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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Low-pressure systems have been on a tear recently, tracking relentlessly through the southern tier of the country this week. Stalled frontal boundaries have helped these lows ring out moisture, producing flooding and flash flooding in numerous areas. The parade of storms isn't over, either, as multiple waves of low pressure continue to move through the South into this week. .There are outlooks from the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) for heavy rainfall over the next few days. These outlooks are under level 2 risks, meaning scattered flooding will remain possible through Tuesday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/0524-1779653877032.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Use caution if you are travelling in these hard-hit areas. A good reminder to avoid driving through flooded roadways at all costs. You never know what's under that water.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-19 053417-1779190502548.png">While this rain is leading to flash flooding, it is beneficial for many areas since drought conditions are widespread and intense for many of these locations.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-23 071648-1779542228755.png">

Repeated Rain Raising the Flood Threat

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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>Heavy rain has already hit numerous areas in the Southeast this past week, creating major flash flooding issues in Atlanta. A marginal risk for severe weather remains in place for Sunday and into the overnight hours for portions of GA, AL &amp; FL. Damaging winds and hail will be the primary concern. On Monday, we have another chance of strong-to-severe storms, including in Tallahassee and Atlanta. Once again, damaging winds will be the main concern. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/mondayyaa-1779653951757.png">As the low moves through, scattered showers and storms will continue through the holiday on Monday. Heavy rain will also be a concern as this frontal boundary lingers. Always turn around and never attempt to drive through flood waters. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/ovvv-1779654086424.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Additional heavy rain is expected to increase the potential for flash flooding, in addition to strong storms and severe weather threats. For more on the flood potential, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/repeated-rain-raises-flood-threat-down-south">click here</a>.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-23 073318-1779543220474.png">More rain is expected over the next few days for portions of the south. Mobile, Alabama, will have storms around for Memorial Day, and the storm chances continue into Tuesday and Wednesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/mobile alabama-1779640203804.png">

Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeast

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Karissa is the Director of On-Air Operations at WeatherNation. Karissa grew up loving math and science, but really fell in love with Meteorology while attending the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. After two summers of storm chasing in the central plains, she knew that it was the career path for her. Standing in front of a thunderstorm and feeling the cool outflow knock her over was an experience she will never forget. After two years at COD, she transferred to Metropolitan State University of Denver. Karissa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology. Her high school and college speech and meteorology professors were extremely supportive and pushed her to succeed. Before joining the WeatherNation team, she previously worked as the Morning Meteorologist at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa and at WMBD-TV in Peoria, IL. She recently was part of a National Edward R. Murrow award winning team for breaking news for their coverage of the EF-4 tornado in Washington, Illinois. In her free time, Karissa enjoys cooking and trying new foods. She is a self proclaimed 'TV Junkie' who can get into just about any show. She is a die hard Chicago sports fan who loves attending professional sporting events.

Karissa Klos

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NOAA has released <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-below-normal-2026-atlantic-hurricane-season">their predictions for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season</a>. They are calling for a below normal season with 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes. For probability, they predict a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season. As a reminder, even below average seasons can have major impacts. All it takes is one storm making landfall for it to be a devastating season in the U.S.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 100455-1779379504114.png">NOAA sites several factors in their forecast, including the burgeoning El Ni­­ño, and possible Super Ni­­ño, shaping up in the tropical Pacific. The expectation for an El Ni­­ño event during the peak of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season is a big factor in keeping numbers lower than previous years, along with near normal sea surface temperatures, which have been much above average in recent seasons.The confidence in an El Niño developing this summer is quite high, but the remaining question is how strong will the event be? A weak El Ni­­ño typically has a lower impact on the tropics in the Atlantic, while a strong El Ni­­ño has a more consistent impact. Each updated forecast from the Climate Prediction Center shows higher confidence in this year's El Ni­­ño being on the strong side.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 083641-1779374209515.png">Why does El Ni­­ño typically reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin? The warmer water in the equatorial pacific often leads to a more energetic sub-tropical jet, leading to stronger winds in the upper-atmosphere over the Caribbean. Surface winds in the Caribbean most often comes from the east, known as the trade winds. When these winds lay under strong winds from the opposite (or even the same direction), it leads to strong wind shear which tears hurricanes apart.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 063418-1775740706915.png">“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”If this year's name list looks familiar, it's the same one from the historically active 2020 season. There is one difference: the name "Laura" was retired after Hurricane Laura devastated the Louisiana coast. It was replaced with "Leah".<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065301-1775741404492.png"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/csu-releases-first-hurricane-forecast-for-2026">Colorado State University's Tropical Weather Department has already released their early forecast for the Atlantic Hurricane Season.</a> They are calling for a near normal to slightly below average season with 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. Even with a slightly below average season, major hurricanes are expected with many other named storms. Any named storm that hits land can have major to extreme impacts, so join us here on WeatherNation for Hurricane Prep Week! We'll be talking science with the experts, preparations and so much more. Be sure to check us out LIVE on<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/watch-us"> these platforms</a> or on our YouTube stream June 1-7!<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CcuXpHBtV9o" start="0"></iframe></div>

