Sand and dust storms affect about 330 million people in over 150 countries and are taking an increasing toll on health, economies and the environment.

Scientists agree that a warmer atmosphere will mean more intense storms. And North Carolina is expected to warm by 2 to 4 degrees in the next 25 years.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Today is expected to be even hotter with highs in the mid 90s and heat index values (feels-like temperatures) as high as around 105 possible. Isolated storms are possible today with increasing storm chances during the workweek.

Wind damage from storms moving through Southeast Michigan on Saturday afternoon has resulted in thousands of people without power, according to DTE Energy.As of 9:55 p.m., 9,790 residents are without service,

Weekend: Heaviest rain will likely impact areas south and east of Houston, where moisture convergence is strongest. Air quality: Hazy skies today due to Saharan dust, especially noticeable along the coast and over Galveston. Pack water and stay cool — it’ll feel like the mid-to-upper 90s across the metro.

AS WE HEAT UP ANOTHER ROUND OF POP-UP STORMS EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON. NOW, EARLY THIS AFTERNOON, THEY SHOULD BE PRETTY ISOLATED AND JUST VERY SMALL IN COVERAGE. BUT AS WE GO LATER INTO THE DAY, LATE AFTERNOON THROUGH THE EVENING HOURS,

The drenching rain pattern from last week has loosened its grip on the Philadelphia area for the weekend. There is still a chance of isolated afternoon showers and storms, but most of the area will remain dry under a combination of sun and clouds.

The hot, humid, and stormy pattern continues on Sunday and will last through most of the week ahead. Keeping an eye on possible tropical development in the Gulf over the next 7 days.