Marcus Walter
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AMS & NWA sealed Chief Meteorologist @knoe8 w/ a passion for science, weather & storytelling | @Cornell @Penn_State #wx
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Articles by Marcus Walter
Drought Continues to Worsen Across ArkLaMiss
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Drought conditions continue to worsen across the ArkLaMiss. The latest US Drought Monitor, issued on Thursday, October 23rd, 2026, shows all of the ArkLaMiss under either severe, extreme or exception drought. The Latest US Drought Monitor for ArkLaMiss shows that drought continues to worsen across the region.(Marcus Walter) Exceptional drought, in particular, is stretching farther into the ArkLaMiss, with it now reaching as far south as Jackson Parish in Louisiana.
Wildfire Threat Heading Into Weekend
Skip to content MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Wildfires will be a major concern across the ArkLaMiss heading into the weekend. This is due to strong wind arriving with a cold front on Friday and that wind bringing very dry air with it. A Red Flag Warning will become active for the ArkLaMiss starting early Friday and continues through Saturday morning.(Marcus Walter) Wind Friday morning, as the cold front sweeps into the ArkLaMiss, will reach to close to and even above 30 miles per hour.
Hurricane Isaias Continues to Strengthen In the Gulf
Hurricane Isaias(Abby Ezell) Hurricane Isaias is currently a category one hurricane, with max winds of 85 MPH. It is currently moving towards the ENE at 10 MPH. The storm will likely become a category two hurricane later this evening, as it pushes further into the northern Gulf. Isaias will likely remain a category two hurricane, as it approaches the Gulf Coast late Friday evening. It will likely make landfall along the Gulf Coast of Alabama late Friday evening or early Saturday morning.
Hurricane Isaias Continues to Track Toward the Gulf Coast
Isaias is a category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 80 mph. It is moving toward the east-northeast at 9 mph. Later today, the storm is expected to pass to the north of the Yucatan Peninsula and make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday. Additional strengthening is expected before making landfall. A Hurricane Warning and a Storm Surge Warning stretches from the southeastern Louisiana Coast to northwest Florida.
Tropical Storm Isaias Strengthens in Gulf
Tropical Storm Isaias formed today in the Gulf and the storm continues to strengthen. It will likely become a hurricane within the next 12 to 24 hours. The latest forecast track takes this storm into the central Gulf late Friday into Saturday morning. As it heads to the Gulf Coast, it will very likely becoming a Hurricane, likely reaching up to a Category 2. As the system tracks north, it still likely to bring some rain to our eastern parishes late Friday night into Saturday.
KNOE First Alert Monday Evening Forecast: Spotty Showers Now, Heat This Week
Dangerous heat continues this week. Temperatures will reach close to 100 degrees from now through Saturday, putting temperatures close to record highs. Early next week, a nearby front will get close enough to bring a few more clouds, limited showers and slightly cooler weather. This is something to look forward to. Stay cool! Tonight, expect a mostly clear sky and temperatures down to the mid 70s. Tuesday will bring plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the upper 90s.
KNOE First Alert Friday Evening Forecast: Showers Slowly Exiting
Tonight: Mostly clear skies are expected. Low temperatures will be in the mid-70s. Saturday; Mostly sunny skies are expected. High temperatures will be in the low 100s. Chance of rain 20%. Sunday: Mostly sunny skies are expected. High temperatures will be in the low 100s. Monday: Mostly sunny skies are expected. High temperatures will be in the upper 90s. Chance of rain 20%. Tuesday: Sunny skies are expected. High temperatures will be in the low 100s. Wednesday: Sunny skies are expected.
KNOE First Alert Thursday Evening Forecast: Severe Storm Threatening the ArkLaMiss
Intense heat continues across the ArkLaMiss. Drought is also expanding as well. There will be a limited rain threat this evening, but hot and dry weather will be our main story from now through next week. There is a limited chance for rain showers this evening, but most will stay dry. Tonight: Partly cloudy with lows in the mid to upper 70s. A stray shower or storm is possible in the evening. Friday: Partly cloudy with highs in the low 100s. A stray shower or storm is possible in the afternoon.
