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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Temperatures are feeling cooler across the plains today! Enjoy it...because it won't last long. Temperatures will begin to warm up again, and a few storms remain possible today.The Storm Prediction Center has issued a MARGINAL (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms along the front across Missouri, central Illinois and southern Iowa (above). All threats look possible, including Isolated tornadoes will be for portions of Illinois and Missouri.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 134145-1785959932217.png">Through tonight and into the overnight hours the frontal boundary moving through these areas will be supporting the risk for strong to severe thunderstorms. Our models also show some of the activity actually picking up overnight so be prepared to receive severe weather alerts as you head to sleep tonight.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/08-05 HRRR TODAY-1785959937395.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Another threat to keep an eye on is the flooding threat. This front isn't going to be in a hurry, so as it walks southward, it will focus a few rounds of storms somewhere. Right now, that looks to take aim at Iowa and northern Missouri.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 135916-1785959963814.png">Flood Watches are in effect for the potential of heavy rain and flooding.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 134150-1785959969409.png">More details on your Central Regional Forecast can always be found :30 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Alana Cameron

Cold Front Brings Storms and Cool Down

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Karissa is the Director of On-Air Operations at WeatherNation. Karissa grew up loving math and science, but really fell in love with Meteorology while attending the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. After two summers of storm chasing in the central plains, she knew that it was the career path for her. Standing in front of a thunderstorm and feeling the cool outflow knock her over was an experience she will never forget. After two years at COD, she transferred to Metropolitan State University of Denver. Karissa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology. Her high school and college speech and meteorology professors were extremely supportive and pushed her to succeed. Before joining the WeatherNation team, she previously worked as the Morning Meteorologist at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa and at WMBD-TV in Peoria, IL. She recently was part of a National Edward R. Murrow award winning team for breaking news for their coverage of the EF-4 tornado in Washington, Illinois. In her free time, Karissa enjoys cooking and trying new foods. She is a self proclaimed 'TV Junkie' who can get into just about any show. She is a die hard Chicago sports fan who loves attending professional sporting events.

Karissa Klos

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Each year, Colorado State University's Tropical Meteorology Project releases multiple forecasts for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, including one of the earliest issued among major forecasters. On August 5, Dr. Phil Klotzbach and his team released their final update heading into the peak of the season. With El Niño holding strong, it's not surprising that CSU continued their below average forecast for the season. They expect 9 named storms, 4 hurricanes, and 1 major hurricane.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 075704-1785938232754.png"> This forecast includes Tropical Storm Arthur, which made landfall along the Texas coast in mid-June and brought tornadoes and flooding rain to Louisiana and Mississippi, and Tropical Storm Bertha, which traced the Gulf coast in July with minimal impacts. Remember, as Arthur proved, even below average seasons can have major impacts.NOAA is expected to release an update to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/noaa-predictions-for-the-2026-hurricane-season">their seasonal forecast </a>this week. We'll bring you those numbers as soon as they become available. <h1>FORECAST FACTORS</h1>You've probably heard rumblings about the strengthening El Ni­­ño, and possible Super Ni­­ño, shaping up in the tropical Pacific. The continuation of El Ni­­ño during the peak of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season is a big factor in CSU's below average forecast. Near to slightly above normal sea surface temperatures will also play a role, considering they have been well above average in recent seasons.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 080509-1785938944958.png">Why do El Ni­­ños typically reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin? The warmer water in the equatorial pacific often leads to a more energetic sub-tropical jet, leading to stronger winds in the upper-atmosphere over the Caribbean. Surface winds in the Caribbean most often comes from the east, known as the trade winds. When these winds lay under strong winds from the opposite (or even the same direction), it leads to strong wind shear which tears hurricanes apart.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 063418-1775740706915.png">We are now heading into the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Starting in August and lasting through October, we climatologically see the bulk of our tropical system development. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 080540-1785939101444.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 080526-1785939101442.png">Even with a slightly below average season, two major hurricanes are expected with many other named storms. Any named storm that hits land can have major to extreme impacts, so stay prepared and stay tuned. WeatherNation will always keep you updated on the latest in the tropics!

