WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued an emergency order to keep Americans across 17 states powered during the region’s energy emergency brought on by hot weather conditions. The order directs the Southwest Power Pool, Inc. (SPP) to dispatch specified generation units and to order their operation as needed to maintain reliability. The order also authorizes SPP to direct backup generation resources to operate as a last resort before declaring an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) 3 or during an EEA 3. The order was issued pursuant to a request from SPP.
“The Trump Administration is tapping into an abundant supply of unused backup generation to maintain affordable, reliable, and secure power for hardworking American families and businesses,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “The previous administration’s energy subtraction policies weakened the grid, leaving Americans more vulnerable during emergency events. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are reversing those failures and using every available tool to ensure Americans have continued access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy to power and cool their homes.”
DOE estimates more than 35 gigawatts (GW) of unused backup generation remain available nationwide.
On day one of his second term, President Trump declared a national energy emergency after the Biden administration’s energy subtraction agenda left behind a grid increasingly vulnerable to blackouts.
Power outages cost the American people $44 billion per year, according to data from DOE’s National Laboratories. This order mitigates the possibility of power outages in the region and highlights the commonsense policies of the Trump Administration to ensure Americans have access to affordable, reliable, and secure electricity.
The order is effective on July 26, 2026, and shall expire at 11:59 PM CDT on August 3, 2026.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated: Mon Jul 27 05:03:05 UTC 2026 No watches are currently valid
Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 1754
Mesoscale Discussion 1754
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1139 PM CDT Sun Jul 26 2026
Areas affected…Eastern Upper MI into northern Lower MI
Concerning…Severe potential…Watch possible
Valid 270439Z – 270645Z
Probability of Watch Issuance…40 percent
SUMMARY…Strong to severe storms may increase in coverage
overnight.
DISCUSSION…A small storm cluster has recently intensified across
southeast Lake Superior and adjacent Upper MI. This convection is
potentially being aided by a low-amplitude midlevel shortwave trough
moving southeastward across the region. There may be some tendency
for storms to increase in coverage overnight and move
south-southeastward along the primary buoyancy gradient. Relatively
steep midlevel lapse rates, moderate buoyancy, and effective shear
of 40+ kt will continue to conditionally support storm organization.
Isolated hail may occur with the strongest cells, while any notable
upscale growth could result in an increasing wind-damage threat.
Uncertainty remains high regarding storm evolution overnight, and
short-term guidance continues to struggle with handling ongoing
convection. While the severe threat may remain relatively isolated
in this region, watch issuance is possible if observational trends
support an increasing coverage of severe threat.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 1753
Mesoscale Discussion 1753
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1106 PM CDT Sun Jul 26 2026
Areas affected…Southwest/southern middle TN into northern AL and
far northeast MS
Concerning…Severe Thunderstorm Watch 517…
Valid 270406Z – 270530Z
The severe weather threat for Severe Thunderstorm Watch 517
continues.
SUMMARY…Isolated damaging wind will remain possible into the early
morning hours.
DISCUSSION…A long-lived storm cluster continues to move southward
across parts of western/middle TN late this evening. Some weakening
has been noted over the last 1-2 hours, and a gradual weakening
trend is expected to continue, due to weak low-level flow and weaker
deep-layer flow/shear with southward extent. However, very rich
low-level moisture continues to support strong to extreme buoyancy,
with downstream MLCAPE in the 3000-4000 J/kg range. This buoyancy
may aid in occasional updraft intensification along the gust front,
and a continuation of at least an isolated damaging-wind threat into
the early overnight hours across northern AL and far northeast MS.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
SPC AC 270102
Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0802 PM CDT Sun Jul 26 2026
Valid 270100Z – 271200Z
…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PORTIONS OF THE
UPPER MIDWEST AND WESTERN GREAT LAKES…
…SUMMARY…
Severe thunderstorms capable of large to very large hail, damaging
winds (possibly 75+ mph), and tornado risk remain likely from the
upper Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes southwestward into
Nebraska, mainly late this evening and tonight.
…Upper Midwest…
A very unstable environment remains in place across the region, with
the MPX, GRB, and DVN 00Z soundings sampling MLCAPE from 3100, 2900,
and 2800 J/kg, respectively. Surface observations show mid to upper
70s dewpoints on the warm side of the warm front extending from
north-central MN through northeast WI/far western Upper MI. A
thunderstorm has matured upstream of this corridor, with the
expectation it will remain strong to severe as it continues
southeastward. Modest low-level warm advection into this boundary
will also contribute to additional thunderstorms this evening and
overnight. Environmental conditions are still expected to support
large to very large hail early in the convective cycle while a more
cellular mode is likely. Thereafter, a trend towards bowing segments
capable of severe wind gusts is anticipated. A singular MCS could
eventually develop, with severe gusts possible as it moves southward
as well. Some gusts, both within the line segments and early in the
MCS lifecycle, could be significant (i.e. over 75 mph).