KNOE First Alert Wednesday Evening Forecast: Extreme Heat Continues
Dangerous heat continues to impact the ArkLaMiss. Temperatures will linger int he low 100s from now into next week. We have seen more than 13 days for this summer in Monroe with temperatures above 100 degrees and we will continue to add to those numbers over the next week or so. Hang in there. Tonight, expect a clear sky and temperatures down to the upper 70s. Thursday will bring sunshine and temperatures in the low 100s. Friday will bring sunshine and temperatures in the low 100s.
KNOE First Alert Wednesday Afternoon Forecast: Extreme Heat Continues
Dangerous heat continues to impact the ArkLaMiss. Temperatures will linger int he low 100s from now into next week. We have seen more than 13 days for this summer in Monroe with temperatures above 100 degrees and we will continue to add to those numbers over the next week or so. Hang in there. Tonight, expect a clear sky and temperatures down to the upper 70s. Thursday will bring sunshine and temperatures in the low 100s. Friday will bring sunshine and temperatures in the low 100s.
Monday Was The Hottest Day Since August 2023
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Monday, August 17th, marked the 12th day in 2026 temperatures in Monroe reached the triple digits. For Monroe, Monday’s high of 105 broke the previous record of 104, originally set in 1951. Almanac August 17th(Abby Ezell) El Dorado also tied a temperature record, with a high temperature on Monday of 106 degrees. This record was originally set in 2000. Vicksburg, saw a high temperature of 102 degrees. This breaks the previous record of 101 degrees set in 1951.
Updated Burn Bans
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Burn bans have expanded across the ArkLaMiss. The parishes and counties under burn bans are the following: In Arkansas: Ashley County Union County In Louisiana: Union Parish Morehouse Parish West Carroll Parish Winn Parish Caldwell Parish Franklin Parish Catahoula Parish Latest Burn Bans across the ArkLaMiss.(Marcus Walter) Please follow all burn bans. Do not do any other burning in there areas, as fires can spread very quickly.
KNOE First Alert Weather Day: Dangerously Hot And Humid Into Next Week
Dangerous heat continues across the ArkLaMiss. Temperatures will continue to reach the upper 90s and low 100s into next week. We are not expecting to break any temperatures records. The hot and dry weather will lead to drought expanding across the ArkLaMiss. There are several burn bans in place across the ArkLaMiss. More are likely to be issued. We are also monitoring the tropics. There are not threats for the continental United States, but there will be a storm that passes very close to Hawaii.
Burn Bans Expand Across ArkLaMiss
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - There are 4 parishes and 2 counties in the viewing area under burn bans as of Thursday evening, August 13th, 2026, and there is very little rain in the forecast over the next week or so. The latest drought monitor also shows dry conditions expanding across the ArkLaMiss. This means wildfires will be a threat across the ArkLaMiss over the next few weeks. This threat is due to dry conditions and the lack of rain in the forecast.
Tropical Storm Cristobal Still Spinning in Atlantic, Two Other Areas to Watch
8 PM Update Wednesday, August 11th, 2026 - Tropical Storm Cristobal continues to spin in the Atlantic. At last check, the storm had max wind of 45 miles per hour and it was moving to the east at 21 miles per hour. The storm still has most of the convection on the eastern side of the storm. It is forecast to weaken heading into Thursday. It will likely dissipate by Friday.
Post Tropical Storm Cristobal And Two Other Areas In The Atlantic
Two areas to watch in the Atlantic(Abby Ezell) Post Tropical Cyclone Cristobal(Abby Ezell) Tropical Storm Cristobal has weakened significantly since yesterday. It is now Post Tropical Cyclone Cristobal, with max winds of 25 MPH. This system will continue to weaken as it continues to push off towards the north and east. We are watching two other areas of development coming off the coast of Africa. One system now has an 80% chance of development and could become our next named tropical disturbance.
