August 3 in Weather History

214 events on record, 1361 to 2026

Every tornado, hurricane, flood, blizzard, heat wave, record, earthquake, eruption, tsunami, wildfire and geomagnetic storm on record for August 3, in any year, each linked to its full record.

← August 2TodayAugust 4 →

August 3 on the map

Every event with a place, colored by kind. Tap one to open its record.

  • Tornadoes
  • Hurricanes and tropical storms
  • Floods
  • Severe storms
  • Heat and drought
  • Wildfires
  • Earthquakes
  • Volcanoes
  • Tsunamis
  • Other weather

The most significant

By deaths, damage and strength together, across every archive.

Earthquakes

20142014 Ludian earthquake

2 on 3 August. The earthquake killed at least 615 people, injuring at least 2,400 others.

Where
Ludian County
Country
People's Republic of China
Magnitude
6.5
Deaths
617

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

Earthquakes

1361August 3, 1361 Earthquake in Nankaido, Japan

A magnitude 8.4 earthquake struck Nankaido, Japan. With the tsunami it caused, it killed 660 people, destroyed 1,700 houses and did extreme (about $25 million or more) damage.

When
August 3, 1361
Magnitude
8.4
Deaths
660
Where
Nankaido, Japan

The full record

Tsunamis

1361August 3, 1361 Tsunami at Nankaido, Japan

A tsunami caused by a magnitude 8.4 earthquake struck Nankaido, Japan. It killed 660 people, destroyed 1,700 houses and did extreme (about $25 million or more) damage.

When
August 3, 1361
Magnitude
8.4
Deaths
660
Where
Nankaido, Japan

The full record

Billion-dollar disasters

2020Hurricane Isaias (August 2020)

A tropical cyclone disaster that cost $5.8 billion in 2024 dollars and killed 16, on NOAA’s billion-dollar list. It lasted from August 3, 2020 to August 4, 2020.

Losses (2024 dollars)
$5.8 billion
Kind
Tropical Cyclone
Deaths
16

The full record

Tornadoes

1940F4 tornado, Kidder County, North Dakota

An F4 tornado touched down in Kidder County, North Dakota and tracked 5.3 miles, 500 yards wide at its widest, killing 3 and injuring 20. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: Dawson, ND.

Rating
F4
Deaths
3
Injuries
20
Path
5.3 mi
Width
500 yd

The full record

Hurricanes and tropical storms

1970Hurricane Celia makes landfall near Port Aransas, TX

Hurricane Celia crossed the coast near Port Aransas, TX as a category 4 hurricane, 120 kt (140 mph), central pressure 944 mb. Hurricane Celia was the costliest tropical cyclone in Texas history until Hurricane Alicia in 1983. The third named storm, second hurricane, and first major hurricane of the 1970 Atlantic hurricane season, Celia developed from a tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on July 31.

Wind at landfall
120 kt
Pressure
944 mb
Peak wind
120 kt

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

By kind

Tornadoes

33 on August 3, oldest first.

1885F2 tornado, Philadelphia, Camden counties, Pennsylvania

An F2 tornado touched down in Philadelphia, Camden counties, Pennsylvania and tracked 8.4 miles, 150 yards wide at its widest, killing 6 and injuring 58. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: S Philadelphia, PA to Camden, NJ.

Rating
F2
Deaths
6
Injuries
58
Path
8.4 mi
Width
150 yd

The full record

1885F3 tornado, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

An F3 tornado touched down in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and tracked 14 miles, 70 yards wide at its widest, injuring 3. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: N Feasterville/Pineville/Churchville/Richboro to Solebury, PA.

Rating
F3
Injuries
3
Path
14 mi
Width
70 yd

The full record

1940F4 tornado, Kidder County, North Dakota

An F4 tornado touched down in Kidder County, North Dakota and tracked 5.3 miles, 500 yards wide at its widest, killing 3 and injuring 20. From Grazulis's record of significant tornadoes: Dawson, ND.

Rating
F4
Deaths
3
Injuries
20
Path
5.3 mi
Width
500 yd

The full record

2008August 2008 European tornado outbreak

The August 2008 European tornado outbreak was a widespread severe weather event which spawned thirteen tornadoes in four countries, one of which killed three people in France. This particular tornado reached F4 intensity.