…TN Valley…
A cold-pool-driven MCS continues to propagate south-southeast at
approximately 40 kts. The downstream airmass is very moist, with
numerous sites reporting dewpoints in the low 80s. This moisture is
contributing to extreme buoyancy, with the recent 00Z BNA sounding
sampling 4500 J/kg of SBCAPE. This MCS is also oriented
perpendicular to the deep-layer vertical shear. All of these factors
will contribute to continued southward progression, with an
attendant risk for strong gusts likely extending into Middle TN this
evening.
…South-Central into Southeast SD into central NE…
Numerous attempts at deep convection along the weak surface trough
extending from south-central SD through central NE have failed thus
far. The window of opportunity for deep convection will likely
remain open for the next hour or two before building inhibition
associated with nocturnal cooling precludes mature convection. Until
that occurs, there remains a conditional risk for severe
thunderstorms capable of strong downdrafts and isolated large hail.
…Elsewhere…
Increasing thunderstorm coverage is possible across the Mid-Atlantic
over the next few hours as a shortwave trough progresses
southeastward across the region. Moderate vertical shear could
support updraft organization with deeper, more persistent
convection. Isolated damaging gusts and hail are possible with the
more organized storms. Isolated damaging gusts remain possible
across northern Wyoming and far southwest South Dakota as high-based
thunderstorms track northeastward across the region this evening.
Jackson Hole Wyoming reported a gust of 50 kt at 2353Z.
..Mosier.. 07/27/2026
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NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0600Z
Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Mark Stelten, research geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and deputy Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.
What is the difference between a volcano and a volcanic field? This isn’t the start of a bad joke, but rather an important question geologists try to answer when they seek to characterize volcanic hazards in a particular region. First let’s consider what types of volcanoes are common in the world.
Volcanoes come in all shapes and sizes. Typically, we think of volcanoes as steep, conical structures the size of a mountain, such as Mount St. Helens in Washington or Mount Shasta in northern California, that are built from successive lava flows and ash deposits. These are referred to as stratovolcanoes. Or perhaps we think of calderas like Yellowstone that are large, basin-shaped depressions formed when large volumes of magma are erupted from a shallow reservoir. Another common volcano type is a shield volcano, which is a broad, low relief volcano built up by successive lava flows, like Mauna Loa in Hawaiʻi. A more common type of volcanic feature is a cinder cone, or scoria cone, that consists of a conical hill formed by accumulation of solidified fragments of lava that fall around the vent of a single eruption (typically basalt to basaltic-andesite in composition). Cinder cones often have lava flows associated with them. Each one of these features is considered an individual volcano. However, it is often the case that multiple volcanoes in a similar geographic area are related to each other. This is where the concept of a volcanic field comes from.
Volcanic fields, or volcanic centers, are places where there are many different volcanoes in a similar location, and generally the eruptions that formed these volcanoes are thought to be related to a common magma source or a magma generation process. For example, the Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field consists not only of the modern-day Yellowstone Caldera, but two older calderas that formed approximately 2.1 million years ago and 1.3 million years ago, as well as numerous rhyolite lava flows and lava domes that fill in these calderas and numerous basalt eruptions that occurred outside these calderas and formed small cinder cones and lava flows.
Google Earth image of the newly proposed Idaho Volcanic Field, with recent eruptions indicated, and Craters of the Moon lava field. Major city centers surrounding the volcanic field are included to provide spatial context.
Although it is sometimes clear when separate volcanoes are related, this is not always the case—it can be quite hard to tell if a volcano exists in isolation or is part of a volcanic field. A good example of this is young volcanism in the eastern Snake River Plain in Idaho. Over the last 15,000 years, eruptions in the Eastern Snake River plain include the Cerro Grande lava field, North Robbers lava field, South Robbers lava field, Hells Half Acre lava field, Wapi lava field, and the Black Butte Crater lava field. These eruptions occurred over an area that is approximately 100 miles east-west by 55 miles north-south. Each lava field is interpreted to have formed from a single eruption event (although the length of each event varied) and formed small shield volcanoes or long lava flows. In the past, these have been treated as individual volcanoes and not as part of a volcanic field. The similar timing, compositions, and overall locations, however, suggest that the eruptions are broadly related.
Fissure within the Wapi lava field, a volcanic feature in the eastern Snake River Plain of Idaho. Photo by Michael Ort, October 14, 2022.
Based on this geologic evidence and a recent analysis of volcanic hazards that could impact the Idaho National Laboratory, USGS scientists are proposing to define a new volcanic field tentatively called the “Idaho volcanic field” that includes all these lava fields. Notably, Craters of the Moon, which is in the same area, is not included in the Idaho volcanic field. This is because Craters of the Moon is unique from the other volcanoes in that it has erupted numerous times from the same general location (although not from the same specific volcanoes), and recent eruptions have a unique composition compared to other young eruptions in the eastern Snake River Plain.
