Taban Sharifi grew up in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego. She is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) with the American Meteorological Society (AMS). She has a B.S. in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Environmental Sciences with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Go Bruins! While in school, Taban was a meteorology intern with NBC LA. There she helped forecast daily weather for the greater Los Angeles region and created a playbook to deploy weather sensors for NBC owned-and-operated stations across the country. Her first on-air job took her to San Angelo, Texas, where she was a morning meteorologist and co-anchor. Working in West Texas gave her knowledge and experience covering severe storms. From there, she moved to Palm Springs, California. People think forecasting in California is sunshine all the time, but with temperatures in the 120’s, wildfires, damaging winds, floodings, and earthquakes, the forecasting kept her very busy! She also worked there as a general assignment reporter and told community stories. Taban is excited for the challenge and opportunity to forecast nationally with WeatherNation. She also looks forward to exploring all that Colorado has to offer!

Taban Sharifi

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The effects of El Niño are being felt along the West Coast. Everything from unusual marine life, warmer ocean temperatures and storms that can accelerate coastal erosion. The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has declared a state of emergency for the potential of this historic El Nino season. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2102087880307011690" src="https://x.com/CAgovernor/status/2102087880307011690"></div>There's another piece of the El Niño puzzle scientists are watching closely, a Kelvin wave moving through the Pacific. These waves can change sea levels and ocean conditions along the coast. Meteorologist Taban Sharifi spoke with Dr. Michael Jacox, a research oceanographer with NOAA, to better understand what these waves are and what they could mean for the West Coast during this El Nino. <div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6COLBbZxgE" start="0"></iframe></div><h3 style="text-align: start">What is a Kelvin wave?</h3>These waves are very different from the waves we think about crashing on the beach. These waves originate off the equator.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 161553-1790115735795.png">“They are very long and they travel huge distances,” said Jacox. These waves are important in the formation of El Niño. Jacox said, “The movement of these waves helps to transmit heat from west to east.”Jacox said, “These waves themselves, it’s not like a tsunami or something that you’re going to see this big wave come in and wash over your balcony. When they come through, they can raise sea level by 6 to 12 inches. So then when you have really high tides, you have storm surge, you have these other effects, they’re happening on top of this extra 6 to 12 inches of sea level. This is sort of one ingredient in the recipe that amplifies the risk from those other factors.”The biggest impacts will come around high tides and ongoing storms, increasing the risk of sea level rise and flooding. This current Kelvin wave is expected to be near San Diego in early to mid-October. You won’t be able to see it with the naked eye, but it will be detectable through ocean measurements.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2100404373692240294" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2100404373692240294"></div>Jacox wants people to know that Kelvin waves are not new. Scientists have known about Kelvin waves for 150 years. “The Kelvin waves are one piece of El Niño. El Niño will also change storm tracks, change wind patterns, and things like that. This is one we are able to track better than we have before, and we will be on top of watching it come through,” said Jacox.Stay with WeatherNation through the hurricane season and the rest of the potential effects of El Niño on the West Coast.

Incoming Kelvin Wave for Southern California: One Piece of the El Nino Puzzle

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The desert southwest has had it's fair share of rainy days these last few weeks. However, things are expected to ramp up considerably throughout this week, as an upper-level setup is forecast to ramp up tropical moisture into the region.With this in mind, the National Weather Service has issued flood watches for almost the entire state of New Mexico. These alerts stick around through Wednesday, but we wouldn't be surprise if they're extended. Burn scars will be especially susceptible to mudslides and debris flows.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 121340-1790100824202.png">As for timing, the coverage will be quite widespread by Tuesday afternoon and carry on throughout Wednesday. Much of the week remains on the soggy side for showers and storms.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/0922-1790100957558.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This is rich, tropical moisture inundating these areas. We're expecting heavy totals and high rainfall rates. Because of this, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC), has issued a MODERATE (level 3 out of 4) risk for flash flooding in areas of New Mexico and Texas for today and tomorrow. This means that catastrophic flash flooding is POSSIBLE in the dark green shaded area.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/09221-1790101020139.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>As for totals, some spots can see up to 7" of rain by the time Saturday rolls around. That's a lot to pick up anywhere in the country, but especially dangerous in the desert southwest.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 121610-1790100974532.png">Going forward, it's very important to know the difference between a flash flood warning and a flash flood emergency. Doing so will get you better prepared for flood events.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 100158-1790085766480.png">Make sure to keep alerts on through this week, and have multiple ways to get them. Also, stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest. We'll have your full western U.S. breakdown and :50 past the hour.

Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

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Looking ahead, the forecast alludes to a strengthening offshore low in the northeast late in the week. A setup we're all too familiar with. Models are still showing some disagreement. The exact position of the low will determine how much rainfall is seen for the northeast. Regardless, coastal impacts are to be expected. Coastal Flood Watches and Advisories are in effect through Friday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 121114-1790100678330.png">There are also 3-7 day hazards outlooks in place for heavy rainfall and strong winds as this low approaches late-week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 121109-1790100705807.png">With these kinds of setups, gusty winds are of utmost concern. We could see potential 40 mph gusts or higher along the coastline through the end of the week!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 121225-1790100754198.png">Rainfall totals are also expected to be higher along the coast as well. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 121252-1790100776848.png">We spoke to Eric Hoeflich, Meteorologist, NWS Mt. Holly. Here are some of the impacts we are currently expecting.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/SOT_TRT_1.00_LARGE COASTAL IMPACTS AND GIANT WAVES_NWS MT. HOLLY_ERIC HOEFLICH_BD_E092126-1790039480469.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>There's still a way to go in the forecast. Make sure to stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest!

Coastal Low Expected to Impact Northeast Late Week

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Kevin Schneider

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The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active so far this hurricane season, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Right now, Hurricane Polo is churning southwest of Mexico (above). Meanwhile, the Atlantic remains mostly quiet, as record wind shear continues to tear apart tropical waves moving off Africa. In fact, there is now a new record for the year since there has not been a hurricane formation. This is the first time in 60 years the Atlantic Basin has not seen a hurricane since the satellite era in 1966.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 074149-1790084525643.png">Pacific Basin</h1>Several systems are being monitored in the Pacific, with some impacts to land possible this week. Odalys formed Sunday morning, and there is now Hurricane Polo to the south of Mexico. There are two other areas of medium and high chance for tropical development in the next week ahead.<h3>Polo</h3>Hurricane Polo became yet another category 5 hurricane Tuesday morning after undergoing extremely rapid intensification. Shortly after formation late Sunday night, it added 115 mph to its sustained wind speed by Tuesday morning. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 074129-1790084646568.png">Even though Polo is a monster lurking off the coast, direct impacts will likely not be felt, with just a slim chance that even the tropical storm force winds reach onshore. However, periodic heavy rain and angry seas will affect the southern Mexican beaches over the next few days. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 074320-1790084768473.png"><h3>Odalys</h3>This cyclone has struggled to strengthen much since its formation. That will be a theme of its lifespan, as it ultimately succumbs to a stronger cyclone this weekend in Polo. Watch how the European model has this all playing out into next week...<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-22 07-49-22-1790084993608.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Atlantic Basin</h1>Tropical Storm Fay will slowly drift in the open Atlantic before turning back to the southwest and moving away from the Azores. This system won't directly affect landmasses but could send some waves to the Azores or Canary Islands in the coming days. There is a new area of low potential for tropical development.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-21 190457-1790039103904.png"><h1>El Niño Fueling Pacific Activity</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075045-1790085064967.png">The surge in tropical activity comes as El Niño continues to strengthen across the equatorial Pacific. El Niño is characterized by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures across portions of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Those unusually warm waters can influence weather patterns around the globe while also creating an environment that can favor tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-16 073748-1789565873978.png">This year’s El Nino has already strengthened considerably, and forecasts indicate it could become exceptionally strong later this year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-12 063433-1789216512410.png">

