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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A large area of high pressure continues to bring the heat across the United States. Extreme heat warnings and heat advisories are all in place across the western U.S. with some finding their way into Oklahoma and Arkansas for Wednesday. Find ways to stay cool and stay out of the sunshine. Multiple records were broken on Monday. Pueblo, CO set a new record of 107° on Monday, beating out the old record of 103°, which is the all-time August record.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-04 042814-1785839615756.png">In addition to the heat alerts, the Heat Risk is up to major to extreme levels, especially across the southwest. This means that the heat will be dangerous for everyone, even if you're used to the desert heat.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-04 112952-1785864599762.png">Southwest</h1>Temperatures for Los Angeles will climb into the 90s, with Las Vegas climbing into the 110s. Normally this region is known for hot and dry conditions, but with monsoonal moisture in the area, the heat index values will be abnormally high!<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-04 113043-1785864703346.png">Northwest</h1>Temperatures across the interior Northwest will spike over the next few days as well, with heat alerts issued for Wyoming and Montana. Smoke from nearby wildfires is expected to filter some sunshine out and curb temperatures by a degree or two, but won't keep some from threatening the century mark again.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-04 113111-1785864716449.png">These temperatures across the northwest will also affect firefighter efforts to get wildfires in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho under control. More on the fires burning in the northwest: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/pacific-northwest-fires-bringing-down-the-air-quality">Spokane Complex Fire Continues to Burn</a>.For everyone across the country dealing with the intense heat, practice heat safety, take frequent breaks, and stay hydrated as best as you can in the days upcoming. The longer-range outlook for temperatures from August 10 - 14 has higher confidence that temperatures will remain above average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-04 081426-1785852878239.png">More on your Western Regional Forecast can be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Alana Cameron

Western U.S. Under More Heat Alerts

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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 severe thunderstorm warnings and even a few tornado warnings were needed as storms rumbled through. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-04 102757-1785860889362.png">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 tonight. Really windy. The Storm Prediction Center is concerned about the area in blue, where winds could reach 75+ mph once again. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-04 103141-1785861217320.png">Timing looks similar to Monday evening's storms - getting going after 4-5 PM and peaking in intensity around 8-9 PM.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-04 10-33-06-1785861287545.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>

Haboob Blows Through Phoenix; More Possible

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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.<h3>Impacts:</h3><ul><li>Thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders</li><li>Approximately 900+ structures have been destroyed, and thousands more are threatened</li><li>Containment remains at 0% for the Spokane Complex</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. The SPC has an elevated risk for fire danger through Tuesday across the northwestern region, as well as a few Red Flag Warnings sticking around.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-04 041637-1785838618969.png">Red Flag Warnings are in place for portions of the Northeast and Northern Four Corners.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-04 080838-1785852529230.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 2026-08-04 080921-1785852566882.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.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/08041-1785852623972.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Residents should expect reduced visibility and degraded air quality through Monday morning before seeing improvements.

Spokane Complex Continues to Burn

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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 look possible by Wednesday. A Marginal risk for severe weather has been added from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) from Springfield, MO to Davenport, IA (above). All threats look possible, including isolated tornadoes. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-04 080410-1785852256962.png">A few showers and storms begin Tuesday afternoon and ramp up Wednesday. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/0804-1785852333286.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 2026-08-04 080601-1785852366686.png">More details on your Central Regional Forecast can always be found :30 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Cooler Plains, Severe Storms Return Wednesday

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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

Cooler Plains, Severe Storms Return Wednesday

More Storms for the East Through Monday

Western U.S. Under More Heat Alerts

Haboob Blows Through Phoenix; More Possible

Spokane Complex Continues to Burn

Cooler Plains, Severe Storms Return Wednesday

More Storms for the East Through Monday

Western U.S. Under More Heat Alerts

Haboob Blows Through Phoenix; More Possible

Spokane Complex Continues to Burn

Cooler Plains, Severe Storms Return Wednesday

More Storms for the East Through Monday