Where
France
Country
France

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

2013Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Colorado, August 3, 2013

Severe thunderstorms brought damaging hail, wind, tornadoes, heavy rain and flash flooding to portions of the Urban Corridor and Northeast Plains. Very large hail, ranging from quarter to softball size, caused extensive damage to property and crops.

Damage
$215,000
Strongest
EF0
Events
32

The full record

2016Tornado and Hail in North Dakota, August 3, 2016

A deep low pressure system developed over eastern Montana and lifted northeast. As it did, a cold front pushed into western North Dakota. Ahead of the front, impressive instability developed over the central part of the state as moisture surged into the area.

Damage
$1.9 million
Strongest
EF2
Events
15

The full record

2024Tornado and Hail in Minnesota, August 3, 2024

A pronounced cold front sagged south of Canada, colliding with a warm and humid air mass across central Minnesota. Surface temperatures reached the upper 80s/lower 90s with dew points in the low to mid 70s.

Damage
$2.0 million
Strongest
EF1
Events
26

The full record

2024Tornado and Flash Flooding in North Carolina, August 3, 2024

A stalled front over the lower Ohio and eastern Tennessee valleys moved into western North Carolina. Showers and thunderstorms initially developed over the Piedmont of North Carolina, congealing into a line of severe storms that produced numerous downed trees and power lines.

Damage
$211,000
Strongest
EF1
Events
29

The full record

Hurricanes and tropical storms

14 on August 3, oldest first.

1970Hurricane Celia makes landfall near Port Aransas, TX

Hurricane Celia crossed the coast near Port Aransas, TX as a category 4 hurricane, 120 kt (140 mph), central pressure 944 mb. Hurricane Celia was the costliest tropical cyclone in Texas history until Hurricane Alicia in 1983. The third named storm, second hurricane, and first major hurricane of the 1970 Atlantic hurricane season, Celia developed from a tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on July 31.

Wind at landfall
120 kt
Pressure
944 mb
Peak wind
120 kt

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

1995Hurricane Erin makes landfall near Gulf Breeze, FL

Hurricane Erin crossed the coast near Gulf Breeze, FL as a category 1 hurricane, 75 kt (85 mph), central pressure 973 mb. Hurricane Erin was the first hurricane to strike the contiguous United States since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. The fifth tropical cyclone, fifth named storm, and second hurricane of the unusually active 1995 Atlantic hurricane season, Erin developed from a tropical wave near the southeastern Bahamas on July 31.

Wind at landfall
75 kt
Pressure
973 mb
Peak wind
85 kt

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

2014Hurricane Bertha makes landfall near Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands

Hurricane Bertha crossed the coast near Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands as a tropical storm, 40 kt, central pressure 1013 mb. It killed 4 people in all. Hurricane Bertha was an unusual tropical cyclone in early August 2014 that attained hurricane status, despite having a disheveled appearance and an abnormally high atmospheric pressure. The third tropical cyclone and second hurricane of the season, Bertha developed from a tropical wave south of Cape Verde was monitored first for possible tropical cyclogenesis on July 26.

Wind at landfall
40 kt
Pressure
1013 mb
Peak wind
70 kt
Deaths
4

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

2024Hurricane Debby

Hurricane Debby was a slow-moving, erratic, and destructive tropical cyclone that caused widespread and severe flooding across the Eastern United States and portions of Eastern Canada, becoming the costliest natural disaster in the history of the Canadian province of Quebec. The fourth named storm and second hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Debby developed from a tropical wave that was first noted by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) on July 26.

Ended
August 9, 2024
Where
Canada
Countries
Canada, United States, Cuba

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

Floods

25 on August 3, oldest first.

1996Flash Flood in South Carolina, August 3, 1996

Between 3 and 6 inches of rain fell, inundating streets. The most water long-time residents had ever seen. County 911 center was flooded as city drainage system was overwhelmed. A motorist was killed when his vehicle hit a large puddle ovurturned in a ditch and he lost control.

Deaths
1
Damage
$100,000
Events
1

The full record

2000Flood in Illinois, August 3, 2000

Very heavy rain from a slow-moving thunderstorm caused streets to flood and ditches to run full. A 9-year-old boy attempting to retrieve an object from a culvert was swept into it by rushing water. He later died at a hospital in St. Louis.

Deaths
1
Events
1

The full record

2001Flash Flood in Kentucky, August 3 to 4, 2001

Widespread flash flooding occurred across the area prompting the county to be a Presidentially declared disaster area. Up to 5 inches fell in less that 3 hours on already saturated ground. Massive road and bridge damage resulted.