Hurricane Polo Rapidly Intensifying in the Pacific

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<h2>WHAT TO EXPECT</h2>Record rainfall fell this weekend across the Ohio River Valley and the Mid-Atlantic. On Monday, Ohio tacked on almost 4 more inches in spots. More rainfall is on the way, continuing the risk of flooding. Because of this risk, flood watches remain in place over the next few days across OH, PA, and WV for additional rainfall.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075632-1790085405907.png">Storms &amp; Timing</h2>A frontal boundary will continue to linger, bringing more rain, with heavy rain embedded in some of the storms that develop. Rounds of rain will continue to develop through Wednesday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-22 07-58-32-1790085533334.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>RAINFALL TOTALS</h2>While heavy rain will be possible in some spots the next few days, at least the bulls eye is moving. The heftiest totals look to come down in Virginia down to parts of the Carolinas through Wednesday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075700-1790085436091.png">

More Flooding Concerns Out East

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Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

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<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1>Severe storms developed Monday afternoon and evening as a surface cold front combined with instability. More storms will redevelop along this boundary this afternoon, capable of damaging winds and some small hail again.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-22 075949-1790085612308.png"><h1>TIMING</h1>As a front continues to linger more storms will continue. Things will taper off overnight, but more storms will pick up again on Wednesday afternoon.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-22 08-02-33-1790085774602.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Raleigh will potentially see some of the heaviest rainfall, with multiple inches possible. That could add a flooding concern onto a damaging wind threat today.

Severe Threat Continues In The Southeast

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Severe storms and heavy rain have been targeting the Rockies since Thursday, when large hail began battering portions of Utah and Idaho. Two tornadoes were even captured on video in Utah on Friday, including the mountainside twister you see below!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/TORNADOINFRUITHEIGHTSUT-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter-1789822080945.gif"><h1></h1><h1>Severe Storms &amp; Timing</h1>Overnight, we have a severe threat in place for portions of CO, KS and OK. Storms fired up today, bringing damaging winds and hail. Any storms that stick around into the overnight hours can see damaging winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado or two will be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/sssa-1789954285946.png">A few storms will linger in the overnight hours, with some heavy rain possible embedded in the storms.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/overnightss-1789954388198.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Storms Continue to Pummel the Rockies

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Wild developments have surfaced from the state of California after local authorities arrested a man believed to be tied to the Park Fire. He pushed a burning car into a ditch, that started the blaze on Wednesday, July 24. The day it started, it grew over 124,000 acres with little containment. Now, the fire is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/24/park-fire">burning more than 399k acres</a>. The fire is burning across Butte and Tehama County, north of Chico. According to CalFire, the fire continues to burn very actively in steep terrain, which has made it difficult to access for firefighters.Related article: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Wildfire%20Smoke%20Impacting%20Air%20Quality%20Across%20the%20West,%20Central%20U.S.">Wildfire Smoke Impacting Air Quality Across the West, Central U.S.</a><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/08/1-1722656433076.png">The map below shows the Park Fire's recent activity which started after a burning car was pushed into a gully. On Wednesday, it was sparked and began moving to the north of Chico (red). Then Thursday (dark orange) it burned to the north. Friday (orange) the fire burned to the east and northwest. Saturday (light orange), the fire burned toward CA Highway 44. Then on Sunday and Monday (mustard to light yellow), more flames engulfed Highway 44 and reached farther east into the Plumas National Forest. Tuesday (lightest yellow) headed towards Mineral and Prattville.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/08/1-1722626545687.png">Within the first five days, the Park Fire grew to become one of California's largest wildfires on record. On Friday, August 2nd it surpassed 399,000 acres, making it the 4th largest wildfire in California state history. The largest wildfire (or group of fires) was the August Lightning Complex fires in northern California in 2020, when more than a million acres of land was scorched.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/08/1-1722626651028.png">We're entering the hottest time of the year in this part of the country, which could continue drying vegetation and making it conducive for fire starts. Prevent future fires by obeying burn bans, avoiding anything that sparks, and properly disposing of anything lit on fire. We will continue to update you on this developing story.