Lauren Kreidler

3 weeks ago | winknews.com | Lauren Kreidler

Today starts the month of June, which means that the 2025 hurricane season is officially underway. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-average season for this year. During a normal hurricane season, 14 named storms develop. An average of 7 of those storms become hurricanes, 3 of which reach major hurricane status, meaning a category 3 or higher.

1 month ago | winknews.com | Greg Rule |Lauren Kreidler

Saharan dust is making a comeback. The first plume of the season is projected to near Florida and the Gulf this weekend and early next week. Saharan dust is not new. Each year, wind from storms in Africa kicks dust into the air. Saharan Dust originates from the Sahara Desert, which covers most of northern Africa. It is the largest hot desert in the world, encompassing nearly 5.7 million square miles—almost the size of the United States.

Feb 4, 2025 | winknews.com | Lauren Kreidler

The National Weather Service and the Florida Division of Emergency Management observe Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week annually. To increase awareness and preparedness, the WINK Weather Authority team will break down severe weather threats daily. Tuesday’s focus is on marine hazards and rip currents. RELATED: Monday’s Severe Weather Awareness Week topic: LightningSouthwest Florida is known for its stretch of beautiful Gulf beaches that attract locals and visitors alike.

Feb 3, 2025 | winknews.com | Lauren Kreidler

Two lightning strikes seen in Fort Myers. (CREDIT: Isaac Cartagena) The National Weather Service and the Florida Division of Emergency Management observe Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week each year. This week, the WINK Weather Authority team will break down severe weather threats every day to increase awareness and preparedness. Monday’s focus is on lightning. Florida is known to be the lightning capital of the United States.

Jan 28, 2025 | winknews.com | Lauren Kreidler

With January wrapping up, Southwest Florida experienced quite a chilly month. Only two days throughout the entire month reached temperatures of 80 degrees or higher, the fewest since 2016. The average high for January for Fort Myers is 75 degrees. High temperatures for 17 days of the month were below that. The coldest day of the month was Jan. 23, when afternoon highs topped out at a chilly 50 degrees. This broke the lowest high-temperature record for Fort Myers that day.