Deaths
2
Damage
$6.0 million
Events
1

The full record

2001Flash Flood in Kentucky, August 3 to 4, 2001

High water from the areas worst flash flooding in years took its toll on area roads, bridges and homes. Extensive damage resulted in the county, making it one of five in the area to be classified as a Presidentially declared disaster area.

Injuries
1
Damage
$7.6 million
Events
1

The full record

2002Flash Flood and Hail in Virginia, August 3, 2002

Numerous thunderstorms with high winds, large hail, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours moved through the region between 2 and 8 PM EDT. In Nelson County, trees were downed in Arrington and Piedmont. Flood waters covered Route 56 in Shipman.

Injuries
3
Damage
$2.5 million
Strongest
1.75 in hail
Events
36

The full record

2003Flash Flooding and Hail in Illinois, August 3, 2003

Severe thunderstorms formed over parts of the Chicago metro area during the early afternoon of August 3rd. The storms produced hail up to the size of golf balls and also produced very heavy rain and flooding.

Injuries
1
Damage
$1.5 million
Strongest
1.75 in hail
Events
18

The full record

2004Flash Flooding and Hail in Wisconsin, August 3, 2004

Clusters of severe thunderstorms moved southeast through south-central and southeast Wisconsin, resulting in damaging straight line winds that toppled large trees, very large damaging hail, and heavy rains that led to flash flooding.

Damage
$10 million
Strongest
3 in hail
Events
22

The full record

2007Flood and Hail in New York, August 3, 2007

Showers and thunderstorms developed across upstate New York and northeast Pennsylvania ahead of a slow moving cold front that extended from southern Ontario to lower Michigan.

Injuries
1
Damage
$76,000
Strongest
2.5 in hail
Events
63

The full record

2011Flash Flood and Hail in Alabama, August 3 to 4, 2011

A series of severe thunderstorms produced widespread wind damage. One of the storms knocked a tree down onto a mobile home, killing one occupant. Wind speeds up to 110 mph knocked a series of power poles down as well.

Deaths
1
Damage
$1.3 million
Strongest
1.75 in hail
Events
21

The full record

2014Flash Flooding in New York, August 3, 2014

A persistent upper level low pressure system across northern New York and southern Canada combined with moist and unstable air to produce periods of slow moving showers and thunderstorms with torrential downpours.

Damage
$645,000
Events
10

The full record

2017Flash Flood and Hail in New Mexico, August 3, 2017

The center of upper level high pressure shifted west into southwest New Mexico the first few days of August 2017. This allowed stronger northwest flow aloft to develop over eastern New Mexico with very moist and unstable southeast low level flow.

Damage
$5.8 million
Strongest
1 in hail
Events
8

The full record

2020Flash Flooding and Hail in Georgia, August 3, 2020

Widespread thunderstorms along and ahead of a stationary front across north and central Georgia resulted in scattered severe thunderstorms with numerous reports of damaging thunderstorm winds and several reports of large hail.

Damage
$1.1 million
Strongest
2.5 in hail
Events
22

The full record

20232023 Slovenia floods

In August 2023, major floods occurred in large part of Slovenia and neighbouring areas of Austria and Croatia due to heavy rain. Amongst others, the level of rivers Sava, Mur and Drava was exceptionally high.

Ended
August 23, 2023
Where
Carinthia
Countries
Austria, Slovenia, Croatia
Deaths
7

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

2023August 2023 Mid-South U.S. floods

Floods in the United States (2000–present) is a list of flood events which were of significant impact to the country during the 21st century, since 2000. Floods are generally caused by excessive rainfall, excessive snowmelt, storm surge from hurricanes, and dam failure.

Ended
August 4, 2023
Where
Tennessee
Country
United States

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

Severe storms

32 on August 3, oldest first.

1978Thunderstorms do not have to be severe to be dangerous, as was proved on August 3, 1978

Thunderstorms do not have to be severe to be dangerous, as was proved on August 3, 1978. On that day, lightning struck an oil storage tank just west of Orlando, in northern Logan County. The tank literally blew its top as the partially filled tank caught fire. The resulting explosion sent flames 200 feet in the air, and caught a nearby oil tank on fire.

From the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma.

