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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As we get through the work week, high pressure returns westward to the Desert Southwest. Extreme heat warnings (in pink) have been issued for cities including Phoenix, Las Vegas, Tucson, and Yuma. Heat advisories (in orange) have been issued across the Valley of California.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 120211-1787162563910.png">We started the week with plenty of triple digits across the Southwest, and the heat will continue through the end of this week. Temperatures will run a tad above average for folks across an already hot Southwest.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 120219-1787162574605.png">If you thought the hot temperatures would be a short-term thing, you would be wrong! Hot temperatures are here to stay for the end of August.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-18 191736-1787102330600.png">Storm Threat</h2>With a high pressure system sliding in, we'll manage to pick up some moisture increasing the heat index but also increasing the chance for some storms in Arizona for Wednesday afternoon. The SPC has issued a SLIGHT (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 120233-1787162583032.png">There is a MARGINAL risk for severe weather in the same spots on Thursday as well. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 120238-1787162633640.png">The timing of these storms favors the afternoon hours during peak heating.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/0819-1787147139618.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>A blowing dust advisory has also been issued across portions of Arizona through tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 074546-1787147171444.png">For more on this be sure to join us :50 past the hour for your west regional forecast.

Alana Cameron

Heat, Some Humidity, and Storms Return to the Southwest

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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Today, there are two areas of a slight risk for severe weather. For the mid-south, wind will be the primary concern, but isolated tornadoes will also be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 075629-1787147805738.png"> For more on the Southwest severe and heat: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/heat-returning-to-the-southwest">Heat, Some Humidity, and Storms Return to the Southwest</a>A few areas of marginal risks of severe weather remain through Thursday. This includes cities like Minneapolis, MN and Washington D.C.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 074751-1787147482393.png">Storms stick around through Friday across the Plains and the Southeast. There is a slight risk of severe weather in Nebraska.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 074757-1787147492046.png">Watch for areas of isolated to scattered flooding over the next few days.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/08191-1787147607763.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For more on your top weather headlines, watch WeatherNation live on-air or online!

Severe Storms Stick Around the Country This Week

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A ridge of high pressure has dominated the southern U.S., with multiple records being broken daily. Miami, Florida, saw a record of 100° Tuesday, which ties the previous record of 100°, set in 1942. This is only the second time Miami has reached this temperature since records began in 1895! The heat alerts will remain in place across the south through Wednesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 074145-1787146912208.png">Feels-like temperatures remain dangerously hot across the central and southern United States. Many areas will feel like 110-115 in the afternoon. Charleston will have a high of 96° on Wednesday, but a feels-like temperature of 113°.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 074215-1787146939630.png">Many cities across the South will be challenging the potential of tying to break records across the South, as this high-pressure system dominates.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 074226-1787146951730.png">Heat alerts are in place across the Southwest too. This includes Las Vegas, Phoenix, and parts of California.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 074245-1787147007891.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-19 074334-1787147020120.png">

Stifling Heat Holds Steady for Southern U.S.

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Lala continues to move westward of Kauai, still bringing bands of heavy rainfall and gusty winds to portions of the smaller Hawaiian Islands.The Hawaii Department of Transportation reported that parts of Highway 11 on the Big Island were shut down due to flooding. More than 130,000 customers lost power Saturday at the height of the storm. As the storm moves west-northwest, expect conditions to slowly improve as the blustery showers back off.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2088807962383143316" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2088807962383143316"></div>Flooding continues to be a problem for Hawaii as all of this rain makes it back into the ocean. Some areas picked up more than 3 FEET of rain thanks to Lala!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-17 101407-1786983268612.jpg">Lala, now over open Pacific waters, has strengthened back into a hurricane. According to the NHC, Lala is expected to remain a category 2. At this point, additional impacts to the Hawaiian Islands are over, but surf and rip currents will be something to watch. Larger swells generated by the system could amplify these coastal concerns.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-18 192701-1787102828054.png">

