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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Several rounds of severe storms rocked the Lone Star state several times earlier this week, producing giant, 5-inch diameter hail and tornadoes! In addition, earlier on Friday, a wind gust of 119mph rocked the Victoria, TX area!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/VON_050126_RSC_POINT COMFORT, TX_2 OF 2 DURING VERY STRONG STORMS FRIDAY_FB_MS_E050126_1-1777688387543.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video> Thankfully, the severe threat is beginning to wind down from west to east as the cold front pushes through.<h2>Severe Storm Outlooks</h2>The surface low continues to strengthen, increasing southerly flow and strengthening dynamics to create severe storms. Scattered severe storms producing damaging winds are possible Saturday, while lower risks for hail and tornadoes will also be present.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 040811-1777716506061.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 040815-1777716523547.png"><h2>Rainfall &amp; Forecast</h2>Severe storms are not out of the question early Saturday, with a better chance for scattered severe storms through the afternoon and evening. By Sunday, the front settles over South Florida with additional scattered showers and storms, with flood potential for areas like Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Bad news for F1 fans.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-02 04-12-54-1777716977576.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Through Monday, a widespread 1-2 inches of rain will be possible but some heavier downpours in South Florida will be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 041505-1777716926770.png">With the potential combination of training storms and heavy rainfall rates, the flooding concern is elevated. The Weather Prediction Center has highlighted areas overnight through Sunday with flood potential.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 041512-1777716935842.png">There are many areas, especially across the southeast, that desperately need more rainfall.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 133607-1777404986134.png">

Storms Leave Texas, Move Through the Southeast

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<h1>Heading to Churchill Downs this Weekend?</h1><h3>Derby Day Weather Outlook</h3>Current forecasts call for partly cloudy to partly sunny skies throughout the day on Saturday, with temperatures expected to top out in the upper 50s Fahrenheit. Morning temperatures are likely to be brisk, with overnight lows dipping to around 40°F, before gradual warming during the late morning and afternoon hours. Don't let those temperatures in the upper 50s fool you - with a north wind it should feel pretty cool for most of the day.Perhaps most importantly, the chance of rain appears low, representing a significant improvement from earlier in the week, when unsettled weather threatened to dampen the weekend’s flagship event. While isolated sprinkles cannot be completely ruled out, the forecast is expected to be mostly dry.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 041851-1777717143387.png"></h1><h1>Impact on Track Conditions</h1>Earlier rainfall during the week may have some lingering effects on the Churchill Downs surface. However, with Saturday shaping up to be dry and cool, track conditions are expected to improve steadily. A dry forecast on Derby Day allows the dirt track to firm up, reducing the likelihood of the kind of muddy, sealed surface that can dramatically influence race strategy and outcomes.For horsemen, a drying track generally leads to more predictable footing, which can be especially important in a 20‑horse field like the Kentucky Derby, where traffic, pace, and positioning are already major variables.<h1>Impact on the Horses</h1>From blazing sunshine to torrential rain, the conditions on Derby Day can significantly influence the race's outcome and the experience for horses, jockeys, trainers, and fans alike 🏇🏇 Precipitation: Track conditions are the most immediate and noticeable way weather affects the Derby. Rain can quickly turn the usually fast dirt track into a sloppy or muddy surface, altering the performance of certain horses and jockeys. Some horses, known as “mudders,” thrive in wet conditions, while others struggle. For instance, in the rain-soaked 2019 Derby, the muddy track played a role in a dramatic finish that included the controversial disqualification of Maximum Security. Handicappers and bettors pay close attention to forecasts, knowing that a change in weather could shift the odds significantly.🏇 Temperature is another critical factor. A warm &amp; humid race day can drain a horse's stamina, especially those not acclimated to the heat and humidity. Trainers often adjust their preparation and hydration strategies depending on the expected weather. Cooler temperatures, on the other hand, may benefit certain horses with more endurance and less speed.🏇 Wind also plays a subtle but real role in racing dynamics. A strong headwind down the backstretch can tire front-running horses earlier than expected, while a tailwind might benefit late closers. Though less obvious than mud or rain, wind direction and speed can change race strategies and even alter the pace of the race.In a race where every fraction of a second matters, weather isn’t just a background variable—it’s a potential game-changer. Whether the sun is shining or rain is pouring, the conditions on Derby Day can leave a lasting imprint.

