Category: Weather

Utah is currently battling at least six active wildfires, and state officials say they are gearing up for what could be a prolonged and difficult fire season ahead.

The outbreak of fires across the state, sometimes called the Beehive State, has already taken a serious toll on at least one community. One of the blazes forced an entire town to evacuate, with residents unable to return home for nearly a week.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as conditions continue to raise concerns about additional fire activity in the weeks and months to come.

Emergency crews in northern France were working around the clock Wednesday to get the lights back on for thousands of households left without electricity during a punishing heatwave that has baked much of western Europe for several days.

Officials said a transformer failure was responsible for Tuesday’s outages, and that healthcare facilities and other critical locations were being given top priority in the restoration effort. Retirement homes were provided with generators to help them get through the crisis.

“The incident was accidental and related to the current heat wave,” officials stated. “No one was injured.”

According to the Reuters Climate Monitor, temperatures across Europe have soared as much as 18 degrees Celsius — or 32 degrees Fahrenheit — above normal levels, causing school closures, tourist site shutdowns, and widespread disruptions to transportation networks.

Weather agency Meteo France has drawn comparisons between the current conditions and a catastrophic heatwave in August 2003 that stretched 16 days and was linked to an estimated 80,000 excess deaths throughout Europe.

The current heat event is being driven by a weather pattern called an Omega block — named for its shape — which allows temperatures to climb steadily day after day. It remains unclear how long the dangerous conditions will persist.

The World Meteorological Organisation has noted that Europe is warming at more than double the global average rate, making extended periods of extreme heat increasingly common.

The scorching conditions have forced construction workers to shift their schedules to avoid peak heat hours. Retailers are struggling to keep up with surging demand for fans and portable air conditioners, and farmers have been harvesting grain at night after afternoon fieldwork was banned due to the risk of fires.

Dozens of people have drowned after jumping into rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water in an attempt to cool off.

Across the English Channel in Britain, the national grid operator called on power generators to boost output as temperatures climbed toward record levels Wednesday. With thermometers hitting the high thirties, British health authorities issued a “red heat” alert — only the second time such a warning has ever been declared — cautioning that the heat poses a risk to life even for otherwise healthy individuals, not just the elderly and sick.

Train operators in Britain urged passengers to travel only when absolutely necessary on Wednesday and Thursday, the two hottest days of the event, as the heat has triggered speed restrictions on rail lines.

In a heartbreaking development in southeastern France, two young children — aged two and four — were found dead in a hot vehicle outside their family home. Autopsies confirmed they died from the extreme heat. A regional prosecutor said the children’s mother indicated she had not known the children were in the car.

Italy’s health ministry placed 16 cities on its highest heat alert, including Florence, Milan, Rome, Turin, and Verona. Meteorologists warned that conditions could deteriorate further, particularly across central and northern parts of the country, with the heatwave expected to peak between Sunday and Monday.

Temperatures in the Tuscany and Emilia regions could climb to 41 degrees Celsius — around 106 degrees Fahrenheit — while coastal areas like Liguria may see perceived temperatures reach as high as 45 degrees Celsius, or 113 degrees Fahrenheit, when extreme humidity is factored in.

Millions of people across Europe are enduring dangerously high temperatures this week as an early summer heat wave takes hold, and climate scientists say a weather phenomenon called a heat dome is responsible.

So what exactly is a heat dome? According to Mireia Ginesta, a research associate at the Climate Litigation Lab at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, heat domes are high pressure systems that stall in place for several days, locking in dangerous levels of heat and humidity.

These events are triggered by a northward bulge in the jet stream — the band of fast-moving winds high in the atmosphere that drives much of our weather.

“High pressure system means that the air is sinking, and as the air goes down to lower altitudes, it becomes compressed,” Ginesta explained. “So the pressure increases and the temperature also increases.”

Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center, described it this way: “The heat dome is really what the jet stream is doing. The heat wave is what we feel at the surface.” She added that those northward bulges in the jet stream are what create the conditions leading to extreme heat events.

France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom are among the nations being hit hardest by the current heat wave. France has been the most severely affected, with roughly half the country placed under a red heat wave alert by its national weather service. The country lacks widespread air conditioning, and approximately 40 deaths linked to drowning have been reported as people sought ways to cool off. Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) and remain elevated for several days.

“In Europe, they’re just not used to this,” Francis said. “It’s really just in the last decade or two where these sorts of really brutal heat waves have been happening and killing a lot of people because they don’t have the means to stay cool.”

Liz Bentley, chief executive at the Royal Meteorological Society and a professor of meteorology at the University of Reading, warned that temperature records are in serious jeopardy. “We are going to see the June temperature records not just broken, but completely annihilated,” she said.

Experts are pointing to climate change as the driving force behind the increasing frequency of heat domes worldwide. Francis noted that as global temperatures rise, extreme heat becomes far more likely everywhere. “We’re warming the globe and that means we’re shifting the range of temperatures that any given place experiences,” she said. “And as you shift that range of temperature, you’re making the extreme temperatures much more likely.”

Bentley agreed, saying climate change is making these events worse in every way. “Climate change is definitely having an impact on the fact that they’re more frequent, they’re more intense, and they’re more persistent as well,” she said. “They hang around a lot longer than they used to do.”

Francis also highlighted a danger that many people overlook — the heat at night. “One of the biggest problems is the nighttime heat,” she said. “If you don’t give your body a chance to cool off at night, it just starts to accumulate in your body and that can really start to affect your health. And so figuring out a way to stay cooler at night is very, very important.”

Authorities in France have responded by canceling trains, concerts, and sporting events, and have placed restrictions on public alcohol consumption. Health officials are urging anyone facing extreme heat to stay hydrated, avoid physical activity during the hottest parts of the day, seek shade, and cool off safely in nearby bodies of water when possible.

Deadly weather has swept across the Midwest over the past several days, as thunderstorms and tornadoes have struck numerous communities in the region.

At least three people have been killed as a result of the violent storms, which have brought a sharp rise in tornado activity to the area.

The Midwest has seen a significant increase in the number of tornadoes during this stretch of severe weather, raising concerns for residents throughout the affected communities.

PARIS (AP) — Millions of French residents are waking up exhausted after sweltering overnight temperatures, as most of the country faces extreme and exceptional heat conditions.

France’s national weather service, Meteo France, has issued red heat wave alerts for 54 departments, warning that dangerously high temperatures will persist around the clock.

The country lacks widespread air conditioning, and the effects are widespread — schools have been disrupted, train service has been impacted, and sporting events have been affected. Authorities have also reported roughly 20 drowning deaths since the weekend.

Meteo France described the situation bluntly: “Sunshine continues to dominate across France, maintaining oppressive and exhausting heat throughout the country.” The agency expects extreme conditions to continue at least through the end of the week, with afternoon highs topping 40 degrees Celsius — that’s 104 degrees Fahrenheit — in many locations.

The weather service also warned that more records could fall. “Further record-breaking temperatures are expected, including some that could surpass all previous records, regardless of the time of year,” Meteo France said.

The current heat wave is notable for arriving so early in the summer season, though forecasters describe its duration as “still uncertain.” Comparisons are already being drawn to the devastating August 2003 heat wave, when extreme temperatures — the highest in more than 50 years — led to an estimated 15,000 deaths, many of them elderly individuals living in apartments and care facilities without air conditioning. France created its heat watch warning system in the aftermath of that tragedy.

Scientists point to human-caused climate change as a driving factor behind increasingly severe heat events. The United Nations climate agency projects that the next five years will see even more heat records broken worldwide.

Europe is warming faster than any other continent, with temperatures rising at twice the global average rate since the 1980s, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. That same agency found that 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded in Europe and globally, and the continent experienced its second-highest number of “heat stress” days on record.

The World Health Organization’s Europe office reported this month that more than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes over the past four years — and that most of those deaths could have been prevented. Extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heat stroke.

Climate researchers warn that rising temperatures are making heat waves and drought conditions more frequent and more severe, particularly in southeastern Europe, increasing the risk of both health emergencies and wildfires.

France is enduring a brutal heat wave this week, with daytime temperatures climbing above 40 degrees Celsius — that’s 104 degrees Fahrenheit — and nighttime temperatures offering little relief to a population largely without air conditioning.

The country’s national weather service, Meteo France, warned that most of France — the largest nation in the European Union — would be stuck in these oppressive conditions through at least Friday.

Meteo France described the heat wave as exceptionally intense, drawing comparisons to the devastating August 2003 heat wave, though officials noted its duration remains uncertain. That 2003 event prompted France to create a heat watch warning system after the highest temperatures recorded in more than 50 years led to an estimated 15,000 deaths, many of them elderly people living in apartments and care homes without air conditioning.

According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, with temperatures rising at twice the global average pace since the 1980s. Scientists link human-caused climate change to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, and projections from the United Nations climate agency suggest the next five years will break even more heat records.

Several communities across France hit their all-time temperature highs on Monday. Paris endured its hottest June night on record, with temperatures never dipping below 24.2 degrees Celsius (75.5 degrees Fahrenheit). The French capital also set a new June daytime record of 37.7 degrees Celsius (99.9 degrees Fahrenheit) Monday afternoon.

“This will continue through the end of the week, with heat levels never before recorded across more than three-quarters of the country on Wednesday and Thursday,” Meteo France stated.

The intense heat also worsened air quality in Paris, triggering the formation of ozone that traps pollution. The air quality monitoring agency serving the Paris region warned that pollutant levels were expected to surpass recommended safety thresholds.

