<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #454545;">Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a></span></p>

Rob Bradley

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<p>After a slow start to the season tropical activity in the Atlantic is picking up and will likely continue to do so through the end of August. Erin is likely to be the first hurricane of the season by Friday as it moves northwest. In the Southern Gulf, we are keeping a close on an area of low pressure heading to NE Mexico and Texas!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-15 052223-1755256964804.png"></p><h1>Erin</h1><p>Tropical Storm Erin is moving westward across the Atlantic and is expected to strengthen to a major hurricane over the weekend as it moves away from drier air and into warmer waters. Erin is projected to come close to the Leeward Islands Friday into Saturday. The Northeast Caribbean is now under Tropical Storm Watches. This is based on the latest forecast track, so if there area any changes to the track we will see more areas added to the alerts.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-15 052649-1755257219162.png"><br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-15 052704-1755257245132.png"></p><h2><strong>Steering Factors</strong></h2><p>Erin is forecasted to track westward, then take a curve to the north. The strength of the ridge of high pressure over the Atlantic will determine when Erin takes this turn northward. While the vast majority of models keep Erin off the East Coast, it's still too early to say with complete confidence.</p><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-15 052712-1755257253231.png">Impacts - Rip Currents / Big Waves</h2><p>The strongest winds from Erin are likely to miss the Leeward Islands and Greater Antilles to the north, but if Erin is a major hurricane it's tropical storm wind field could expand to include areas like Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-15 052745-1755257271664.png">The certain impact will be increasing wave heights and dangerous currents from the Caribbean this weekend to the U.S. Atlantic Coast next week. Beach goers on the East Coast next week should be very cautious going into the water.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/2025-08-15 05-34-04-1755257703829.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Gulf Low Pressure</h1><p>The National Hurricane Center is also watching an area of low pressure moving through the western Gulf. The low is poorly organized and won't have much time to gain strength before it moves inland over Mexico/southern Texas on Friday. Heavy rain could spark isolated flooding issues on Friday in Texas. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-15 053516-1755257734541.png"></p><p><em>RELATED ARTICLE: </em><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/csu-issues-final-2025-atlantic-hurricane-season-forecast"><strong><em>CSU, NOAA UPDATE Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast</em></strong></a></p><p>Tropical activity in the Atlantic has been off to a slow start the 2025 season. Before Dexter formed, Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) in the Atlantic was less than 15% of normal. Dexter more than doubled this stat, but it's still less than 30% of a typical year, even though we may be ahead of schedule when it comes to named storms. That being said, the bulk of seasonal activity is still ahead of us, with 88% of the annual energy occurring after the first week of August.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-14 054732-1755172059923.png"><br>Stay with WeatherNation for the latest tropical updates.</p>

Tropics: Erin Forecast to Become a Hurricane

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<p>The summer pattern across the Midwest has yet to break, with several more days of ridge riding storms in the forecast! Several troughs moving through Canada will help spur storms across the northern tier of the country as the ride around the ridge of high pressure to the south. This is sometimes known as a "ring of fire" pattern, which can lead to multiple storms moving over the same locations, leading to an increased risk for flooding. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-15 070637-1755263217206.png"></p><h2>Severe Weather Outlooks</h2><p>Scattered severe storms (slight risk) are in the forecast on Friday, with isolated severe storm threats (marginal risks) continuing on Saturday and Sunday in similar areas. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-15 070710-1755263517263.png"></p><p>Wind and hail damage are expected to be the main issues from severe storms, but a tornado or two will be possible thanks to increased rotation around the surface low.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-15 070719-1755263531407.png"></p><p>Risk areas remain similar on Saturday and Sunday, with strong storms possible between Montana and Michigan. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-15 070743-1755263510190.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-15 070747-1755263503454.png"></p><h2>Forecast</h2><p>Storms look to initiate in the afternoons, but also potentially overnight. With the threat for overnight storms, be sure to have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts that can wake you up so you can quickly go to your shelter/safe place. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/2025-08-15 07-10-36-1755263476479.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Heavy rain will be an issue with the repeated rounds of severe storms. Through the next few days, rainfall amounts between 3-5" can be found across parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/1-1755225416348.png"></p><p>Elevated flooding potential will start on Friday, persisting in the Upper Mississippi Valley region through the weekend. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/2025-08-15 07-08-06-1755263327949.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Stay with WeatherNation for the latest updates on the forecast. You can always find your full Central Regional Forecast:30 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p>

