First Alert Weather Extra

Above normal summer heat will persist through the rest of the week with limited chances for rain. High temperatures will be in the mid to upper 90s each day this week, and the heat index will be in the triple digits. Heat Alerts from the National Weather Service are possible. Windy conditions that carried over from the weekend into today will lighten some over the next couple of days. South winds are in the forecast through the weekend, possibly gusting up to 15 mph at times. Low-end chances for rain are in the forecast beginning Wednesday and continue into next week. For Independence Day, we're forecasting mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with highs in the upper 90s, and a chance for a few showers or an isolated thunderstorm. 

 

Today in weather history... On this day in 2023, a powerful derecho tore through the Central Plains and Midwest. The MCS produced widespread swaths of damaging winds of 80+ mph, with some locations in MO, IA, and IL measuring gusts up to 100 mph. Eight tornadoes – including an EF2 – were confirmed. The daily weather history segments come to us courtesy of the Southeast Regional Climate Center.

 

Also on today's show, we have an update on continued severe weather across the country, as well as our weekly forecast accuracy report. Finally, today's satellite imagery of the day, courtesy of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere.

After a series of evenings with a chance for showers and thunderstorms, our chances for rain are coming to an end. There will be a very low chance for a stray shower or storm tonight, mainly northeast of a line from Mt. Pleasant to Marshall. Temperatures tonight will drop into the mid and upper 70s under mostly clear to partly cloudy skies. The rest of the week looks mostly sunny and dry, with highs in the mid 90s. This weekend, highs will climb into the upper 90s, and that's where they'll stay through next week. Morning clouds with afternoon sunshine will be the forecast through the middle of next week. There are some indications rain could return to East Texas around the 4th of July. At this time, we'll keep a low chance for rain in our forecast beginning July 2nd and continuing through the 4th.

 

Today in weather history... On this day 1975, Eastern Air Lines Flight 66 crashed while on approach to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, killing 113 of the 124 people on board. The crash was determined to be caused by wind shear caused by a microburst. The daily weather history segments come to us courtesy of the Southeast Regional Climate Center.

 

Also on today's show, we'll get an update on severe weather that continues outside of East Texas, and our weekly Wednesday Weather Word is "bush." Finally, today's satellite imagery of the day, courtesy of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere.

Once again, a few showers and isolated thunderstorms will be possible this evening and overnight. The risk for severe weather is low but winds up to 60 mph and hail up to the size of quarters are possible with any stronger storms that can develop. Flooding/flash flooding will be the primary hazard with the rain tonight. Last night's/this morning's rain resulted in flooding for areas near I-30 and the Red River; this will again be possible. Temperatures overnight will drop into the low 70s for areas that receive the rain; everyone else will be in the mid to upper 70s overnight. By daybreak Wednesday, the chance for rain will be ending, and the forecast then looks dry through the end of the week. High temperatures will remain in the 90s, nearing 100-degrees by early next week. Our next chance for rain may not arrive until 4th of July weekend - your first alert to the chance. That said, we're still about 10 days away from the 4th, and things are likely to chance between now and then.

 

Weather headlines:

-an extreme heatwave continues overseas

-severe storms and flooding remain a threat across parts of the Plains, Midwest, and South

 

Also on today's show, the Climate Prediction Center released an updated long-range tropical weather outlook today. Finally, today's satellite imagery of the day, courtesy of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere.

A few showers and isolated thunderstorms will be possible this evening and overnight. The risk for severe weather is low; however, winds up to 60 mph and pocket change size hail are possible. The chance for rain will fall as we approach sunrise Tuesday morning, but there could still be some shower/storm activity during the Tuesday morning commute. Once the rain ends Tuesday morning, the forecast looks dry for the next week. The only exception to that will be if storms in Oklahoma Tuesday night could make it to East Texas very late Tuesday or early Wednesday morning. By midweek, a ridge of high pressure will build overhead, almost guaranteeing dry conditions and highs in the mid to upper 90s by the weekend. Highs could reach the triple digits by early next week, and the heat index will be in the 100s without question. Heat alerts from the National Weather Service are likely given the forecast heat index values around 105° by early next week. Remember to be safe in the heat!

