Weather and environment news covering forecasts, climate, conservation, natural systems, and planetary stewardship.
The Atlantic basin has broken a six-decade record for the longest dry spell without a hurricane formation as of September 2026. Meteorologists attribute this historic drought to a strengthening El Niño pattern, which creates disruptive winds across the Atlantic that suppress storm formation while boosting activity in the Pacific. Historical data shows two pre-satellite years with zero hurricanes.
Global weather traders are positioning for a mild Northern Hemisphere winter driven by a projected very strong El Niño, with the National Weather Service forecasting a greater than 90% chance of development. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that rising sea surface temperatures place the planet in a danger zone for extreme weather, including Pacific hurricanes and European heat waves.
The commentary argues that an exceptionally strong El Niño is developing, potentially surpassing historical records. It contends this will drive a prolonged wet pattern in Michigan through late September, raising concerns about soil saturation and localized flooding due to cumulative rainfall totals.
WPLG Local 10 Miami analyzes a historic dry spell in the Atlantic hurricane basin, examining whether a low-pressure system southeast of Bermuda will develop. The article contrasts traditional physics-based models with AI-driven forecasts, highlighting significant uncertainty regarding the system's potential formation and track this week.
The piece reports on an impending heatwave in the St. Louis region, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s and heat indices exceeding 105 F by Tuesday. It explains that a stalled frontal boundary will separate this hot air from cooler regions to the north while bringing potential thunderstorms.
The Boston Globe explains the concept of seasonal lag to address potential late-summer heat in New England. The article contends that bodies of water and the planet retain heat longer than solar radiation dictates, potentially creating a 'second summer' even after the astronomical equinox, citing historical data on October heatwaves.
Axios details that Philadelphia experienced one of its hottest and wettest summers on record, with temperatures ranking fourth-highest since 1941. The article highlights health risks, including heat-related deaths, increased energy demands, and a significant rise in flash flood warnings, contextualizing local data within broader national climate trends.
WFLA meteorologist Jeff Berardelli reports that a brief period of fall-like weather will arrive in Florida Wednesday through Thursday. An early season front and high pressure will lower humidity and dewpoints, offering temporary relief from record-breaking summer heat.
BBC News reports that the UK will experience cooler temperatures and unsettled weather due to an incoming cold front. The forecast predicts rain in northern and western regions, with temperatures dropping to average levels of 15-20C, while heatwave conditions are deemed increasingly unlikely for the coming week.
WDIV Local 4 Detroit forecasts warm, humid conditions with scattered rain across Southeast Michigan, noting a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms near the I-94 corridor. Temperatures are expected to cool slightly by mid-week before returning to mild levels.