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Tropical Update: The tropics are beginning to get more active. Watching!

ncwxauthority

August 11, 2026 at 2:20:12 PM

🌀 Tropical Update: Good afternoon, everyone. I'm sure everyone is sick of working on this fine Tuesday, so as you take your scroll break from work, I thought you'd love to read my tropical update. In true fashion as we head toward the start of schools/colleges, the tropics are coming alive, and this year is no different. I am, and forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are monitoring two main areas for potential tropical development in the Atlantic Ocean and two areas in the Pacific Ocean, with one showing a potential threat to Hawaii.


In the Atlantic, we have an area of disturbed weather in the North Atlantic moving away from the United States that has a low chance 20% of some Tropical Development over the next 5-7 days, but does not pose any threat to NC!


Down in the Main Development Region of the Atlantic, we've had several tropical waves that are moving off Africa over the next 5-10 days, and some are trying to show signs of development. There is now a 70% from the National Hurricane Center that a Tropical Depression or Storm will develop in this area. There remains high wind shear and dry air, so it'll face an uphill battle as it moves generally westward across the Atlantic. Since the system has not even developed, let's take models with a grain of salt and not jump to too many conclusions, but the threat to North Carolina at this point is rather low. So there's no reason to worry at this point.


Image 2: Is a graphic I created to give you an idea how long it takes tropical systems to travel across the Atlantic Ocean (NOT A FORECAST), just an example. This location is 10-14 days away, and it may not even survive the trek across. There could be some enhanced moisture to parts of the Caribbean Islands which they very much need.


Over in the Pacific, there is an area of disturbed weather over 1k miles east southeast of the Hawaiian Islands that has a high chance of becoming a Tropical Depression or Storm. Interests in the Hawaiian Islands should closely


monitor the progress of this system.


I'll keep you posted all season long; nothing to worry about right now in NC!

Mountains

110°F

Raleigh area

CADEN NELSON

CADEN NELSON

North Carolina Facing Multiple Wildfires as Burn Ban Takes Effect

Writer: Caden Nelson
Caden Nelson
Apr 1
2 min read

As spring returns to the state, we also, less warmly, see the return of wildfires.


As of April 1st, 2026, there are 7 wildfires currently burning across the state. The Cane Creek and Jumping Branch fires, both of which started on March 29th, have burned 650 acres and 275 acres, respectively.


Jumping Branch (McDowell County)

The North Carolina Forest Service stated that the fire was caused by improperly discarded smoking material. Hilary Brooke Inman, a 38-year-old resident of Marion, NC, has been charged.


According to the latest press release from the Forest Service on Tuesday, March 31st, the fire had reached 185 acres and was 20% contained as of Tuesday morning. The NC Forest Service Wildfire Public Viewer indicated this morning (April 1st) that the fire has expanded to 275 acres and is currently 30% contained.


Firefighters fighting the Jumping Branch fire in McDowell County, NC. Photo: Lisa Jennings; Source: US Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina
Firefighters fighting the Jumping Branch fire in McDowell County, NC. Photo: Lisa Jennings; Source: US Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina

Firefighters continued to work towards containment overnight. The Forest Service urges drivers to avoid NC-80 in the Buck Creek area until further notice.


Cane Creek Fire (Wilkes County)

The Cane Creek Fire in Wilkes County, as of the latest update on April 1st at 7:30 AM, is over 600 acres and now 70% contained.



We have not heard from any state or local agency as to how this fire started but will keep you updated as we learn more information.


Statewide Burn Ban

The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a statewide burn ban until further notice. In a press release the Service urged the public to "follow this burn ban to help reduce the risk for everyone".


Under North Carolina law, burn bans prohibits all open burning, regardless of whether a permit was received prior to the ban. In a statement, the Forest Service said in part: "Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire."


The full press release can be found here. Anyone with questions should reach out to their NC Forest Service county ranger or county fire marshal's office.


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