On this day in weather history... In 2007, Canada's first (and only) official F5 struck the town of Elie, Manitoba. The twister's path was erratic and contained several loops. Several homes were destroyed, including one that was completely swept away. Amazingly, no one was injured or killed. The daily weather history segments come to us courtesy of the Southeast Regional Climate Center.

 

Also on today's show, our weekly review of last week's forecast accuracy and updates on severe weather across the country. Finally, today's satellite imagery of the day, courtesy of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere.

After having only seen a few scattered showers make their way into East Texas from Tropical Storm Arthur, the storm has now weakened and has dissipated. Tonight, we'll see partly to mostly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping into the 70s. Friday and Saturday will bring a higher chance for rain as scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms appear likely on both days. The risk for severe weather is low-end, primarily due to a strong wind threat. Additionally, flooding will be a concern. Two things to remember tomorrow and this weekend: 1. When thunder roars, go indoors. If you find yourself outdoors and a thunderstorm moves into the area, please take shelter even if it is now severe. Lightning is especially dangerous this time of year when we let our guard down to be outside. 2. Turn around, don't drown. Please do not attempt to cross any flooded roadways this weekend and be prepared for flash flooding near waterways. The chance for rain will drop off for Sunday but increases once again by the middle of next week. High temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 80s and low to mid 90s for the foreseeable future, morning lows in the 70s.

 

On this day in weather history... In 1939, an estimated F4 tore a 25-mile path through the Twin Cities' northern suburbs. Many homes were leveled in the hard-hit towns of Anoka and Champlin. Four of the 9 fatalities came from a car that was thrown 300 yds. Monetary damage was in the millions. The daily weather history segments come to us courtesy of the Southeast Regional Climate Center.

 

Also on today's show, this week's drought monitor, an update on a plan to end an ocean monitoring service, and details on the aftermath of continued severe weather across the country. Finally, today's satellite imagery of the day, courtesy of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere.

 

Shortly before 10 a.m. CT today, the National Hurricane Center announced Tropical Storm Arthur had formed near the Texas coast. Arthur will be a short-lived tropical storm, expected to weaken tonight into a tropical depression. While we will have a chance for a few showers from Arthur this evening and tomorrow, impacts for East Texas will be minimal. By Friday and Saturday, our attention shifts to a chance for showers and thunderstorms that will be dependent on moisture returning to the atmosphere overhead. A lack of moisture return would result in lower chances for rain; a high amount of moisture return could mean higher chances for rain Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the chance for rain drops off and the wind is expected to pick up, possibly gusting to 25 mph. As for temperatures over the next week to 10 days, highs will remain in the 90s for the foreseeable future, with overnight lows in the 70s. 

 

On this day in weather history... In 1946, he third-deadliest tornado in Canadian history struck southwestern Ontario from Windsor to Tecumseh. The estimated F4 (possibly F5) leveled numerous homes and other structures along a 15-mile track. 17 people were killed and hundreds were injured. The daily weather history segments come to us courtesy of the Southeast Regional Climate Center.

 

Also on today's show, information on a new bill in Congress that aims to grow the U.S. Hurricane Hunter fleet. Additionally, storms in the Midwest derailed a train near Monmouth, IL today. Finally, today's satellite imagery of the day, courtesy of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere.

Earlier today, the National Hurricane Center began issuing advisories for "Potential Tropical Cyclone One," which is expected to become Tropical Storm Arthur by Wednesday morning. The NHC is predicting this system will move northeast along the Texas coast tomorrow and move inland over Louisiana on Thursday. Flooding from heavy rain will be the primary threat, though there is a low-end severe weather risk. For East Texas, tropical weather hazards and impacts will be minimal. We'll have low chances for rain on Wednesday and Thursday. By Friday, the chance for rain in East Texas will rise ahead of a storm system expected to arrive from the northwest. At this time, there is no severe weather risk from the Storm Prediction Center; however, some guidance suggests at least a low-end risk for Friday. As for temperatures over the next 7 to 10 days, highs look to remain in the upper 80s and 90s, and morning lows will be in the 70s.