The full record

1995Hail and Damaging Wind in Nebraska, August 3, 1995

Wind driven hail and strong thunderstorm winds caused damage to crops, homes, and out-buildings, and power lines. 83,000 acres of corn, sunflowers, beans, and cane were damaged. Twenty farm buildings were damaged with an estimated cost of $150 thousand.

Damage
$1.5 million
Strongest
1.75 in hail
Events
5

The full record

1995Hail and Damaging Winds in New York, August 3, 1995

Severe thunderstorms crossed the area resulting in fallen trees and power lines, nearly continuous lightning and record rainfall. In Monroe County, traffic was disrupted by flash flooding caused by over two inches of rain in a very short time.

Damage
$279,000
Strongest
1 in hail
Events
44

The full record

1997Hail and Damaging Winds in Iowa, August 3, 1997

A line of severe thunderstorms brought widespread damaging winds and heavy rains. 46,000 electrical customers in the Quad Cities area were left without power due to widespread downed power lines.

Injuries
3
Damage
$210,000
Strongest
1.75 in hail
Events
11

The full record

2002Hail and Damaging Winds in Maryland, August 3, 2002

Several thunderstorms with high winds, large hail, and frequent lightning moved through western and central Maryland between 2 and 6 PM EDT. In Allegany County, a few trees and power lines were downed in Cumberland. Pea sized hail was also reported.

Deaths
1
Injuries
2
Damage
$562,000
Strongest
1 in hail
Events
14

The full record

2002Damaging Wind in District of Columbia, August 3, 2002

A thunderstorm with high winds moved through the District around 4:30 PM EDT. Several trees were downed in the southeast portion of the city. One large tree was downed onto a van carrying three people at the intersection of 17th and E streets SE.

Deaths
1
Injuries
2
Damage
$30,000
Events
1

The full record

2004Damaging Wind in Minnesota, August 3, 2004

Thunderstorm winds destroyed a grain elevator and several grain bins. The winds also damaged roofs and siding on several homes and businesses. There was widespread tree damage including several trees blown down.

Damage
$1.0 million
Strongest
69 kt wind
Events
1

The full record

2004Damaging Wind in Minnesota, August 3, 2004

Thunderstorm winds blew parts of the roofs off a junior high school building and an apartment building, and overturned a semi truck. The winds caused widespread tree damage, including several large trees uprooted or blown down.

Damage
$1.0 million
Strongest
69 kt wind
Events
1

The full record

2005Hail and Damaging Wind in Nebraska, August 3, 2005

Severe thunderstorms in Valley County produced hail and strong winds. The wind, just southwest of Ord, was strong enough to damage corn and soybeans, and flip over a center pivot irrigation system while pushing another one about 20 yards.

Damage
$6.2 million
Strongest
2.25 in hail
Events
4

The full record

2011Severe thunderstorm downburst winds produced damage across southwest parts of Oklahoma City during the evening of…

Severe thunderstorm downburst winds produced damage across southwest parts of Oklahoma City during the evening of August 3rd, 2011. Numerous commercial buildings suffered at least minor roof damage, with some significant damage in and near Stockyard City. Numerous power poles were also blown down, resulting in power outages for over 1700 electric customers. Damaging wind gusts were also seen with thunderstorms up around Alva, Freedom, and Woodward.

From the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma.

The full record

2015Hail and Damaging Winds in New Hampshire, August 3, 2015

A pre-frontal trough ahead of an approaching cold front was the focus for severe convection on the afternoon of August 3rd. Moderate CAPES and low-level moisture combined with increasing mid-level flow to produced numerous severe cells most of which produced wind damage.

Deaths
2
Injuries
32
Strongest
1 in hail
Events
21

The full record

2016Strong Wind in Idaho, August 3, 2016

A 37 year old woman and her 11 year daughter died in accidents near Fish Haven on Bear Lake. Winds allegedly played a factor in causing flotation devices to drift from shore. Highest recorded wind speeds at the Bear Lake airport near the time of accident were 29 mph.

Deaths
2
Events
1

The full record

2017Hail and Damaging Winds in Indiana, August 3 to 4, 2017

An unstable, but poorly sheared environment allowed for several rounds of showers and thunderstorms from mid afternoon on the 3rd into the overnight hours of the 4th. Isolated wind damage occurred in a few locations, mainly to older or rotten trees.

