Severe Thunderstorms Hit Nebraska and Illinois as Heatwave Grips Sicily

Severe thunderstorms are producing large hail across parts of the central United States while a major heatwave continues to grip southern Europe, a powerful storm warning has been issued for Latvia, and a tropical storm approaches southern China.

Active Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in the US Midwest

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect until 3:30 a.m. CDT for portions of northeastern Nebraska including southern Antelope County, with quarter-size hail reported. [1] At 2:39 a.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 5 miles southwest of Ewing, or 19 miles west of Neligh, moving southeast at 50 mph. [1] The hazard includes quarter size hail as indicated by radar. [1] A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning covers multiple counties in south-central and southwestern Illinois until 3:45 a.m. CDT. [2] This warning applies to Bond County, Clinton County, southwestern Fayette County, Marion County, southern Montgomery County, southeastern Macoupin County, and eastern Madison County. [2] At 2:38 a.m. CDT, the severe thunderstorm was active in the warned area. [2] These alerts highlight immediate threats of large hail and potential vehicle damage in the affected Midwest regions. [1] [2]

Prolonged Heatwave Disrupts Life in Sicily

Europe’s hottest town, Floridia in Sicily, is experiencing prolonged heatwaves with average temperatures well above historical norms, empty streets, and major impacts on agriculture and beekeeping. [3] Five years after Floridia recorded Europe’s highest temperature, prolonged heatwaves are emptying its streets, disrupting local traditions and placing growing pressure on agriculture and beekeeping. [3] The August 2021 record of 48.8 degrees Celsius turned the Sicilian town into a symbol of Europe’s warming climate. [3] In 2024, the World Meteorological Organization certified it as the highest temperature ever recorded in continental Europe. [3] Residents say extreme heat is no longer measured by records but by its impact on daily life, keeping people indoors, reducing social interaction and threatening livelihoods. [3] Piazza del Popolo is nearly empty for much of the day. [3] The heat lingers well into the evening, disrupting the local tradition known as ‘pigghiari u frescu’. [3] “It’s awful because many people end up shut indoors. In a way, we are all experiencing another kind of lockdown,” Floridia’s culture councillor Serena Spada told Reuters. [3] Children cannot go to the park or play outside because temperatures are genuinely hostile until late afternoon. [3] Reuters Climate Monitor data showed Floridia reached 33.3 C on August 12, 2026, 4.1 C above the average for the 1961-1990 historic norm. [3] “It is really the increase in average temperatures that worries us,” SIAS director Luigi Pasotti said. [3] Night-time temperatures are climbing too, leaving little respite from the daytime heat. [3] In 2021, more than 3,000 beehives were lost in the area of Floridia and honey production plunged by 80 percent. [3] “The decline in bee populations and the number of beekeepers, together with the loss of pollinators due to climate change and the widespread use of pesticides, is leading to a reduction in biodiversity and lower quality and yields in agricultural production,” agronomist Francesco Bellomi said. [3] “There’s much more concern about getting through the summer than there used to be,” said beekeeper Francesco Pappalardo. [3]

Red-Level Storm Warning Issued for Latvia

A red-level severe storm warning has been issued for central Latvia including Riga for Saturday, with extremely heavy rain, possible thunderstorms, and winds up to 32 km/h. [4] A red (high danger) warning is in place across a band of central Latvia including Rīga, with orange and yellow warnings in other parts of the country. [4] Prolonged and extremely heavy rain is expected in central districts, with thunderstorms possible in places. [4] The rain is likely to move in from the south around midday and continue well into Saturday night and Sunday morning. [4] Strong winds of up to 32 km/h are also expected. [4] The central portion of the country will likely be hardest-hit, but all parts are likely to experience severe adverse weather conditions. [4] Suitable precautions and preparations are recommended such as postponing non-essential trips. [4] Several large events, including a concert in Mežaparks and a half marathon in Jelgava, have already been postponed. [4]

Tropical Storm Narra Approaches Southern China

Tropical Storm Narra is forecast to move closer to western Guangdong and the Leizhou Peninsula, prompting Hong Kong to assess possible typhoon warnings early next week. [5] The Hong Kong Observatory said the storm was expected to linger over the vicinity of Beibu Wan before having a higher chance to turn east to northeast gradually early next week. [5] “The Observatory will closely monitor its movement and the change in local wind conditions, and assess the need for issuing tropical cyclone warning signals early next week,” it said. [5] The projected movement would see the cyclone edging closer to the vicinity of Leizhou Peninsula and the coast of western Guangdong. [5] As of 8 a.m. on Saturday, Narra was about 650 km west of Hong Kong, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near its centre. [5] The week ahead will be cloudy and rainy, with coastal areas becoming windier and experiencing occasional heavy showers and squally thunderstorms from early to midweek. [5] Sunny intervals are not expected to return until Friday. [5]

Broader Context of Global Weather Extremes

Severe thunderstorms are producing large hail across parts of the central United States. [1] [2] A major heatwave continues to grip southern Europe. [3] A powerful storm warning has been issued for Latvia. [4] A tropical storm approaches southern China. [5] These events are occurring simultaneously across multiple continents. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

What to watch next: Hong Kong’s weather forecaster will assess next week whether to issue a typhoon warning as Tropical Storm Narra edges closer to the western Guangdong coast, with the storm expected to bring windier conditions and occasional heavy showers from early to midweek.