Rain or Shine? Your 152nd Kentucky Derby Forecast

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Portions of the Midwest just wrapped up their rainiest April on record and the active pattern looks to continue to start the month of May. Several cold fronts are expected to take aim at the middle of the country this week after a brief warm up Sunday into Monday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 053542-1777721889478.png">Those clashing fronts could tap into limited moisture to lead to a few severe storms on Sunday. By Monday, moisture is much more plentiful with a better chance for strong and severe storms.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 052338-1777721897763.png">Severe Storm Outlooks</h2>Isolated severe storms are possible Sunday across Missouri and Illinois, though our forecast models like portions of Nebraska for isolated severe storms as well.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 052345-1777721906233.png">By Monday, the threat expands as showers become more widespread. Isolated to scattered severe storms are possible from eastern Kansas through Ohio.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 052350-1777721918798.png">Timing &amp; Rainfall</h2>A few passing showers will move across the Midwest late Saturday into Sunday morning. Severe storm potential looks to hold off until the late afternoon and evening hours on Sunday for the risk area (Missouri &amp; Illinois), as well as in Central Nebraska. By Monday, scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected, with some storms reaching severe weather criteria by the afternoon hours. Some of these strong storms may persist overnight as the front continues to work its way south and east.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-02 05-36-24-1777721933263.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Pockets of 1-3 inches of rain are possible, meaning flash flooding is possible but not likely outside of the heaviest downpours.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 052355-1777721926941.png">Get the latest forecast for the Central region anytime with the WeatherNation app, or at :30 past the hour in our broadcast.

Cold Fronts Could Bring the Midwest More Severe Weather

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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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A trough of low pressure will keep things cool through the rest of the week in portions of the Plains, Great Lakes, and East. Breezy and cool conditions will stick around through the weekend. Cold alerts have been issued for the next few mornings across many of these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777688159965.png">Freezing to sub-freezing temperatures will be possible in the watch and warning areas. Make sure to protect tender plants from the cold! Morning lows will be cold and below average for many. Minneapolis normally has a forecast low of 43°, and will see one more chilly evening before lows moderate back into the 50s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777688202141.png">Across the Northeast, temperatures will run below average as well. Lots of cities that normally see lows in the 40s will wake up this weekend in the 30s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777688285882.png">The WPC has issued a day 3-7 hazards outlook for Sunday, May 3rd, as temperatures will be running 5°- 15° below average!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-30 144419-1777581865617.png">

Jesse Kelley

Cooler Air Sweeps From the Plains to the Northeast

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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.

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While the eastern United States is under upper-level troughing, bringing frost and freeze conditions, the Northwest will be warm this weekend. High pressure is building in for the next few days, especially for the Pacific Northwest. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-01 173209-1777678338792.png">The warmest days in the forecast period will be this weekend. Heat Advisories have been issued for parts of the Portland metro with daytime highs in the lower 90s. Sunday record highs could fall for multiple cities in both Washington and Oregon. Have ways to stay hydrated and check on the vulnerable people who may not have ways of adequate cooling!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777664900412.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/PIC 2-1777668022076.jpg">Temperatures are expected to cool down a little but remain above average into next week. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777665054167.png">

Cold Fronts Could Bring the Midwest More Severe Weather

Cooler Air Sweeps From the Plains to the Northeast

Record Heat for the Northwest

Storms Leave Texas, Move Through the Southeast

Rain or Shine? Your 152nd Kentucky Derby Forecast

Cold Fronts Could Bring the Midwest More Severe Weather

Cooler Air Sweeps From the Plains to the Northeast

Record Heat for the Northwest

Storms Leave Texas, Move Through the Southeast

Rain or Shine? Your 152nd Kentucky Derby Forecast

Cold Fronts Could Bring the Midwest More Severe Weather

Cooler Air Sweeps From the Plains to the Northeast

Record Heat for the Northwest