Tropical Storm Vance forms in eastern Pacific as hurricane season reaches rare milestone not seen since 2018

The Philippines are one of the nations that could see increased dry spells and droughts during the upcoming and potentially record breaking El Niño. (Photo by Ryan Eduard Benaid/NurPhoto via Getty Images)The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that the current El Niño could be the strongest on record. In this week's press conference, it warns that the event is “literally off the monitoring charts that we have used for the past 4 decades.”The latestThe WMO's latest seasonal outlook says tropical Pacific temperatures could run up to 3.8 degrees Celsius (6.8 degrees Fahrenheit) above average during the three-month period from November 2026 to January 2027. The three-month average is what is used to determine the strength of the El Niño. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said that level has never appeared in the agency's records, only seeing the strongest El Niños reach about 3 degrees Celsius above average. Remember that forecasters declare an El Niño when the three-month average tops 0.5 degrees Celsius. El Niño will peak toward the end of 2026, Saulo said, but its impacts will last well beyond that.

We're following a developing story on record rain and flash flooding in eastern Nebraska. A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck a remote stretch of the Tibet Plateau late Thursday, the U. S. Geological Survey reported, sending strong shaking across a sparsely populated region of northern Tibet. The quake hit at 10:33 p.m. local time (2:33 p.m. UTC), with an epicenter about 114 miles (183 km) east-northeast of Nagqu in the Xizang Autonomous Region of China. The USGS measured the quake at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), which tends to amplify ground shaking at the surface. The USGS indicated significant casualties and damage are possible, though likely limited given the area's extremely sparse population. The USGS also flagged a landslide hazard in the area given the steep terrain of the Tibetan Plateau. No injuries or confirmed damage reports had emerged as of early reports. The region sits in one of the world's most seismically active zones, where the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates drives frequent earthquakes across Tibet and surrounding areas.

November outlook: How El Niño could impact your temperaturesThe November outlook has been released by The Weather Company, and although we are approaching winter, millions across the country will have to wait another month to see any signs of the season. But for a lucky few, they may see it come early. El Niño continues to play a part in the weather for the Lower 48 with this month being no exception. Whose winter is delayed? The temperature map below shows who may have to wait for their winters to begin. Note that these maps are just an average, and you could get a surprise from Mother Nature.(MORE: The weather myths about El Niño you’re probably getting wrong)The first area to notice is the darkest red across parts of the upper Midwest and Great Lakes. This area, from the Dakotas to northern Indiana, is where the strongest above-average temperatures are expected for the month. Above-average temperatures spread from the Northern Plains to most of the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys all the way to the interior Northeast.

Rare severe storm threat targets Arizona with potential egg-sized hail, tornadoes Severe thunderstorms are already blasting parts of Arizona early Wednesday ahead of a rare severe weather threat that will intensify through the day and into the evening. Parts of the state, including Flagstaff and Prescott, are under a Level 3 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms for  damaging egg-sized hail and tornadoes. A Flood Watch covers much of the state, as well as parts of southern Utah, southwestern Colorado and western New Mexico. THE TAKEAWAYA renewed flash flood threat is present in the Four Corners Thursday. Arizona was under a rare severe weather threat for large hail and tornadoes Wednesday. A Tornado Watch was issued in Arizona for the first time in over 15 years. Intense thunderstorms could also produce flash flooding. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A renewed flash flood threat is present in the Four Corners Thursday after a day of severe thunderstorms that intensified through Wednesday evening. In southeastern Colorado, a small Level 3 out of 4 flash flood threat exists close to the Ferris Fire burn scar. The FOX Forecast Center said 3 to 5 inches of rain is possible.

A meteor streaks across the sky over a desert in China during the Orionid meteor shower on Oct. 22, 2023.(VCG/VCG via Getty Images)The Orionid meteor shower is peaking this week, and it promises to be one of the most dazzling displays of the year. And while some of you will have clear skies, rain and clouds could impact the view for others. Here's what you need to know about the Orionids and your forecast:Fast factsPeak day: The meteor shower peaks Wednesday night, Oct. 21, into the early hours of Thursday morning, Oct. 22. Peak time: From midnight to dawn are the best hours to catch the meteors streaking through the sky, so plan on a late night or really early morning. What the Orionids are known for: The Orionid meteors are known for their brightness and their speed. As they streak across the sky at around 41 miles per second, the meteors leave behind a glowing "train" that can last several seconds to minutes. While you can make the perfect plan to catch the Orionids, the key to stellar viewing is still in Mother Nature's hands. The good news is that many of you should have good meteor shower-watching conditions. Much of the central and eastern U. S.

Large hail, tornadoes, flooding possible on Wednesday for SouthwestTropical moisture and favorable atmospheric conditions will fuel a multiday flood risk this week across seven states from California to Colorado. Severe storms are also likely, especially across Arizona. Millions are under a flood watch as days of rain will bring a threat of debris flows and landslides, especially across burn scars. Happening nowSevere storms and bands of heavy rainfall are hitting parts of California and the Four Corners region. Any ongoing tornado watches and warnings as well as any flash flood warnings are on the map below: Timing out this week’s rainfallWednesday overnight: The highest risk of flooding covers much of Arizona and New Mexico, and portions of Colorado and Utah, as well as Southern California. There will be an abundance of moisture available to support heavy downpours and training storms. This means storms will produce heavy rain over the same areas for long periods of time. The Weather Prediction Center is forecasting rainfall rates as high as 2 inches per hour. Get More of Our News on GoogleSet The Weather Company as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value