The Lyrids meteor shower returns this week, offering a celestial spectacle that has been lighting up night skies for over 2,600 years. As Earth passes through the dusty trail of Comet Thatcher, meteors streak across the darkness at 110,000 mph. The best time to view them happens Tuesday night (April 21) into early Wednesday morning (April 22). No telescope needed, just dark skies and patience. Ancient Chinese astronomers documented this same show in 687 B.C.E.

Breaking news out of Japan where a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the country's Northeast coast Monday.

After last week's busy stretch, severe weather will pick up again late this week. Another round is expected in the nation's mid-section. Here's a closer look at the forecast.

The windows of a Texas home were no match for the hail pelting down during severe storms in Rio Frio. Watch as a homeowner captured the moment baseball-sized ice smashed into a bedroom and skittered across the floor.

The latest outlook through August shows where peak summer heat may be in the U.S., and also who might keep their cool, And, yes, El Niño may play a role.