With air conditioning uncommon across much of France, residents scrambled to cope. Education minister Edouard Geffray announced that 1,352 schools were shut down Monday because of the heat, while several thousand others adjusted their schedules — releasing students earlier and moving classes into air-conditioned spaces.

More than half of France’s regions were placed under a “red alert” for heat by Monday, covering areas forecast to see highs above 40 degrees Celsius with overnight lows staying above 20 degrees Celsius.

Announcements on the Paris public transit network urged riders to stay hydrated. Medical professionals warned about the dangerous combination of alcohol consumption in extreme heat, and authorities moved to restrict public drinking.

Multiple drowning incidents were also reported as people attempted to cool off in rivers, despite warnings about dangerous currents and other hazards.

Tragically, two young children — ages 2 and 4 — died Monday after being discovered unconscious inside their family’s car in the southern town of Carpentras. According to a statement from the public prosecutor, initial findings indicate the children had locked themselves inside the vehicle. An investigation has been launched under an involuntary manslaughter charge. Government officials urged parents never to leave children unattended in vehicles.

Neighboring United Kingdom also braced for dangerous heat. The British weather office issued a rare “red” weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday, cautioning that temperatures could top 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) in the shade and potentially reach 40 degrees Celsius in parts of England and Wales. Officials there also warned that extreme temperatures could cause heat-sensitive infrastructure to fail, including power and mobile phone services.

The World Health Organization’s Europe office reported this month that more than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes over the past four years — and that most of those deaths were preventable. Extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke.

The EU’s monitoring agency found that 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded both in Europe and globally, with the continent seeing its second-highest number of “heat stress” days on record.

Scientists continue to warn that climate change is making heat waves and drought more frequent and more intense — particularly in southeastern Europe — raising the risk of health crises and wildfires. The burning of fossil fuels such as gasoline, oil, and coal, along with deforestation, wildfires, and industrial emissions, releases heat-trapping gases that drive climate change.

When Tom and Diane Peterman relocated to their retirement home on the shores of Black Lake in Michigan 14 years ago, they tried to purchase flood insurance — only to be told it wasn’t an option. John Solum’s family had been assured their 1940s cabin in the same area wasn’t situated in a flood zone when they bought it.

Then this spring, historic flooding swept across northern Michigan — striking some areas harder than anyone could recall — submerging homes, pushing dams dangerously close to failure, and destroying roadways. Dozens of counties were placed under a state of emergency.

Water levels at Black Lake rose so dramatically that chunks of floating ice tore apart decks and smashed through windows.

“We’ve never seen anything like that. Never,” said Solum, who noted he had dealt with flooding frequently while living in Houston. Knee-deep floodwater forced his family to gut the interior of their cabin, removing flooring, drywall, furniture, bedding, and appliances.

Across the state, thousands of residents were left financially exposed after record-breaking April rainfall compounded an already record-setting March snowfall. Adding to the hardship, many people had no idea they were at risk — even as precipitation levels in the region had been climbing for years.

Experts say what happened in Michigan reflects a vulnerability that exists throughout the country: flood plain maps simply don’t cover every area. Furthermore, the federal government’s approach to mapping is widely considered outdated and fails to account for the true risks posed by climate change and increasingly extreme weather.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is responsible for developing and maintaining maps that identify flood plains, determine who must carry flood insurance, and help communities with planning. However, FEMA has not created maps for many less-populated regions — including some Michigan counties that saw flooding unlike anything in recorded history.

Black Lake, for instance, sits across two counties. Cheboygan County has a FEMA flood plain map from 2012, while most of Presque Isle County has never been mapped at all. The area is a popular destination for summer visitors and retirees, dotted with small cabins and larger homes.

There’s another significant problem: FEMA’s maps focus on the risk of rivers, streams, and other waterways overflowing their banks. They don’t account for flooding caused purely by heavy rainfall overwhelming stormwater systems in cities or inundating rural communities where water has nowhere to drain.

First Street, a company that studies the financial consequences of climate change, found more than twice as many properties nationwide face significant flood risk when rainfall data is factored in and when the entire country — including smaller waterways FEMA doesn’t map — is included in the analysis. In Michigan alone, that figure jumped to four times the number identified by FEMA.

“I couldn’t believe it when we first started building our model how different we were from FEMA,” said Jeremy Porter, chief economist at First Street, who argues that federal maps are “missing a whole source of flooding.”

While FEMA does use additional rainfall data to help calculate insurance rates, it remains unclear whether the agency plans to incorporate that data into its actual flood plain maps, experts said.

A federal watchdog agency, the General Accounting Office, raised concerns five years ago that FEMA’s flood hazard maps failed to reflect the best available climate science or account for heavy rainfall events.

FEMA declined a request for an interview but issued a statement saying that 95% of the U.S. population lives in areas that have been mapped, and that those maps are “snapshots in time.” The agency did not address whether this year’s flooding makes mapping rural areas more urgent, or whether it is revising its mapping methods.

Michigan’s flooding this spring was “truly a monumental flood” that in many locations surpassed what is known as a 100-year flood event — meaning it has a 1% chance of happening in any given year — according to Matthew Occhipinti, the state’s National Flood Insurance Program coordinator.

But experts caution this was no random anomaly. A warmer atmosphere retains more moisture for extended periods, which can unleash heavy rain or snow when conditions align. This spring, an “extraordinarily warm” Gulf of Mexico set the conditions for both heavy snow and rain across the upper Midwest, explained Richard Rood, a climate scientist at the University of Michigan.

A major March snowstorm dropped between two and four feet of snow across northern Michigan. Then record April rains created more runoff than rivers, dams, and drainage systems could manage.

“We call these storms historic; that is only true compared to the past,” said Rood, noting that Michigan and neighboring Wisconsin recorded their wettest March 1 through April 15 period ever. “I think it is more appropriate to consider it typical of the climate of the future.”

That’s exactly why updating flood maps and improving community preparedness is so critical, experts said.

“You should never be lulled into complacency that, ‘Oh geez we just had the big flood so we’re good for another 100 years or another 500 years,’” said Chad Berginnis, executive director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers. “Mother Nature does not obey statistical averages.”

FEMA has been working to update older flood plain maps — some of which are decades old — but has made little headway in creating new ones for rural areas where development may occur, despite a congressional mandate passed in 2012, Berginnis said. The agency has historically focused on the most populated and highest-risk areas, which is understandable given budget limitations, but the result is that roughly two-thirds of the country’s streams, rivers, and coastlines remain unmapped.

His organization estimates it would cost between $4 billion and $12 billion to comprehensively map the entire nation, but FEMA has never received sufficient funding to accomplish that goal.

Flood plain managers are now worried the agency could fall even further behind because of significant staffing cuts under the Trump administration. FEMA lost close to 20% of its total workforce in 2025, according to a General Accounting Office report — including roughly 25% of its most experienced permanent staff, said Christopher Currie, who conducts audits of FEMA for the GAO.

“We’re very concerned,” said Currie, who noted that FEMA was already chronically understaffed before the current administration’s second term began. The agency would now have to pull resources away from programs like mapping in order to respond to multiple disasters simultaneously.

Even beyond the mapping gaps, getting accurate flood risk information to communities remains a significant challenge. Communities must enroll in the National Flood Insurance Program before their residents can purchase policies backed by FEMA and sold through private insurers. But many communities — including several hundred in Michigan, according to Occhipinti — have never joined the program.

Communities can participate even without a flood plain map, but experts say those that haven’t enrolled may never have experienced serious flooding before, or simply don’t understand how the insurance program works. They may also not realize their flood risk is elevated if they rely on FEMA’s National Risk Index, a separate tool that assigns a single score for a community’s overall natural disaster risk. That index assumes there is no flood risk if no flood plain map exists for the area, Berginnis explained.

That means a community with a seemingly low risk score could actually face significant flood danger — a situation that “gives people the absolute wrong sense of security,” he said.

Even participating in the insurance program doesn’t guarantee homeowners receive accurate guidance. Diane Peterman, who had to evacuate when floodwater filled her crawlspace, said she attempted to buy flood insurance on three separate occasions but was turned away each time — despite her township’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

“They said, ‘You’re not in a flood zone’ and I said, ‘But I live on a lake,’” Peterman recalled. She later discovered that her neighbor did have flood insurance.

In Michigan, an average flood insurance policy runs about $1,000 for $250,000 in coverage, though rates vary considerably depending on factors like home value and location, Occhipinti said. Private flood insurance is available from some companies, though it remains uncommon.

Berginnis urged homeowners and communities to look beyond what FEMA provides when assessing their flood risk.

“FEMA flood maps should always be the beginning of the journey and not the end,” he said. “Maybe states and communities need to step up and lead a little bit more.”

On the evening of January 7, 2025, Matt Blea faced a frightening choice. A fire had broken out just a few miles from his Altadena, California, home — and he had to decide whether to stay or get out fast.

A friend who worked in mountain rescue pointed him toward a free app called Watch Duty. Through it, Blea could see exactly where the fire’s perimeter was, check evacuation orders, and follow real-time updates from emergency responders. “It influenced me to leave the home sooner than later,” he said. Blea packed up his wife and son and left that evening — before the Eaton Fire burned their home to the ground.

Blea was among more than 2.5 million people who turned to Watch Duty during the devastating fires that swept through Los Angeles County that week. Behind the app, roughly two dozen staff members and more than 100 volunteers worked around the clock, sifting through emergency radio traffic, aircraft reports, and communications from local agencies to gather and verify information.

David Hertz, a Malibu resident who serves as captain of his community’s fire brigade, said the service was critical — particularly in areas where residents received little to no advance warning about the Eaton and Palisades fires, which together killed 31 people. “It’s like a democratization of data that empowers people,” he said.