 

On this day in weather history... In 1944, Four intense tornadoes struck in extreme southeast South Dakota and northwest Iowa. Two of the tornadoes in Iowa were violent F4s, destroying or completely sweeping away several farmsteads and rural homes. Five people were injured. The daily weather history segments come to us courtesy of the Southeast Regional Climate Center.

 

Also on today's show, we'll look at flooding across the state as Texas continues to receive heavy rain ahead of a potential tropical storm. Additionally, a new long-range tropical weather outlook was released today. Other segments today include comparing weather at the airport vs. in-town yesterday and last week's forecast accuracy. Finally, today's satellite imagery of the day, courtesy of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere.

After a dry, but once again hot, afternoon, the chance for rain will return to East Texas tomorrow. While the chance for rain is low (20%), showers and any isolated thunderstorms could prove to be disruptive for any outdoor activities (such as the Great Texas Balloon Race taking place in Longview this week). Saturday will also have a low chance for rain, but the chance for showers and thunderstorms increases Sunday into next week with our next cold front. High temperatures will remain in the mid 90s or so through the end of the week and into the weekend. On Monday, a cold front will drop highs into the 80s for Monday and Tuesday before we climb back into the 90s by next Wednesday. Our highest chances for rain over the next seven days will come ahead of the front on Sunday, and then with and behind the front on Monday and Tuesday. At this time, there is no risk for severe weather from the Storm Prediction Center.

 

On this day in weather history... In 1915, an estimated F4 tornado, nearly 1 mile wide, moved through the area of Mullinville, Kansas. Thanks to the high visibility and time of day, no one was hurt or killed. The daily weather history segments come to us courtesy of the Southeast Regional Climate Center.

 

Also on today's show, an update on our El Niño status and what that means for the summer and winter ahead. Additionally, a new drought monitor was released today, and we have a weather word since one was not included yesterday. Finally, we'll look at thunderstorms moving across the country today's satellite imagery of the day, courtesy of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere.

A few showers and an isolated thunderstorm or two will remain possible through the early evening hours before the sun goes down. Overnight, temperatures will drop into the 70s as we see mostly clear skies turn mostly cloudy by daybreak Thursday. Tomorrow afternoon will be partly cloudy to mostly sunny, and highs will be in the mid 90s. Low chances for rain remain in the forecast for Friday and Saturday as the above normal summer heat persists into the weekend. On Sunday, our chance for showers and thunderstorms will increase ahead of a cold front on Monday. The chance for rain will remain elevated through Monday and Tuesday. At this time, there is no risk for severe weather in the forecast through the wetter period expected this weekend into early next week. After the passing of the cold front on Monday, highs will run near to below normal for a couple of days before we climb back into the mid 90s by the end of next week.

 

On this day in weather history... In 1752, according to legend, Benjamin Franklin's infamous kite experiment took place when he attached a key to a kite string, attempting to conduct lightning during a storm. Also, on this day in 1938, an estimated F5 struck Clyde, Texas. These daily weather history statements come to us courtesy of the Southeast Regional Climate Center.

 

Also on today's show, an update on potential tropical activity in the Gulf, and Colorado State University has released an updated Atlantic hurricane season outlook. Finally, we'll look at a smoke plume in Nebraska in today's satellite imagery of the day, courtesy of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere.

Low chances for rain remain in the forecast for tomorrow as highs are expected to be in the low to mid 90s. Thursday still looks dry before more rain is in the forecast for Friday and the weekend. The chances for rain Sunday into next week have increased as a cold front is still expected to move into East Texas on Monday. High temperatures will generally run above normal through the end of this week. After the cold front arrives next week, there will be at least a couple day where highs are near normal. We also have an update on the long-range tropical weather outlook through the end of the month.

 

On this day in weather history, a F4 devastated Worcester, MA; it remains New England's worst tornado.

 

Plus, updates on national weather stories including storms in the Midwest and wildfires in the West. Lastly, we'll look at our satellite image of the day.