Rounds of Storms: Northern Plains to the Great Lakes

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t7PjF9VFI2c" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p><em>Title Image Provided By: <span style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85)">NOAA/Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA)</span></em></p><p>The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has recently certified a new "megaflash" as the longest in the world. The flash, which stretched from Eastern Texas to Kansas City, MO occurred in October 2017 during a mesoscale convective system. The flash covered 515 miles across a notorious stormy hot spot within the United States. A distance that would normally take eight or nine hours to drive, was covered in mere seconds. </p><p>The new record surpasses the previous from a 2020 thunderstorm across the Southern United States. So how did a lightning strike from 2017 somehow come out the blue to beat the 2020 record? </p><p>The WMO said this particular flash wasn't identified initially during the 2017 analysis, but was later discovered after re-examination of data.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(15, 23, 42)">“This new record clearly demonstrates the incredible power of the natural environment. Additionally, WMO assessment of environmental extremes such as this lightning distance record testify to the significant scientific progress in observing, documenting and evaluating such events. It is likely that even greater extremes still exist, and that we will be able to observe them as additional high-quality lightning measurements accumulate over time,” said Professor Randall Cerveny, rapporteur of Weather and Climate Extremes for WMO.</span></p><p>You can learn more about other Weather and Climate Extremes through the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wmo.int/site/world-weather-and-climate-extremes-archive">World Meteorological Organizations Archive. </a></p>

The 2017 Megaflash: The World's Longest Lightning

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Meteorologist Jesse Kelley is excited to join the talented staff at Weather Nation. Jesse spent most of his childhood in Birmingham, Alabama. The state of Alabama is prone to seeing various types of weather from severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter weather. For college, Jesse attended the University of South Alabama where he received his degree in Broadcast Meteorology along with minors in Math and Geography. From Alabama, Jesse started his broadcast television working three years at KAVU-TV in Victoria. Recently, he finished a stint in Shreveport, LA. Jesse and his wife are looking forward to making the Rocky Mountains and Colorado home. If you would like to follow me, you can follow me on Twitter @JesseKelleywx and on Facebook at Meteorologist Jesse Kelley.

Jesse Kelley

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<p>The large heat dome in the Southwest has shifted eastward into the Plains. As a result, low pressure from the west and the flow around the high out east is bringing in moisture for monsoon showers and storms. Thursday brought some monsoon storms and more is expected into Friday and the weekend.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/1-1755226260271.png"></p><p>The best chance for showers and storms will come during the afternoon and evening hours. It is possible for a few overnight storms in the Desert Southwest. The main threats for the storms will be some gusty winds and heavy rain.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/New Baron Video 3-1755226520316.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Over the next seven days, we are forecasting about an inch or two of rain in some locations. Some isolated flooding could be possible especially if heavy rain falls over burn scar areas. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/1-1755226828226.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/1-1755226766615.png"></p>

Monsoon Moisture Returns to the Southwest

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<p>Numerous wildfires continue to burn across the Western United States including three "Megafires," or fires burning over 100,000 acres: Lee wildfire, Dragon Bravo wildfire, and Gifford wildfire. In addition to the warm weather and dry fuels, fire spread could be accelerated the next few days with more dry thunderstorms and gusty conditions in the Four Corners.</p><h1>GIFFORD FIRE</h1><p>Burning as California's largest wildfire in 2025, the Gifford Fire has torched over 130k acres. The good news has been the containment numbers in recent days. That has increased to 40% as of Thursday morning.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/VON_081125_RSW_SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, CA_3 OF 3 BEST ONE CLOSE UP VIDEO OF CREWS WORKING THE GIFFORD FIRE_TW_@SBCFIREINFO_MS_E081225-1755015460725.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>LEE FIRE</h1><p>A large fire erupted on the western slope of the Rockies. The Lee Fire has only been burning for a little over a week, but has burned almost as many acres as the Gifford Fire, 123k acres. Most of the poor air quality has been locked up around Grand Junction, fluctuating at times.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/1-1755225737533.png"></p><p></p><h1>DRAGON BRAVO FIRE</h1><p>One of the largest fires in Arizona history, the Dragon Bravo Fire, has continued to smolder along the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon. It has burned more than 144k acres, making it the 7th largest in state history.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1953931727044223408" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/1953931727044223408"></div><p></p><h1></h1><h1>FORECAST</h1><p><strong>Red Flag Warnings</strong> remain in effect through Thursday for some areas. Conditions remain favorable for fires to start and spread.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/1-1755225780507.png"></p><p></p><p>Additionally, lightning will still have the potential to spark more fires. There are isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms possible through Friday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-14 070416-1755176717754.png"></p><p>Stay with WeatherNation for the latest.</p><p></p>

