National Weather Service

@nws.noaa.gov

61072 Followers 4 Following

Official Bluesky account for NOAA's National Weather Service.

Peak Storm Surge Forecast, Tropical Storm Bertha, Tuesday July 21, 2026, 10 AM CDT Advisory 9, NWS National Hurricane Center. Up to 3 ft, Up to 4 ft. Feet above ground level. User Notes: Water levels along the immediate coast could reach the following heights above ground level within the indicated areas. Elevated water levels will likely be accompanied by large and destructive waves. Map description: A map of the U.S. Gulf Coast detailing peak storm surge forecasts from western Louisiana to the Florida Big Bend. A yellow highlighted coastline indicates a 2-4 ft surge expected from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to the MS/AL Border. Blue highlighted areas (indicating up to 3 ft) cover the surrounding coasts. Specifically, 1-3 ft of surge is forecast for the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line to the Mouth of the Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain, MS/AL Border to AL/FL Border, and Indian Pass to Aucilla River. A 1-2 ft surge is forecast from the AL/FL Border to Indian Pass.
Text on image: Tropical Storm Bertha, Tuesday July 21, 2026, 10 AM CDT Advisory 9. Current information: Center location 29.3 N 86.3 W, Maximum sustained wind 60 mph, Movement NNW at 3 mph. Note: The cone contains the probable path of the storm center but does not show the size of the storm. Hazardous conditions can occur outside of the cone. PRELIMINARY. Map description: A 5-day track cone map for Tropical Storm Bertha in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm center is currently located south of the Florida Panhandle and is forecast to move west-northwest parallel to the Gulf Coast. A Tropical Storm Warning (blue) spans the coast from the Florida Panhandle westward to southeastern Louisiana. A Tropical Storm Watch (yellow) borders the warning area further west in Louisiana. The system is expected to remain a Tropical Storm (S) through Thursday before weakening to a Tropical Depression (D) near the Texas coast by Friday.
Text on image: Key Messages for Tuesday Jul 21 Severe Weather. Updated Jul 21, 2026 10:21 AM EDT. Severe Thunderstorms Expected from the Ohio Valley to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Today into Tonight. Overview: Numerous severe thunderstorms are expected across a broad region from the Ohio Valley to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast States today into tonight. Primary Risks: Swaths of damaging wind gusts are expected to be the most common impact. However, some large hail and a few tornadoes will also be possible. Timing: Multiple rounds of storms are possible across much of the risk area starting around mid-day and continuing through the evening. Safety Actions: Continue to monitor forecasts for the latest information and updates to the risk areas. Be prepared to take action if watches and warnings are issued for your area. Map description: A categorical outlook map of the eastern United States shows an Enhanced risk area (orange) stretching from OH eastward across PA, WV, MD, VA, DE, and NJ. This is surrounded by a larger Slight risk area (yellow) spanning from IL and IN into New England, and extending south into TN and NC. A Marginal risk (dark green) surrounds the Slight risk area.
Key Messages for Tropical Depression Two Advisory 5: 10:00 AM CDT Mon Jul 20, 2026 The depression is expected to gradually strengthen and could bring tropical storm conditions to portions of the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle westward to southeastern Louisiana beginning late tonight into Tuesday. A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the Alabama, Mississippi, and southeastern Louisiana coasts, where a life-threatening storm surge is possible. Interests elsewhere in Louisiana and Texas should monitor the progress of this system, as additional watches could be required for portions of that area later today or Tuesday. Areas of flash flooding will be possible through Friday along the Gulf Coast and adjacent inland locations from western Florida to the Middle Texas Coast, including southern portions of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. For more information go to hurricanes.gov
5-day track cone for Tropical Depression Two in the Gulf of Mexico. The white cone indicates the storm is currently off Florida's west coast, moving west-northwest parallel to the Gulf Coast. The forecasted track upgrades the depression to a tropical storm (S) through Thursday, before dropping back to a depression (D) as it makes potential landfall near the Louisiana/Texas border between Thursday and Friday. A Tropical Storm Watch (yellow) is highlighted along the coastlines of southeast Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Weather map valid 8am EDT Jul 20 2026 showing widespread rain/thunderstorm risk across central and eastern U.S., red hatched zones for heavy rain/flash flooding and yellow stripes for severe thunderstorms; tropical cyclones Elida, Fausto, and T.S. Two labeled, with fronts and H/L symbols.
