Monday morning, loyal birdwatchers realized a popular eagle nest was missing from its normal treetop perch at the Mentor Marsh Nature Preserve.

Strong winds up to 55 mph create travel challenges on mountain highways, but most of the region will enjoy above-normal temperatures and dry conditions through the week.

Forecast Updated on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 3:45am by WBOC Chief Meteorologist Mike Lichniak. Today: Partly to mostly sunny and windy. Highs: 32-38. Winds: NW 20-40+ mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy and windy. Lows: 19-28. Winds: NW 15-30+ mph. Wednesday: Partly to mostly cloudy and breezy. Highs: 37-42. Winds: NW 10-25+ mph.

Fire officials say the concern is heightened by current weather conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning, signaling an increased risk for fires to start and spread rapidly. A Red Flag Warning means low humidity, dry vegetation, and strong winds are all in place, creating dangerous fire conditions.

Another atmospheric river has returned today and will continue through Wednesday across the region bringing more rain (and eventually snow) and lots of wind.

Strong gusty winds over 30 mph will rush in with the cold front. A High Wind Warning is in effect for the mountains with gusts over 50 mph expected. A colder pattern is taking shape for a few days with lows in the 20s for Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

A First Alert Weather Day is in effect today as much colder air settles in after the unseasonably warm weekend.