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Report on weather anomalies and severe weather in the United States on July 26, 2024: On July 26, 2024, the United States experienced a range of significant weather anomalies and severe weather events across multiple regions. This report will provide an in-depth analysis of the key weather patterns, impacts, and climate context surrounding this day. Overall Weather Pattern The weather on July 26, 2024 was dominated by a complex interaction of high and low pressure systems, temperature extremes, and anomalous moisture patterns. A strong upper-level low pressure system centered over the Northern Plains combined with a persistent ridge of high pressure over the Western United States to create a highly unstable atmospheric setup. This setup led to the development of numerous severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and record-breaking temperatures in various parts of the country. The regions most impacted included the Great Plains, Midwest, Southeast, and parts of the Southwest. Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes The most concerning weather threat on July 26, 2024 came from a dangerous outbreak of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes across the Great Plains and Midwest. A strong low pressure system tracking northeast from the Central Plains clashed with warm, moist air surging northward, providing ideal conditions for severe storms. In the early afternoon, supercell thunderstorms began to develop across eastern Colorado, western Kansas, and the Oklahoma Panhandle. These storms quickly grew in intensity, producing large hail, damaging winds, and several strong, long-tracked tornadoes. One of the most destructive tornadoes touched down near the town of Lakin, Kansas around 2:30 pm local time. This tornado was estimated to be an EF4, with winds over 175 mph. It carved a path of destruction nearly a mile wide, destroying numerous homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Tragically, at least 12 fatalities were reported in the Lakin area as a result of this violent tornado. As the afternoon progressed, the severe threat shifted eastward into Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. Additional supercells spawned more large, violent tornadoes in these regions. A particularly devastating twister struck the outskirts of Omaha, Nebraska around 5 pm, causing catastrophic damage and claiming over 30 lives. In total, the July 26th tornado outbreak resulted in 67 confirmed tornadoes across the Central United States, with 8 of them rated EF3 or higher on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The hardest hit communities suffered immense damage, with hundreds of structures destroyed and power outages affecting tens of thousands of residents. Flooding Compounding the severe thunderstorm and tornado threat was the occurrence of widespread and dangerous flash flooding across parts of the Central and Southern United States. Intense rainfall rates associated with the slow-moving weather system led to rapid water accumulation and swift-moving flood waters. One of the worst-affected areas was southern Missouri, where thunderstorms training over the same locations for hours on end resulted in catastrophic flash flooding. In the city of Springfield, over 8 inches of rain fell in the span of 6 hours, overwhelming drainage systems and leading to numerous water rescues. Several major roadways in and around Springfield were impassable due to high water, stranding motorists and hampering emergency response efforts. Numerous homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure were inundated, with damage assessments expected to reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Similar flash flooding events were reported in parts of Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee, where rainfall totals exceeded 6 inches in many locations. In these areas, swift water rescues, road closures, and evacuations were common as flash flood emergencies unfolded. The National Weather Service also issued several river flood warnings, as the heavy rainfall led to rapid rises on major waterways like the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Rivers. Flood stages were expected to remain elevated for several days, posing risks to riverside communities. Record Heat in the West While the Central and Eastern US dealt with severe storms and flooding, the Western United States experienced extreme heat on July 26th. A persistent, amplified ridge of high pressure over the region led to widespread temperatures 10-20°F above average. Daily high temperature records were shattered in many locations. In Phoenix, Arizona the mercury soared to 122°F, eclipsing the previous record of 118°F set in 2020. Similar blistering temperatures were observed across the deserts of California, Nevada, and Utah, with multiple cities reaching or exceeding 115°F. This oppressive heat placed immense strain on power grids, as residents cranked up air conditioning units to stay cool. Several utilities in the West implemented rolling blackouts to prevent grid overload, leaving thousands without power during the hottest part of the day. Additionally, the extreme temperatures, low humidity, and windy conditions elevated the risk of wildfires across the region. Multiple new fire ignitions were reported, with existing blazes also exhibiting extreme fire behavior. Smoke from these fires led to degraded air quality, posing health risks for vulnerable populations. Impacts and Aftermath The combination of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and record heat on July 26, 2024 resulted in widespread impacts across the United States. The human toll was significant, with at least 112 fatalities reported nationwide as of initial estimates. In the Central Plains and Midwest, the tornado outbreak caused catastrophic damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure in several communities. Search and rescue operations were ongoing for days as first responders worked to account for missing residents and provide emergency relief. Power outages affected over 500,000 customers, with some areas not expected to have full restoration for over a week. The flash flooding in Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee also proved deadly, with at least 29 lives lost. Numerous water rescues were conducted, and hundreds of homes and roadways were inundated. Damage assessments in these regions were still ongoing, but early estimates pointed to economic losses well into the hundreds of millions of dollars. The extreme heat in the Western US strained power grids, leading to rolling blackouts that disrupted hospitals, businesses, and daily life for many residents. The combination of high temperatures and wildfires also resulted in poor air quality, prompting health advisories and school closures in some areas. From an economic standpoint, the cumulative impacts of the July 26th weather events were substantial. Insurers expected the tornado, flooding, and heat-related damages to result in payouts exceeding $3 billion. Agricultural losses from damaged crops, livestock, and infrastructure were also projected to be significant. The scale and severity of these weather anomalies highlighted the increasing risks posed by climate change and the need for improved resilience and adaptation measures. Meteorologists and climate scientists emphasized that the intensity and frequency of such extreme weather events would likely continue to rise in the coming decades without decisive action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In the aftermath, state and local governments worked quickly to assess damages, coordinate relief efforts, and begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding. Federal disaster declarations were issued, unlocking additional resources and aid for the impacted communities. The nation as a whole grappled with the sobering realization that the impacts of a changing climate were becoming ever more tangible and disruptive. Overall, July 26, 2024 will be remembered as a tragic day that underscored the growing vulnerability of the United States to the effects of severe weather and the urgent need to enhance preparedness and resilience in the face of a warming world.

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