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The Watchers
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At least 47 people have died and 123 others have been injured across Pakistan since the start of the 2026 monsoon season on June 26, as house collapses and flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall continue to affect several provinces while active flood alerts and evacuations remain in place along major rivers in Punjab. Source
Historic flooding in Upshur County and widespread impacts from severe thunderstorms prompted West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey to declare a State of Emergency for all 55 counties on July 21, 2026. The Sand Run stream gauge near Buckhannon rose to record levels, reportedly reaching major flood stage for the first time on record. Meanwhile, torrential rainfall totals of up to 127 mm (5 inches) in less than six hours caused flash flooding, infrastructure damage, and multiple road closures. Source
Heavy rain and flooding associated with a prolonged frontal system have killed 10 people and left four missing across Chile since July 14, with the most extensive isolation concentrated in the Atacama and Coquimbo regions. The National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response reported 104 271 people isolated, 2 281 affected, and 1 031 in shelters on July 21. Source
A negative Southern Annular Mode (SAM) developed over the Southern Hemisphere on July 18, 2026, triggering a sharp shift in Australia's winter weather. The change is expected to push cold fronts farther north through the remainder of July, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, hail and low-level snow to Tasmania while leaving much of eastern New South Wales dry and unusually mild, according to Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino. Forecast models indicate the negative phase is likely to persist for the rest of the month. Source
Dangerous heat is forecast to persist across the southern United States for several days while expanding into the Central and Southern Plains. The National Weather Service is forecasting widespread Major to locally Extreme HeatRisk, daytime highs of 35--41°C (95--105°F), heat index values reaching 41--46°C (105--115°F), and record warm overnight lows of 24--27°C (75--80°F) through Sunday, July 26, 2026. The prolonged combination of hot afternoons and unusually warm nights is expected to produce cumulative heat stress, particularly for people without adequate cooling or hydration. Source
The Nueces River reached major flood stage at Cotulla late on July 20, 2026 as high river stages progressed through the Nueces–Frio system. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast the Frio River at Tilden to crest at 8.50 m (27.9 feet) in major flood stage early July 22 Source
Four tornadoes touched down across central Pennsylvania on July 18, 2026, as a line of severe thunderstorms crossed the region, according to National Weather Service damage surveys. The tornadoes included one EF2, two EF1s, and one EF0, producing damage in Huntingdon, Clearfield, Jefferson, and Clarion counties. Despite considerable damage to forests, farms and other structures, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Source
Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, formed over the northeastern Gulf at 19:00 CDT on July 20, 2026 (00:00 UTC on July 21) and strengthened to 85 km/h (50 mph) by 06:00 UTC. A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect along sections of the northern Gulf Coast, where heavy rainfall, flash flooding, coastal inundation, dangerous surf, and rip currents were forecast from western Florida into southern Louisiana. Source
Deadly flooding triggered by monsoon storms has claimed at least seven lives in southern Arizona as of July 20, 2026. Source
The Storm Prediction Center issued an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms across parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes on Monday, July 20, 2026. A second Enhanced Risk covers parts of the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast on Tuesday, July 21, with damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes all possible. Source