Tropical Area of Interest Showing Signs of Further Development
An area of interest in the Atlantic now has an 80 percent chance of formation over the next 7 days. We will continue to monitor this area for further development. Tracking the Tropics - 10 PM Update(Marcus Walter) First Alert Chief Meteorologist Marcus Walter There are once again three areas of interest in the Atlantic for tropical development. One area has a 70 percent chance of formation over the next 7 days.
Tropical Storm Cristobal Has Developed In The Atlantic, With Two Other Areas To Watch
Tropical Update 10 AM Wednesday- Tropical Storm Cristobal Track(Abby Ezell) Tropical Outlook August 12th(Abby Ezell) Tropical Storm Cristobal has now developed in the Central Atlantic. This will be a very short-lived storm, as it will likely fall apart at some point tomorrow. We are also watching two other areas in the Atlantic coming off the coast of Africa. The first system we are watching could become a tropical depression within the next 2 days.
Tracking the Tropics - Tuesday, 8 PM, August 11th, 2026 Update
There are once again three areas of interest in the Atlantic for tropical development. One area has a 70 percent chance of formation over the next 7 days. Another area in the northern Atlantic has a 40 percent chance of development over the next 2 to 7 days. An area of interest closest to Africa has a 20 percent chance of development over the next 7 days.
Tracking the Tropics - Tuesday, 1 PM, August 11th, 2026 Update
1PM Tuesday, August 11 Update - We are now down to two areas to watch in the Atlantic. An area of low pressure in the central Atlantic is likely to develop into a tropical depression later this week. The system, northeast of Bermuda, has a low chance of development. 1 PM Tropical Update, August 11(1 PM Tropical Update, August 11) None of these systems pose a threat to the United States, but we will keep an eye on the tropics.
Tracking the Tropics - Monday, August 10th, 2026 Update
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - We are tracking three areas of interest for tropical development in the Atlantic. The area of interest closest to Africa has 60 percent likelihood of development over the next 7 days. As of now, these areas of interest are not threats to the ArkLaMiss, but the areas of interest in the central Atlantic will be closely watched for possible development, as they drift west.
KNOE First Alert Monday Evening Forecast: Dangerous Heat Builds
Dangerous heat will continue to intensify this week. Temperatures will reach near or above 100 degrees starting on Tuesday, with at least six 100 degrees days expected through next Tuesday. The weather will stay mainly dry during this period, allow heat to build across the region. High pressure will be the reason for the hot weather and dry conditions. We will talk more about the heat and the tropics, in a few moments. Dangerous heat will continue to intensify this week.
KNOE First Alert Friday Evening Forecast: Isolated Showers Now, More Heat Next Week
Rain showers are in the forecast for Saturday but it will not be a total wash out. Most of the showers will develop during the afternoon from initial shower activity moving out of Arkansas. Tonight, dry weather is expected across the ArkLaMiss, with temperatures down to the mid 70s. After showers on Saturday, drier weather is expected for Sunday, with more heat next week. Most of next week will bring temperatures near 100 degrees. Tonight: Mostly clear skies are expected.
Meet the KNOE 8 First Alert Weather Team
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Meet the KNOE 8 First Alert Weather Team! We are holding a small community event to talk about our careers in weather and to introduce to the community other weather professionals and students from the National Weather Service and University of Louisiana at Monroe.
KNOE First Alert Thursday Evening Forecast: Spotty Showers, Storms
More heat is expected heading into next week. A few showers have developed this afternoon, leading to brief breaks from the most intense heat for some. Drier weather is expected for Friday and into the weekend, and for most of next week. Temperatures will peak into the mid to upper 90s from now through next Friday. Make sure to stay hydrated and take it easy while you are outside in the elements. Tonight: Mostly clear with lows in the mid 70s. Friday: Partly cloudy with highs in the upper 90s.