Deaths
1
Strongest
50 kt wind
Events
4

The full record

2023Damaging Winds in Georgia, August 3, 2023

Remnants of thunderstorms in Tennessee moved into North Georgia in the early afternoon hours of the 3rd. Meanwhile, daytime heating across Central Georgia helped to destabilize the moist airmass in place.

Damage
$125,000
Strongest
61 kt wind
Events
54

The full record

2024Damaging Winds in Virginia, August 3, 2024

Several bands of thunderstorms produced numerous instances of wind damage from the eastern West Virginia panhandle eastward across northern and central Maryland into northern Virginia, including the DC and Baltimore metro areas.

Damage
$582,000
Strongest
65 kt wind
Events
32

The full record

2024Damaging Winds in Maryland, August 3, 2024

Several bands of thunderstorms produced numerous instances of wind damage from the eastern West Virginia panhandle eastward across northern and central Maryland into northern Virginia, including the DC and Baltimore metro areas.

Damage
$429,000
Strongest
61 kt wind
Events
22

The full record

Heat and drought

16 on August 3, oldest first.

1998Heat in Texas, August 3 to 13, 1998

A prolonged excessive heat event continued across portions of North Texas in August. A 67 year old woman was found in her home on 08/03/98. The cause of death was determined to be hyperthermia and high blood pressure.A 44 year old man was found on a Dallas Street on 08/04/98.

Deaths
5
Events
1

The full record

2010Heat in Nevada, August 3 to 6, 2010

Three people died of heat-related causes - two in the Las Vegas Valley, and one in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Temperatures were below locally defined Excessive Heat Warning criteria.

Deaths
3
Events
2

The full record

2010Excessive Heat in Kentucky, August 3 to 4, 2010

Excessively high heat indices were recorded in the late morning and afternoon hours of both the 3rd and 4th. On the 3rd, the heat index peaked at 115 degrees at the Paducah airport, 118 at the Owensboro airport, and 112 degrees at the Fort Campbell airfield near Hopkinsville.

Deaths
1
Events
22

The full record

2011Excessive Heat in Tennessee, August 3 to 7, 2011

A strong upper ridge of high pressure moved over the Mid-South during the beginning of August. As a result...very hot temperatures with readings near 100 degrees combined with humid conditions to produce dangerous heat indices between 110 to 120 degrees.

Deaths
3
Events
21

The full record

2011Excessive Heat in Louisiana, August 3, 2011

Excessive heat across Northwest Louisiana the afternoon of August 3rd resulted in a heat related death in Bossier Parish. Afternoon temperatures were near 109 degrees |Wednesday afternoon near Elm Grove where an elderly man was found dead in his home on Fariview Point Road.

Deaths
1
Events
1

The full record

2012On this day in 2012, it could be argued that it was the hottest day of record for Oklahoma City

On this day in 2012, it could be argued that it was the hottest day of record for Oklahoma City. The morning low temperature was a very warm 84 degrees, which set the record for the warmest overnight low on record for the city. In addition, the daytime high temperature was 113, which tied the all-time record high temperature, tying the date of August 11, 1936.

From the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma.

The full record

2012Heat in Alabama, August 3, 2012

As is typical along the Central Gulf Coast Region for early August, on this day late morning and afternoon temperatures were in the middle 90s with heat index readings climbing to around 105.

Deaths
1
Events
1

The full record

2015Heat in Kansas, August 3, 2015

While conditions were not particularly hot, they were slightly above average for the mid to late summer. A 15 year old boy was out riding his bike near Osawatomie when he complained to his friend of being too hot, so he turned around to go home.

Deaths
1
Events
1

The full record

2025Heat in California, August 3, 2025

A 15 month old child was left in a hot car which resulted in a fatality. Temperatures were in the low 80s to near 90 around Grass Valley with nearby max temperatures at a CWOP observation (K9JM Grass Valley) reporting at 89 degrees on Saturday and 86 degrees on Sunday.

Deaths
1
Events
1

The full record

Cold

1 on August 3, oldest first.

2024Cold in California, August 3 to 6, 2024

Two bodies were recovered over an early August weekend due to cold-water drownings. The first was found on 8/3 in the American River at the Clay Banks near Rancho Cordova. A man in his 30s went underwater and never resurfaced. He was not wearing a life jacket.

Deaths
3
Events
3

The full record

Wildfires

47 on August 3, oldest first.