Hawaii Cleaning Up after Lala Grazed the Islands

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Kevin Schneider

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MIDWEST - After a week of flooding rains in the Midwest, today we enjoy a break from the relentless rainfall. However, many remain under flood watches and warnings as rivers remain swollen.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2088604118151479464" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2088604118151479464"></div>FLOOD THREATAdditional rainfall could increase the risk of flash flooding across the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Appalachian region. As the front works through, some localized flooding will be possible overnight. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/OVERNSSSS-1787016460932.png"><h2>Overnight Severe Threat</h2>The Storm Prediction Center and National Weather Service have issued a severe thunderstorm watch through tonight across the Southern Appalachians. The SPC has us under a slight risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe storms through the overnight hours.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-17 193201-1787016747073.png">

Front That Caused Flooding Heading East

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2087625672491721115" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2087625672491721115"></div>Get ready for one of the most spectacular displays of the cosmos visible on earth - a total solar eclipse! Totality will only cover a small portion of the globe, however, while many others will see a partial solar eclipse. A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and earth, casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. There's a small "hard shadow" where the total solar eclipse occurs, where the sun is completely obscured by the moon, leaving only the outer ring, or corona, of the sun visible. The larger "soft shadow" covers a larger portion of the globe, but only a section of the sun will be obscured. Even though both are eclipses, the experience in the path of totality is completely different than in the partial zone. Totality ushers in darkness and massive changes, including temperature drops, changes in animal behavior, and more. If you have the chance to see a total solar eclipse, it is highly recommended you take advantage of the opportunity.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124538-1786128790332.png"><h1>Path of Totality</h1>People in parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and an incredibly small piece of Portugal, will be able to experience totality if skies are clear enough. The eclipse will begin in the arctic circle before dropping south to cruise over the North Atlantic and eventually western Europe. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124037-1786128740977.png"> Western Iceland, including Reykjavik, will get to experience totality for a about 60 seconds in the late afternoon on Wednesday, August 12th. This will occur around 5:45 - 5:50 GMT from north to south.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-07 13-00-09-1786129629600.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Some lucky folks in Spain will have nearly two minutes of totality (toward the middle of the path), while folks closer to the outside of the path will only get about 20-30 seconds of magic. The sun will be approaching the western horizon, or sunset, as totality occurs, making for a truly incredible sight. Totality begins on the northern coast around 8:26 pm local time (CEST) and will end as it moves south of Mallorca in the Mediterranean around 8:33 pm.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-07 13-00-28-1786129642319.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Partial Solar Eclipse</h1>In the United States, only a partial eclipse will be visible and only for a portion of the country. A partial eclipse will be visible in the early afternoon, peaking around 2:00 pm ET, from portions of Montana to eastern North Carolina. Only a small sliver of the sun will be obscured for many, with about a fifth of the sun obscured in northern New England, mostly in Maine. All of Alaska (expect the far western Aleutians) will experience a partial solar eclipse as well. Southern Alaska will see a quarter of the sun obscured, peaking around 8:15 - 8:30 am Alaskan Daylight Time, while northern Alaska will see about half of the sun covered by the moon.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124624-1786128804207.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124629-1786131371992.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 103029-1786206678322.png"><h1>Next Total Solar Eclipse in the U.S.</h1>A total solar eclipse will cover portions of the United States in 2044, mostly moving through Canada, but parts of western North Dakota and Montana will get a view. In 2045, a large section of the United States will be able to experience a total solar eclipse. The path of totality runs from Northern California through Salt Lake City and Denver, before moving across the South from Little Rock to Miami, FL. It's never too early to make plans...<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124638-1786131683080.png"><h2>NASA's Research:</h2>Through this eclipse, NASA will have multiple scientific experiments on-going related to the eclipse to help us better understand these celestial events. We spoke with NASA to learn more.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EyvkXNZBrYk" start="0"></iframe></div>

Tracey Anthony

What to Know About the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th

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Alana Cameron was born and raised in Canada in the city of Mississauga, just outside of Toronto. Alana is the oldest of 4 siblings, all close in age, and grew up playing outside with them in all types of weather. After graduating high school, Alana moved to study at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna for a year before transferring to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Upon completion, Alana moved back to Toronto where she completed a post-grad degree in Meteorology at York University. After her post-grad, she went on to complete another post-grad in Broadcast Journalism - TV News at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. During her final year of studies she had the privilege of interning with the best in the business in Canada at The Weather Network. Once she finished her internship, she got the call from small-town Denison, Texas where she accepted a job as an on-air meteorologist at KTEN-TV, right in tornado alley, covering severe weather from Sherman/Denison (North Texas) to Ada (Southern Oklahoma). After the most active tornado season Oklahoma had seen in May 2019 (105 tornadoes!) Alana is excited to join WeatherNation to cover weather all across the nation. If you're interested in following her on social media she can be found @alanacameronwx!

