NOAA
Coverage of NOAA in the Nexus archive.
- Rain-soaked Indiana sees record river levels and washed-out roads
Heavy rain pummeled the Midwest, causing flooding, washed-out roads, and record river crests like the White River in Anderson, Indiana. Governor Mike Braun responded by declaring a statewide disaster emergency and mobilizing the Indiana National Guard. Flood watches remain active through Sunday as the region continues to face severe weather.
- Hurricane warning issued for Hawaii’s Big Island as Tropical Storm Lala nears
A hurricane warning was issued for Hawaii's Big Island ahead of Tropical Storm Lala, which is expected to reach Category 1 hurricane status by Saturday. The tropical storm is predicted to pass over or just south of the island as it moves east to west. Forecasters warn that heavy rain could be the biggest danger this weekend, with a possible landfall occurring on Saturday or Sunday.
- Dozens of Californians gather at heated NOAA meeting to oppose Trump's coastal plan
Dozens of Californians gathered at a hearing concerning the NOAA to oppose the Trump administration's coastal plan. Attendees expressed feelings of anger and frustration that they believe the plan is an attempt to dismantle environmental protections in California.
- This summer isn't breaking heat records -- yet. Wait until El Nino kicks in, scientists say
Scientists warn that while 2026 is not yet the hottest year on record, a strengthening El Niño combined with human-caused global warming could push it to surpass 2024 by year-end. Current data shows 2026 as the third-hottest year, with 2027 likely to break records further. Rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves are accelerating global warming impacts.
- This summer isn't breaking heat records -- yet. Wait until El Nino kicks in, scientists say
Current summer is not breaking heat records, but a strengthening El Niño could push 2026 to become the hottest year on record. Scientists warn of accelerated global warming and extreme weather, with 2027 likely to surpass 2026 in temperatures. Oceans are already experiencing record heat, contributing to rising global temperatures.
- FEMA flood maps cause 'misunderstanding' among some homeowners, leaving millions without insurance, experts say
FEMA flood maps are causing a misunderstanding among some homeowners, leading to millions lacking flood insurance, according to experts. A NOAA chief data officer highlighted confusion about what being in a FEMA flood zone signifies.
- FEMA flood maps cause 'misunderstanding' among some homeowners, leaving millions without insurance, experts say
FEMA flood maps are causing misunderstandings among homeowners, leading to millions lacking insurance, according to experts. A former NOAA chief data officer highlighted the confusion about what being in a FEMA flood zone signifies.
- Marine scientists warn El Niño will push sharks, venomous snakes and other oceanic ‘oddities’ across seas
Marine scientists warn that a strong El Niño event could cause sharks, venomous snakes, and other oceanic species to migrate across seas. NOAA predicts a 63% chance of a 'very strong' El Niño from November 2026 to January 2027, which may rank among the largest in historical records.
- New research reveals how hurricane hunters improve forecasts before and after landfall
New NOAA research shows hurricane hunter data improves track and intensity forecasts by 10-20%, saving $25 million per hurricane impact. The study also found post-landfall rainfall forecasts improved for storms like Harvey (2017) and Florence (2018). A bipartisan bill proposes $2.5 billion to expand NOAA's aging hurricane hunter fleet from 3 to 9 aircraft.
- Scientists race to save Florida’s last remaining elkhorn coral before bleaching season
Scientists are urgently rescuing Florida’s last remaining elkhorn coral as rising ocean temperatures threaten another bleaching event. Teams from the University of Miami’s Lirman Coral Restoration Lab collected 30 elkhorn coral pieces for protection in a hatchery, while NOAA raised alerts for parts of the Florida Reef Tract. Efforts by Mote Marine Laboratory and the Coral Restoration Foundation aim to preserve genetic diversity critical for rebuilding reefs.
- Tennessee ranks 14th in nation on heat risk index
Tennessee ranks 14th in the U.S. on the Heat Risk Index with a score of 34.2 out of 100, experiencing 51 annual days above 90°F and 22 heat-related deaths per year on average. The state's heat-related death rate of 1.56 per 100,000 residents exceeds the national median and is higher than in warmer states like Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, with factors like humidity, access to cooling, and health conditions contributing to risks.
- Hurricane Genevieve roars in the Pacific as Fausto weakens to a tropical storm near Hawaii
Hurricane Genevieve, a Category 4 storm, is moving northwest in the Pacific Ocean far from land, while Tropical Storm Fausto, previously a hurricane, is weakening as it approaches Hawaii. Genevieve's swells are causing dangerous surf and rip currents along Mexico's southwestern coast and Baja California, and Fausto is expected to bring large surf and strong currents to Hawaii's east-facing shores.
- Three people have been killed by falling trees in Middle TN in one week. Here’s how you can stay safe
Three people were killed by falling trees in Middle Tennessee over the past week. A Franklin couple died when a tree fell on their car during storms on July 19, and a 15-year-old camper was killed by a falling tree during a hike at Camp Widjiwagan. NOAA reported 34 U.S. deaths from falling trees or branches in 2025.