KNOE First Alert Wednesday Evening Forecast: Hot Weather Continues
Hot weather will continue across the ArkLaMiss. While we don’t have any heat alerts for the region, it still will be seasonally hot across the ArkLaMiss, with temperatures peaking in the mid to upper 90s from now through next week. There will be limited rain showers on Thursday, but most of the ArkLaMiss will stay dry, meaning dry and drought conditions will linger across the region. We currently have burn bans for two parishes in the ArkLaMiss.
This Week Marks 6 Months Since the January 2026 Ice Storm
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google MONROE, La. (KNOE) - The KNOE 8 First Alert Weather Team recaps the historic January 2026 Ice Storm. A storm that led to hundreds of thousands of people being with out power as temperatures dipped below freezing. Ouachita Parish was one of the hardest hit areas.
KNOE First Alert Friday Evening Forecast: Another Heat Wave on the Way
Dangerous heat and humidity are expected to impact the ArkLaMiss all of next week. Temperatures are expected to reach the low 100s, with feels like temperatures near 110 degrees. Because of this, First Alert Weather Days will be in effect starting on Sunday and continuing through all of next week. Record highs are not expected during this time. Tonight: Mostly clear skies are expected. Low temperatures will be in the mid-70s. Tomorrow: Mostly sunny skies are expected.
Bertha Weakens to a Tropical Depression
Tropical Storm Update 7 PM CDT, Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 Tropical Depression Bertha 7 PM July 23, 2026(Marcus Walter) At 700 PM CDT (0000 UTC), the center of Tropical Depression Bertha was located near latitude 29.9 North, longitude 95.3 West. Bertha is moving toward the west near 13 mph (20 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue tonight. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts.
KNOE First Alert Forecast: Tropical Storm Bertha Impacts Northern Gulf Coast
Tonight: Mostly clear with temperatures falling into the mid to upper 70s. Thursday: There’s a slight chance of showers and storms with highs in the afternoon. Highs will reach the mid 90s. Friday: Partly cloudy with highs in the mid 90s. A stray shower or storm is possible. Saturday: Partly cloudy with highs in the upper 90s. Sunday: Partly cloudy with highs in the low 100s. Monday: Mostly sunny with highs near 100 degrees. Tuesday: Mostly sunny with highs in the low 100s.
Tropical Storm Bertha Impacts the Northern Gulf Coast
Tropical Storm Update at 7 AM CDT, Wednesday, July 22, 2026 At 700 AM CT, Tropical Storm Bertha is moving toward the west near 5 mph. This general motion is expected to continue through Friday with a little acceleration. On the forecast track, Bertha will move near or along the northern Gulf Coast during the next couple of days. Data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds remain near 50 mph with higher gusts.
KNOE First Alert Weather Day: Extreme Heat Continues, Tropical Storm Bertha Spins in Gulf
Skip to content We are tracking the very latest with Tropical Storm Bertha and the heat and humidity impacting the ArkLaMiss. Tropical Storm Bertha is still not forecast directly impact the ArkLaMiss, but it still may help to trigger a shower or two across the parts of the ArkLaMiss as it passes to our south on Thursday. By Friday, what’s now Bertha will likely be a remnant low and continuing to dissipate. We will still watch for heavy rain across southern parts of Louisiana.
Tropical Storm Bertha Holds Steady Now, Forecast to Weaken Starting Wednesday
Tropical Storm Bertha Storm Track(Marcus Walter) Tropical Update at 4 p.m. CDT (2100 UTC) on Tuesday, July 21st, 2026: The center of Tropical Storm Bertha was located near latitude 29.4 North, longitude 87.2 West. Bertha is moving toward the northwest near 6 mph (9 km/h). A turn toward the west-northwest and west is expected tonight, with a continued westward motion forecast Wednesday through Friday.