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HIGH PLAINS - Tuesday proved to be an incredibly active day across the Central and High Plains. Storms in these parts had updrafts that exceeded 100 mph! Therefore, we were seeing hailstones that were 4.5" in diameter! That's about the size of a grapefruit. Once again, strong storms fired up Wednesday afternoon, bringing large hail and damaging winds. Wind gusts reached over 70 mph for portions of Iowa.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/plains winds-1786581631787.png"><h2>Overnight</h2>The severe threat will continue through Thursday morning. The threats we'll be tracking out here will be very similar to yesterday: damaging winds and some hail.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-12 200422-1786586713559.png">Some storms will hold together into the overnight hours. Expect more rounds of rain and storms again on Thursday!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/paisnsss-1786581513163.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Rainfall totals</h1>Not only will severe weather be a threat, but heavy rainfall will be embedded in some of these storms. Our model data shows some areas through South Dakota and Iowa receiving upwards of 4 inches of rain through Friday!<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/forecast rianfll through friday-1786581841657.png"></h1>Be sure to join us on WeatherNation for this story during:30 past the hour on your Central Regional Forecast.

Repeated Severe Threat for the High Plains

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After the solar eclipse happens Wednesday afternoon grab some coffee, because one of the best meteor showers of the year peaks late Wednesday night into Thursday morning! The Perseid meteor shower is often considered the best of the year for it's high rate of meteors and warm overnight temperatures, especially compared with the Geminids which peak in December. This year's show could be particularly dazzling since the moon will be new, leaving skies perfectly dark away from light pollution. The meteors are named after the constellation from which the appear to emanate, which is Perseus, located in the east-northeast this time of year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 092352-1786203103738.png">While clouds are forgotten about most days that don't involve the beach, they become your worst enemy when it comes to viewing the cosmos at night. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-12 081926-1786544372075.png">Do you need to bring binoculars for a meteor shower? No! Try to take in as much of the sky as possible at once, which will let you see as many meteors as possible. Find a dark place away from city lights, give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust, and wait for the show! Meteors can come in bursts so don't be discouraged if you don't see many initially, or if the rates slow down. Bring some lawn chairs or a blanket, snacks, and some beverages.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 093010-1786203095588.png">

