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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Next week, an upper level ridge takes over parts of the West. Record heat is looking possible across parts of the Northwest early next week. Heat alerts have been issued for parts of the Interstate 5 region from Bellingham, WA to just north of Redding, CA.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781994061473.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781994108617.png">The hottest days will be Monday and Tuesday before temperatures gradually cool down near the end of the week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781994262761.png"><h1>Southwest</h1>In Southern California, Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for parts of the LA Metro for Tuesday into Thursday. The worst of heat will be in areas northeast of Downtown Los Angeles. More alerts will be issued as we get closer to next week. Wednesday, high temperatures are expected to reach the 90s from Calabasas to San Bernardino.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781994494672.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781994533112.png">

Heat Returns to the West

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Another&nbsp;threat of severe weather is expected to develop across parts of the Central Plains and Midwest this weekend as a storm system moving out of the Rockies combines with warm, moisture-rich air flowing north from the Gulf. The setup is expected to fuel multiple rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, and localized flash flooding.&nbsp;A watch has been issued for parts of the Plains and Northern Rockies into the evening hours.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781990871900.png">Severe weather will be in the cards for this weekend across the Plains as an upper low and cold front work together to promote thunderstorm development. All hazards will be possible including some very large hail, destructive winds over 75 mph, and a few strong tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781990993203.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781991144390.png">Storms are getting going now across the Western Plains and storms shall get stronger throughout the day. Into the evening and overnight hours, storms should congeal into a large complex with damaging winds as the primary threat. Sunday, the leftover storms will push into the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys causing more severe storms. With additional daytime heating, more storms should pop across Kansas and Nebraska and everything will push eastward. Large complexes capable of producing heavy rain and strong winds will be likely into Monday morning.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1781991647211.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>While severe weather will be a concern, heavy rainfall may become the more widespread threat. Abundant atmospheric moisture will allow storms to produce intense downpours, and some areas could see rainfall rates of more than an inch per hour. Repeated rounds of thunderstorms moving over the same locations may quickly overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flash flooding.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781991713189.png"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1781991835588.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>We will continue to monitor the progression of the system as it moves across the region. Residents in areas prone to flooding or severe weather are encouraged to stay informed of the latest forecasts and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts throughout the weekend.&nbsp;

Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Threat Returns Across Plains and Midwest This Weekend

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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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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2067812111733149721" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2067812111733149721"></div> Numerous flash flood warnings were issued as tropical downpours took over the Gulf Coast states over the last few days. Check out some of the storm totals from the leftovers of Arthur.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/pic5-1781960903702.png">This historic rain event has affected many residents in the Gulf Coast States. Check out some of the impacts we found from the heavy rainfall.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/VON_061826_RSE_PERKINSTON, MS_VIDEO OF THE WATER RESCUE_CORCLIPS_BRANDON CLEMENT_MS_E061826-1781811920242.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Forecast</h1>Isolated severe storms are in the forecast Saturday afternoon and evening for areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. These storms should be isolated but with saturated grounds from the previous rains will increase the flood risk.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781990493694.png">With saturated grounds in place, the threat of flooding and flash flooding will be in the forecast into early next week. Check out some of the forecast rainfall from the Southern Plains to Eastern Florida.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781990553551.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781990600600.png">There is still a level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat on Saturday from Jacksonville through New Orleans. Scattered flash flooding is expected, with a few severe storms not out of the question.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1781990722560.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Flood Risk Continues This Weekend for the Gulf Coast States

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Father's across the country will have to share their glory day this year with the astronomical start of summer, also known as the summer solstice! Dad's deserve their moment in the sun (pun intended) so we'll start with the Father's Day forecast, which is look hot for much of the country, except in the Midwest!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 052828-1781955003279.png">A low pressure system emerging from the Rockies on Saturday will push east through the Midwest on Sunday, creating numerous showers and thunderstorms. You may want to have indoor plans for these areas, especially by the afternoon. Read more about the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-returns-this-weekend">severe weather threat here</a>.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1781992012660.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Summer Solstice &amp; Summer Forecast</h1>Father's Day this year happens to fall on the longest day of the year, when the summer solstice occurs! The solstice happens before sunrise for the East Coast, around 4:24 am. This is the point in Earth's orbit when the Northern Hemisphere most directly tilts toward the sun. This means after today, days will gradually start getting shorter, through the heat will take a while to fade.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 052822-1781954988791.png">How does the rest of summer look across the US? Warm for most, though the Midwest could be cooler than average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 052840-1781955036807.png">Most areas of the country should expect near normal precipitation from July through September, with parts of the Midwest and Southern Plains expecting drier than average conditions. Monsoon season could be active this year in the Four Corners and Southern California, leading to above average precipitation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 052849-1781955043126.png">

Summer Solstice Kicks Off Father's Day Sunday

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A weak low-pressure system moving through the Great Basin will help to increase fire danger Saturday for parts of the west, increasing gusty winds in the region and spurring thunderstorm activity. As the low moves into the Plains states, high pressure will build with record heat possible into next week.Warm and dry conditions will lead to drier fuels, while the low also provides higher winds. Humidity will be less than 10%in some areas with temperatures over 100 degrees. Combined with gusty winds, that's a recipe for high fire danger.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 051141-1781953928064.png">In addition to dry and gusty conditions, the low will spur thunderstorms, with the potential for rain to evaporate before reaching the ground. Known as "dry thunderstorms," these storms can create new fires quickly, sometimes many at once.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 051114-1781953945578.png">When dry thunderstorms are present, downdraft winds can be intense. As the rain evaporates, it cools rapidly and accelerates toward the ground. Gusts over 58 mph are possible Saturday in parts of Utah through SE Idaho and Wyoming.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 050952-1781953951175.png">Storms should wrap up into the late evening hours. Storms should be less widespread on Saturday as the low shifts east.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-20 05-12-44-1781954274212.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Record heat will continue to contribute to fire danger next week across parts of the West. Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and California have the potential for record highs starting on Tuesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-19 130014-1781896412664.png">

Flood Risk Continues This Weekend for the Gulf Coast States

Summer Solstice Kicks Off Father's Day Sunday

Dry T-Storms & Fire Danger in the West

Heat Returns to the West

Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Threat Returns Across Plains and Midwest This Weekend

Flood Risk Continues This Weekend for the Gulf Coast States

Summer Solstice Kicks Off Father's Day Sunday

Dry T-Storms & Fire Danger in the West

Heat Returns to the West

Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Threat Returns Across Plains and Midwest This Weekend

Flood Risk Continues This Weekend for the Gulf Coast States

Summer Solstice Kicks Off Father's Day Sunday

Dry T-Storms & Fire Danger in the West