1986Juniper Fire

The Juniper Fire started on August 3, 1986, in Idaho, and burned 11,889 acres.

When
August 3, 1986
Acres
11,889

The full record

1992Sagehen Fire

The Sagehen Fire was discovered on August 3, 1992, in Idaho, and burned 39,562 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 1992
Acres
39,562

The full record

1992Haystack Fire

The Haystack Fire was discovered on August 3, 1992, in Klickitat County, Washington, and burned 24,400 acres; the cause was recorded as smoking.

When
August 3, 1992
Acres
24,400

The full record

1992Potter Butte Fire

The Potter Butte Fire was discovered on August 3, 1992, in Idaho, and burned 19,225 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 1992
Acres
19,225

The full record

1992East Evans Fire

The East Evans Fire was discovered on August 3, 1992, in Oregon, and burned 10,135 acres; the cause was recorded as equipment and vehicle use.

When
August 3, 1992
Acres
10,135

The full record

1992Great Rift Fire

The Great Rift Fire was discovered on August 3, 1992, in Idaho, and burned 9,819 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 1992
Acres
9,819

The full record

1994Ck Creek Fire

The Ck Creek Fire was discovered on August 3, 1994, in Montana, and burned 11,067 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 1994
Acres
11,067

The full record

1996Opinion Fire

The Opinion Fire was discovered on August 3, 1996, in Colorado, and burned 13,775 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 1996
Acres
13,775

The full record

1996Quincy Fire

The Quincy Fire was discovered on August 3, 1996, in Washington, and burned 8,450 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 1996
Acres
8,450

The full record

1999Mule Butte Fire

The Mule Butte Fire was discovered on August 3, 1999, in Blaine County, Idaho, and burned 132,208 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 1999
Acres
132,208

The full record

2000White Mule Fire

The White Mule Fire was discovered on August 3, 2000, in Malheur County, Oregon, and burned 19,118 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2000
Acres
19,117.5

The full record

2000Mcdonald Creek Fire

The Mcdonald Creek Fire was discovered on August 3, 2000, in Elko County, Nevada, and burned 10,394 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2000
Acres
10,394

The full record

2000Abert Fire

The Abert Fire was discovered on August 3, 2000, in Lake County, Oregon, and burned 10,121 acres; the cause was recorded as equipment and vehicle use.

When
August 3, 2000
Acres
10,121

The full record

2001Stag Fire

The Stag Fire was discovered on August 3, 2001, in Elko County, Nevada, and burned 19,578 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2001
Acres
19,578

The full record

2002Unnamed Fire

The Unnamed Fire started on August 3, 2002, in Nebraska, and burned 15,971 acres.

When
August 3, 2002
Acres
15,971

The full record

2006White Owl Fire

The White Owl Fire was discovered on August 3, 2006, in South Dakota, and burned 21,314 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2006
Acres
21,314

The full record

2007Jocko Lakes Fire

The Jocko Lakes Fire was discovered on August 3, 2007, in Montana, and burned 36,388 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2007
Acres
36,388

The full record

2007Sleeper Lake Fire

The Sleeper Lake Fire was discovered on August 3, 2007, in Michigan, and burned 19,800 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2007
Acres
19,800

The full record

2007Unnamed Fire

The Unnamed Fire was discovered on August 3, 2007, in Sherman County, Oregon, and burned 15,591 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
August 3, 2007
Acres
15,591

The full record

2009Hardluck Creek Fire

The Hardluck Creek Fire was discovered on August 3, 2009, in Alaska, and burned 12,834 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
August 3, 2009
Acres
12,834

The full record

2011New Water Fire

The New Water Fire was discovered on August 3, 2011, in Arizona, and burned 9,795 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2011
Acres
9,795

The full record

2012Wildfire in Oklahoma, August 3 to 8, 2012

Very hot temperatures, low relative humidity, very dry fuels, and gusty wind resulted in the spread of two large wildfires in Creek County. One of the fires burned 58,500 acres near Mannford and the other burned about 6500 acres near Drumright.

Damage
$55 million
Events
1

The full record

2012Trinity Ridge Fire

The Trinity Ridge Fire was discovered on August 3, 2012, in Elmore County, Idaho, and burned 146,832 acres; the cause was recorded as equipment and vehicle use.

