Northwest wildfire danger remains very high as heat, wind and smoke worsen air quality; plus, 2026 tornado count: Illinois way up, Texas way down

Dangerous wildfire conditions are forecast to persist across the Pacific Northwest this week as areas of dense smoke and poor air quality affect the region and downwind of active fires. Also, Illinois has already seen more tornado reports than it has in any year since records began, while "tornado alley" states like Texas are lagging behind this year in the annual tornado tally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices