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

RobBradleyjpeg-1679518597323.jpeg

El Niño has arrived! It didn't take long for La Niña conditions this spring to quickly be replaced in the equatorial Pacific over the last few months. A big surge of warm water has now reached the surface after traveling in deeper waters for months, taking sea surface temperatures up to the level needed for an El Niño designation.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2065059465326444738" src="https://x.com/NOAAComms/status/2065059465326444738"></div> El Niño is expected to continue for the foreseeable future (below), and will likely to continue to strengthen through the summer into fall and possibly winter (top of page). You've probably heard the term "super" El Niño mentioned - which is the same as a "very strong" El Niño in the graphic above. "Super" El Niño isn't a term officially recognized, but seeing temperatures that warm in the Pacific typically mean bigger impacts to global weather patterns, including hurricane season and the winter forecast in the United States. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-11 102033-1781194881870.png">A strong or very strong El Niño is different than a weak or moderate El Niño in terms of impacts. A very strong El Niño typically leads to a tighter and stronger sub-tropical jet, which increases wind shear in the Atlantic. If a moderate El Niño is in place through hurricane season, it's impacts in the Atlantic could be less pronounced. Regardless, WeatherNation will be monitoring the latest in the tropics and will bring you updates all season long.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-11 102059-1781195492270.png">To read the full release from NOAA about El Niño emerging - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://t.co/lS3v4K6TMC">click here!</a>

Tracey Anthony

El Niño Forms, Very Strong El Niño Likely Late 2026

Screenshot20260611102045png-1781194870552.png

Brittany Lockley

BrittanyLockleyjpeg-1679519515040.jpeg

<h1>Atlantic</h1>The first disturbance out into the Atlantic was identified on Wednesday. In the latest outlook from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), it has a rather low chance of development. A broad low-pressure area is expected to develop over the Bay of Campeche on Friday, associated with a westward-moving tropical wave currently over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Environmental conditions appear only marginally favorable for development before the system is forecast to move inland across eastern Mexico late Saturday or Sunday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-12 044448-1781261100056.png">As moisture from the remnants of Cristina slams into a cold front, heavy rain and flooding could be an issue heading into next week for the South. Forecasts are calling for 3-5 inches of rain from Texas into the Deep South. While some of the rain could be beneficial, most of this rainfall will be hazardous and lead to the flooding risk.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-12 044522-1781261143471.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781232229080.png">Signs Point to an Active Eastern Pacific Season:The early burst of activity is occurring as sea surface temperatures across parts of the Eastern Pacific remain warmer than average. Combined with the development of El Niño conditions, forecasters expect the basin to remain favorable for tropical cyclone formation through much of the season. NOAA’s seasonal outlook calls for an above-average Eastern Pacific hurricane season, with between 15 and 22 named storms possible. Several of those storms could reach hurricane strength, including multiple major hurricanes. &nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-05 073331-1780666421832.png"><h3>Stay With WeatherNation This Hurricane Season:</h3>Whether storms threaten land or remain over open waters, WeatherNation is your destination for around-the-clock tropical coverage. Our meteorologists track every tropical wave, depression, storm, and hurricane with the latest forecast models, expert analysis, and live updates whenever conditions warrant.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1C9h87MYTY" start="0"></iframe></div>

