Kevin Schneider

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Dry thunderstorms sparked numerous large fires across the Western Great Plains on Thursday and Friday which have torched thousands of acres in this drought-stricken region. A strong low-pressure system will move across the Four Corners into the early week, creating strong winds that could lead to rapid fire spread.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 074426-1778939189374.png">As the trough digs this weekend, gusty winds are expected to kick up dust and create hazardous driving conditions for high-profile vehicles. High wind warnings have been issued for portions of the Great Basin, desert areas, and some mountain passes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 165322-1779058410510.png">Red flag warnings (fire weather warnings) have been issued for many locations through Monday, including the Central Valley of California. Risks will be highest, however, in eastern New Mexico and parts of Western Texas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 165348-1779058433223.png">An extremely critical outlook has been issued from New Mexico into SW Kansas through Monday. This is the highest level of outlook that the Storm Prediction Center issues.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 165408-1779058454655.png">The extreme risk is not often issued, and typically denotes conditions that could lead to the unstoppable spread of fires. Residents in these areas should review their evacuation plans and have a "go bag" ready with essential items like medications and important documents. Don't forget your pets!

Alana Cameron

Back-to-Back Extremely Critical Fire Risks

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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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<h1>Forecast Outlooks</h1>A widespread severe weather outbreak is expected to unfold across parts of the central United States over the next several days, bringing the threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flooding rain from the Plains into the Midwest. Forecasters warn the most dangerous conditions are likely to develop Sunday and Monday as a powerful storm system moves across the region.&nbsp;Sunday's SPC outlook is shown above, with an enhanced risk across portions of the plains. An EF-2 or stronger tornado will be possible today, along with significant winds and hail.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 112854-1779038944588.png">By Monday, there is already a moderate risk for severe weather.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 062704-1779020848028.png">The moderate risk is in place for tornadoes and large hailstones. The threat of long-lived, violent tornadoes will be on the table.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 062830-1779020917019.png">Storms stick around through Tuesday. There is a slight risk in place from the SPC. We will keep you updated on any changes to this forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 062921-1779021061468.png"><h1>Forecast Timing</h1>Storms have started to develop, and throughout the evening, we can see supercells as the front moves through, which could lead to all severe weather hazards. Into the overnight hours, storms will congeal into a complex that will promote damaging winds.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/0517-1779021161068.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Monday will be similar to Sunday with all hazards, but damaging winds will overwhelmingly become the biggest hazard into the evening and overnight hours. As the front slides east, another outlook is issued for Tuesday, with more heavy rain in the forecast along the frontal boundary.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05171-1779021252400.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Heavy rainfall will also be a growing concern throughout the event. Repeated rounds of thunderstorms may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, especially where storms track over the same locations. Rainfall totals could add up quickly across parts of the Plains and Midwest before the system finally shifts eastward by the middle of next week. Tune into WeatherNation for more details.

Jackie Brown

Dangerous Multi-day Severe Weather Threat Targets Central U.S. Into Early This Week

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A big warmup is expected to take hold across the eastern United States in the coming days, bringing temperatures that will feel more like midsummer than mid-May. Much of the East Coast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast could see temperatures surge well above average as a strong area of high pressure settles over the region.&nbsp;RELATED: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-storms-possible-in-the-plains-midwest-to-end-the-week">Severe Chances on the Plains</a>A strong ridge of high pressure is migrating eastward over the next few days. That brings it squarely over the southern and central plains by the end of the week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 064750-1779014895178.png">Highs will once again be worse in the Southern Plains in terms of raw temperatures, closing in on the century mark. Record highs will be likely into early next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 064825-1779014918225.png">After a stretch of cooler spring weather, warmer air is expected to spread eastward through the weekend and into next week. High temperatures are forecast to climb into the 80s across many areas, while some cities could approach or even reach 90 degrees for the first time this year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1778851192032.png">Major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, may come close to daily temperature records if the heat intensifies enough. Some locations could end up 20 to 30 degrees warmer than what is typical for this time of year.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 064906-1779014964323.png">The heat is also expected to stick around for several days instead of quickly moving out, making it one of the more significant warm spells so far this spring. Increasing humidity levels may enhance the summer-like feel, especially in the afternoons and evenings.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 064913-1779014976573.png">The unusually warm pattern is expected to continue into next week before cooler air eventually returns. While many people may enjoy the warmer weather, the sudden jump in temperatures could lead to increased energy use and may be difficult for those who are sensitive to heat.&nbsp;

Early Taste of Summer Heat Expands Across the East Coast

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Welcome to May in Colorado. This weekend forecast will be wacky with severe storm chances Sunday. On the colder side of the event into Monday, snow is looking likely for the Rockies. Winter alerts are already in place for the snowfall on the way through Monday afternoon (above).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778873046914.png">Through Sunday, there is a marginal risk for severe weather. The main threat is strong winds but isolated tornadoes are also possible. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 065034-1779022241352.png">Storms will fire up through the afternoon. Then by Monday, the snow starts to roll in.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05172-1779022681862.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Totals have some significant totals possible through Colorado and Wyoming. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 065849-1779022735876.png">Check back in to WeatherNation for the latest.

Spring: Where Snow & Severe Storms are in the Forecast

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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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Scattered severe storms have been moving through portions of the Great Plains and Midwest over the last few days. The same low pressure system will hardly move on Saturday, prompting another round of severe storms. Saturday's storms have produced winds between 60-70 mph and and up to 3.00" hail in Nebraska.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984462328.png"> <h1>Outlook Overnight</h1>There is an Enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) across parts of Nebraska and Kansas. Additionally, a Slight risk (level 2 out of 5) includes the surrounding areas to Central Iowa and Northern Missouri.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984497778.png">Extra large hailstones (over golf ball size - 2"+) and hurricane force gusts (74+ mph) are possible for areas below, which should be the more widespread hazards.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984575307.png">Several tornadoes are possible as well especially between Interstate 70 and 80. A tornado or two could be strong if they form!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984636703.png"><h1>Forecast</h1> Storms in the Plains and Midwest could persist well into the overnight hours, so please have multiple ways to get severe weather alerts that can wake you up! In addition the heavy rain and flooding threat will be around so remember turn around don't drown.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/BARON 5-1778984798405.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Since storms won't be widespread, only spotty heavy rain is expected. Isolated flash flooding is possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984829518.png">

Early Taste of Summer Heat Expands Across the East Coast

Spring: Where Snow & Severe Storms are in the Forecast

Saturday Severe Storms; Midwest to the Ohio Valley

Back-to-Back Extremely Critical Fire Risks

Dangerous Multi-day Severe Weather Threat Targets Central U.S. Into Early This Week

Early Taste of Summer Heat Expands Across the East Coast

Spring: Where Snow & Severe Storms are in the Forecast

Saturday Severe Storms; Midwest to the Ohio Valley

Back-to-Back Extremely Critical Fire Risks

Dangerous Multi-day Severe Weather Threat Targets Central U.S. Into Early This Week

Early Taste of Summer Heat Expands Across the East Coast

Spring: Where Snow & Severe Storms are in the Forecast

Saturday Severe Storms; Midwest to the Ohio Valley