Now, Watch Duty is taking on a new threat. This month, the app began helping users track flooding — another deadly and increasingly destructive hazard. The move comes as the peak flash flood season gets underway in the U.S., nearly a year after last July’s catastrophic floods in Texas, which killed more than 130 people and sparked widespread criticism over the lack of timely warnings reaching residents and visitors in the Texas Hill Country.

“This is painful that this keeps happening,” said John Mills, the CEO and co-founder of the donor-supported nonprofit that operates the app. “We’re not spreading enough information fast enough on as many channels as humanly possible.”

Mills launched Watch Duty in 2021 after he himself failed to receive official alerts or evacuation instructions when a fire threatened his Northern California home. He recognized a problem that has shown up repeatedly in recent disasters: the U.S. does have systems in place to send emergency alerts by text, radio, and other channels, but issuing a specific warning or evacuation order can get bogged down in bureaucracy and requires humans to make high-stakes calls under enormous pressure.

The information people need to assess their own risk is often out there, Mills said — it’s just scattered and hard to access. “The systems are really struggling to meet people where they are,” he said.

During fire emergencies, Mills noticed he was relying on volunteer radio operators who would listen to scanners and post updates on social media. Those posts were helpful, but social media came with serious drawbacks — misinformation and unrelated content could easily bury the critical updates people needed most.

A software engineer and entrepreneur by background, Mills brought together some of those volunteers and fellow engineers to build something better. He structured Watch Duty as a nonprofit, a decision that has helped earn the trust of its more than 20 million users. In 2025, the organization received nearly $6 million in grants and donations.

Today, Watch Duty relies on around 300 volunteer “reporters” who gather and verify information from radio scanners, cameras, satellites, user-generated content, and official public announcements. The app delivers that information in five languages through maps, text feeds, and push notifications — ones that can cut through even when a phone is set to silent.

“You’re not going to have to go to multiple other entities, to the weather service, emergency management website, county website,” said Watch Duty meteorologist Pete Curran. “It’s in one place, in plain language, and it’s going to wake you up if you’re asleep.”

Curran, a retired firefighter, noted that Watch Duty can sometimes get information out faster than local agencies because its reporters have a singular focus. “Our only responsibility is to watch and listen. We’re not in charge of the incident,” he said.

The nonprofit chose to expand into flood monitoring because of how broadly flooding affects communities. “We are seeing crazy rainfall in places that it’s not normal for them,” said Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, a longtime data scientist and Watch Duty board member who previously served as U.S. Fire Administrator. “Maybe it’s never happened before, but it’s happening now, so you need to be aware.”

The app draws on weather modeling and data from the National Weather Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Users can view flood warnings and watches, check river gauge levels, and receive alerts about potential dam or levee failures. They can also see whether their property falls within a FEMA-designated flood zone, understand what river gauge readings signal danger, and set customized notifications tied to specific gauge thresholds.

But experts caution that even the best app has its limits. “I love seeing products like this come out, but one thing we know to be true in the Texas floods, is a warning is only as good as the knowledge to do something about it,” said Chad Berginnis, executive director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers.

Berginnis said his organization recommends that people not only have an emergency plan — but actually practice it. “One of the massive failures is not knowing what to do,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the broader emergency alert infrastructure, which faces risks from past and proposed funding cuts to federal agencies and local warning systems. “At the end of the day, if you want eyes and ears out there, you’ve got to pay for it,” Berginnis said.

Mills is clear that Watch Duty is not designed to replace government weather or emergency services. “We need National Weather Service, we need fire service, we need all this infrastructure to operate,” he said, urging users to also sign up for their local alert systems.

And like any app, Watch Duty only works for those who have downloaded it — and who have cell service when they need it most. Berginnis recommended building in backup options, such as an inexpensive NOAA weather radio. “You have to have redundancy,” he said. “Sometimes we get so focused on tech, we forget the easy stuff.”

Scorching temperatures, drought, and gusty winds combined to spark a series of wildfires across the Western United States on Sunday, including a major uncontained fire in Utah that forced an entire town to evacuate.

The Iron Fire, burning in Utah’s Juab County, was first spotted on Saturday and had burned through 34 square miles (87 square kilometers) by Sunday. Located roughly 70 miles (113 kilometers) southwest of Salt Lake City, the fire triggered the evacuation of Eureka — a town of about 1,000 residents — as well as people living at a nearby ranch.

No homes were destroyed, and UTAH Fire Info, a multiagency operation, reported on X that firefighters carried out a successful backburn operation to help shield the town from the advancing flames.

Kelly Wickens, a fire prevention specialist with the Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands, cautioned that the fire continued to grow under drought conditions. Wickens noted the fire was human-caused and that an investigation is ongoing.

Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox made a visit to Eureka on Sunday. “We knew that there was going to be extreme fire danger, and sure enough we had multiple fires,” Cox said.

The Iron Fire was just one of six separate fires burning across Utah at various stages of containment.

Just across the border in Colorado, the southwestern corner of the state faced a red flag warning from the National Weather Service through Monday, driven by high winds and low humidity levels.

Near Sedona, Arizona, a wildfire broke out over the weekend and burned approximately 300 acres (120 hectares) of steep, rugged land near Oak Creek Canyon. The fire remained fully uncontained as of Sunday afternoon, and residents who had evacuated earlier were still not permitted to return to their homes.

A large stretch of the Western U.S., from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast, experienced above-average temperatures over the weekend, with even more intense heat expected to arrive early next week. Officials cautioned that the extended stretch of hot, dry, low-humidity weather was significantly raising fire danger across the region.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, much of Utah is currently experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, while portions of Arizona and Colorado are also dealing with severe drought.

The dangerous heat has also proven deadly. Three hikers lost their lives in two separate incidents at the Grand Canyon last week due to extreme temperatures. Temperatures were forecast to keep climbing across the Southwest on Sunday, with Carlsbad, New Mexico expected to reach as high as 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42.2 degrees Celsius).

On the other side of the country, a brush fire in Miami-Dade County, Florida tore through 2,000 acres (800 hectares) on Saturday.

A powerful heatwave descended on large portions of Europe Sunday, pushing temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius — about 104 degrees Fahrenheit — and setting off a cascade of warnings, travel disruptions, and concerns for both people and animals.

The dangerous heat arrived on June 21, the summer solstice and the traditional start of the year’s three hottest months in the northern hemisphere. The timing raised alarms that extreme conditions could set in early and linger.

Italy had already endured several consecutive days of temperatures above 35C, prompting authorities to declare a red alert for June 21 in eight cities, among them Bologna, Florence, Milan, and Turin.

In Rome, crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square to hear the Pope deliver his customary Sunday prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace. Many pilgrims shielded themselves from the intense sun using parasols and umbrellas.

The source of the heat is a massive surge of hot air pushing northward from the Sahara Desert, driven by a powerful high-pressure system referred to as the “African anticyclone.” Weather experts say this system is forming what’s known as a “heat dome,” which traps hot air over western and central Europe and causes temperatures to climb higher with each passing day.

In Madrid, both locals and visitors found ways to cope at the city’s well-known El Rastro flea market, fanning themselves and reaching for cold drinks. “I’m dressed all in white because it’s so hot, and I’m carrying my little electric fan everywhere I go,” said Haily San Cesario, a 22-year-old engineer from Miami.

Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, placed red and orange alerts across multiple regions, warning that temperatures could hit 39 to 40 degrees Celsius across broad stretches of the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca. Officials said the heatwave was expected to continue at least through the middle of the week.

The extreme temperatures have also begun causing problems for transportation. At Paris’s Gare Montparnasse station, SNCF chief Jean Castex told reporters the rail network was “strongly impacted” by the heat, which poses a risk of damaging overhead power lines and causing train tracks to expand and warp. He said 3,500 workers had already been deployed to monitor the network, with an additional 2,000 standing by for emergency repairs. He also urged travelers with health vulnerabilities to postpone their trips. The rail operator has scrapped 71 intercity trains through Monday on major routes.

Germany has also been feeling the heat, with temperatures reaching as high as 38C. The country’s DWD weather service issued warnings of severe thunderstorms in eastern parts of the country, including Berlin, where heavy downpours disrupted the outdoor Fete de la Musique festival. Organizers were forced to clear the grounds of the Berlin Open tennis tournament as rain and strong winds moved in, delaying the women’s singles final between Jessica Pegula of the United States and Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic.

Wildlife is suffering as well. A rescue center near the Belgian city of Namur reported taking in roughly 150 heat-stressed animals over recent days, with young birds bearing the brunt of the crisis. “Nestlings prefer to jump rather than let themselves die and literally cook in their nests,” said CREAVES founder Romain De Jaegere, who noted that animal rescue centers throughout Belgium were being overwhelmed with cases.

Scientists say this kind of extreme heat is becoming more common across Europe, with climate change driving heatwaves to occur more often and with greater intensity.

MADRID — Visitors and residents in Madrid found themselves battling sweltering conditions on Sunday as Spain’s first official heatwave of 2026 took hold, with thermometers climbing as high as 40 degrees Celsius — that’s 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Authorities issued warnings about overexposure to the sun and flagged a heightened risk of wildfires across the country.

Among those feeling the heat was Haily San Cesario, a 22-year-old engineer from Miami who was visiting Madrid’s El Rastro flea market. “I’m dressed all in white because it’s so hot, and I’m carrying my little electric fan everywhere I go,” she said.

Spain’s state weather agency, Aemet, reported that 13 of the country’s 17 regions are under an orange heat alert on Sunday. The Basque Country in the northwest is facing an even more serious red alert — the highest warning level available. Forecasters say the heatwave is expected to last through Thursday.

