Weather

NORTH CAROLINA — A complex western U.S. storm system fueled by Arctic air, a strengthening ridge, and a moisture-rich subtropical jet is taking shape, and its eastward evolution could influence rainfall and temperature swings across North Carolina heading into early March. Western Ridge and Developing Storm Set the Stage Satellite analysis highlights a strong ridge…

NORTH CAROLINA — A strengthening severe weather signal over parts of the Midwest is drawing attention tonight, as high-resolution model data shows intensifying thunderstorms across Indiana and Illinois while the broader pattern begins shifting east toward the Carolinas. HRRR Shows Increasing Storm Intensity Over Indiana The latest HRRR composite reflectivity guidance valid 5 p.m. CST…

NORTH CAROLINA — A shifting late-February weather pattern is setting the stage for a wetter-than-normal stretch across North Carolina, as storm systems push east and cooler air filters into the region heading into early March. ECMWF Data Shows Above-Normal Precipitation for the Eastern U.S. The latest ECMWF ensemble precipitation outlook for February 25 through March…

ILLINOIS — A significant tornado threat upgrade has been issued for Thursday, February 19, 2026, with a corridor of higher tornado potential stretching from east-central Illinois into central Indiana, including the risk for strong to significant tornadoes (EF2+) during the afternoon and evening hours. The most concerning timeframe for tornado development is expected between 1…

OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE — A fast-moving wildfire known as the Stevens Fire east of Hooker tore across portions of the Oklahoma Panhandle, sending thick smoke columns into the sky and forcing farmers and emergency crews into urgent action. Stevens Fire Burns East of Hooker with Heavy Smoke and Active Flame Fronts Images from the scene show…

ILLINOIS — An unusual February severe weather setup is taking shape for Thursday, with a few tornadoes possible across parts of the Ohio Valley and Midwest, beginning in Illinois and tracking east toward Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Warm, Moist Air Surges North Ahead of Strong Surface Low Temperatures are expected to turn unseasonably warm, with…

NORTH CAROLINA — After a stretch of unseasonably mild weather, a powerful cold front is poised to sweep across the Southeast early next week, sending temperatures sharply lower and bringing freeze potential as far south as the northern Gulf Coast. Winter-Like Air Mass Surges South Across the Southeast Forecast guidance shows a widespread push of…

ILLINOIS — A strong storm system is expected to move into the Midwest Thursday, bringing a two-round severe weather setup across portions of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri, with forecasters highlighting a wind, hail, and brief tornado risk during the day. First Round Develops Thursday Morning Along Lifting Warm Front The first wave of storms…

WOODWARD, OKLAHOMA — A rapidly intensifying wildfire is sweeping toward Woodward with violent fire whirls reported and mandatory evacuations issued for nearly the entire community, creating an extremely dangerous and fast-evolving situation. Violent Fire Whirls Develop as Flames Advance Toward Woodward Emergency reports indicate that large fire whirls — rotating columns of flame and debris…

NORTH CAROLINA — A sharpening 850mb thermal gradient stretching from the eastern shore of Lake Ontario to Cape Cod is emerging as the key driver behind multiple storm systems expected to track along the East Coast through the end of the week. Warm Front Establishes “Nose-Down” Thermal Gradient Today’s warm front has laid down a…