Key Messages on Tropical Depression Two in the Gulf. This system is forecast to become a tropical storm this week.
Key messages from the National Hurricane Center on the potential development of a tropical depression across the northeast Gulf.
Storm Prediction Center severe thunderstorm outlook for Monday July 20th across the upper Midwest.
National weather map valid Jul 19–20, 2026 showing widespread rain and thunderstorms across the central and eastern U.S., heavy rain/flash flooding risk in parts of the Southwest, isolated severe thunderstorm risk in the northern Plains and coastal Carolinas, and pressure fronts/H and L icons.
U.S. weather map valid 8am EDT Jul 18 showing widespread rain/thunderstorms (green crosshatch), yellow-hatched severe-thunderstorm risk from the Midwest into the Mid‑Atlantic, and red-striped heavy rain/flash-flood risk in parts of the Rockies and NE PA.
Graphic titled "South-Central Texas Extreme Rainfall: Preliminary observations and rainfall estimates valid Monday (7/13) to Friday (7/17)." Map Description: A map of Texas showing rainfall estimates from 7 am CDT 7/13 to 11 am CDT 7/17. The heaviest rainfall, between 15 and 20+ inches (indicated in dark red and purple), is concentrated in South-Central Texas, primarily spreading west and north of San Antonio toward Del Rio. Selected Preliminary Rain Reports: Knippa, TX 6 NW: 27.45" Camp Eagle, TX: 27.05" Ingram, TX 1 NNW: 25.36" Kerrville, TX 1.5 NNW: 20.75" Camp Wood, TX 9 ESE: 20.31" Utopia, TX 2 WSW: 19.83" Johnson Creek, TX: 18.29"
Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI). Good is AQI 0-50, no health impacts expected. Moderate is AQI 51-100, very sensitive people may wish to limit outdoor exertion. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups is AQI 101-150, sensitive people should limit outdoor exertion. Unhealthy is AQI 151-200, everyone should limit exertion outdoors. Very Unhealthy is AQI 201-300, sensitive people should avoid all outdoor activity. Hazardous is AQI 301-500, everyone should avoid all outdoor activity.
Stay out of floodwaters. Floodwaters hide dangers that can cause sickness, injury or even death, including animals and insects, live wires, harmful bacteria, dangerous chemicals, sewage, and sharp objects and debris.
Weather Safety: Know Before You Go. Monitor weather forecasts before attending outdoor events. Be prepared to change your plans if hazardous weather is expected.
Air Quality Alerts map of the United States showing gray-shaded regions (air quality alerts) concentrated in the Northeast, parts of the Upper Midwest, and scattered pockets in the West.
Air Quality and Health: Exposure to air pollutants such as particulate matter and ground-level ozone can cause headaches, irritated eyes and sinuses, fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pains, asthma attacks, irritated throat and increased coughing. Poor air quality can be hazardous to anyone, and it can aggravate health problems such as asmtha, heart disease, and lung disease. Seniors, children and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.
Never drive around barricades. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. You don't know how deep the water is. Even when the water recedes, the ground may be unstable.
Moderate risk of excessive rainfall in Arizona for Thursday, July 16: map highlights widespread slight (yellow) area with a moderate-risk red pocket near Tucson; NOAA warns torrential thunderstorms may produce flash flooding in southern Arizona and urges "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
NOAA Weather Prediction Center Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook valid from 12Z Wednesday, July 15, 2026, through 12Z Thursday, July 16, 2026. A High Risk (magenta) for excessive rainfall and flash flooding is centered over portions of south-central Texas, surrounded by a Moderate Risk (red) and a broader Slight Risk (yellow) extending across much of southern Texas near the Rio Grande and Gulf Coast regions. Additional Slight Risk areas are highlighted over parts of southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. Marginal Risk areas (green) cover a larger portion of Texas and the southern Plains, extend northeastward into the Mid-South and lower Ohio Valley, and include separate areas over the Great Basin, central Rockies, and northern Rockies. The legend indicates probabilities of rainfall exceeding flash flood guidance within 25 miles of a point, with thresholds of 5% for Marginal, 15% for Slight, 40% for Moderate, and 70% for High Risk.
