Hurricane Tracker Shows Flood Warnings Extend Across Texas and Missouri Rivers

The hurricane tracker draws attention to flood warnings that extend across Texas and Missouri rivers even as other regions face distinct severe weather challenges including record heat in Europe and heavy rainfall forecasts elsewhere.

Europe's Extreme Summer Heat and Drought

A record 52 percent of Europe was exposed to intense heat stress with feels-like temperatures above 38C during summer 2026, which was the hottest on record for western Europe. [4] This summer marked Europe’s third-warmest on record overall, with four of its 10 worst heatwaves occurring in a single season. [4] The European Union’s Copernicus climate monitoring service reported that the heat was remarkable not only for intensity but also for geographical extent, as stated by Samantha Burgess, climate lead at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. [4] Western Europe experienced its hottest summer on record, with several countries registering all-time temperature highs. [4] Around 80 percent of the continent experienced strong heat stress with feels-like temperatures exceeding 32C, and such conditions occurred on a record 41 days by the end of the summer season. [4] Heat stress occurs when the human body can no longer cool itself effectively, leading to symptoms that range from headaches and dizziness to organ failure and death in severe cases. [4] Extreme heat is now the leading cause of weather-related mortality worldwide. [4] Dry conditions pushed river flows to their lowest levels since records began in 1992, affecting freight transport and placing additional pressure on irrigation systems, hydropower production and the cooling of nuclear reactors. [4] By the end of August, drought conditions were affecting almost half of the continent. [4] The European heatwaves, drought and low river levels occurred simultaneously, demonstrating multiple climate extremes unfolding at once. [4] Burgess noted that summer 2026 showed how heat stress is becoming both more widespread and more persistent, and that it was not a single record but the way multiple records appeared together across the climate system. [4]

Kenya Prepares for Above-Average October Rains

Kenya's Meteorological Department forecasts above-average rainfall across much of the country in October with heavy rainfall events expected in coastal, northeastern and central counties. [5] Above-average rainfall with higher probabilities is expected in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Mandera counties. [5] Parts of Taita Taveta, Tana River, Garissa and Wajir are also expected to receive above-average rainfall during the month. [5] The forecast indicates that Makueni, Kajiado, Machakos, Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Isiolo, Nyandarua and Nyeri counties are also likely to receive above-average rainfall. [5] Other areas expected to record above-average rainfall include parts of Taita Taveta, Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, Laikipia, Nakuru and Narok. [5] The Met Department projects near-average to above-average rainfall in several western, Rift Valley and northern counties including Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nandi, Nyamira, Samburu, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and West Pokot. [5] Parts of Narok, Nakuru and Laikipia are also expected to receive near-average to above-average rainfall. [5] The weather agency has warned that heavy rainfall events are expected in several parts of the country, urging heightened preparedness during the rainy period. [5] The forecast comes as several counties including Nairobi intensify preparations for possible flooding and other impacts associated with heavy rains. [5] Residents in areas prone to flooding are advised to remain alert to weather updates and take necessary precautions as rainfall patterns evolve throughout October. [5]

Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Cyprus

A yellow warning for strong thunderstorms with hail, variable winds and rainfall rates exceeding 35mm per hour has been issued for Cyprus from 10am to 5pm on Friday. [3] The meteorological department said the warning is in effect from 10am to 5pm, with isolated heavy thunderstorms expected to affect the island at times. [3] The storms will affect the western half of Cyprus before potentially spreading to other areas. [3] Hail is expected during thunderstorms, while winds will be variable and may pick up locally. [3] Rainfall rates are expected to exceed 35mm per hour in some areas, the department said. [3]

Ongoing Flooding in the Central United States

Minor flooding is occurring and forecast along the Llano River in Texas and along multiple stretches of the Missouri River in Kansas and Missouri. [1] [2] The Flood Warning continues for the Llano River at Llano affecting Llano County in Texas, with minor flooding occurring and forecast until this afternoon. [1] At 12.0 feet, moderate lowland flooding makes secondary roads and low bridges in the flood plain dangerous to motorists including the low water crossing of Ranch Road 3404/Slab Road near Kingsland. [1] Equipment should be moved from low docks. [1] The Flood Warning is extended for the Missouri River at St Joseph affecting Buchanan, Andrew and Doniphan Counties. [2] The Flood Warning continues for the Missouri River at Glasgow affecting Saline, Howard and Chariton Counties. [2] Additional segments include the Missouri River at Napoleon affecting Jackson, Ray and Lafayette Counties, the Missouri River at Waverly affecting Saline, Carroll and Lafayette Counties, and the Missouri River at Leavenworth. [2]

Broader Context of Global Severe Weather

The simultaneous extremes in Europe with active rainfall and flood threats elsewhere illustrate widespread severe weather activity. [3] [4] [5] Heat stress conditions in Europe coincided with drought that pushed river flows to record lows, while Kenya faces above-average October rains and Cyprus deals with a yellow thunderstorm warning. [4] [5] [3] Flood warnings remain active along the Llano River and multiple Missouri River stretches at the same time these other events unfold. [1] [2] The combination of persistent heat, drought and exceptionally low river levels in Europe highlighted how several climate extremes can now unfold at the same time. [4]

What to watch next: Kenya’s Meteorological Department urges heightened preparedness as heavy rainfall events are expected across multiple counties through October, while the yellow thunderstorm warning for Cyprus remains in effect from 10am to 5pm on Friday with rainfall rates exceeding 35mm per hour in some areas.

Further Reading

• Hurricane Tracker