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Weekend Weather Outlook

Cooler air will bring relief to a large portion of the Eastern U.S. this weekend, as storms continue to pummel the Plains and Southeast.

Great Lakes, Midwest, and Northern Plains Feel Effects of Poor Air Quality

As of Friday, Canadian wildfires continue to rage in Manitoba and Saskatchewan causing air quality issues in the Northern Plains, Midwest, Ohio Valley and around the Great Lakes.

A blanket of smog lays over Los Angeles in September 2011. Source: Temeku, Wikimedia Commons

What is the Air Quality Index?

What is the Air Quality Index and how can pollutants impact your health?

Drought Worsens Nationwide Including Hard-Hit West

The West experienced another dry, quiet week of weather, fostering many degradations.

Fire at sea Lightning Storm (Shane Ocean via Shutterstock).

Lightning Safety When You're Stuck Outdoors

There is little you can do to substantially reduce your risk if you are outside during lightning.

Story Image: The differences between the Heat Index and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature are outlined in this graphic. (NOAA, NWS)

Heat Index Vs Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

As temperatures warm, our bodies experience the heat differently when outdoors.

Lightning Safety When You're Stuck Outdoors

There is little you can do to substantially reduce your risk if you are outside during lightning.

Heat Index Vs Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

As temperatures warm, our bodies experience the heat differently when outdoors.

Keep Pets Safe In The Heat

Sizzling summer heat still threatens those who can’t take care of themselves: pets!

A fire burns a field of dry vegetation. Image credit: fish96 via Pixabay

During A Wildfire: Get Set, Be Aware

Once you have your emergency kit and plans ready, the next step is being aware of hazardous conditions and potential wildfires.

Heat-Related Alerts: Sizzling Differences

Barbecue grills aren’t the only thing sizzling during the steamy summer months.

Pilots and crewmembers of the 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, go into the thick smoke to release water onto the burning fires during their bambi bucket mission at Black Forest, Colo., June 12, 2013. (Photo by Sgt. Jonathan C. Thibault, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division; The U.S. Army)

How Do Wildfires Start and Spread?

Wildfires do sometimes occur naturally, either ignited by the sun’s heat or a lightning strike.

California was affected by a historic drought from 2011-2016. When faced with a water shortage, agricultural land in California’s Central Valley that remains unplanted, or “fallow,” tends to increase markedly because farmers are unable to fully irrigate their crops. (NASA Goddard Photo and Video)

Weather vs. Climate: What Is The Difference?

While weather and climate are both changes in the atmosphere, the difference between them is a measure of time

How Do Wildfires Start and Spread?

Wildfires do sometimes occur naturally, either ignited by the sun’s heat or a lightning strike.

Weather vs. Climate: What Is The Difference?

While weather and climate are both changes in the atmosphere, the difference between them is a measure of time

The U.S. Drought Monitor showing widespread drought conditions in the western and central U.S. on October 4, 2022

What Is The U.S. Drought Monitor?

The drought monitor is the go-to product used by many meteorologists, but what exactly is the weekly map showing?

What is the Air Quality Index?

What is the Air Quality Index and how can pollutants impact your health?

Asthma and the Weather

During an asthma attack, the airways in and out of your lungs narrow and your body makes extra mucus, both of which make it hard for you to breathe.

Top News Stories

Weekend Weather Outlook

Great Lakes, Midwest, and Northern Plains Feel Effects of Poor Air Quality

What is the Air Quality Index?

Drought Worsens Nationwide Including Hard-Hit West

Latest News

Lightning Safety When You're Stuck Outdoors

Heat Index Vs Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

Lightning Safety When You're Stuck Outdoors

Heat Index Vs Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

Keep Pets Safe In The Heat

During A Wildfire: Get Set, Be Aware

Heat-Related Alerts: Sizzling Differences

How Do Wildfires Start and Spread?

Weather vs. Climate: What Is The Difference?

How Do Wildfires Start and Spread?

Weather vs. Climate: What Is The Difference?

What Is The U.S. Drought Monitor?

What is the Air Quality Index?

Asthma and the Weather