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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Life-threatening flash flooding has developed overnight in Missouri to the SSW of St. Louis. Ports of Iron and Reynolds counties have seen upwards of 6-12 inches of rain, leading to water surging into homes and businesses. This has resulted in numerous water rescues by emergency personnel. Additional heavy rain is possible.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2075552085597429997" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2075552085597429997"></div> With all of this heavy rain, the rivers rose very quickly leading to catastrophic river flooding like the Black River. In Annapolis, MO, the Black River crested at a new record high of 28.73 feet on Friday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1783735621807.png"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/VO_071026_RNC_LESTERVILLE,MO_INSANE VIDEO OF OF CATASTROPHIC FLOODING IN LESTERVILLE_FB_MS_E071026-1783735634947.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Forecast</h1>We have been tracking heavy rain across parts of the Ohio Valley and Northeast resulting in numerous flood reports earlier this week as well. Unfortunately, a slow-moving cold front will aid in daily rain chances, which could lead to more flash flooding.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1783735708200.png">The Flood Watch continues into the weekend as training storms along the stalled front will cause more flooding issues. Just like we have seen with Missouri Thursday night into Friday, flooding can occur at night and it is extra important to have multiple ways to receive alerts. Severe storms are possible each day, with damaging winds expected as the primary hazard, but large hail and an isolated tornado can't be ruled out.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/PIC 2-1783725047971.jpg"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/BARON 5-1783736035523.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Several inches of rain will be possible, especially across the Ohio Valley in states like Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee. With the grounds very saturated, it will not take much to cause more flooding. So remember, TURN AROUND AND DON'T DROWN.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1783736080540.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1783649521082.png">

Jesse Kelley

Stalled Boundary Increases Flood Threat into the Weekend

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Tracey Anthony

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A ridge of high pressure is dominating the West. An Extreme Heat Warning covers the area and extends into far southern California, where Heat Advisories are also in place. There are no more heat alerts for Phoenix, as temperatures are cooling down to average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/pic5-1783735834482.png">Forecast highs will be running upwards of 10 degrees above average, but no records are in jeopardy. The hottest temperatures in the region will likely be Saturday, and then temperatures will slowly cool a few degrees into next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/pic4-1783735965732.png">Long-term models suggest this might be something to get used to, however. This ridge looks to linger in the area and could strengthen by next weekend. The Climate Prediction Center is highlighting much of the West with above-average temperatures into the middle of July.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 161953-1783462799142.png">Some of these forecast highs for cities like Billings, Montana could could close to beating their all-time record highs. If we get above 108 on Sunday, this would be an all time record. The current forecast for Sunday is 108.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061107-1783689348584.png">Extreme heat watches, warnings, and advisories have been issued from Utah and Colorado up into the Dakotas. These alerts now extend across Northern Minnesota.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/pic5-1783736174021.png">Heat safety will be a key concern going forward. Be sure to stay hydrated and keep looking in the back seat before locking the car. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/pic4-1783736293000.png">Here are a few heat safety tips for people affected by the heat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/pic5-1783634512392.png">

Patrick Crawford

Warm Weather Returns Out West

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Hazy skies will be hovering over portions of the Gulf and the Southeastern United States through this weekend, possibly extending into next week! Why so hazy? Saharan dust will be sent flying over the region at times, thick enough to make a difference in the color of the sun and potentially to air quality. Expect some of the thickest dust to hover over Florida this weekend (forecast below).<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/FORECAST-1783725185432.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This is not unusual for this time of year. Outbreaks of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) typically occur in the Atlantic during the summer months as strong westerly waves move off of Africa, sending dust out over the Atlantic. Depending on the speed and intensity of the SAL outbreak, these plumes of dry, dusty air can reach parts of the U.S. at times, even the middle of the country!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 083614-1783521420831.png"><h1>Heat</h1>Hot and humid conditions will persist in the Southeast while the Saharan Air moves through. While the SAL does dry-out the mid-levels of the atmosphere, the bottom 5,000 feet is typically unaffected, meaning humidity won't change much even though there may be fewer storms. Record heat occurred in Florida and North Carolina with highs in the 90s and 100s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1783735298752.png"> These are dangerous heat index values, especially over 110°. Consider avoiding strenuous activity during the middle of the day, take many breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and drink plenty of water!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/PIC 3-1783725292082.jpg">Highs could challenge several records in Central Florida in the days ahead. With highs approaching the upper 90s, it will be incredibly hot, especially when humidity is factored in.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/PIC 2-1783725228114.jpg">

Saharan Dust, Excessive Heat Impact the Southeast

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Several rounds of severe weather have been rolling off the Front Range into the Great Plains this week! A mid-level trough sparked severe weather Friday afternoon, bringing damaging winds and hail. At the Denver International Airport, wind gusted up to 72 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1783736213990.png"><h1>FRIDAY:</h1>Damaging winds will be the primary threat along the Front Range and east into the Plains. Large hail is possible as well.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-10 063841-1783687129662.png"><h2>Timing</h2>Storms continue to push eastward into the Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas for the late hours. Storms should fizzle out by daybreak Saturday morning.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/BARON 5-1783736334233.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>A few locations could get hit a couple of times by thunderstorms this week, which means that some areas may see some locally heavier rainfall totals. Keep an eye on flood alerts in your area. With repeated rounds of storms, you may be at risk for flash flooding.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-10 064026-1783687247364.png">Flash flooding will be possible for many areas, though it will be more likely for some than others. Areas in dark green in the Excessive Rainfall Outlook (below) will have better chance to see scattered flash flooding incidents.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1783736373460.png">For more on this active forecast, be sure to join us on WeatherNation!

Another Day of Storms for the Plains & Front Range

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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The Aspen Acres fire continues to burn in Southern Colorado. Evacuations remain in place but containment is increasing around Pueblo.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2074856035924205678" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2074856035924205678"></div>The Babylon and Cottonwood fires burning in Utah are now among some of the largest fires the state has ever seen.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1783633931789.png">Numerous additional wildfires continue to burn across Utah, Colorado, and Arizona, which have scorched tens of thousands of acres over the past week. Below is the most recent acreage of the larger fires in Utah and Colorado, along with their containment.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1783603203805.png"><h1>Fire Outlooks</h1>The fire weather outlooks are minimal as we head through the week, but there is a chance for some dry thunderstorms across the Front Range of the Rockies this week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061724-1783603442497.png">Heat will build into the weekend so make sure you are doing your part to not be the problem!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 043144-1782556311355.png">Residents are encouraged to stay informed, follow local evacuation orders, and do their part to help prevent the start and spread of wildfires this summer.

Saharan Dust, Excessive Heat Impact the Southeast

Another Day of Storms for the Plains & Front Range

Babylon Fire in UT Surpasses 100,000 Acres, CO Fires Continue to Grow

Stalled Boundary Increases Flood Threat into the Weekend

Warm Weather Returns Out West

Saharan Dust, Excessive Heat Impact the Southeast

Another Day of Storms for the Plains & Front Range

Babylon Fire in UT Surpasses 100,000 Acres, CO Fires Continue to Grow

Stalled Boundary Increases Flood Threat into the Weekend

Warm Weather Returns Out West

Saharan Dust, Excessive Heat Impact the Southeast

Another Day of Storms for the Plains & Front Range

Babylon Fire in UT Surpasses 100,000 Acres, CO Fires Continue to Grow