- NOAA report finds Gulf of Maine warming slowed for now, but ecosystem remains unstable
NOAA's report indicates the Gulf of Maine's warming has slowed temporarily, with cooler temperatures in 2024 and 2025 after a decade of rapid warming, but long-term warming is expected to resume. Maine fishing ports like Stonington, Harpswell, and Friendship show increased activity due to high lobster prices, though scientists warn the ecosystem remains unstable due to climate change.
- NOAA investigates video of man kicking sea lion
Federal officials are investigating a video showing a man kicking a sea lion in San Diego near La Jolla Cove. The incident has sparked outrage among wildlife advocates, who are calling for stronger protections for sea lions in the area.
- Genevieve becomes a Category 5 hurricane but is not expected to make landfall
Hurricane Genevieve intensified to a Category 5 storm in the East Pacific but is projected to remain offshore, paralleling Mexico's coast. Swells from the hurricane are generating dangerous surf and rip currents along Mexico's southwest coast and Baja California. Simultaneously, Hurricane Fausto weakened to a Category 1 storm and is moving toward Hawaii, where it may produce significant surf despite expected downgrades.
- Genevieve becomes a major Pacific hurricane off Mexico, but no direct threat to land is forecast
Hurricane Genevieve has intensified into a Category 3 major hurricane in the Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico but is not expected to threaten land. Swells from the storm are causing hazardous surf and rip current conditions along Mexico’s southwestern coast and southern Baja California Peninsula. Hurricane Fausto, a Category 1 storm, is moving westward toward the Hawaiian Islands and is forecast to weaken to a tropical storm.
- Hurricane Genevieve moves through the Pacific off Mexico, but no direct threat to land is forecast
Hurricane Genevieve strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane in the Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico, moving west-northwest and expected to become a major hurricane but remaining at sea. Swells from the storm are causing dangerous surf and rip currents along Mexico's southwestern coast and the Baja California Peninsula. Meanwhile, Hurricane Fausto, a Category 2 storm, is heading toward the Hawaiian Islands but is projected to weaken to a tropical storm.
- Hurricane Fausto strengthens into Category 2 storm, expected to approach Hawaiian Islands next week
Hurricane Fausto has strengthened into a Category 2 storm in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to approach the Hawaiian Islands next week, with potential wind and rainfall impacts. The storm is currently located west of Mexico's Baja peninsula and east of Hawaii, with maximum winds of 100 mph, while swells from the hurricane could affect southern California.
- Activists taking preventative measures as brutal summer heat threatens South Florida’s coral reefs
NOAA warns that rising ocean temperatures in South Florida are causing coral bleaching, with Cheeca Rocks experiencing early signs of stress this July. The Florida Reef Tract, already recovering from a 2023 mass bleaching event, faces another crisis as heat indices and water temperatures climb. Over 90% of healthy coral cover has been lost in the region due to climate change and other factors.
- Tropical Storm Bertha makes landfall but damage appears limited
Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall, but damage is expected to be limited due to the El Niño weather pattern counteracting its worst effects. However, unusually warm waters in the Atlantic maintain a high risk of destructive storms.
- Tropical depression forecast to become Tropical Storm Bertha: What we know
Tropical Depression Two is forecast to become Tropical Storm Bertha as it moves northwest with 35 mph winds. NOAA and Air Force aircraft will assess the system, which threatens storm surge, tornadoes, heavy rain, and winds along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Louisiana. The Carolinas will avoid direct impacts but may see severe thunderstorms and flooding from a stalled cold front this week.
- Virginia crabbers are helping map the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay
Virginia crabbers are assisting in mapping the Chesapeake Bay's seafloor through sonar-equipped boats provided by VIMS and NOAA. The initiative involves scanning the seafloor to create detailed maps.
- Major NOAA satellite outage tested eastern US weather forecasting
A key NOAA weather satellite monitoring the eastern U.S. and Atlantic Ocean experienced a nearly day-long outage, highlighting the critical role of satellites in modern weather forecasting. The GOES-19 satellite entered 'safe hold mode' temporarily shutting down its Earth-observing mission, disrupting real-time data for tracking hurricanes, storms, and atmospheric conditions.
- National Hurricane Center flagging 2 areas in the Atlantic, development unlikely with either
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two low-development-potential tropical areas in the Atlantic, with heavy rain expected in west-central Florida despite limited storm formation. NOAA's primary hurricane-tracking satellite, GOES-19, is offline due to a mechanical issue.
- When Vital Weather Data Is Needed, Muppets Take Flight
A NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft featured a toy Kermit Muppet in its cockpit while flying through Tropical Storm Helene over the Gulf of Mexico in September 2024. The flight collected vital weather data during the storm.