NOAA Predicts Below Normal 2026 Hurricane Season

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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>

Rob Bradley

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released several important seasonal outlooks today, including their expectations for the upcoming Atlantic Hurricane Season. Hurricane season and summer are expected to be impacted by a burgeoning El Niño, which could be very strong through much of the second half of 2026. Among the new outlooks issued are the seasonal forecasts for meteorological summer, which runs from June through August. NOAA is expecting much of the lower 48 to experience above-average temperatures (top of page), with higher confidence across the Western U.S. The Midwest and parts of the middle Mississippi Valley have an even chance for above or below-average temperatures.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 113803-1779385356524.png">Much of the country is forecast to have near-normal rainfall for meteorological summer, but a few areas are favored for below-average precipitation. These include the Texas Gulf Coast, Upper-Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest. In contrast, the Northeastern U.S. is slightly favored to see above-average precipitation. There is some confidence in parts of the Four Corners region having above-average rainfall, indicating the Climate Prediction Center expects an above-average monsoon season.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 113858-1779385377893.png">Not surprisingly, the forecast rainfall in the Four Corners could lead to drought improvement, which is expected in the seasonal drought outlook (above). Drought is also expected to improve in Florida, parts of Texas, and the lower Mississippi Valley. Drought is expected to expand or develop from California through Minnesota.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 113928-1779385397348.png">The North American Monsoon (NAM) develops in Mexico in June and shifts north into the Four Corners, Great Basin, and California into July, August, and September. More data is needed to understand any correlation between El Niño and the NAM, but tropical systems tend to be more active in the Eastern Pacific during El Niño years. Remnants of these systems can greatly increase rainfall during the NAM.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 114106-1779385397348.png">

NOAA Releases Summer Outlook, Above Average Temperatures Expected

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Several rounds of storms have been swinging through the Southern Plains the last few days, producing large hail, damaging winds, flooding, and even a few tornadoes. Severe storms will remain in the forecast for the long weekend, with all modes of severe weather possible. Yet again, hail was the biggest risk of severe weather on Friday, with hail up to tennis and baseball-sized across the Texas Panhandle. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779501942188.png">Additional scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast for parts of the Lone Star state and Mississippi (top of page), with the biggest hazards being damaging winds, large hail, and heavy downpours. An isolated tornado or two will be possible across portions of the Magnolia State. <h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-23 144208-1779568935067.png">Forecast</h1>New rounds of thunderstorms are expected across the Southern Plains through the evening hours, with some storms persisting overnight. By Sunday, the upper-level energy supporting the storms will move farther east toward the Sabine River, bringing a better chance for storms into Louisiana and Mississippi.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/sattxstorms-1779569121085.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>As mentioned above, heavy rainfall is likely in spots, and flooding will occur. The Gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana could see rainfall of over six inches!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-23 144544-1779569159662.png">