Several Megafires Burning in the West, More Dry T-Storms Possible

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Chris Tomer

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<p>The long-range temperature trend towards the end of August shows higher confidence that temperatures will remain above average. Even this week, temperatures are feeling the summertime heat. But, there's a sharp cold front moving through with a 20 degree temperature drop for parts of the Pacific Northwest.</p><h1>Relief!</h1><p>A sharp cold front delivered cooler air to the PNW on Wednesday. That will drop temperatures substantially from the low 90's in Seattle on Tuesday to the 70's. Another reinforcing shot of cooler air moves in this weekend, but that one has some rain chances with it. I think we'll take it give how the first part of the week was shaping up.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-13 164022-1755124826854.png">Although this front in the Northwest won't bring rain to the region, there will be rain in the forecast later in the week with another incoming system.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/08132-1755125133242.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>In the Southwest, we had a few record highs on Wednesday. A small cooldown is anticipated for the rest of the week. Although for the desert areas, a small cooldown drop highs to near normal which is still above 100 degrees.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/1-1755142014621.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/tomer sw 3 day highs-1755129927501.jpg"></p><h2>Northeast</h2><p>The heat continues (ahead of a cold front) on Wednesday with additional record highs in Maine.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/1-1755142092712.png"></p><p>Temperatures have cooled significantly since Tuesday with some areas 15° cooler compared to the last 24 hours.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-13 164216-1755124976442.png">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest.</p>

Coast to Coast Heat With Some Relief & Storms

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<p>Get a blanket and find some dark skies! One of the most prolific meteor showers of the year will peak during the upcoming week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/TOMER PERSEID-1754872084317.jpg"></p><p>The Perseid Meteor Shower typically reaches a peak during the second week of August as the Earth moves through the debris field left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which makes a trip through the solar system once every 133 years, last visiting the inner-solar system in 1992. Debris left by the comet dives through the Earth's atmosphere to create the beautiful meteor shower we expect. <br><br>2025 isn't expected to be the best year to see the meteors, unfortunately, as the waning gibbous moon will rise in the evening, washing out any faint meteors that may have been seen under a new moon. Ideal conditions can produce 50-100 meteors per hour, but with the brightness from the moon, expect 20-50 under dark skies away from city lights.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-10 052401-1754829026071.png"></p><h2>A Pair of Planets</h2><p>Another fun astronomical event will be gracing the morning skies through much of this week - the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/TOMER PERSIED 2-1754872142561.jpg"></p><p>These planets will appear to be right next to each other in the morning sky, even through they're still millions of miles apart! They will appear closest together Tuesday morning, with only about 1° of separation between them.</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot 2025-08-10 052347-1754829006824.png">WILL THE WEATHER COOPERATE</h1><p>Clouds could hinder many in the east Tuesday night. But many will have a decent shot at seeing the skies.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/08/tomer perseid sat-1755045274886.jpg"></p>

Kevin Schneider

Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week - How to Watch

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Only about 170 miles to the east of Fiji, a magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck early Sunday morning that had many immediately checking for tsunami alerts.

https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1030981701785149441

Fortunately, no tsunami alerts were issued for the nearby islands. According to a statement issued by the National Weather Service Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, small tsunami waves were observed. The agency added that "Persons along coastal areas near the earthquake should be observant and exercise normal caution."

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-95656" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/warning.jpg" alt="" width="1826" height="1035" />

Fortunately this was a very deep earthquake. It had a depth of 350 miles! If it was not as deep, it could have caused a greater tsunami or greater impact to nearby islands.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-95657" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/4-15.jpg" alt="" width="1852" height="1016" />

This earthquake was a magnitude 8.2. According to the chart above, if it hit closer to land and at a more shallow location, it would likely do much greater damage.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-95658" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/3-17.jpg" alt="" width="1827" height="1037" />

If you would like more information about this particular event, or others then click/tap on this link from the USGS below!

<strong><em><a href="https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us1000gcii#executive">https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us1000gcii#executive</a></em></strong>

For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Steve Glazier

Strong Magnitude 8.2 Earthquake Strikes Near Fiji

Tropics: Erin Forecast to Become a Hurricane

After a slow start to the season tropical act

Rounds of Storms: Northern Plains to the Great Lakes

The summer pattern across the Midwest has yet

The 2017 Megaflash: The World's Longest Lightning

Title Image Provided By: NOAA/Cooperative Ins

Monsoon Moisture Returns to the Southwest

The large heat dome in the Southwest has shif

Several Megafires Burning in the West, More Dry T-Storms Possible

Numerous wildfires continue to burn across th

Coast to Coast Heat With Some Relief & Storms

The long-range temperature trend towards the

Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week - How to Watch

Get a blanket and find some dark skies! One o