NEW YORK – Monday, July 21, 2025 – A fresh week begins with tropical systems stirring in the Atlantic, a cold front draped over the Gulf Coast, and dangerous flooding hammering parts of the Midwest and Northeast. The latest forecast from FOX Weather Meteorologist Craig Herrera outlines the evolving threats.
Invest 94L forms in Atlantic as development window narrows
A new tropical disturbance, officially named Invest 94L, has emerged in the Main Development Region between Africa and the Caribbean Islands. The National Hurricane Center raised its odds of development from 10% to 20% following increased organization late Sunday.
The disturbance is expected to briefly strengthen over the next couple of days, although it will likely face unfavorable conditions by midweek. Invest 94L currently poses no imminent threat to the United States, but it will be closely monitored as it moves across the central tropical Atlantic.
Cold front set to soak Gulf Coast and Florida
A stationary front will become a flooding threat as it settles over the Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle beginning Tuesday. The interaction between the front and tropical moisture will trigger downpours along the Interstate 10 corridor, stretching from Tallahassee to New Orleans.
Forecast models suggest 2 to 3 inches of rainfall (around 50 to 75 mm) across large portions of the northern Gulf Coast, with localized pockets possibly exceeding that. The flood risk will persist through Saturday, July 26.
Flash Flood Emergency declared in Illinois after weekend storms slam Midwest and Northeast
Over 76 million Americans faced severe storms Sunday as strong systems swept from the Northeast through the Midwest. The most extreme impacts were felt in Fayette County, Illinois, where more than 7 inches of rain (about 178 mm) fell in just 24 hours, ending early Monday morning.
The National Weather Service office in St. Louis issued a Flash Flood Emergency late Sunday, as creeks and rivers rapidly overflowed. Flood alerts remained in effect through early Monday, with major road closures and rescue operations ongoing in affected areas.
Grand Canyon wildfire destroys historic structures
The Dragon Bravo Fire, burning along the north rim of Grand Canyon National Park, continues to grow more intense. The fire, which ignited on July 12, has now spread beyond 500 acres, fueled by dry conditions and rugged terrain.
Authorities with the National Park Service have confirmed the destruction of the Grand Canyon Lodge and several other historic cabins, marking a devastating loss to the park’s cultural heritage. Smoke continues to impact visibility, with aerial surveillance capturing the raging flames consuming dense woodland.
Elsewhere across the nation
Extreme heat is surging across Florida, with heat indices soaring to 110°F (43°C) in several inland regions — the highest felt so far this summer.
In Arizona, new geological research suggests a meteor strike could have triggered a massive landslide in the Grand Canyon approximately 56,000 years ago.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of recent flooding in Texas, volunteers across three states are mobilizing to rescue and relocate displaced dogs, highlighting a rare moment of compassion amid crisis.
