Critical Fire Weather in the High Plains and Midwest; Heavy Snow in the Western Mountains and Northern Plains

Gusty winds and low relative humidity will bring critical fire weather to the central/southern High Plains and portions of the Midwest. Two Pacific storms will continue to bring heavy mountain snow and gusty winds to the western U.S. through Thursday. A swath of wintry weather, including heavy snow and a wintry mix, is expected from the Northern Plains to New England. Read More >

Map of estimated Water Temperatures
List of Water Temperature observations (at bottom of page/list)

Latest Marine Discussion:

.MARINE... High pressure shifting offshore will result in stronger southwest winds over the waters today. Small Craft Advisories have been issued for the Potomac south of Indian Head and the Chesapeake Bay south of North Beach where gusts of 20-25 kt are expected. Sub-SCA winds expected tonight through Friday, though rain chances increase due to a nearby stalled frontal boundary. Sub-SCA conditions are currently expected Thursday-Saturday; winds will start to pick up on Sunday, and increase throughout the day Monday once Sunday's low becomes coastal and starts to track northeast. Currently still showing below gale force conditions, but SCAs are likely for Sunday and Monday. Winds should slowly start to decrease again starting Tuesday, or after this weekend's low moves out of the area. Update as of: 330 AM EST Wed Feb 18 2026

Click/Tap on any zone on map below for marine forecast:
Click here for the Synopsis and text forecast.

[LWX marine zones]

NEW FORECAST TOOL: Experimental NWS Marine Forecast Portal

Click on any marine zone on this map to go to a detailed hour-by-hour weather forecast for the next 7 days

Please provide feedback to cody.ledbetter@noaa.gov

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Marine Forecasts for the Lower Chesapeake Bay and Eastern VA Rivers

(These forecasts are provided by the Weather Forecast Office in Wakefield, VA)

Lower Chesapeake Bay

Smith Point to Windmill Point

Windmill Point to New Point Comfort

New Point Comfort to Little Creek

Little Creek to Cape Henry Incl. CBBT

Eastern VA Rivers

Rappahannock River (Urbanna-Windmill Pt)

York River

James River (Jamestown-James River Bridge)

James River (James River Bridge-HRBT)

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