Dave Holder

Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains, Gulf Coast

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SIMI VALLEY, CA - On Monday, May 18th in Ventura County, California, a new wildfire formed named the Sandy Fire. It has since burned over 2100 acres and grew quickly, threatening life and property. This prompted evacuation orders and warnings to the area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779416671274.png">Footage in the region shows the extent of the smoke and poor air quality.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056736634754809931" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056736634754809931"></div>Additional fires have since quickly formed in southern California, despite no red flag warnings or fire weather outlook. The winds managed to be strong enough for fires to quickly get out of control in the areas. The Bain Fire in Riverside started to burn heavy fuels at a moderate rate before quickly burning up to almost 1000 acres. This prompted evacuation orders and warnings for many Riverside Zones.The Bain Fire is burning in Riverside County, CA. This fire began on Tuesday, May 19, and quickly spread to over 1,400 acres. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779416718052.png">Another fire we are watching is one that possibly started from a shipwrecked sailor off the coast of California. This is the Santa Rosa Island Fire which is over 16,000 acres. Not many people reside on this island but there are species on the island that are threatened by the fire.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061107-1779367133110.png">Due to the extent of several wildfires burning in southern California, air quality has worsened in the area, and air quality alerts have been issued for parts of the Greater Los Angeles area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779416760992.png">For more on these, be sure to join us at WeatherNation at :50 past the hour.

Jesse Kelley

CALIFORNIA: Wildfires Prompt Evacuations

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ROCKIES - Through the rest of the week, an upper-level low and a cold front will move into the Rocky Mountains, bringing cooler air, chances for thunderstorms, and even snow across the region!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 114928-1779385809408.png">A Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Warning have been issued for portions of Montana and Wyoming in the higher elevations. Heavy snow is expected on north-facing slopes above 7,000 feet, where snowfall totals of 8–13 inches are possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 115055-1779385865123.png">In addition to the snowy conditions, temperatures ahead of the system will remain warm enough to support instability and thunderstorms. Portions of the Plains are under a highlighted risk area for severe thunderstorms as this cooler air mass collides with the warmer air ahead of the front. A SLIGHT (Level 2 out of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms is forecast for Colorado and surrounding states today. Wind and hail are expected to be the primary hazards, but a tornado or two will be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 115022-1779386008123.png">As the front moves in and provides additional forcing, stronger storms will become possible through the afternoon and evening.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/eco-1779386103698.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rainfall totals are not expected to be nearly as high as they were earlier this week, but some minor disruptions to outdoor plans during the holiday long weekend are still possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 115520-1779386130337.png">Be sure to join us on WeatherNation for the latest!

Rockies Brace for Snow, Severe Storms as Cold Front Moves In

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We have been talking about the heavy rain impacting the West Coast and even the heavy snow chance in the High Plains, but areas that haven't been seeing precipitation over the past several months will be dealing with an increasing fire weather risk.
<h2>Drought Monitor</h2>
<h2><img class="alignnone wp-image-89823 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/Bomb.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" /></h2>
Here is the latest drought monitor for the central and southwestern U.S..  You can see extreme to exceptional drought conditions over parts of New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.  These are the same areas that need to be on alert for fire weather Saturday and Sunday.
<h2>Fire Weather Ingredients</h2>
All the ingredients will be there over the weekend for a dangerous fire risk.  I already mentioned the drought conditions, so we know it's very dry in these areas.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-89824 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/Capture-1.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

Temperatures will be very warm with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s over parts of New Mexico and Texas.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-89825 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/Capture2.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

The winds will be strong on Sunday as well...and these strong winds help to fuel and spread any fires that develop.

So all the weather conditions needed for a fire weather threat will be there this weekend.  Warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.  Be ready for fire weather watches and red flag warnings over a majority of the areas in extreme drought conditions for Saturday and Sunday.
<h2>Extended Outlook</h2>
Looking at the extended forecast into mid-April, there is a chance the fire weather danger will continue in these same areas.  We are expect above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation over this region from April 12th -&gt; April 18th.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-89826 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/Capture4-1.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-89827 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/Capture5.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MeteorologistPC/">Meteorologist Patrick Crawford</a>

&nbsp;

Strong Winds and High Fire Danger for the Southern Plains This Weekend

Drought Monitor

Fire Weather Ingredients

Extended Outlook

Repeated Rain Raising the Flood Threat

Low-pressure systems have been on a tear rece

Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeast

WHAT TO EXPECTHeavy rain has already hit nume

NOAA Predicts Below Normal 2026 Hurricane Season

NOAA has released their predictions for the 2

NOAA Releases Summer Outlook, Above Average Temperatures Expected

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administ

Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains, Gulf Coast

Several rounds of storms have been swinging t

CALIFORNIA: Wildfires Prompt Evacuations

SIMI VALLEY, CA - On Monday, May 18th in Vent

Rockies Brace for Snow, Severe Storms as Cold Front Moves In

ROCKIES - Through the rest of the week, an up