Another market-goer, Madrid resident Ana Garces, a 49-year-old social educator, summed up the conditions simply: “The heat really is exhausting.”

The scorching temperatures are not limited to Spain. The head of SNCF, the French state-owned railway operator, urged vulnerable individuals on Sunday to avoid train travel during the heatwave. The extreme heat had already triggered a partial alcohol ban in France on Saturday, prompted nationwide warnings in Germany, and led to the closure of a soccer fan zone in Spain.

Health officials are particularly concerned about the impact of the intense heat on elderly populations and other vulnerable groups.

PARIS (AP) — As a dangerous heat wave tightens its grip on parts of Europe, France is mobilizing emergency services and military units for wildfire response, placing limits on public alcohol consumption, and scrapping certain outdoor sporting events in an effort to protect residents.

Roughly one-third of France is under the highest heat alert issued by the national weather service this Sunday, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 40 degrees Celsius — that’s 104 degrees Fahrenheit — in certain regions. Air conditioning remains uncommon throughout much of the country, making the situation especially dangerous. Forecasters say Monday could be even more brutal.

In Paris, iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower set up misting stations to help cool down visitors, part of a broad package of protective measures rolled out by both national and local government officials.

The World Health Organization’s Europe office reported this month that more than 200,000 people across the continent died from heat-related causes over the past four years — and the majority of those deaths could have been prevented. Health officials are warning that above-average temperatures expected throughout this summer can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heat stroke. The WHO’s Europe office is urging governments and institutions to activate heat response plans, such as establishing cooling centers and giving workers flexible schedules to avoid being outside during the hottest midday hours.

One major concern for French authorities is the country’s annual Music Day celebration, which falls on Sunday. The nationwide summer solstice tradition features thousands of concerts in town squares, clubs, and rave venues, drawing communities together and attracting a growing number of international visitors. The government directed event organizers to scale back alcohol availability in order to “preserve emergency services and allow medics to concentrate on taking care of the most vulnerable.”

Officials are especially worried about people living on the streets in the scorching heat, as well as elderly residents in nursing homes or those who are isolated at home. France experienced a devastating wake-up call in 2003 when a heat wave claimed the lives of approximately 15,000 older people.

On Saturday, the government announced heightened wildfire preparedness and ordered closer monitoring of water supplies at France’s numerous nuclear power plants.

While school closures are being treated as a last resort, the government indicated that end-of-year exams currently scheduled for afternoons may be pushed to the following morning or restructured to reduce heat exposure for students.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu held an emergency heat crisis meeting on Saturday and planned to convene another one Sunday, responding to what the national weather service described as a “widespread, long-lasting and intense” heat event. Lecornu has also directed government ministers to develop long-term strategies for helping France adapt to future heat waves — including, he said, “via air conditioning, if necessary.”

Visitors heading to Grand Canyon National Park are being put on notice about dangerous heat conditions expected to return early next week, following a string of heat-related deaths on the park’s inner canyon trails.

The U.S. National Weather Service has placed an extreme heat watch in effect from midday Monday through Tuesday for the Grand Canyon area. At Phantom Ranch — located at the canyon’s lower elevation — temperatures could hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) or higher.

The U.S. National Park Service issued a warning this week urging hikers to stay off the trails during the hottest part of the day, calling it a “strongly advised” precaution following what officials described as a “recent influx of heat-related incidents.”

Two of those incidents turned fatal on June 16, when two hikers — ages 67 and 68 — were discovered dead on the North Kaibab Trail. The National Park Service describes that route as the most demanding of the major inner canyon trails. Officials believe both hikers succumbed to heat-related illness.

A third fatality occurred on June 12, when a 72-year-old hiker died along the South Kaibab Trail after becoming sick from the heat, according to the National Park Service.

Park and weather officials warn that the canyon’s conditions can be misleading to visitors. Temperatures along the rim are typically 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than what hikers will encounter once they reach the bottom — a difference that can catch people off guard.

“It’s just a hot place at the bottom of the Grand Canyon,” said Justin Johndrow, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Flagstaff, Arizona. He noted that the region is approaching its hottest stretch of the year, with relief not expected until monsoon rains arrive later in the summer.

While hiking downhill at the start of a trail may feel manageable, the return trip involves climbing thousands of feet in elevation while facing far more intense heat. That combination can cause heat illness to set in before hikers realize it.

“That’s very strenuous even on a mild day,” Johndrow said of the climb back to the rim. “Throw in temperatures of 105 to 110 degrees and that causes some pretty bad problems.”

The dangerous heat is not limited to the Grand Canyon. Much of the western United States, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast, experienced above-average temperatures Saturday and is bracing for even hotter weather heading into next week. Officials also cautioned that the prolonged heat and low humidity are raising wildfire risks across the region.

Roughly 90 miles south of the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, Arizona, saw residents and visitors evacuated late Friday as a wildfire burned hundreds of acres just north of the city. At least a dozen agencies responded to the blaze, according to the city’s fire department. The U.S. Forest Service ordered evacuations in the area, and approximately 30 miles of a nearby state highway was shut down in both directions.

A brutal heatwave is bearing down on much of Europe, forcing emergency government action in France, near-nationwide weather alerts in Germany, and turning everyday life upside down for residents and tourists in Italy as temperatures inch toward historic highs.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu was scheduled to chair a crisis meeting Saturday after the country’s national weather agency, Meteo France, warned the scorching conditions would linger into next week. Officials described the event as comparable to the severe heat episodes Europe experienced in 2003 and 2019.

By Sunday, forecasters were predicting temperatures between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius stretching from southwestern France through the Paris region and into Burgundy, with isolated areas possibly topping 41 degrees. The heat is expected to reach its worst on Monday, potentially tying all-time records.

Germany was also in the grip of the heat, with temperatures approaching 38 degrees Celsius and near-nationwide alerts in effect. The DWD weather service warned that a dangerous combination of heat and humidity could also set off powerful thunderstorms.

In Italy, the sweltering conditions were reshaping daily routines and making tourism a physical challenge. Outside Rome’s Colosseum, visitors stood in long lines under a relentless sun, turning a sightseeing trip into a test of endurance. Some found a bit of relief in the cooler underground spaces beneath the partially buried remains of the Temple of Claudius.

In the northern city of Bologna — one of the hottest cities on the Italian peninsula — people splashed water on their faces at the historic 16th-century Fountain of Neptune and took shelter under the shade of the city’s signature porticoes.

Meanwhile, residents of Warsaw, Poland, flocked to popular spots along the Vistula River in search of some escape from the heat.

Climate scientists have long warned that global warming is making heatwaves more common and more intense across Europe, raising the risk of health crises and economic disruption each summer.

In Paris, city officials moved to help residents cope, with Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire ordering all parks to stay open 24 hours a day.

The financial impact of extreme heat is also drawing scrutiny. Bank of France Governor Emmanuel Moulin described the short-term effects on economic growth as “somewhat ambiguous,” pointing to both lower worker productivity and higher energy consumption. However, he cautioned that over the longer term, heatwaves put a real drag on economic activity.

Two years after catastrophic flooding devastated southern Brazil, communities still picking up the pieces are now facing a new threat — forecasters warn that a strong El Niño could unleash extreme rainfall on the region before the year is out.

In Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul state, the scars of the disaster remain visible. Piles of rubble and the ruins of demolished homes stand as grim reminders of the worst flooding ever recorded in Brazil’s history, a disaster that claimed at least 181 lives in May 2024.

“People are afraid,” said Marilian Fontoura, speaking from her home in Porto Alegre’s Sarandi neighborhood, where water stains stretch all the way to her ceiling — a stark mark of how high the floodwaters rose. “If the rain comes again, another downpour, another flood, then what? You’ll lose everything all over again.”

Sarandi has become a symbol of the city’s ongoing vulnerability, even as money has been poured into new infrastructure, early warning systems, and monitoring improvements.

Mayor Sebastiao Melo has said the city is now safer than it was in 2024 and is working “intensely” to repair pumping stations, rebuild dikes, and upgrade floodgates. This week, Porto Alegre’s water and sewage utility awarded a contract to a consortium to carry out state-funded flood protection work valued at approximately 24.2 million reais — roughly $4.7 million.

“Specifically for El Niño, we are expediting some immediate projects that would have been built later on,” Mayor Melo said.

But resident Fontoura says she has seen too many projects stall. A nearby levee construction effort has ground to a halt due to ongoing disputes over property expropriation between residents and city officials.

At the state level, authorities are also stepping up preparations, committing 38 million reais to build a logistics hub for disaster response operations and another 33 million reais toward an El Niño readiness program aimed at protecting vulnerable communities across the region.

Time may be running short. Global weather forecasters say there is a growing likelihood that a powerful El Niño — the periodic warming of eastern Pacific waters that disrupts precipitation patterns worldwide — will take shape during the second half of this year.

“What has drawn a great deal of attention is the projected intensity,” said meteorologist Estael Sias, noting that forecast models indicate this year’s El Niño event could rank among the strongest ever recorded since satellite weather monitoring began.

Close to a year after catastrophic flooding tore through the Texas Hill Country, state lawmakers have officially adopted a report laying out recommendations aimed at strengthening how the state predicts and responds to natural disasters.

Among the most significant findings in the report is that Camp Mystic, which became a focal point of the flooding disaster, had no emergency plan in place at the time of the deadly event.

State legislators approved the report’s recommendations as part of a broader effort to address the gaps in preparedness and response that were exposed by the disaster.

