weather

Summer afternoon temperatures have cooled off in the middle of the country in recent decades. But hotter nights and winters are still driving more overall warmth in the region.

The news comes after some at the National Weather Center in Norman were laid off or took early retirement options this year.

The National Weather Service extended its flood watch until 9 p.m. Tuesday for several areas across Texas, including Kerrville.

A crisis communication expert says everyday notifications are weakening the impact of life-saving emergency alerts.

Severe weather has gripped Texas this year — from tornadoes tearing through the South Plains to wildfires in the Panhandle and, most recently, deadly floods in the Hill Country. In Lubbock, where the city's outdoor siren system was activated for the first time earlier this summer, emergency officials emphasize that layered alerts and personal preparedness remain essential to staying safe.

As searchers continue to look for victims in the deadly flash flooding in Texas, officials are answering questions about the weather forecasts ahead of and during the storm.

The extreme heat can take a physical toll if we're not careful. A North Texas therapist explains how the heat can adversely affect mental health.

In a statement, camp officials wrote: 'Camp Mystic is grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors following the catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River. Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly.'

Puzzled weather experts wondered whether that might be an excuse to stifle questions, as the data used to blame hail shows the opposite: Oklahoma has had less hail than states with lower rates.

"The very discussion about reducing our investment in our scientific research and our weather forecasting causes me to have stomach cramps," Rep. Frank Lucas said.