KNOE First Alert Weather Day: Tropical Storm Bertha, Dangerous Heat
We now have Tropical Storm Bertha in the northern Gulf. This is the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. This system is not forecast to bring any major impacts to the ArkLaMiss. The main threats will be for southern Louisiana. There is also a likelihood that this system falls apart a few days from now. Intense heat is forecast through the next several days for the ArkLaMiss. Tonight: Clear skies are expected. Low temperatures will be in the upper 70s.
Tropical Storm Bertha forms in the northern Gulf
TROPICAL UPDATE(As of 7 p.m. CT): Tropical Storm Bertha has formed in the northern Gulf. We now have the second named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. This storm has max wind at 40 miles per hour, and is very slowly moving to the north, north west at 3 miles per hours.
Tropical Depression Two has Formed in The Gulf
Skip to content TROPICAL UPDATE (As of 4 a.m. CT): Tropical Depression Two is remains a depression. However, it is still forecast to become Tropical Storm Bertha at some point today. Tropical storm conditions are possible for portions of the Florida Panhandle and Alabama Coast. Those areas are under a Tropical Storm Watch.
KNOE First Alert Friday Evening Forecast: Dangerous Heat This Weekend, Next Week
Dangerous heat is on the way to the ArkLaMiss. Get ready. This afternoon temperatures reached into the low and mid 90s with feels like temperatures in the low 100s to 110. High temperatures will continue to rise heading into the weekend and next week. By Monday, high temperatures are likely to reach 102 degrees. If this happens, this would tie the record high of 102 for that day.
KNOE First Alert Thursday Evening Forecast: Scorching Heat This Weekend, Next Week
Dangerously hot weather is on the way to the ArkLaMiss and it looks like it will stick around for most of the next 8 days. Get ready. Temperatures will reach into the upper 90s starting on Saturday and reach the low 100s as early as Sunday. The temperatures will likely peak in the low 100s through most of next week. These temperatures will be near record highs, but we will likely not set any new records. Still, it will be dangerously hot.
KNOE First Alert Tuesday Evening Forecast: Isolated Showers into Wednesday, Then Heat
Dangerous heat is on the way to the ArkLaMiss. Temperatures over the weekend will reach well into the upper 90s. Monday will be the day with the best chance for 100 degree weather. This heat will build due to high pressure building across the ArkLaMiss and much of the nation over the weekend. Millions of people will likely be under heat alerts because of the heat that is on the way. In the meantime, isolated showers will be possible this evening.
KNOE First Alert Monday Evening Forecast: Isolated Showers Tonight, Tuesday
Isolated to scattered showers will be around the ArkLaMiss from now through Tuesday evening, as a stationary front lingering across the region will help to bring rain showers. As of now, we are expecting severe weather, but there is a chance that showers could be heavy at times. By midweek, high pressure begins to build into the ArkLaMiss, bringing sunshine and more heat to the region. Temperatures by Friday will reach into the upper 90s, and linger in the upper 90s through early next week.
KNOE First Alert Friday Evening Forecast: Hot Start to Weekend, Storms Sunday
We are expecting more heat for the start of the weekend. Today, temperatures reached into the mid 90s with plenty of sunshine. Most of this is expected for Saturday, but a few random showers may develop as well. Tonight, expect a clear sky and temperatures down to the mid 70s. Saturday, again, will bring sunshine, a stray shower or two and temperatures in the mid 90s. Sunday will bring more rain and storm chances, which will continue into early next week.
KNOE First Alert Thursday Evening Forecast: Hot into Weekend
After a dry weather day across the ArkLaMiss, more heat is on the way for Friday and the start of the weekend. Today, temperatures reached into the mid 90s, and Friday will bring highs in the upper 90s. Feels like temperatures will be in the low 100s. More heat is expected for Saturday, with dry conditions in place. Rain chances due increase for Sunday, as more Gulf moisture moves across the ArkLaMiss. This moisture will bring more rain chances and cooler weather for early next week.