When
August 3, 2012
Acres
146,832

The full record

2012Noble Fire

The Noble Fire was discovered on August 3, 2012, in Oklahoma, and burned 8,954 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
August 3, 2012
Acres
8,954

The full record

2014July Complex

The July Complex was reported on August 3, 2014, in Siskiyou County, California, and burned 50,042 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2014
Acres
50,042

The full record

2014Devils Elbow Complex

The Devils Elbow Complex was reported on August 3, 2014, in Ferry County, Washington, and burned 26,629 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2014
Acres
26,629.4

The full record

2014Deadhorse Fire

The Deadhorse Fire was reported on August 3, 2014, in Ferry County, Washington, and burned 17,460 acres.

When
August 3, 2014
Acres
17,459.6

The full record

2014Johnson Bar Fire

The Johnson Bar Fire was reported on August 3, 2014, in Idaho County, Idaho, and burned 16,278 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2014
Acres
16,278

The full record

2015Dodge Fire

The Dodge Fire was reported on August 3, 2015, in Lassen County, California, and burned 10,570 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
August 3, 2015
Acres
10,570

The full record

2016Broad Mouth Fire

The Broad Mouth Fire was reported on August 3, 2016, in Box Elder County, Utah, and burned 20,619 acres.

When
August 3, 2016
Acres
20,619

The full record

2018Goring Fire

The Goring Fire was reported on August 3, 2018, in Box Elder County, Utah, and burned 15,046 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2018
Acres
15,046

The full record

2020Wildfire in California, August 3 to 17, 2020

The Stagecoach fire began 8/3/2020, 9 miles south of Lake Isabella near the town of Havilah. The cause was under investigation. The fire grew rapidly thee first 3 days, then growth slowed and it reached 7.760 acres. No growth was seen after 8/9.

Deaths
1
Events
1

The full record

2021Devils Knob Complex

The Devils Knob Complex was reported on August 3, 2021, in Douglas County, Oregon, and burned 70,110 acres.

When
August 3, 2021
Acres
70,110.1

The full record

2021Whitmore Fire

The Whitmore Fire was reported on August 3, 2021, in Okanogan County, Washington, and burned 58,234 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2021
Acres
58,234

The full record

2021Bull Complex

The Bull Complex was reported on August 3, 2021, in Marion County, Oregon, and burned 24,894 acres.

When
August 3, 2021
Acres
24,894

The full record

2021Walker Creek Fire

The Walker Creek Fire was reported on August 3, 2021, in Okanogan County, Washington, and burned 23,733 acres; the cause was recorded as human.

When
August 3, 2021
Acres
23,733

The full record

2021Black Butte Fire

The Black Butte Fire was reported on August 3, 2021, in Grant County, Oregon, and burned 22,445 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2021
Acres
22,445

The full record

2024Coffee Pot Fire

The 2024 Coffee Pot Fire was a large wildfire in Tulare County, California. It began on August 3, and was contained on December 16.

Ended
December 16, 2024
Where
United States
Country
United States

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

2024Skeleton Fire

The Skeleton Fire was reported on August 3, 2024, in Yavapai County, Arizona, and burned 24,034 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2024
Acres
24,034

The full record

2024Coffee Pot Fire

The Coffee Pot Fire was reported on August 3, 2024, in Tulare County, California, and burned 14,104 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2024
Acres
14,104

The full record

2025Bronco Fire

The Bronco Fire was reported on August 3, 2025, in Gila County, Arizona, and burned 18,041 acres; the cause was recorded as natural.

When
August 3, 2025
Acres
18,041

The full record

2026Gann Fire

The Gann Fire was reported on August 3, 2026, in Calaveras County, California, and burned 10,339 acres.

When
August 3, 2026
Acres
10,339

The full record

Earthquakes

16 on August 3, oldest first.

1361August 3, 1361 Earthquake in Nankaido, Japan

A magnitude 8.4 earthquake struck Nankaido, Japan. With the tsunami it caused, it killed 660 people, destroyed 1,700 houses and did extreme (about $25 million or more) damage.

When
August 3, 1361
Magnitude
8.4
Deaths
660
Where
Nankaido, Japan

The full record

13611361 Shōhei earthquake

The 1361 Shōhei earthquake was a major earthquake that occurred on 3 August 1361 in Japan. It is believed that this earthquake was one of the Nankai earthquakes.