So, why does any of this matter in a practical sense when it comes to understanding volcanic hazards? The main benefit of defining a volcanic field that encompasses all of the abovementioned volcanoes is that it better reflects the geologic reality in that area. For example, if we treat each of those volcanoes as an individual feature, then the implication is that future eruptive activity would probably be in the same area as those volcanoes. Instead, a more realistic view may be that an eruption could occur within any part of the Idaho volcanic field, even somewhere where it has not erupted before. This eruption would likely have characteristics similar to other eruptions in the eastern Snake River Plain, but because these earlier eruptions were essentially “one-off” events they do not dictate where the next eruption will take place.
Low shield volcano that was the source of the Wapi lava flow on the eastern Snake River Plain of Idaho. Photo my Michael Ort, October 14, 2022.
This type of detailed work performed by geologists is fundamental to our ability to accurately characterize and monitor volcanic hazards. Understanding the linkages between different volcanoes within a geographic area helps scientists to better anticipate where future eruptions may take place and what those eruptions may be like. So, if you find yourself viewing a volcano, whether it be a massive stratovolcano or a small cinder cone, keep in mind that you may not only be looking at a single volcanic vent, but possibly just one piece of a much larger volcanic field.
Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau will lead the U.S. delegation to the July 28 inauguration of President-elect Keiko Fujimori in Lima, Peru. During the visit, Deputy Secretary Landau will meet with President-elect Fujimori and other senior Peruvian officials to reaffirm our 200-year diplomatic partnership with Peru. The meetings will focus on expanding cooperation on security, investment, and disaster preparedness – advancing shared prosperity and strengthening regional stability.
Members of the Presidential Delegation include:
H. Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State
H. Bernie Navarro, Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Peru
H. William Kimmitt, Under Secretary for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce
Erin Browne, Counselor to the Secretary of the Treasury
Viviana Bovo, Senior Advisor for Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State
SUMMARY…A linear cluster of severe thunderstorms will move
southward into the Watch this evening. The primary hazard will be
severe gusts (60 to 70 mph) capable of wind damage with the stronger
downbursts.
The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 50
statute miles east and west of a line from 5 miles northwest of Fort
Campbell KY to 110 miles south of Clarksville TN. For a complete
depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
(WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
tornadoes.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 516…
AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few
cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
36035.
…Smith
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW7
WW 517 SEVERE TSTM TN 270110Z – 270600Z
AXIS..50 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
5NW HOP/FORT CAMPBELL KY/ – 110S CKV/CLARKSVILLE TN/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 45NM E/W /54NW BNA – 19N MSL/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 36035.
LAT…LON 36728664 35008654 35008830 36728845
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
FOR WOU7.
Watch 517 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Low (10%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated: Sun Jul 26 05:19:07 UTC 2026 No watches are currently valid
Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Jul 26, 2026 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook
Updated: Sun Jul 26 01:00:02 UTC 2026 (Print Version | | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 260100
Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0800 PM CDT Sat Jul 25 2026
Valid 260100Z – 261200Z
…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR EASTERN
SD…SOUTHWEST MN…NORTHERN IA…
…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR PARTS OF
CENTRAL/EASTERN MT…
…SUMMARY…
Severe gusts (potentially greater than 75 mph) remain possible this
evening from eastern South Dakota into northern Iowa and southwest
Minnesota. Isolated to widely scattered severe gusts also remain
possible across parts of Montana.
…SD into southern MN/northern IA/far northeast NE…
A loosely organized storm cluster is moving across eastern SD this
evening. Additional intensification remains possible this evening,
as this cluster encounters extreme downstream buoyancy, with MLCAPE
of 4000-5000 J/kg within a very moist (dewpoints around 80 F)
environment. The ongoing cluster has produced measured gusts of
60-80 mph, so any notable intensification could lead to an increase
in potential for gusts in the 75-90 mph range. Isolated hail and
perhaps a tornado also remain possible through dusk with this
cluster. Increasing CINH with time and eastward extent should
eventually result in a weakening trend later tonight, though an
organized severe threat could eventually approach parts of southeast
MN/northeast IA into northwest IL overnight.
Farther northwest, a separate storm cluster is moving across
north-central SD, within a similarly favorable environment. In the
short term, this cluster may continue to move east-southeastward
along a surface boundary with a continued severe-wind threat.
Eventually, weakening buoyancy in the wake of the southeast SD
cluster will tend to result in a weakening trend with this cluster.
…Central/eastern Montana…
Strong to locally severe storms may persist through dusk across
parts of central/eastern MT, within a well-mixed environment that is
favorable for severe-wind potential. Increasing CINH will result in
an eventual weakening trend later tonight, though remnant outflows
may still produce strong to locally severe gusts as storms diminish.
…Southern AZ…
Widely scattered storms and increasing outflow may continue to
support strong to localized severe gusts within a very hot and
well-mixed environment across parts of southern AZ. Weak deep-layer
flow/shear should keep any remaining threat generally disorganized.
..Dean.. 07/26/2026
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