The flooding, which caused widespread devastation across the region, prompted scrutiny of how facilities and emergency management officials handle extreme weather events and whether adequate systems exist to protect lives when disaster strikes.

What’s left of Tropical Storm Arthur continued causing problems Thursday, drenching parts of the southeastern United States with heavy rainfall and setting off flash flood and tornado warnings along the Gulf Coast.

At the same time, residents across parts of Illinois, Indiana, and northern Kentucky were dealing with the aftermath of a fierce storm system that swept through the region Wednesday, bringing what may have been tornadoes, destroying homes, and knocking down trees and power lines.

Arthur, which holds the distinction of being the Atlantic basin’s first tropical storm of the season, was knocked down to a low pressure system near the upper Texas coast Wednesday night. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said it will continue to lose strength as it pushes inland through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle — though it will still drop significant amounts of rain along the way.

The National Weather Service reported that southern Louisiana and Mississippi were receiving rainfall at a rate of 3 inches — about 8 centimeters — per hour in certain locations Thursday morning. Flooded streets were visible in television coverage and social media posts from the area. Multiple tornado warnings were issued Thursday morning across southern Louisiana and Mississippi, and tens of thousands of homes and businesses lost power.

The weather service warned that Arthur’s remnants could dump 4 to 8 inches — or 10 to 20 centimeters — of rain, and possibly more, across Gulf states through Thursday and Friday. Texas had already seen flash flooding Wednesday, on top of heavy rain that had already hit the region earlier in the week.

National Hurricane Center director Michael Brennan described the primary danger: “The main threat from Arthur is going to be a prolonged, multiday, heavy rainfall event that could produce dangerous to life-threatening flash flooding.”

In New Orleans, Mayor Helena Moreno said ahead of the storm’s arrival that police were getting boats ready and placing barricades in areas known to flood. Sandbag collection sites also appeared throughout Louisiana for residents to prepare.

One resident, Luke Barwick, explained why he stopped by a sandbag station in Covington, Louisiana, on Wednesday: “We both decided we got so much rain yesterday at our house that it was probably a good idea just to pick up a few bags.”

Back in the Midwest, there were many reports of tornado and wind damage, though no deaths or serious injuries were immediately confirmed. As of Thursday morning, more than 130,000 homes and businesses in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio were without electricity, according to poweroutage.us.

A tornado touched down near Effingham, Illinois — roughly 90 miles, or 145 kilometers, southeast of Springfield — on Wednesday evening. A number of people were treated for minor injuries, officials confirmed.

Effingham Fire Chief Brant Yochum released a statement describing the scope of the destruction: “A tornado caused significant damage in areas north of the City of Effingham, impacting homes, roadways, utilities, and other property throughout portions of Effingham County.”

Yochum added that firefighters were kept busy responding to damaged and collapsed structures, vehicle accidents, downed power lines, gas leaks, and roads blocked by debris.

An automobile museum and auto parts complex in Effingham announced on Facebook that it suffered what it called “catastrophic” damage, though fortunately no injuries were reported.

The National Weather Service also noted that a tractor-trailer overturned on Interstate 57 north of Effingham, sending the driver to the hospital with injuries.

In Florence, Kentucky, near the Cincinnati area, local news footage and photos showed roofs and siding torn from buildings, along with downed trees and power lines, following reports of strong winds and a possible tornado.

Possible tornadoes were also reported Wednesday in southwestern Wisconsin and in Alabama. The weather service said it received a large number of wind damage reports spanning a broad area stretching from Iowa and Missouri all the way to Ohio and West Virginia.

The storm system was forecast to continue moving through the central Appalachians and into New England on Thursday, the weather service said.

Two major United Nations food agencies are urgently requesting $202 million to help shield 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk nations from the growing threat of an El Niño weather event. The appeal was made Thursday by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme.

The two agencies warn that strong El Niño conditions expected during the second half of 2026 could significantly increase the chances of drought, flooding, and powerful storms across regions of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The 22 countries identified as most vulnerable include Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Zimbabwe on the African continent. In the Asia-Pacific region, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Philippines, and East Timor are listed among those at greatest risk. Rounding out the list are Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, and Venezuela in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The agencies noted that securing the requested funding would allow them to expand their reach beyond the 1.2 million people already being targeted for assistance. Planned aid measures include cash transfers, seeds designed to withstand climate stress, protection for livestock, and flood control efforts.

El Niño is a naturally occurring weather phenomenon caused by a warming of sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean, triggered by a weakening of trade winds. It typically occurs every two to seven years and generally lasts between nine and twelve months.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officially declared El Niño’s arrival last week, adding that conditions are likely to grow stronger. The agency placed the probability of a very strong or so-called ‘super El Niño’ developing heading into 2027 at 63%.

The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Post-Tropical Cyclone Arthur, providing forecasters and the public with the latest information on potential wind impacts.

The graphics display the probability of 34-knot wind speeds affecting different regions over a 120-hour period. According to the National Hurricane Center, the wind speed probabilities were last updated on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 3:20 a.m. GMT.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as conditions continue to be assessed.

Hong Kong’s weather observatory issued its most severe rain warning — known as the black rain signal — on Thursday at 12:55 p.m. local time, ordering schools to close and pushing some businesses to suspend operations as officials warned residents to find shelter and prepare for serious flooding.

The observatory reported on its website that heavy rainfall exceeding 70 millimeters per hour was expected to persist. This marks the second time this year the black rain signal has been activated, with the first occurrence happening just over a week earlier on June 8.

The major financial city, along with much of southern China, has endured several consecutive days of soaking rain driven by an active southwest monsoon and a persistent low-pressure trough in the region.

Strong wind gusts have also been battering the city, with speeds of approximately 80 kilometers — about 50 miles — per hour recorded in Hong Kong’s southwestern district of Tai O, according to the observatory.

The severe weather arrives at an especially inconvenient time, falling just before the Dragon Boat Festival on Friday, which kicks off a three-day weekend during which large numbers of residents are expected to be traveling.

Just across the border in Shenzhen, mainland China, local authorities issued a red rain signal and called on residents to avoid low-lying areas, waterlogged zones, and what officials described as “other dangerous areas.” Officials there also warned of a heightened risk of mountain floods, landslides, and other related disasters.

The National Hurricane Center has released updated wind speed probability graphics for Post-Tropical Cyclone Arthur, providing forecasters and the public with the latest outlook on potential wind impacts.

The imagery depicts the probability of 34-knot wind speeds affecting different regions as the storm system continues to be monitored. These graphics are a standard tool used by meteorologists to communicate the range of possible storm impacts.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the wind speed probability graphics were last updated on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 3:20 a.m. GMT. Residents in potentially affected areas are encouraged to monitor official forecasts for the latest information as conditions may change.

The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Post-Tropical Cyclone Arthur, providing forecasters and the public with the latest outlook on the storm system.

The graphics display the probability of 34-knot wind speeds occurring across the storm’s projected path over a 120-hour period. These probability maps are a standard tool used by meteorologists to communicate the likelihood of hazardous winds reaching specific areas.

The wind speed probability information was last updated Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 2:51 a.m. GMT, according to the National Hurricane Center.

What was once Tropical Storm Arthur has weakened significantly, now classified as a low pressure area hugging the upper Texas coast.

According to the National Hurricane Center, as of 10:00 PM CDT on Wednesday, June 17, the center of the system was positioned near coordinates 29.7 degrees north, 94.5 degrees west, moving to the northeast at approximately 9 miles per hour.

The storm’s minimum central pressure was recorded at 1000 millibars, with maximum sustained winds of around 35 miles per hour — down from its peak tropical storm intensity.

Even though Arthur has lost its tropical storm classification, forecasters are warning that life-threatening flooding remains a serious concern for portions of the southeastern United States. Residents in affected areas are urged to remain cautious and stay informed through local emergency management officials.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued its final forecast advisory for Post-Tropical Cyclone Arthur at 3:00 a.m. UTC on Thursday, June 18, 2026, signaling the end of active storm tracking for this system.

At the time of the final advisory, the storm’s center was pinpointed near 29.7 degrees North latitude and 94.5 degrees West longitude, with that position considered accurate within 30 nautical miles. The system was moving toward the northeast at approximately 8 knots, or roughly 9 miles per hour.

Arthur’s estimated minimum central pressure stood at 1,000 millibars, with maximum sustained winds of 30 knots and gusts reaching up to 40 knots at the time of the report.

Forecasters indicated the storm was expected to fully dissipate by 12:00 p.m. UTC on Thursday. However, the National Hurricane Center noted that the remnants of Arthur could re-emerge over the Atlantic Ocean by Friday. If that occurs, additional information will be available through High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.

The advisory was the eighth and final one issued for this storm, designated AL012026. Forecaster Beven authored the final report. Ships within 300 nautical miles of the storm’s last known position were asked to submit reports every three hours.

The National Hurricane Center announced Wednesday night that Arthur has officially been downgraded from a tropical cyclone to a post-tropical low, after the storm’s structure broke down along the Upper Texas coastline.

According to forecasters, surface observations showed that Arthur’s center briefly re-formed near Galveston between approximately 9 and 10 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday following an offshore burst of thunderstorm activity. However, organized storm activity near the center soon disappeared, and the circulation stretched out along the Upper Texas coast — prompting the downgrade. The system is now carrying maximum sustained winds of 30 knots.

The storm’s path remains somewhat uncertain due to the center reformation, but forecasters estimate it is beginning to pick up speed, moving toward the northeast at around 8 knots. The surface center is expected to fall apart later Wednesday night over southeastern Texas or southwestern Louisiana. After that, the remnants of Arthur are forecast to track east-northeastward across the southeastern United States before emerging into the Atlantic Ocean on Friday, continuing out to sea from there.