Where
Japan
Country
Japan

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

20142014 Ludian earthquake

2 on 3 August. The earthquake killed at least 615 people, injuring at least 2,400 others.

Where
Ludian County
Country
People's Republic of China
Magnitude
6.5
Deaths
617

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

Volcanoes

5 on August 3, oldest first.

20222022 Fagradalsfjall eruption

Fagradalsfjall is an active tuya volcano formed in the Last Glacial Period on the Reykjanes Peninsula, around 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Reykjavík, Iceland. Fagradalsfjall is also the name for the wider volcanic system covering an area 5 kilometres (3 mi) wide and 16 kilometres (10 mi) long between the Eldvörp–Svartsengi and Krýsuvík systems.

Ended
August 21, 2022
Where
Fagradalsfjall
Country
Iceland

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The full record

Tsunamis

5 on August 3, oldest first.

1361August 3, 1361 Tsunami at Nankaido, Japan

A tsunami caused by a magnitude 8.4 earthquake struck Nankaido, Japan. It killed 660 people, destroyed 1,700 houses and did extreme (about $25 million or more) damage.

When
August 3, 1361
Magnitude
8.4
Deaths
660
Where
Nankaido, Japan

The full record

2007August 3, 2007 Tsunami at Mostaganem, Algeria

A tsunami with a source recorded as meteorological struck Mostaganem, Algeria, with a maximum water height of 7 meters. It killed 12 people and did severe (about $5 to $25 million) damage.

When
August 3, 2007
Water height
7 m
Deaths
12
Where
Mostaganem, Algeria

The full record

Space weather and aurora

2 on August 3, oldest first.

Billion-dollar disasters

1 on August 3, oldest first.

2020Hurricane Isaias (August 2020)

A tropical cyclone disaster that cost $5.8 billion in 2024 dollars and killed 16, on NOAA’s billion-dollar list. It lasted from August 3, 2020 to August 4, 2020.

Losses (2024 dollars)
$5.8 billion
Kind
Tropical Cyclone
Deaths
16

The full record

Other weather

17 on August 3, oldest first.

1999Lightning Strikes in Washington, August 3, 1999

Over 1000 lightning strikes were recorded in a four hour period. One man was struck by lightning while standing under a tree, and another man while standing in water next to his boat. At its peak the storm knocked out power to about 20,000 customers.

Injuries
2
Damage
$650,000
Events
3

The full record

2006Lightning Strike in Florida, August 3, 2006

Lightning sparked a fire that completely destroyed a 6,000 square feet winery warehouse. About 27,000 wine bottles with a value of $500,000 and stored in a large walk-in cooler were destroyed. Heavy machinery and a wine tasting area were also destroyed.

Damage
$1.1 million
Events
1

The full record

2007Lightning Strikes in New Jersey, August 3, 2007

A cold front that was approaching northern New Jersey from the Saint Lawrence Valley initiated thunderstorms northwest of the state. These storms caused lightning damage as they moved through Somerset County late in the evening on the 3rd.

Injuries
1
Damage
$550,000
Events
2

The full record

2008Rip Current in Florida, August 3, 2008

A 56 year old male out of town visitor from Louisiana drowned in rough surf associated with Tropical Storm Edouard near Perdido Key. He was attempting to help another person that was in trouble when he drowned.

Deaths
1
Events
1

The full record

2009Rip Currents in New York, August 3, 2009

Persistent onshore wind flow and long period swells produced dangerous rip currents at area beaches. These strong rip currents caused a young man's death off Jacob Riis Park in Queens and another man's death off Jones Beach in Nassau County.

Deaths
2
Events
2

The full record

2020Rip Current in Illinois, August 3, 2020

A 15 year old boy went swimming with friends in Lake Michigan near Diversey Harbor. The boy was swept away from shore by high waves and went missing. His body was recovered several days later. Waves at the Wilmette buoy were around 7 feet.

Deaths
1
Events
1

The full record

Every day of the year

Sources

Gathered from this site’s archives: the tornado record (NOAA SPC, and Grazulis before 1950), IBTrACS and the National Hurricane Center, NOAA NCEI’s Storm Events Database, Regional Snowfall Index, billion-dollar disasters list, State Climate Extremes Committee and hazard databases, USGS, NIFC, GFZ Potsdam’s Kp index (CC BY 4.0), the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, and Wikidata (CC0), with article leads from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0, each credited where it appears. Rebuilt 2026-09-24.