the atmosphere leading up to and during the height of the worst flooding from Saturday night through Wednesday morning. (Photo: KDKA Weather Center) What is precipitable water? We can measure the vertical depth of moisture in the atmosphere through the launch of weather balloons looking at a value called precipitable water. Precipitable water is a measure of the amount of moisture in the column of air between two different levels in the atmosphere. While high values of precipitable water don't guarantee heavy rain will occur at any moment, it does indicate an exceptionally moist atmosphere that is more efficient at producing and packing in more raindrops per unit volume in precipitating clouds. This is especially true if there is a front or low-pressure area moving through that can lift the moisture and cause clouds to form. (Photo: KDKA Weather Center) Precipitable water values break records On Saturday night before the heavy rain that led to deadly West Virginia Panhandle floods, precipitable water values measured in Pittsburgh were within the top 95% of available records. On Sunday morning, before a flash flood emergency was declared south of Morgantown near the Fairmont, West Virginia, area, moisture levels remained anomalously high, although not record-breaking. The area eventually moved into record-breaking levels of moisture starting the morning of June 17. On June 17 at 8 a.m., 1.83 inches of precipitable water was observed breaking the 1984 8 a.m. record of 1.82 inches. At 8 p.m. on June 17, Pittsburgh smashed the precipitable water record of 1.77 inches in 1984 (the 8 p.m. record) with 1.89 inches of precipitable water. This morning, June 18, we broke another precipitable water record with 1.85 inches observed, breaking the old record of 1.83 inches set in 2024. (Photo: KDKA Weather Center) A warmer atmosphere has more room to hold moisture The weather pattern that led to these unusually high levels of moisture involved a strong ridge of high pressure across the southeast U.S. and semi-persistent troughing in the Midwest and Central Plains. A persistent southwest flow near the surface and aloft led to rich moisture flowing north from the Gulf. Water temperatures in the Gulf are also much warmer than normal, which allows for greater rates of evaporation and more moisture transport inland to the U.S. mainland whenever the weather pattern is favorable. (Photo: KDKA Weather Center) As earth's atmosphere continues to warm thanks to a warming climate, there is growing concern that these exceptionally moist environments will continue to become more frequent. A warmer atmosphere expands and has more room to hold more moisture. This means precipitating systems like thunderstorms and landfalling tropical systems will produce more extreme and damaging amounts of precipitation. This raises the risk of damaging and deadly flooding, especially in vulnerable areas with poor or dilapidated infrastructure.
CBS News
08-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Smoky haze in Pittsburgh gives way to rain and thunderstorms on Sunday
Another round of Canadian wildfire smoke moved in behind yesterday's cold front and is still with us this morning. This smoke has mixed down to the surface, creating air quality issues with much of Western Pennsylvania, either in a Code Orange or Code Red, meaning that air quality has an unhealthy level for most individuals. People should limit time outdoors, close windows, and use a proper air circulator or filter as opposed to breathing and circulating in outside air. Air quality in Pittsburgh - June 8, 2025 KDKA Weather Center The good news is that smoke should start to alleviate our area closer to mid-morning due to the rain and thunderstorms that will be moving in with our next system. Our next system to keep an eye on for Sunday is progressing east through the Midwest and into the Ohio Valley. The low pressure associated with this system will likely track along or just north of the Ohio River into Western Pennsylvania by early this afternoon, with a larger band of steady light to moderate rain on its north side and more cellular pockets of heavy rain and a few embedded thunderstorms on its south side. WEATHER LINKS: Current Conditions | School Closings & Delays | Submit Your Weather Photos Areas along and south of the low-pressure track, mainly from Pittsburgh south and east toward I-70 and I-68, have the greatest potential for picking up some locally heavy rain, which could lead to isolated instances of flash flooding. A combination of above normal atmospheric moisture content and enhanced lift from the upslope flow on the westward facing slopes of the Laurel Highlands and Ridges could promote some locations in Washington, Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Monongalia, and Preston counties receiving 1-3" of rain today, which is enough for flash flooding. Expected rainfall through 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning KDKA Weather Center A Flash Flood Watch has been issued until 10 p.m. Sunday to account for this risk. There is also a risk for an isolated severe storm with a level 1 out of 5 risk from the Storm Prediction Center. Small hail and a brief tornado spin-up cannot be ruled out between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. today. Most of the rain will end between 8 p.m. and midnight Sunday, with a brief break in the activity from Sunday night into Monday morning. Light winds, cool temperatures, and very moist grounds will lead to pockets of dense fog on Monday morning from just before sunrise through 9-10 a.m. Winds will begin to increase out of the southwest through the day ahead of another strong low-pressure system and cold front moving in from the west. Unlike the past few days, when we haven't had much wind shear, wind shear will be much higher on Monday, leading to more organized and longer-lasting storms. Severe weather threat and timing in our region KDKA Weather Center The most likely timing for storms on Monday will be from 2 p.m. through midnight. The first cells will develop in our northwestern zones with activity gradually spreading south and east through the afternoon and evening. It's possible that Pittsburgh remains dry through 5-6 p.m. before storms get closer after that. A few storms will be severe with damaging winds, hail, and a spin-up tornado risk. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of our region in a 2 out of 5 "slight risk" for Monday afternoon and evening. An additional 0.5" to 1.5" of rain is likely in spots on Monday into Monday night, with more localized flash flooding possible. After some lingering showers Tuesday morning and midday Tuesday, we'll get a push of drier air in from the northwest and, unfortunately, another round of wildfire smoke from Canada. This smoke will linger into Wednesday with hazy skies and possible air quality impacts. Toward the back half of the week, most of Thursday through Saturday will lean drier and warmer, but a few weak disturbances moving in from the northwest may promote a daily low afternoon or evening storm chance. 7-day forecast: June 8, 2025 KDKA Weather Center Stay up to date with the KDKA Mobile App – which you can download here!