Public safety infographic titled "Stay Indoors During Heat Waves" offering tips to use air conditioning, remain hydrated, check on vulnerable people, and limit outdoor activity, paired with a photo of a woman holding a glass of water and sitting near a fan.
NOAA Storm Prediction Center Day 2 Categorical Outlook issued 1729 UTC July 14, 2026, valid from 1200 UTC Wednesday, July 15, through 1200 UTC Thursday, July 16, 2026. Risk levels shown are dark green = marginal risk, with light green indicating general thunderstorm potential. A marginal risk of severe thunderstorms is focused over portions of the New York City metropolitan area, northern New Jersey, the lower Hudson Valley, and southwestern New England. Broader areas of general thunderstorm potential extend across much of the western United States, the northern Plains, portions of the southern Plains and Gulf Coast states, the Southeast and Florida, and parts of the Northeast and Great Lakes region. No slight, enhanced, moderate, or high risk areas are shown on this outlook.
Weather Prediction Center Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook valid from 16Z Tuesday, July 14, 2026, through 12Z Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Risk levels shown are green = marginal risk, yellow = slight risk, red = moderate risk, and magenta = high risk for flash flooding. A high risk area is centered over south Texas near the lower Rio Grande Valley, surrounded by a larger moderate risk region and a broad slight risk extending eastward across southern Texas and along the Gulf Coast into Louisiana. Additional slight risk areas are highlighted over portions of Mississippi and Alabama, and along the South Carolina and Georgia coast near Charleston and Savannah. Marginal risk areas extend across much of the Gulf Coast, Southeast, Southwest, northern Rockies, and parts of New England.
NOAA Storm Prediction Center Day 1 Categorical Outlook issued 1230 UTC July 14, 2026, valid from 1300 UTC Tuesday, July 14, through 1200 UTC Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Risk levels shown are dark green = marginal risk, yellow = slight risk, orange = enhanced risk, and light green indicates general thunderstorm potential. An enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms covers much of northern and eastern Maine, with a surrounding slight risk extending into eastern New Hampshire and much of Maine. A separate slight risk is centered over southwestern Montana near the Yellowstone region, surrounded by a broader marginal risk covering parts of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Additional marginal risk areas extend across portions of the Upper Great Lakes, the Southeast coast, and the Florida Peninsula, with general thunderstorm potential covering much of the western, southern, and eastern United States.
An infographic from the Weather Prediction Center titled "Key Messages for Mid-July Heat Wave" issued Mon, Jul 13, 2026 at 12:05 PM CDT. Subheading: Dangerous and record-breaking heat spans from the Intermountain West to the Northeast this week. Key Messages: North-Central U.S. Significant Heat Wave: Underway for Intermountain West, Northern Plains, and Upper Great Lakes, peaking midweek. Widespread highs of 95-105°F are forecast. Prolonged and Accumulated Heat Stress: Consecutive hot days and record-warm lows will result in widespread Major to Extreme HeatRisk in the Northern Plains and Upper Great Lakes. Record-Breaking Heat in the Northeast U.S.: Dangerous heat enters the Northeast Tuesday, peaking Wednesday from Richmond to Boston, with highs in the upper 90s to near 100°F. Heat Safety Tips: Limit outdoor activity, hydrate, ensure A/C access, check on others, and never leave children or animals in vehicles. Maps: Two Forecast Max HeatRisk maps show color-coded risk levels: 1-Minor (yellow), 2-Moderate (orange), 3-Major (red), and 4-Extreme (purple). The top map (valid through Friday 7/17) shows purple "Extreme" risk covering Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, affecting cities like Billings, Bismarck, Pierre, and Twin Cities. The bottom map (valid Tuesday 7/14 - Thursday 7/16) shows red "Major" risk extending across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, affecting cities like Boston, New York, and Washington.
An official NOAA NWS Weather Prediction Center map showing the Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook across the continental United States. Map Details: The map highlights areas with a risk of rainfall exceeding flash flood guidance within 25 miles of a point. A large green "MRGL" (Marginal) area extends from California through the Southwest, into parts of Texas and the Southeast up to the Carolinas. A yellow "SLGT" (Slight) risk area covers southern Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast including Georgia and the Carolinas. A smaller red "MDT" (Moderate) risk area is highlighted in south-central Texas near the border.