Although the surface center is expected to dissipate, global weather models indicate it could potentially re-form near the Atlantic coast on Friday, with some strengthening possible as it moves offshore. Forecasters say it remains unclear whether any redevelopment would result from tropical or non-tropical weather processes. As a precaution, marine gale warnings have been issued for portions of the western Atlantic.

Despite losing its tropical cyclone designation, Arthur continues to pose significant dangers. Forecasters warn that heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding will remain a major concern across the southeastern United States for the next several days. An elevated tornado risk is also in place for parts of the Southeast through Thursday.

Key hazards outlined by forecasters include: potentially life-threatening flash flooding and urban flooding likely through Friday across southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle; the possibility of scattered minor river flooding, with isolated moderate to major river flooding; wind gusts reaching tropical-storm force along portions of the Louisiana coast Wednesday night; and coastal flooding along the Texas and Louisiana coasts expected to gradually ease later tonight and into Thursday.

Wednesday night’s update marks the final advisory the National Hurricane Center will issue on Arthur. Rainfall forecasts and flash flood risk outlooks for the storm’s remnants will continue to be available through the Weather Prediction Center.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued Wind Speed Probability Update Number 8 for Post-Tropical Cyclone Arthur at 3:00 a.m. Coordinated Universal Time on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

At the time of the bulletin, the center of the post-tropical system was located near latitude 29.7 degrees north and longitude 94.5 degrees west. The storm was carrying maximum sustained winds of approximately 30 knots, which equals about 35 miles per hour or 55 kilometers per hour.

The bulletin was designed to provide the probability of sustained wind speeds reaching at least 34 knots (39 mph), 50 knots (58 mph), and 64 knots (74 mph) at specific locations over the following five days. However, forecasters noted that no official forecast existed for the applicable date and time window, meaning no wind speed probability calculations could be generated for any of the listed locations.

The update was issued by Forecaster Beven.

The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Post-Tropical Cyclone Arthur, providing forecasters and the public with the latest outlook on potential wind impacts.

The graphics, which display the probability of 34-knot wind speeds over a 120-hour period, were last updated on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at approximately 2:51 a.m. GMT.

Residents in areas that could be affected by the storm’s remnants are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as conditions continue to evolve.

The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.

The graphics, which were last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 9:26 p.m. GMT, display the probability of 34-knot wind speeds occurring over a 120-hour forecast window.

Forecasters are urging residents in potentially affected coastal areas to stay informed and continue monitoring official updates from the National Hurricane Center as the storm develops.

The National Hurricane Center has released updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing a visual look at where the storm’s winds could have an impact.

The graphics illustrate the probability of 34-knot wind speeds reaching different areas over a 120-hour forecast window, helping residents and emergency managers gauge potential risk zones.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the wind speed probability data was last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 9:26 p.m. GMT. Residents in potentially affected areas are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from official weather sources as the storm continues to develop.

The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing forecasters and the public with a visual look at where dangerous winds may develop over the coming days.

The graphics depict the probability of 34-knot wind speeds occurring across affected areas within a 120-hour forecast window. These types of visuals help residents and emergency managers assess potential storm impacts and plan accordingly.

The wind speed probability information was last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 9:26 PM GMT. Residents in potentially affected coastal areas are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as the storm continues to develop.

Tropical Storm Arthur has re-formed near Galveston, Texas, and is now tracking toward the northeast, bringing with it the threat of life-threatening flooding across portions of the southeastern United States.

According to the National Hurricane Center, as of 7:00 PM Central Daylight Time on Wednesday, June 17, the center of the storm was positioned near coordinates 29.4 degrees north, 94.9 degrees west. Arthur was moving to the northeast at approximately 8 miles per hour.

The storm’s minimum central pressure was recorded at 1000 millibars, with maximum sustained winds of around 40 miles per hour.

Forecasters are urging residents across the affected southeastern states to take the flooding threat seriously, as conditions could become dangerous. Residents in the storm’s path should monitor updates from local emergency management officials and the National Hurricane Center.

The National Hurricane Center has released updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing forecasters and the public with a look at where tropical-storm-force winds may develop over the coming days.

The graphics illustrate the probability of 34-knot winds — the threshold for tropical storm conditions — affecting different areas within a 120-hour forecast window.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the wind speed probability data was last updated Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at approximately 9:26 p.m. GMT.

Residents in coastal areas are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as the storm continues to develop.

Tropical Storm Arthur is posing a serious threat to communities across the southeastern United States, with forecasters warning of life-threatening flooding in the region.

As of 4:00 PM CDT on Wednesday, June 17, the center of Arthur was positioned near coordinates 28.9 degrees north latitude and 96.1 degrees west longitude. The storm was tracking in a north-northeast direction at a forward speed of 7 miles per hour.

Meteorologists recorded a minimum central pressure of 1,001 millibars, with maximum sustained winds reaching approximately 45 miles per hour.

A Tropical Storm Warning continues to be in place for sections of the Texas and Louisiana coastlines. Residents in those areas are urged to take the flooding threat seriously and follow guidance from local emergency officials.

The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing the latest look at where potentially dangerous winds could develop over the next five days.

The graphics, which track the probability of 34-knot wind speeds, were last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 9:26 PM GMT. These probability maps help forecasters and residents understand the likelihood of tropical storm-force winds reaching specific areas.

Residents in potentially affected coastal regions are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as the storm continues to develop.

The National Hurricane Center has issued updated graphical information for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing a visual look at the probability of tropical storm-force winds reaching certain areas.

The graphics specifically display the chances of 34-knot wind speeds occurring within a 120-hour forecast window, giving forecasters and the public a clearer picture of where the storm’s impacts could be felt.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the wind speed probability data was last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 9:00 PM GMT. Residents in potentially affected areas are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from official weather sources as the storm continues to develop.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued Forecast Advisory Number 7 for Tropical Storm Arthur at 9:00 p.m. UTC on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

At the time of the advisory, the storm’s center was positioned near 28.9 degrees North latitude and 96.1 degrees West longitude, with that position accurate to within 30 nautical miles. The storm was moving toward the north-northeast at approximately 6 knots, on a heading of about 15 degrees.

Arthur was packing maximum sustained winds of 40 knots — roughly 46 miles per hour — with gusts reaching up to 50 knots. The storm’s estimated minimum central pressure stood at 1001 millibars. Tropical storm-force winds of 34 knots extended up to 150 nautical miles to the southeast of the center.

According to the forecast, Arthur is expected to weaken significantly overnight. By 6:00 a.m. UTC Thursday, June 18, the storm is projected to have degraded into a post-tropical remnant low near 30.8 degrees North and 94.6 degrees West, with maximum winds dropping to around 30 knots and gusts near 40 knots.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Arthur will have fully dissipated by 6:00 p.m. UTC on Thursday, June 18.

Ships within 300 nautical miles of the storm’s center have been asked to submit reports every three hours. Forecaster Reinhart issued the advisory, with the next update scheduled for 3:00 a.m. UTC Thursday.

The National Hurricane Center confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Tropical Storm Arthur came ashore over Matagorda County, Texas, earlier in the day, based on satellite imagery and ground-level weather observations.

Despite making landfall, Arthur’s circulation center has become increasingly disorganized and harder to pinpoint over the past several hours. A broad area of heavy thunderstorm activity continues over the northwestern Gulf of America, but powerful westerly wind shear has pushed that storm activity far away from the actual center of circulation.

Data gathered by NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft and marine weather stations show that tropical-storm-force winds — including strong gusts — are still occurring within that convection, located well to the east and southeast of the storm’s center. Based on a combination of aircraft data and surface observations, the storm’s current maximum sustained winds are estimated at 40 knots, or about 45 miles per hour.

The storm’s center tracked farther north than forecasters initially anticipated, moving north-northeastward at roughly 6 knots. Most computer forecast models indicate the circulation will fall apart within the next 6 to 12 hours. Wednesday’s updated track forecast shifted the projected path farther inland compared to earlier predictions, though forecasters note that has little practical impact since the most dangerous conditions are occurring well east of the center.

With Arthur now over land and battling strong wind shear along with drier air moving in from the west, further weakening is expected. Forecast models suggest the storm’s associated thunderstorm activity will largely collapse overnight Wednesday. The 12-hour forecast designates Arthur as a remnant low, though forecasters say it could dissipate even sooner than that.

Some weather models — specifically the European and Canadian models — hint at the possibility of a new area of low pressure developing over the western Atlantic later this week or into the weekend, as leftover energy from Arthur moves off the southeastern U.S. coastline. Forecasters say it is unclear how tropical that system might become, and they will continue watching model data closely.

Forecasters are stressing that heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding remain the top hazard from this storm — and that this danger extends far beyond the storm’s center, even after Arthur fully dissipates.

The National Hurricane Center issued three key messages with this forecast discussion:

First, potentially life-threatening flash flooding and urban flooding are expected to continue through Friday across southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle. Some rivers could see isolated moderate to major flooding, and ongoing heavy rain could keep the flood threat going through the weekend.

Second, tropical-storm-force winds, particularly in gusts, are expected along the Upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines over the next several hours, where a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect.

Third, minor to moderate coastal flooding is anticipated along portions of the Upper Texas and Louisiana shorelines through Wednesday.