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kentucky tornadoes: Nearly 2 dozen dead as severe weather outbreak tears across Ohio Valley
LONDON, Ky. - A tornado outbreak that swept through the Ohio Valley Friday night left nearly two dozen people dead and several more seriously injured in Kentucky as rescue crews were frantically searching damaged cities for other victims into Saturday morning. "Daylight is painting a more complete, and more painful picture of the damage and loss that devastating storms have wreaked upon the Commonwealth this Friday and Saturday," Kentucky Emergency Management officials posted Saturday morning. Kentucky Congressman Hal Rogers confirmed on Saturday afternoon that at least 20 people had been killed in the commonwealth, while the governor said the figure was at least 18. Some of the towns hardest hit by large tornadoes on Friday night were the Somerset area and London, where local officials reported at least nine deaths amid significant damage. "Multiple fatalities have been confirmed as a result of a tornado that pummeled Laurel County late Friday evening," Laurel County Fiscal Court posted on Facebook, citing the Laurel-Whitley County Emergency Management Office. "Destroyed homes and buildings are still being searched by emergency responders." The Laurel County Sheriff's Office says the tornado touched down just before midnight and tore through two neighborhoods and the London Corbin Airport area, "causing mass casualties in its path." So far, the agency reports at least 12 people have died in the county and "numerous severe injuries occurred to others." One of those deaths was Major Roger Leslie Leatherman of the Laurel County Fire Department. Officials said Leatherman was fatally injured while responding to the devastation caused by the tornado in Laurel County. Video from London shot by emergency officials shows extensive damage with multiple homes destroyed and vehicles barely recognizable as debris littered the neighborhood and lightning still flashed in the background. "(My daughter) got scared so we went to the hallway," a woman named Leslie who survived the storm with her family, told emergency officials in the video. "And we were in there about two minutes and then my husband came running in and pretty much jumped on top of her because you could feel the air sucking in, and it sounded like a train. And then we saw stuff falling and next thing you knew, most of the house was gone." After the tornado hit, they said they had to go looking for shoes and car keys to get out. Their car was damaged and covered in mud, but still started. "My family's OK, I don't know about everybody else," she said, adding she saw some of her neighbors had been injured. The office also reported multiple serious injuries in town as damage was found strewn around the London-Corbin Airport, Jackson Wilderness Road Park and Oaks of London. subdivisions. London mayor Randall Weddle posted several photos from an aerial tour of the damage given by Air Evac Life Team, which itself lost its hanger and one of its helicopters to the tornado. Photos show wide swaths of damaged buildings across the London Corbin airport and into surrounding neighborhoods. The tornado's size became even more evident as it tore a path through wooded areas on the outskirts of town, leaving a stripe of bare, wind-blasted trees in its wake. "You can see (the tornado) originated in Pulaski County and didn't stop until it reached Oaks of London," Weddle said. "Debris is scattered for up to three miles past the golf course, a stark reminder of the storm's power." Just to the west of London, Somerset mayor Alan Keck declared a state of emergency in his city as "damage is extensive and loss of life occurred, the extent of which is not fully reported as of this (declaration)." "It was a really scary night," Keck told FOX Weather Saturday morning. "This really hit our business community, (the tornado) went right through our commercial corridor. It was a tough night." While at least one person died in the storms in his city, Keck said the tornado spared hundreds of homes. "I want to start with some gratitude that it could have been so much worse," he said. "If you look at the path through Somerset, candidly, it's remarkable that it didn't do more damage to residential homes... There were close to 200 apartments right behind (the tornado path) that didn't get hit. It was almost as if the storm lifted up before it got to the next neighborhood… It really could have been monumentally worse." "But sadly, this number is expected to grow as we receive more information," he posted on X. Beshear said the state remains in an active rescue phase. Over 100,000 people in Kentucky remain without power and five counties are in a state of emergency. He plans to visit London to survey the damage later Saturday. "Please pray for all of our affected families," he article source: Kentucky tornadoes: Nearly 2 dozen dead as severe weather outbreak tears across Ohio Valley