An infographic from the NOAA NWS Weather Prediction Center titled "Record-Breaking Mid-July Heat Wave" detailing observations from July 12th. Text on image: Notable All-Time Temperature Records Broken or Tied (Preliminary) Billings, Montana: 111°F. Previous record, 108 °F. Salt Lake City, Utah 109°F. Previous record, 107°F. Idaho Falls, Idaho, 103°F. Previous record, 102°F. Sheridan, Wyoming, 109°F. Previous record, 107° F. Lander, Wyoming, 102°F. Previous record, 102°F.
For today' weather highlights: ● Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of producing wind damage will be possible across much of the Southeast today and southern Arizona, with the greatest potential for South Carolina. Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms outlooked. ● Heavy to excessive rainfall with flash flooding potential will continue from portions of the Tennessee Valley to the Carolinas today. Slight Risk (level 2 of 4) of excessive rainfall outlooked. ● Widespread significant heat wave for the Intermountain West and Plains will continue today and through the week. This could produce numerous daily high, monthly, and all time temperature records. Risk for rapid onset of drought for Northern Plains. ● Areas of major to extreme HeatRisk are forecast across portions of the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida today and most of this week. ● Gusty winds and low relative humidity will create areas of elevated to critical fire weather across parts of the interior Western U.S.
U.S. weather map showing widespread rain and thunderstorms across the Southeast and East, a hatched heavy rain/flash‑flood risk centered over the Ohio Valley and Midwest, and a striped zone of possible severe thunderstorms in the central U.S., with frontal boundaries and pressure centers.
An infographic from NWS St. Louis titled "Catastrophic Flash Flooding Ongoing," overlaid on a photo of a flooded street with a partially submerged car. Text on image: Where: Southeastern Missouri; specifically Crawford, Washington, Reynolds, Iron, Marion, and St. Francis counties Why: Thunderstorms produced 6-12” of rainfall last night and early this morning Actions: Never drive into water over the roadway Seek higher ground if necessary Follow instructions from local governments Warning Banner: ADDITIONAL RAINFALL IS EXPECTED TONIGHT IN THE SAME AREA Map Details: A "Rainfall Estimates as of 10am" precipitation map of southeastern Missouri displays color-coded rainfall bands ranging from green (under 1.00") to deep red and purple (8.00"–14.99"). Heaviest totals are concentrated over towns like Dillard (10.42"), Black (10.35"), and Glover (10.03").
An infographic from the NOAA NWS Weather Prediction Center titled "MODERATE RISK OF EXCESSIVE RAINFALL" for Fri Jul 10, issued at 1:06 PM EDT. A map shows the central/eastern US risk areas: a green "MARGINAL" area, a larger yellow "SLGT" (Slight) area, and a red "MDT" (Moderate) risk area outlined over southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and parts of western Kentucky/Tennessee. Text on image: FLOOD POTENTIAL: There is an increased risk of excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding for southeastern Missouri through eastern Tennessee. Saturated soils from yesterday’s rainfall and the potential for recurring heavy rainfall this evening into the overnight is the forecast reasoning for the Moderate ERO. Numerous flash floods are likely, especially in the Moderate Risk area highlighted in red. Be Prepared! Stay weather aware Have multiple ways to receive warning notifications NEVER drive or walk into a flooded road - Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Extreme Heat: Why is extreme heat so dangerous? Heat becomes especially dangerous if it lingers for more than one day. Hot days and warm nights don’t give our bodies time to cool down. Heat islands can intensify extreme hot weather, which can cause breathing problems, heat cramps, heat stroke, and may lead to illness or even death. What can you do? Check on your friends, family and neighbors during heat waves. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and drink water often. Don't wait until you are thirsty. Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or in a building without air-conditioning. Stay in an air-conditioned area. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness.
U.S. weather map valid Jul 10, 2026 showing widespread rain and thunderstorms, a red‑hatched area over the Midwest and Ohio Valley for heavy rain/flash flooding risk, yellow hatching for possible severe storms, and frontal boundaries with high/low centers.