One of the Best Meteor Showers of the Year Peaks Tonight

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<h1><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-202607">COURTESY: NCEI/NOAA</a></h1><h1><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-202607">JULY 2026 TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPIATION ASSESSMENT</a></h1><h2>Key Takeaways:</h2>Warmest on record: July 2026 averaged 76.9°F, the warmest month on record (1895–present) for the contiguous United States (CONUS).Widespread warmth: Above-average temperatures covered the entire CONUS, with all states ranking in the warmest third of their July temperature records and none ranking near or below average.Dry with regional flooding events: Despite below-average July precipitation for the CONUS as a whole, several regions experienced heavy rainfall, including major flash flooding events in the Texas Hill Country and eastern New York.&nbsp;Alaska cool: Alaska had the coldest July average temperature since 2008.<img src="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/Notable-Weathe-Climate-US-072026.png" alt="Map of the U.S. showing locations of notable weather and climate events in July 2026 with text describing each event and title at top stating “Notable Weather and Climate Events: July 2026”." title="Map of the U.S. showing locations of notable weather and climate events in July 2026 with text describing each event and title at top stating “Notable Weather and Climate Events: July 2026”.">Map of the U.S. notable weather and climate events in July 2026.<h2>Other Highlights:</h2><h3>Temperature</h3>The average temperature for the CONUS in July was 76.9°F, 3.3°F above the 20th-century average. This was the warmest July—and warmest month—in the 132-year record, 0.1–0.2°F warmer than July 1936 and July 2012.<img src="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/grid-ranks-tavg-202607.png" alt="Map of the U.S. showing temperature percentiles for July 2026 with warmer areas in gradients of red and cooler areas in gradients of blue." title="Map of the U.S. showing temperature percentiles for July 2026 with warmer areas in gradients of red and cooler areas in gradients of blue.">July 2026 U.S. Mean Temperature Percentiles Map.Daytime maximum temperatures averaged 89.5°F, 2.9°F above average, ranking as the sixth-warmest month on record for average high temperatures, while overnight minimum temperatures averaged 64.2°F, 3.7°F above average, ranking as the warmest month on record for average low temperatures, surpassing July 2022 by 0.7°F.Above-average temperatures extended across the entire CONUS in July, with much-above-average temperatures observed throughout much of the interior West, Southwest, Rockies, northern Plains and Upper Midwest, as well as parts of the Gulf Coast and Southeast. All CONUS states were at least 1°F above their 20th-century average, with 13 states ranking among their five warmest Julys. Wyoming recorded its warmest July and warmest month on record, with temperatures 5.1°F above average and 0.9°F warmer than its previous July record set in 2007.Alaska’s average temperature was 51.8°F, 0.9°F below the 1925–2000 average, ranking in the coolest third of the 102-year record. Below-average temperatures were observed across portions of the interior, as well as parts of the Alaska Peninsula and Panhandle. Hawai’i’s average temperature was 69.4°F, 0.6°F above the 1991–2020 average, ranking in the middle third of the 36-year record. While overnight minimum temperatures were above- to much-above average across the island chain, daytime temperatures were near or below average for the month.<h3>Precipitation</h3>Total precipitation averaged across the CONUS in July was 2.55 inches, 0.23 inch below the 20th-century average, ranking in the driest third of the 132-year record.<img src="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/grid-ranks-prcp-202607.png" alt="Map of the U.S. showing precipitation percentiles for July 2026 with wetter areas in gradients of green and drier areas in gradients of brown." title="Map of the U.S. showing precipitation percentiles for July 2026 with wetter areas in gradients of green and drier areas in gradients of brown.">July 2026 U.S. Total Precipitation Percentiles.Precipitation across the CONUS during July reflected a mix of wet and dry conditions. Below-average precipitation occurred across portions of the northern tier, including parts of the northern Rockies, northern Plains, Upper Midwest and Northeast, as well as parts of the southern Plains, Mississippi Valley, Central Gulf and Southeast. In contrast, pockets of above-average precipitation were observed across parts of the West and Southwest, central Plains and Upper Midwest, as well as portions of Texas, the Tennessee and lower Ohio Valleys, Mid-Atlantic and lower Northeast.Alaska’s average precipitation was 4.30 inches in July, 1.02 inches above the 1925–2000 average, ranking in the wettest third of the 102-year record. Southern and southwestern portions of the state, including the Alaska Peninsula, received above-average to much-above-average precipitation, with Anchorage tying its highest July precipitation total on record. In contrast, portions of the Alaska Panhandle received below-average precipitation.Hawaiʻi averaged 5.20 inches of precipitation in July, 0.56 inch above the 1991–2020 average, ranking in the wettest third of the 36-year record, despite localized regions that saw below-average totals. The year-to-date statewide precipitation total remained the wettest on record, with a January–July total of nearly five feet (59.82 inches), 25.43 inches above average (173.9% of normal).<h3>Drought</h3>According to the August 4 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="ext" href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DmData/DataTables.aspx">U.S. Drought Monitor</a>, about 48.5% of the CONUS was in drought, an increase of about 0.7 percentage points since the end of June. Drought persisted over much of the interior West, Southwest and Rockies, and expanded or intensified across parts of the Northwest, southern and northern Plains, Upper Midwest and far Northeast. In contrast, drought contracted or decreased in intensity across portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley and much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic region. In Puerto Rico, more than two-thirds of the island was in drought, with more than one-third classified as severe drought or worse.

Administrator

July 2026: Warmest Month on Record for Contiguous U.S.

