Pollen may be widely disliked, but it is a living, essential part of plant reproduction, carrying genetic material through the air to create new growth across millions of ecosystems.

The Springs Fire near Lake Perris, which grew to more than 4,100 acres in a matter of hours, is now 95% contained following evacuations and school closures.

Storms across Afghanistan have left 77 people dead, 137 injured and 5,800 families affected. Widespread flooding, landslides and lightning strikes were triggered by heavy rain over the past 10 days — with damage to businesses, agricultural land, water wells and irrigation canals.

The next cold front will bring scattered rain and snow showers to the Great Lakes and Northeast Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures will end up 10-20 degrees below average by Tuesday with highs only in the 40s and 50s along the Interstate 95 corridor. The next system will bring more rain than snow as temperatures warm by the middle to end of the week. Watch this for the latest update.

Travel conditions will be clear as we start the work week, but there could be some troubles later in the week. Here are some maps to track the weather ahead of your trip.