Small Decisions can have a big impact: Flooding. 1) Turn around and don't drive through a flooded roadway. 2) Don't drive around barricades. 3) Delay travel until conditions improve. Don't let a bad decision be your last.
NOAA Storm Prediction Center Day 1 Categorical Outlook issued 1255 UTC July 9, 2026, valid from 1300 UTC Thursday, July 9, through 1200 UTC Friday, July 10, 2026. Risk levels shown are dark green = marginal risk, yellow = slight risk, and light green indicates general thunderstorm potential. A broad marginal risk stretches from the northern Plains through the Midwest, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Northeast. Three separate slight risk areas are highlighted: a north-south corridor from eastern Wyoming through western South Dakota into western North Dakota; a region centered on Missouri and southern Illinois extending into western Kentucky and northern Arkansas; and a smaller area over portions of the Delmarva Peninsula, including eastern Maryland and Delaware. Additional thunderstorm potential extends across much of the eastern United States, the Southwest, and Florida.
US weather map showing widespread rain/thunderstorm risk across the central and eastern states, red crosshatch over parts of MO/IL/OH for heavy rain/flash‑flood risk, yellow hatched corridor from ND into KS for possible severe storms, with fronts and highs/lows; valid Jul 9, 2026.
National weather map valid 8am EDT Jul 8, 2026 showing widespread rain and thunderstorms (green shading) across the central and eastern U.S., red hatched areas for heavy rain/flash flooding, yellow-striped zones for possible severe storms, and surface fronts with H/L centers.
National Weather Service Severe Weather Outlook for Tuesday, July 7, 2026 (Central Region). Colors indicate dark green = thunderstorms, green = marginal risk, and yellow = slight risk. A slight risk of severe thunderstorms extends from south-central Montana across much of Wyoming, South Dakota, and into central Minnesota, including areas near Billings, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Minneapolis. A surrounding marginal risk covers much of the northern Rockies and northern Plains, extending into northern Minnesota and the western Great Lakes. Additional marginal risk areas are shown over portions of the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley, with general thunderstorm potential across much of the region.
National weather map valid Jul 7, 2026 showing fronts and high/low pressure; widespread rain/thunderstorm shading across the central and eastern U.S., red hatched areas indicating possible heavy rain/flash flooding in the upper Midwest and Mid‑Atlantic, and a yellow hatched severe storm zone.
National Weather Service Severe Weather Outlook for Monday, July 6, 2026 (Central Region). Colors indicate dark green = thunderstorms, green = marginal risk, and yellow = slight risk. A slight risk of severe thunderstorms extends from eastern North Dakota into northwestern Minnesota, including the Fargo and Grand Forks areas. Surrounding marginal risk covers much of the northern Plains, including eastern Montana, the Dakotas, portions of Wyoming, and northern Minnesota. Additional general thunderstorm areas extend across the northern Rockies and into parts of the Upper Midwest.
An infographic from the NOAA NWS Weather Prediction Center issued Mon Jul 06, 2026, 5:18 AM EDT, titled "MODERATE RISK OF EXCESSIVE RAINFALL" for Mon July 6. Text states: "Numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to impact portions of the northern Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic, and southern New England today. Very high levels of atmospheric moisture will support heavy rainfall rates that could result in locally significant flash flooding. Numerous flash floods are likely, especially in the Moderate Risk area highlighted in red." It includes safety tips: "Be Prepared! Stay weather aware. Have multiple ways to receive warning notifications. NEVER drive or walk into a flooded road - Turn Around, Don't Drown." A map of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic US shows a green "Marginal" risk area spanning from VA to NY; a yellow "Slight" risk area covering areas like Richmond, Washington, Altoona, and Boston; and a red "Moderate" risk area highlighting New York City, Long Island, and parts of CT and RI.
U.S. county map titled "Extreme Heat" showing Extreme Heat Watch across southern Arizona and Heat Advisories along the Mid‑Atlantic coast, the Carolinas, and scattered pockets in the Southeast U.S.
National Weather Service HeatRisk map valid July 4, 2026 showing nationwide heat danger by color—yellow minor, orange moderate, red major, purple extreme—with extreme heat concentrated across the Southeast and Mid‑Atlantic and mostly minor risk in the West.