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A series of frontal systems will keep the Northeast active with storms and heavy rainfall chances into the weekend. As a front approaches the coast on Saturday, scattered severe storms are expected with damaging winds possible. Flash flooding will also be a concern, especially in urban areas.<h2>HEAT ALERTS</h2>Warm southerly flow around the Bermuda high in the Western Atlantic is keeping the coast hot and humid on Saturday. Heat alerts have been issued where heat index values will range between 95 - 105° F. Take breaks from the sun in shade or air conditioning and be sure to drink lots of water.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 070515-1786194328560.png"><h2>FORECAST</h2>Friday's storms did produce several areas of damaging winds and flooding across parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. In the Northeast, wind gusts topped out at 58 mph in Pennsylvania. Saturday, more scattered storms are possible ahead of the cold front, which could lead to gusty winds and heavy rainfall. The best timing for the severe storms will occur during the afternoon and evening hours. The front should clear most of the Northeast on Sunday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/FORECAST-1786219970943.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>RAINFALL</h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 070818-1786194510592.png">Rainfall totals don't appear off the charts, but with already saturated grounds, the flooding risk is certainly here.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/1-1786156033794.png">For more on this and any flood or severe alerts in your area, be sure to join us on WeatherNation for the latest.

Patrick Crawford

Severe Storms Target I-95 Saturday, D.C. to NYC

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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 near Spokane.<h3>Impacts:</h3><ul><li>The Spokane Area fires, consisting of the Autumn Lane, Old Trails, and Fairview fires, have burned 10,436 acres</li><li>Containment: Autumn Lane 37%, Old Trails 23%, and Fairview 31%</li><li>Thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders</li><li>Approximately 800+ structures have been destroyed, and thousands more are threatened</li></ul><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 194958-1785981012796.png"><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. The President has also approved an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260804/president-donald-j-trump-approves-emergency-declaration-washington">emergency declaration</a> for Washington, providing federal disaster assistance to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting in these wildfires.<h2>Forecast Ahead</h2>Winds will increase in the forecast on Friday and Saturday, prompting new fire weather alerts across the northwest. Red Flag Warnings are in place for portions of the Northwest and Northern Four Corners.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/1-1786068617168.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/2026/08/1-1786068644866.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. AS the next front in the north-central U.S. moves through it will likely pull in more moderate to dense smoke behind it.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/BARON 5-1786068730681.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Residents should expect reduced visibility and degraded air quality through Monday morning before seeing improvements.

Jesse Kelley

Spokane Area Fires: Some Containment

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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">The Storm Prediction Center has issued a MARGINAL (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe weather overnight. Damaging winds will, once again, be the main concern.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 195906-1785981551782.png">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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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!

CSU Updates Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast for 2026

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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.

Cold Front Brings Storms and Cool Down

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<h1>Pacific</h1>Genevieve formed last Friday south of Acapulco, Mexico. Chewing up loads of warm water, Genevieve rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane; after moving into cooler waters, it started weakening and is back to a tropical storm. Luckily, the storm will stay away from land. However, choppy waters and rough surf can be expected from the coast of Mexico up to Southern California.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-02 132115-1785698498667.png"><h1>Atlantic</h1>All remains quiet in the Atlantic for now. Saharan dust is working it's way across the ocean. As waters continue to warm into early fall, stay vigilant! The tropics can create systems quickly this time of year. WeatherNation will always keep you updated with the latest!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/xxxzzz-1785722471047.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Heat, Some Humidity, and Storms Return to the Southwest

Heat, Some Humidity, and Storms Return to the

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Severe Storms Stick Around the Country This W

Stifling Heat Holds Steady for Southern U.S.

Stifling Heat Holds Steady for Southern U.S.

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Hawaii Cleaning Up after Lala Grazed the Isla

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Front That Caused Flooding Heading East

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What to Know About the Total Solar Eclipse on

Repeated Severe Threat for the High Plains

Repeated Severe Threat for the High Plains

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One of the Best Meteor Showers of the Year Pe

July 2026: Warmest Month on Record for Contiguous U.S.

July 2026: Warmest Month on Record for Contig

Severe Storms Target I-95 Saturday, D.C. to NYC

Severe Storms Target I-95 Saturday, D.C. to N

Spokane Area Fires: Some Containment

Spokane Area Fires: Some Containment

Haboob Blows Through Phoenix; More Possible

Haboob Blows Through Phoenix; More Possible

CSU Updates Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast for 2026

CSU Updates Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecas

Cold Front Brings Storms and Cool Down

Cold Front Brings Storms and Cool Down

After Reaching Category 5, Genevieve Weakens in the Pacific

After Reaching Category 5, Genevieve Weakens