- How to stay cool in a heat wave even without air conditioning
The article discusses strategies to stay cool during heat waves without air conditioning, emphasizing risks from high temperatures and humidity, particularly for vulnerable groups. It highlights the importance of overnight cooling, public cooling spaces, and metrics like wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and heat index to assess danger.
- El Nino powers up as forecasters predict historic strength and a rainier winter for the US South
El Niño is intensifying and projected to reach historically strong levels by fall, with an 81% chance of becoming 'very strong.' NOAA warns of increased risks of extreme weather, including rainier winters in the U.S. South and drier conditions in Indonesia. Scientists note it is occurring amid human-caused climate change and may rival or exceed the 1997-1998 El Niño in strength.
- El Nino powers up as forecasters predict historic strength and a rainier winter for the US South
NOAA predicts the current El Niño is likely to become one of the strongest on record, with an 81% chance of reaching 'very strong' levels by fall. The phenomenon is expected to bring increased rainfall to the U.S. South and warmer winters to northern regions, while also impacting global weather patterns and Atlantic hurricane activity.
- El Nino powers up as forecasters predict historic strength and a rainier winter for the US South
NOAA predicts the current El Niño, already moderate in strength, has an 81% chance of becoming 'very strong' by fall, potentially rivaling or exceeding the 1997-1998 event. It is expected to bring rainier winters to the U.S. South, warmer conditions to northern regions, and reduced Atlantic hurricane activity, with impacts amplified by human-caused climate change.
- El Nino powers up as forecasters predict historic strength and a rainier winter for the US South
NOAA predicts a historic-strength El Niño with an 81% chance of reaching 'very strong' levels by fall, likely bringing a rainier winter to the U.S. South, drier conditions in Indonesia, and a weaker Atlantic hurricane season. The event, already surpassing the 'weak' stage, is fueled by human-caused climate change and could rival or exceed the 1997-1998 El Niño in intensity.
- $7 million Lake St. Clair shoreline restoration project opens at Ford House
A $7 million shoreline restoration project along Lake St. Clair at the Edsel & Elanor Ford House was completed, featuring an ADA-accessible path, restored wetlands, and Bird Island. The collaboration between the Ford House and NOAA included planting 50,000 native perennials, 500 trees, and creating fish spawning structures and bird habitats.
- How strong El Niños shift the hills and valleys of hurricane season
A strong El Niño is developing this year, with NOAA's RONI index nearing the threshold for classification. Strong El Niños typically reduce Atlantic hurricane activity by increasing wind shear but can shift seasonal storm distribution, leading to an earlier end to the season. Activity may peak later in August and decline quickly in October.
- Why this July 4 weekend is a wildfire tinderbox
Extreme heat, drought, and dangerous fire weather are increasing wildfire risks across the U.S. West for the July 4 weekend, leading to fireworks restrictions and mandatory evacuations in Utah and Colorado. Wildfire activity is well above average, with over 157% of the 10-year average acreage burned by June 30, driven by climate change factors like prolonged drought and rising temperatures.
- How to stay cool in a heat wave even without air conditioning
The article discusses strategies to stay cool during heat waves without air conditioning, emphasizing risks for vulnerable groups and the role of climate change. It highlights methods like creating a 'cool corner,' using fans or evaporative coolers, and accessing public cooling centers. Workplace protections vary by state, with some offering specific heat safety regulations.
- Colorado wildfires: Conditions are prime for more fire growth Tuesday; total burned acres exceeds 80K
Colorado wildfires have burned over 80,000 acres, with prime fire conditions expected Tuesday due to strong winds. The Snyder Fire and Gold Mountain Fire are among the largest, threatening areas in Mesa and Ouray counties. A red flag warning and fire restrictions are in effect statewide.
- MND Local: Hurricane preparedness and fear of a ‘Super El Niño’ in Baja California Sur
Residents of Baja California Sur fear a major hurricane in the 2026 season due to perceived overdue activity and a potential 'Super El Niño' climate pattern. Historical hurricanes like Odile (2014) and Liza (1976) highlight regional vulnerability, while NOAA reports a 63% chance of a Super El Niño, which could intensify storms and extend the hurricane season.
- AI weather models changing the hurricane forecast game
AI weather models outperformed traditional physics-based models in the 2025 hurricane season, with Google’s DeepMind excelling in intensity forecasts. Unlike high-resolution models requiring supercomputers, AI forecasts use historical data and atmospheric snapshots to generate rapid predictions on standard hardware.
- NorCal divers find glimmer of hope for giant sea stars
Ocean divers discovered sunflower sea stars, the largest in the world, in the Greater Farallones National area, according to a NOAA study published in June. The findings offer hope for the species' recovery.
- Trump wants to unleash ‘America First’ fishing. What’s he really doing?
President Trump issued an executive proclamation allowing commercial fishing in parts of three U.S. marine monuments in Hawaiʻi, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, threatening protected ecosystems. The move reverses conservation measures supported by Native Hawaiians and environmental groups, who argue it endangers ecologically sensitive habitats.