U.S. National Weather Service HeatRisk map valid July 3, 2026, showing widespread extreme heat risk (purple) across the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic, major risk (red) through the Southeast and parts of the Midwest, moderate (orange) in central states, and minor risk (yellow) across much of the West.
Beat the Heat during outdoor events: Drink plenty of water and encourage those with you to do the same. Wear a hat and lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Apply sunscreen. Use an electric or handheld fan, cooling towels, or other cooling technology. Take breaks under shade, in cooling tents, or misting stations. At the first signs of dizziness or weakness, look for medical assistance.
Shows expected health risk from prolonged heat exposure. Large portions of the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, Appalachians, Tennessee Valley, Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and southern New England are under Extreme HeatRisk (purple), indicating dangerous conditions for anyone without effective cooling or hydration. Surrounding areas across the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Midwest, and lower Great Lakes are under Major HeatRisk (red), while areas farther west into the Plains and Upper Midwest are generally Moderate (orange) to Minor (yellow) risk.
A NOAA map highlights locations expected to tie or break at least one daily record high temperature between Thursday and Sunday across the eastern half of the United States. Each red dot marks a city forecast to experience one or more record high temperatures during the four-day period. The greatest concentration of record heat is centered across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast corridor, with numerous locations from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine marked for potential record highs. Dense clusters are visible around major metro areas including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Additional widespread record heat potential extends southward through the Carolinas and Georgia, westward across Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and western Pennsylvania, and into parts of the Great Lakes region, including Michigan and western New York. The map emphasizes the unusually broad extent of persistent extreme heat expected to affect much of the eastern U.S. over several consecutive days.
A broad corridor of severe weather threat stretches from central South Dakota and southern North Dakota eastward across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and into northern Illinois. The highest concern is an enhanced risk (orange) centered over eastern South Dakota into southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa, surrounded by a larger slight risk (yellow) zone. Lower-level thunderstorm risk extends west into Montana and east toward Michigan and western Pennsylvania.
A significant Heat Wave will impact the Eastern U.S. this July 4th weekend with Major-to-Extreme HeatRisk for much of the population.
National Weather Service graphics showing forecast daily record high temperatures across the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States from Wednesday through Saturday. Each map uses colored circles to mark locations where temperatures may approach or break records: red = records exceeded by 5°F or more, orange = records exceeded by 0–4°F, and yellow = near-record temperatures (within 1°F cooler).
National Weather Service Severe Weather Outlook map for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, focused on FEMA Region 7 covering Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. The highest threat area is an Enhanced Risk (orange) corridor centered over western Kansas, extending from near Garden City and Liberal north through Dodge City, Hays, and Colby toward Hill City. Surrounding that is a broader Slight Risk (yellow) zone stretching south into western Oklahoma and north into southwest Nebraska. A larger Marginal Risk (dark green) area covers much of Nebraska, western and central Kansas, and western Iowa, while general thunderstorm potential (light green) extends across much of the central Plains and Midwest. Most of Missouri and eastern Kansas remain outside organized severe risk. The map indicates the greatest concern for severe thunderstorms, including damaging winds, large hail, or isolated tornadoes, centered over western Kansas and nearby High Plains areas.
Compounding Hazards: Heat and Wildfires. Exposure to both smoke and extreme heat at the same time can pose a much greater health risk than either one alone. Heat and Smoke Safety Tips: (1) stay indoors: remain in cool, filtered air; (2) limit activity: plan necessary tasks for cooler, cleaner times; (3) hydrate: drink water frequently; (4) mask up: use a well-fitting N95 outdoors; (5) monitor health: if feeling unwell, move indoors and seek help.
A NOAA map titled "Forecast Record High Temperature Locations" showcasing the Eastern United States. A legend in the top left defines the color-coded dots indicating where record highs are expected: Thursday: Large red circle Friday: Medium orange circle Saturday: Small yellow circle The map is heavily filled with these dots, often nested inside one another, showing a multi-day heat event. Red dots (Thursday) are scattered widely from the Midwest through the Mid-Atlantic and up into New England. Orange dots (Friday) are concentrated along the Northeast corridor, Mid-Atlantic, and into the Carolinas. Yellow dots (Saturday) are primarily located in the southern portion of the map, including Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The blue NOAA logo is located in the bottom right corner.