Administrator

CSU Updates Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast for 2026

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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SPOKANE, WA - On Saturday, August 1st, the Old Trails Fire ignited northwest of Spokane. This fire was fueled by hot, dry conditions and wind gusts up to 45 mph, which helped the fire spread rapidly through grass and brush before reaching neighborhoods. The fire eventually crossed the Spokane River, creating additional challenges for firefighters.UPDATE: The cause still remains under investigation, but a convicted felon has been arrested on an arson charge as the primary suspect for starting the Old Trails Fire, which has now burned over 3600 acres.<h3>Impacts:</h3><ul><li>The Spokane Complex, consisting of the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview fires, has scorched over 10,000 acres with 0% containment</li><li>Thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders</li><li>Approximately 800+ structures have been destroyed, and thousands more are threatened</li></ul><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2084640508320854421" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2084640508320854421"></div>The Governor of Washington, Bob Ferguson, has declared a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://governor.wa.gov/news/2026/governor-ferguson-declares-statewide-wildfire-emergency-issues-statewide-burn-ban">statewide wildfire emergency</a>, including a statewide burn ban due to the current drought conditions, high temperatures, and high winds.<h2>Forecast Ahead</h2>Forecast winds are expected to ease through tonight, but active fire behavior will likely continue in these areas. Red Flag Warnings are in place for portions of the Northwest and Northern Four Corners.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 083614-1785940606283.png">Residents should have a go bag packed and an evacuation plan in place in case evacuation orders expand into their area. If your community is placed under an evacuation order, leave immediately and follow instructions from local emergency officials.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-02 163825-1785710315388.png"><h2>Air Quality</h2>Smoke from the ongoing wildfires has prompted air quality alerts across much of the northwestern United States. People in affected areas should limit or avoid outdoor activities while poor air quality persists, especially those with respiratory conditions, older adults, and young children.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 083746-1785940671476.png">Forecast models indicate areas of dense smoke will spill southward. As temperatures cool after sunset, a temperature inversion often forms, trapping smoke close to the ground and leading to deteriorating air quality near the surface.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 083822-1785940713133.png">Residents should expect reduced visibility and degraded air quality through Monday morning before seeing improvements.

Spokane Complex Continues to Burn

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Kevin Schneider

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Storms packed quite the punch on Monday night in the southern part of Arizona and New Mexico! Multiple dust storm warnings were reported. The most notable being in Phoenix, as a haboob was caught on camera rolling through!<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2084753745464938624" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2084753745464938624"></div>And for good reason! Check out some of the highest wind gusts that were recorded Monday night:<ul><li>Willcox, AZ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 88 mph</li><li>Tucson, AZ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 71 mph</li><li>Nogales, AZ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 66 mph</li><li>San Simon, AZ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 64 mph</li><li>Douglas, AZ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 62 mph</li></ul>As those storms fell apart, the outflow of winds from their collapse kicked up a dust storm...<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-04 103009-1785861039399.png">In fact, more windy storms are possible on Wednesday. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a MARGINAL (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe weather. Damaging winds will, once again, be the main concern.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 084044-1785940848710.png">The best time for storms to develop will be in the afternoon with daytime heating.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/08051-1785940922822.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>During Monsoon season, haboobs are possible with just about any thunderstorm. It's important to remember what to do if you get caught in one in your car:<ul><li>pull off the road</li><li>keep your seatbelt on</li><li>turn your lights off and take your foot off the brake</li></ul>

Jesse Kelley

Haboob Blows Through Phoenix; More Possible

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The threat for flooding rain continues across the Northeast today after heavy downpours have already hit the region. Places like Williamsport picked up more than 5 inches of rain, making it the 5th wettest day on record there!Flood watches have been extended to include New York City Monday morning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 120506-1785780314860.png"><h2>Severe Potential</h2>With this low that's driving storm chances spinning so much, there will be a tornado threat, especially into this afternoon. Damaging winds could accompany any storm that becomes organized this afternoon as well. The Storm Prediction Center is monitoring areas from New England all the way to New Jersey.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 120536-1785780354657.png">Storms in the morning will continue into the afternoon. Thankfully, they'll be out of here by the time many are going to bed tonight.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/08-03_rne bams-1785780453236.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Forecast Rainfall</h2>Rainfall rates up to 1-2 inches per hour could overwhelm many spots of the northeast, especially areas that have more concrete and asphalt.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 120754-1785780490389.png">Be sure to follow along on WeatherNation or on Youtube - where we're streaming 24/7 with the latest forecasts and weather updates.

Spokane Complex Continues to Burn

Haboob Blows Through Phoenix; More Possible

More Storms for the East Through Monday

Cold Front Brings Storms and Cool Down

CSU Updates Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast for 2026

Spokane Complex Continues to Burn

Haboob Blows Through Phoenix; More Possible

More Storms for the East Through Monday

Cold Front Brings Storms and Cool Down

CSU Updates Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast for 2026

Spokane Complex Continues to Burn

Haboob Blows Through Phoenix; More Possible

More Storms for the East Through Monday