Southeast

A 16-year study (2003–2019) found wildfire smoke has become the primary pollutant affecting pregnancy outcomes, offsetting declines in pollution from cars and industry. The research linked increased wildfire smoke to risks like low birth weight and preterm births, with 65% of days exceeding air quality standards attributed to wildfires. The study analyzed 64.5 million pregnancies across 2,800 U.S. counties, noting significant pollution increases even in regions not typically associated with wildfires.

A Kansas-based company, IBT Industrial Solutions, acquired Charlotte-based industrial supplier Indesco, which has operated for over 40 years. Indesco was founded in 1984 by Tom Knowles and is headquartered in southwest Charlotte, serving clients across the Southeast.

Ongoing drought and high temperatures in the Southeast are reducing cattle herds and beef production, leading to higher consumer prices. Matt Henley of Pee Dee Premium in Mt. Gilead reduced his herd from 170 to 130 cows due to resource scarcity, with hay yields at 30% of expected levels and slower grass growth. Beef prices have risen over 70 cents per pound since June of the previous year, and prices are expected to remain high for three to five years.

More than 25 million Americans are at risk due to dangerous flash flooding along the Carolina coast, driven by a slow-moving moisture surge from Tropical Storm Bertha. The FOX Forecast Center is monitoring the storm's impact as it worsens flooding in the Southeast and Carolinas.

Climate Central analyzed 239 U.S. cities and found an average increase of 18 'mosquito disease days' per year between 1970 and 2025, with Nashville experiencing a 22-day increase. Warmer temperatures extend mosquito activity, raising disease transmission risks like West Nile virus.

Depression is expected to develop into Tropical Storm Bertha, with rain affecting the Southeast. The National Hurricane Center warned of a potential storm surge reaching 1 to 3 feet along the immediate coast.

Millions of Americans are under severe weather threats as parts of the Southeast face 70 mph wind gusts. The Northeast is recovering from storms that included tornadoes in Pennsylvania, while Canadian wildfire smoke causes dangerously poor air quality in Midwest cities like Minneapolis, Detroit, and Chicago.

South Florida will experience hazy, hot, and humid conditions this weekend due to Saharan dust, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and elevated rip current risks. Rain chances remain low, and the dust is expected to persist into next week, with only minor moisture potential from a stalled front north of the region.

Amtrak is warning of potential train delays in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest during the Fourth of July weekend due to extreme heat, which may require reduced train speeds between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. from July 1 to July 4 to protect rail infrastructure. Passengers are advised to check train status and sign up for delay alerts.

A severe heat wave in the Southeast, exacerbated by climate change, is increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses among vulnerable groups, including young children. The Charlotte YMCA is implementing measures like scheduling outdoor activities during cooler hours, providing shade, and ensuring hydration to protect children during day camps.

The Charlotte region is expected to experience less humidity and sunny conditions for the Juneteenth and Father’s Day weekend, with highs in the 80s and 90s. A slight chance of isolated showers or thunderstorms is possible on Sunday, followed by a return to typical summer heat and humidity later in the week.

Tropical Storm Arthur is the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. It previously existed as a Pacific cyclone and is expected to bring heavy rains and potential flash flooding to the Southeast.

A flight passenger became unruly after a lengthy tarmac delay and yanked open the plane's emergency door, prompting law enforcement to remove him from the scene. The incident occurred on a Chicago-bound Delta flight leaving Atlanta due to thunderstorms. The passenger was arrested upon returning to the gate.

Wildfires in southern Georgia and Florida have forced hundreds of residents to evacuate, destroying over 50 homes and creating hazardous air quality conditions across the Southeast. The fires, fueled by drought, strong winds, and debris from Hurricane Helene, remain only partially contained, leaving evacuees uncertain about the fate of their properties.

Multiple wildfires have caused evacuations and destroyed homes in Georgia, while the Trump administration is discussing a potential bailout for Spirit Airlines.

Wildfires are spreading across the Southeast, raising concerns about environmental damage and community safety. The situation remains critical as authorities monitor the fires' impact on local ecosystems and infrastructure.