First disturbance out into the Atlantic was identified in the Gulf

Screenshot20260612044411png-1781261057935.png

CHICAGO, IL - Damaging storms moved through the Chicago area Wednesday, producing winds of up to 70-80 mph. Gusts all around the Midwest were causing issues on Wednesday from Iowa through Michigan. Another intense storm system has developed and will move through the region today (Thursday).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-10 175301-1781135698638.png"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2064820223862321377" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2064820223862321377"></div><h2>Severe Threat</h2>The Storm Prediction Center issued a MODERATE (level 4 out of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms on Thursday and the forecast definitely verified with numerous reports of strong winds and tornadoes across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Check out some of the tornadoes below.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/VO_061126_RNC_REDDICK, IL_MASSIVE TORNADO-1781231750899.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/VO_061126_RNC_WASHBURN, IL_MASSIVE TORNADO DURING TOR EMERGENCY_TW_@BLEEDCUBBLUE311_MS_E061126-1781231767703.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Into the overnight, the threat for damaging winds and tornadoes continues for cities like Detroit, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and others. With the history of today's storms, it is important to have ways to receive alerts before going to bed. Storms should be done before sunrise Friday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1781231872611.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>On Friday, storms move east into the northeast. As we heat up temperatures throughout the day and the cold front pushes in, thunderstorms will head closer to the I-95 corridor. The timing looks to favor the evening commute for I-95 thunderstorms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/friday sevv-1781141326760.png"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/06-10_rne friday-1781137111079.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Flooding Threat</h2>In addition to the severe weather risk, there is a slight risk of flash flooding on multiple days. Thunderstorms are expected to produce heavy downpours, and some locations could see multiple rounds of rain over the same areas. This could quickly lead to flooded roadways, overflowing creeks, and dangerous travel conditions, especially in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-10 152620-1781126787090.png">Stay alert and keep a close eye on forecast updates. With storms expected to intensify quickly, having multiple ways to receive watches and warnings will be important. Drivers are also reminded to avoid traveling through flooded roads, as just a small amount of moving water can be enough to sweep away a vehicle!

Dave Holder

Winds Slam Chicago Wednesday, Severe Storms Returned Thursday

1png-1781231412553.png

DaveHolderjpeg-1679518965415.jpeg

While the heat builds into the Northeast, rounds of thunderstorms are possible through the rest of the week. Hot and humid afternoons, with daytime highs reaching temperatures 15°+ above-average, will help fuel the severe thunderstorm potential. Heat Advisories are in place across up and down the East Coast. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-11 202601-1781231193514.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-11 202658-1781231226239.png">Another cold front will be the focus for thunderstorm development, particularly during the afternoon hours when the atmosphere reaches peak instability. A slight risk is in effect for Friday; this includes areas from the Canadian border into East Tennessee. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-11 202740-1781231269302.png">Thunderstorm development is expected along the cold front by the afternoon and through the evening hours on Friday. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/eaststorms2-1781231464090.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Yet ANOTHER cold front is expected to move through the region over the weekend. After a brief break with a surface high pressure on Saturday, another low will traverse the region on Sunday. The Storm Prediction Center is already highlighting the area from Albany, NY, through much of Pennsylvania, down through the DelMarVa into Richmond, VA. Sound familiar? It's easy to get storm fatigue when multi-day threats continue. Stay alert, stay ready, and stay with WeatherNation for details on your forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-11 084349-1781189038588.png">

Hot and Stormy in the Northeast

Screenshot20260611202509png-1781231111223.png

A surge of tropical moisture streaming north from the Gulf is expected to bring an increased risk of severe thunderstorms and flooding across parts of the central and southern United States through the weekend and into next week. The combination of hot temperatures, humid air, and a slow-moving weather pattern will create favorable conditions for repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms, some of which could become severe.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781232410093.png">The threat for strong to severe storms is expected to develop across portions of the Plains, Midwest and South. Storms may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and a few tornadoes, especially during the afternoon and evening hours when instability is at its peak. The abundant moisture in the atmosphere will provide plenty of fuel for storm development.&nbsp;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-11 10-14-19-1781194496239.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>While severe weather is a concern, flooding could become the more significant and widespread threat. Slow-moving storms and repeated rounds of heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding, particularly in areas that have already received recent rain. Rainfall rates could be intense at times, causing water to quickly accumulate on roads, in low-lying areas and near small streams and creeks.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781232476768.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781232494984.png">Tune into WeatherNation TV on youtube for the lastest!<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1C9h87MYTY" start="0"></iframe></div>

Winds Slam Chicago Wednesday, Severe Storms Returned Thursday

Hot and Stormy in the Northeast

Tropical Moisture to Raise Flooding and Severe Concerns Across Central U.S.

El Niño Forms, Very Strong El Niño Likely Late 2026

First disturbance out into the Atlantic was identified in the Gulf

Winds Slam Chicago Wednesday, Severe Storms Returned Thursday

Hot and Stormy in the Northeast

Tropical Moisture to Raise Flooding and Severe Concerns Across Central U.S.

El Niño Forms, Very Strong El Niño Likely Late 2026

First disturbance out into the Atlantic was identified in the Gulf

Winds Slam Chicago Wednesday, Severe Storms Returned Thursday

Hot and Stormy in the Northeast

Tropical Moisture to Raise Flooding and Severe Concerns Across Central U.S.