Arthur is forecast to be fully dissipated by Thursday evening. This discussion was prepared by Forecaster Reinhart at the National Hurricane Center.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued its seventh wind speed probability update for Tropical Storm Arthur at 9 p.m. UTC on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

At the time of the advisory, the center of Tropical Storm Arthur was positioned near latitude 28.9 North and longitude 96.1 West, with maximum sustained winds of approximately 40 knots — equivalent to 45 mph or 75 km/h.

Forecasters calculated the probability of locations experiencing sustained tropical-storm-force winds of at least 39 mph over the next five days. The data shows the highest cumulative probabilities concentrated along the upper Texas coast.

Freeport, Texas faces a 90 percent cumulative chance of encountering tropical-storm-force winds during the forecast period, while Galveston, Texas carries an 82 percent cumulative probability. High Island, Texas sits at 66 percent, and Matagorda, Texas has a 38 percent cumulative chance.

Further inland and along the Louisiana border, Port Arthur, Texas has a 32 percent cumulative probability of tropical-storm-force winds. Kountze, Texas stands at 22 percent, while Port O’Connor, Texas is at 11 percent.

Communities in southwest Louisiana, including Lake Charles and Cameron, each carry an 8 percent cumulative probability of tropical-storm-force winds. Fort Polk, Louisiana sits at 3 percent. Houston, Texas and Jasper, Texas each show a 7 to 8 percent cumulative probability.

No locations in the forecast area currently show significant probabilities of winds reaching 58 mph or higher during the five-day outlook period.

The advisory was prepared by Forecaster Reinhart at the National Hurricane Center.

The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named Atlantic storm of the 2026 hurricane season.

The latest imagery, released Wednesday, June 17, 2026, depicts the probability of 34-knot wind speeds associated with the storm over a 120-hour forecast period.

Residents in potentially affected coastal areas are encouraged to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center as the storm continues to develop.

The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing forecasters and the public with the latest outlook on the storm’s potential impact.

The graphics display the probability of 34-knot wind speeds affecting different regions over a 120-hour forecast window. These probability maps are a standard tool used by meteorologists to communicate the range of possible storm impacts.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the wind speed probability data was last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 4:33 PM GMT.

Residents in potentially affected coastal areas are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as the storm continues to develop.

The National Hurricane Center has released updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing forecasters and residents with the latest outlook on the storm’s potential impact.

The graphics illustrate the probability of 34-knot wind speeds affecting different areas over a 120-hour forecast period. These probability maps help communities assess their level of risk as the storm develops.

The wind speed probability data was last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 4:33 PM GMT. Residents in potentially affected areas are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as the storm continues to be tracked.

Tropical Storm Arthur is posing a serious threat to coastal communities along the Gulf of Mexico, with a Tropical Storm Warning still in place for sections of the Texas and Louisiana coastline.

Forecasters are also warning of life-threatening flooding expected to impact portions of the southeastern United States as the storm pushes inland.

According to the latest update issued at 1:00 PM Central Daylight Time on Wednesday, June 17, the center of Arthur was positioned near coordinates 28.9 degrees north, 95.7 degrees west. The storm was tracking to the northeast at approximately 9 miles per hour.

Arthur’s minimum central pressure was recorded at 1,000 millibars, with maximum sustained winds clocking in at around 45 miles per hour.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to monitor local emergency management guidance and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions as the storm continues to move through the region.

The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing forecasters and the public with the latest outlook on the storm’s potential impact.

The graphics display the probability of 34-knot wind speeds affecting different areas over a 120-hour forecast window. This type of information helps emergency managers and residents assess the likelihood of tropical storm-force winds reaching their locations.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the wind speed probability data was last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 16:33 GMT. Residents in potentially affected areas are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as the storm continues to develop.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued a brief update Wednesday morning indicating that a special advisory for Tropical Storm Arthur was set to be released shortly after 11:27 AM CDT.

According to the update, the purpose of the upcoming special advisory is to extend the Tropical Storm Warning southward to Sargent, Texas, expanding the area under the warning along the Texas Gulf Coast.

The update was authored by Forecaster Kelly at the National Hurricane Center. Additional details on the storm’s track, intensity, and full warning zones were expected to be included in the special advisory to follow.

Tropical Storm Arthur is posing a serious threat to parts of the southeastern United States, with forecasters warning that life-threatening flooding is expected as the storm pushes inland.

According to the latest update issued at 11:30 AM CDT on Wednesday, June 17, the center of Arthur was positioned near coordinates 28.8 degrees north, 95.5 degrees west. The storm was tracking to the northeast at approximately 9 miles per hour.

Meteorologists recorded a minimum central pressure of 999 millibars, with maximum sustained winds clocking in at around 45 miles per hour. A tropical storm warning has been extended further southward as the system continues to develop.

Authorities are urging residents in the storm’s path to take the flooding threat seriously, as conditions could become dangerous and potentially deadly across portions of the Southeast.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued Special Forecast Advisory Number 6 for Tropical Storm Arthur at 4:30 p.m. UTC on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

As of the advisory, the storm’s center was located near latitude 28.8 North, longitude 95.5 West, with that position accurate to within 30 nautical miles. The storm was moving toward the northeast at approximately 8 knots, or about 9 miles per hour.

Arthur had maximum sustained winds of 40 knots — roughly 46 miles per hour — with gusts reaching up to 50 knots. The storm’s estimated minimum central pressure stood at 999 millibars. Tropical storm-force winds of 34 knots extended outward 150 nautical miles to the northeast and southeast of the center.

According to the forecast, Arthur was expected to move inland by midnight Wednesday night, at which point maximum winds were projected to drop to 30 knots with gusts to 40 knots. By Thursday morning, the system was forecast to weaken further into a post-tropical remnant low near latitude 31.9 North, longitude 91.6 West, with winds down to 20 knots.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts the storm will fully dissipate by Thursday evening, June 19.

The advisory was issued by Forecaster Reinhart. The next full advisory was scheduled for 9:00 p.m. UTC Wednesday, with an intermediate public advisory expected at 6:00 p.m. UTC.

Ships within 300 miles of the storm’s center were asked to submit reports every three hours to assist in tracking the system.

The National Hurricane Center has issued updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing forecasters and the public with the latest outlook on where dangerous winds may be felt.

The graphics depict the probability of 34-knot wind speeds occurring across a 120-hour forecast window, helping residents in potentially affected areas prepare for the storm’s impact.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the wind speed probability data was last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 4:33 PM GMT. Residents in coastal areas are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as Tropical Storm Arthur continues to develop.

The National Hurricane Center issued a special advisory Wednesday morning, announcing the extension of a Tropical Storm Warning along the Upper Texas coast southward to Sargent, Texas. The advisory, issued at 11:30 a.m. CDT on June 17, 2026, noted that recent surface observations and readings from NOAA buoy 42035 show maximum sustained winds near 40 knots, with the storm’s minimum pressure dropping to 999 millibars.

The system, now officially designated as Tropical Storm Arthur, was identified after a combination of data sources confirmed it had reached tropical storm strength. A 12:00 UTC Dvorak classification from the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch showed enough organized convective activity to classify it as a sheared tropical cyclone. Buoy readings and a ship report confirmed tropical-storm-force winds within the storm’s convective area, and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters flying through the system recorded peak flight-level winds up to 52 knots at 850 millibars — further confirming tropical storm intensity. Arthur was officially designated with an initial intensity of 35 knots.

Arthur is accelerating toward the northeast at roughly 8 knots, carried along by strengthening southwesterly flow tied to a low- to mid-level trough. Forecasters expect the storm’s center to track along or over the Texas coast before pushing inland across southeastern Texas and into southwestern Louisiana by Wednesday night. The National Hurricane Center’s updated track forecast closely mirrors its previous projection.

Due to persistent westerly wind shear and Arthur’s nearness to land, forecasters say significant strengthening is unlikely. Tropical-storm-force winds are currently limited to the storm’s eastern half and are primarily affecting offshore waters. Arthur is expected to hold its current intensity while over water, then begin weakening once it moves inland tonight. Global weather models suggest the storm will eventually break apart into a trough, and forecasters note that Arthur should dissipate before the 24-hour forecast point, which was included mainly for continuity.

Forecasters are also watching for the possibility of new low pressure development over the western Atlantic later this week or over the weekend, as leftover energy from Arthur moves off the southeastern U.S. coast. The nature of that potential system remains uncertain, and the National Hurricane Center says it will continue tracking model trends to assess any risk of tropical cyclone formation.

The primary danger from Arthur is heavy rainfall and the potential for life-threatening flash flooding. The Tropical Storm Warning has been extended westward along the Upper Texas coast to High Island based on the latest observations.

Key threats identified by the National Hurricane Center include:

Flash and urban flooding: Potentially life-threatening flooding is expected through Friday across southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle. Flooding is also possible near the Upper Texas coast, and ongoing heavy rain could extend the threat into the weekend.

Tropical-storm-force winds: Wind impacts are expected along the Upper Texas and Louisiana coasts Wednesday, from High Island to Morgan City, where a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect.

Coastal flooding: Minor to moderate coastal flooding is anticipated along portions of the Upper Texas and Louisiana shorelines throughout the day.

The forecast calls for Arthur to weaken to a remnant low by 24 hours and fully dissipate within 36 hours. The advisory was prepared by Forecaster Reinhart.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami released its sixth special wind speed probability update for Tropical Storm Arthur on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

At the time of the report, the center of Tropical Storm Arthur was located near latitude 28.8 North and longitude 95.5 West. The storm was producing maximum sustained winds of approximately 40 knots — equivalent to 45 miles per hour or 75 kilometers per hour.

The bulletin provided the probability that sustained winds of at least 39 mph, 58 mph, or 74 mph could affect specific coastal locations over the following five days. These probabilities are broken into individual time periods as well as cumulative totals from Wednesday through Monday.