KNOE First Alert Wednesday Evening Forecast: A Stray Shower or Storm
A stray shower or storm will be possible this evening. Otherwise, expect dry conditions. Overnight, temperatures will lower to the mid 70s. Thursday and Friday will bring high temperatures in the mid 90s, with plenty of sunshine expected. Saturday will be dry and hot and well, with more clouds expected for Sunday. Rain chances increase for Sunday as well. Temperatures on Sunday will reach the low 90s. More rain chances are likely Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures in the low 90s.
KNOE First Alert Tuesday Evening Forecast: A Calm Night on the Way
Tonight: Partly cloudy skies are expected. Low temperatures will be in the low/mid 70s. Wednesday: Isolated showers and storms are possible. High temperatures will be in the low 90s. Chance of rain 40%. Thursday: Mostly sunny skies are expected. High temperatures will be in the mid-90s. Friday: Sunny skies are expected. High temperatures will be in the mid-90s. Saturday: Sunny skies are expected. High temperatures will be in the mid-90s. Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible.
KNOE First Alert Tuesday Evening Forecast: Limited Storm Chances This Evening
There is a chance for a stray showers or storm this evening, but based on the latest forecast the weather will stay fairly through the overnight. It will likely be quiet on Wednesday as well, with temperatures reaching the mid 90s. The dry weather will continue into Thursday and Friday, even Saturday, before more rain chances show up for Sunday and into early next week. High temperatures will stay in the mid 90s from now into next week, so plan for more heat and humidity.
KNOE First Alert Monday Evening Forecast: Strong Storms on the Way
We are watching for severe storms this evening. Damaging wind will be the greatest threat with any storm that turns severe. Tuesday will likely bring isolated showers and storms as well. Drier weather then takes over through Friday, before rain chances move back in for the weekend. Tonight: Isolated showers will be possible. Low temperatures will be in the low 70s. Tomorrow: Isolated showers and storms will be possible. High temperatures will be in the low 90s. Chance of rain 50%.
KNOE First Alert Thursday Evening Forecast: Rain Becoming Likely on 4th of July
Rain showers are becoming more likely on the 4th of July, as from rain and storms that develop to our west on Friday push into the ArkLaMiss on Saturday. It will not be a total wash out, but you may have to more activities inside briefly. The weather looks great for late day fire works festivities. Tonight: Clear with temperatures falling into the mid 70s. Friday: Mostly sunny with highs in the mid 90s. Saturday (Fourth of July): There’s a likelihood of showers and storms in the afternoon.
KNOE First Alert Wednesday Evening Forecast: Isolated Severe Storms
Isolated strong to severe storms are possible early this evening as moisture from the east and the north gulf begins to reach the ArkLaMiss. There will be a chance for a few storms toward the 10 PM hour. Overnight, the weather will stay quiet and warm, with lows in the mid 70s. Thursday will bring plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the mid 90s, as high pressure continues to dominate the weather across the region.
KNOE First Alert Tuesday Evening Forecast: Dangerous Heat Through the Holiday Weekend
Dangerous heat and humidity continue to impact the ArkLaMiss. Expect feels like temperatures near 105 over the next several days. Rain chances will start to increase into the weekend, which means brief shower could bring some temporary relief. Temperatures will be lower early next week, but there is a chance for more heat through next week as well. We will talk more about the heat, humidity and rain chances, in a few more moments. Dangerous heat and humidity continue to impact the ArkLaMiss.
KNOE First Alert Friday Evening Forecast: Intense Heat Takes Over ArkLaMiss
Heat and humidity will continue to build across the ArkLaMiss. Temperatures today reached into the upper 80s and low 90s, with higher temperatures expect into the weekend and next week. By Monday of next week, temperatures will reach into the upper 90s, with feels like temperatures going even higher. The combination of heat and humidity will make it dangerous to be outside for extend periods of time, especially for those unprepared for the heat.
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