According to the data, Galveston, Texas carried the highest cumulative probability of experiencing tropical-storm-force winds of at least 39 mph, at 16 percent. Cameron, Louisiana followed with a 7 percent cumulative probability. Matagorda, Texas also showed a 7 percent cumulative chance, while Port O’Connor had a 3 percent cumulative probability of reaching those wind thresholds.

No locations in the forecast showed meaningful probabilities for winds reaching 58 mph or higher based on the five-day outlook.

The update was issued by forecaster Reinhart at the National Hurricane Center.

The National Hurricane Center has released updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing the latest outlook on where dangerous winds may impact coastal areas.

The graphics, which track the probability of 34-knot wind speeds over a 120-hour period, were last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 4:33 PM GMT.

Residents and boaters in potentially affected areas are encouraged to stay informed and monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as the storm continues to develop.

The National Hurricane Center has released updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing forecasters and the public with the latest outlook on where potentially dangerous winds could reach.

The graphics, which track the probability of 34-knot wind speeds, were last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 15:21 GMT. The 120-hour forecast window gives residents and emergency managers an extended look at where the storm’s winds may have an impact.

Residents in potentially affected areas are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as the storm continues to develop.

MIAMI (AP) — The Atlantic hurricane season got off to an active start Wednesday as the first tropical storm of the year took shape near the Gulf Coast, threatening Texas, Louisiana, and surrounding states with heavy downpours and dangerous flash flooding, according to meteorologists.

Tropical Storm Arthur developed from a loosely organized group of storm systems that had already been producing rainfall for several days across parts of eastern Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center, based in Miami, indicated that atmospheric conditions were favorable for a brief tropical storm to develop.

Forecasters expect Arthur to track toward the northwestern Gulf Coast, with Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi all in its path. Residents in those areas could experience gusty winds and coastal flooding as the storm moves onshore.

National Hurricane Center director Michael Brennan warned Tuesday that the storm’s impact may not end quickly. “Prolonged rainfall may extend the flood threat into the weekend,” Brennan said.

Tropical Storm Arthur has formed near the middle Texas coast, according to the National Hurricane Center, marking an early-season storm that forecasters say could bring dangerous flooding to portions of the southeastern United States.

As of 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time on Wednesday, June 17, the storm’s center was positioned near coordinates 28.6 degrees north latitude and 95.8 degrees west longitude. Arthur was tracking toward the northeast at approximately 9 miles per hour.

The storm’s minimum central pressure was recorded at 1001 millibars, with maximum sustained winds clocking in at around 40 mph — just above the threshold needed for tropical storm classification.

Forecasters are warning that life-threatening flooding is expected across parts of the southeastern United States as the system continues to move inland. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to follow guidance from local emergency management officials and stay updated on the latest forecasts.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued Forecast Advisory Number 5 for Tropical Storm Arthur at 3:00 p.m. UTC on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

As of the advisory, the storm’s center was located near latitude 28.6 North, longitude 95.8 West. The position is considered accurate within 40 nautical miles. Arthur was moving toward the northeast at approximately 8 knots, or about 45 degrees on the compass.

The storm had a minimum central pressure of 1001 millibars, with maximum sustained winds of 35 knots and gusts reaching up to 45 knots. Tropical storm-force winds of 34 knots or greater extended 150 nautical miles to the northeast and 150 nautical miles to the southeast of the center.

Looking ahead, forecasters expect Arthur to move inland by midnight UTC on June 18, at which point winds are expected to drop to 30 knots with gusts up to 40 knots. By noon UTC on June 18, the system is forecast to downgrade to a post-tropical remnant low near latitude 31.9 North, longitude 91.6 West, with winds of 20 knots and gusts to 30 knots.

The storm is expected to fully dissipate by midnight UTC on June 19, 2026.

The National Hurricane Center is requesting ship reports every three hours from vessels within 300 miles of the storm’s current position. The next full advisory was scheduled for 9:00 p.m. UTC on June 17, with an intermediate public advisory expected at 6:00 p.m. UTC. Forecaster Reinhart issued this advisory.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami officially upgraded a low-pressure system near the middle Texas coast to Tropical Storm Arthur on Wednesday morning, June 17, 2026, citing growing evidence of tropical storm conditions developing around the storm’s center.

Forecasters say the system has been producing sustained thunderstorm activity well to the east of its center. A morning analysis using a standard storm classification method found enough organization to designate it as a sheared tropical cyclone. Buoy readings and a report from a nearby ship confirmed tropical-storm-force winds within that storm activity. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft flying into the storm recorded peak upper-level winds of up to 52 knots, further supporting the tropical storm designation. Based on all of that data, Arthur was assigned an initial intensity of 35 knots.

The storm is beginning to pick up speed, moving to the northeast at about 8 knots as stronger winds in the atmosphere push it along. Forecasters say Arthur’s center is expected to move along or over the Texas coast Wednesday and then push inland across southeastern Texas and into southwestern Louisiana by Wednesday night. The forecast track has not changed significantly from earlier projections.

Forecasters do not expect much additional strengthening before the storm moves ashore. Strong winds from the west are tearing at the storm’s structure, and its close proximity to land limits any further development. Tropical-storm-force winds are currently confined to the eastern side of the storm and are mainly affecting offshore waters. Arthur is expected to hold its current intensity while over water, then begin weakening once it moves inland Wednesday night. Computer weather models suggest the storm will break apart into a trough of low pressure shortly after landfall, and forecasters expect Arthur to fully dissipate before the 24-hour forecast point — though that point was included in the forecast for consistency.

Weather models are also showing a signal for possible low-pressure development over the western Atlantic later this week or into the weekend, as energy from Arthur emerges off the southeastern U.S. coastline. Forecasters say the exact nature of that potential system is still unclear and will continue to be monitored for any signs of tropical cyclone formation.

The primary danger from Arthur is heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding. The Tropical Storm Warning has been extended westward along the upper Texas coast to High Island based on the latest observations.

Key Hazards:

Potentially life-threatening flash flooding and urban flooding are expected through Friday across southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle, with possible flooding near the upper Texas coast. Heavy ongoing rainfall could extend the flood threat into the weekend.

Tropical-storm-force winds are expected along the upper Texas and Louisiana coasts Wednesday, from High Island to Morgan City, where a Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect.

Minor to moderate coastal flooding is also expected along portions of the upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines Wednesday.

The forecast calls for Arthur to be at 30 knots and inland by Wednesday night, weakening to 20 knots by Thursday morning, and fully dissipated by Thursday evening. This forecast was prepared by Forecaster Reinhart.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued its fifth wind speed probability update for Tropical Storm Arthur on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Coordinated Universal Time.

At the time of the advisory, the center of Tropical Storm Arthur was positioned near latitude 28.6 North and longitude 95.8 West, with maximum sustained winds of approximately 35 knots — equivalent to 40 miles per hour or 65 kilometers per hour.

The advisory outlines the probability of locations experiencing sustained wind speeds reaching at least 39 mph (tropical storm force), 58 mph, or 74 mph over the next five days. These probabilities are broken down into individual time periods as well as cumulative chances from Wednesday through the following Monday.

Among the locations listed in the probability table, Galveston, Texas, carries the highest cumulative chance of seeing tropical-storm-force winds at 16 percent. Cameron, Louisiana, follows with a 7 percent cumulative probability, while Matagorda, Texas, also shows a 7 percent cumulative chance. Port O’Connor, Texas, has the lowest listed probability at 3 percent cumulative.

None of the listed locations showed meaningful probabilities for winds reaching 58 mph or higher, suggesting Arthur is not expected to significantly intensify as it affects these coastal communities.

The advisory was prepared by Forecaster Reinhart at the National Hurricane Center.

The National Hurricane Center has released updated wind speed probability graphics for Tropical Storm Arthur, providing forecasters and the public with the latest information on where tropical-storm-force winds may occur.

The graphics depict the probability of 34-knot winds — the threshold for tropical storm conditions — reaching various locations over a five-day, or 120-hour, forecast window.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the wind speed probability data was last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at approximately 2:56 p.m. GMT.

Residents in potentially affected areas are encouraged to monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center as Tropical Storm Arthur continues to develop.

The National Hurricane Center has issued wind speed probability graphics for a system designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone One.

The graphics show the likelihood of 34-knot wind speeds affecting various areas over a 120-hour period. According to the National Hurricane Center, the wind speed probability information was last updated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 9:21 a.m. GMT.

Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring the National Hurricane Center for the latest updates as this system develops.

A developing tropical system is moving up the middle Texas coastline and poses a serious flooding threat to portions of the southeastern United States, according to forecasters.

As of 7:00 AM Central Daylight Time on Wednesday, June 17, the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone One was located near coordinates 28.3 degrees north, 96.2 degrees west. The system was tracking to the northeast at approximately 7 miles per hour.

The storm’s minimum central pressure was recorded at 1002 millibars, with maximum sustained winds of about 30 miles per hour.

Forecasters are warning that the system is expected to produce life-threatening flooding across portions of the southeastern United States as it continues to move inland.

Weather forecasters have issued wind speed probability graphics for a system designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone One, with the latest update posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

The graphics, released by the National Hurricane Center, illustrate the probability of 34-knot wind speeds occurring within a 120-hour forecast window. These types of probability maps help residents and emergency managers understand the likelihood of tropical-force winds reaching various areas as the storm system develops.

Forecasters are continuing to monitor the system closely. Anyone in potentially affected regions is encouraged to keep a close watch on official weather updates as conditions evolve.