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!

Alana Cameron

AlanaCameronjpeg-1679518648021.jpeg

MAY 2026: Meteorological spring officially ends on May 31st before giving way to meteorological summer (June-July-August). As we wrap up the season, we're taking a look back at May, typically the most active tornado month of the year in th United States, to see how this year compared to average.<h3>Tornado Climatology</h3>First, it's important to understand the baseline. April, May, and June, account for more than half (54%) of the average annual tornado totals in the U.S. May alone averages 268 tornadoes nationwide.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 142144-1780258994499.png"><h3>2026 vs. Average</h3>According to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/summary/">SPC</a> this year we've had 162 tornadoes reported this May, pending data from May 31st.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 142548-1780259261127.png">That doesn't mean the month has been without impact. Several notable tornadoes occurred across the country:<ul><li>May 6 - Mississippi: An EF3 tornado tracked from Sibley to Monticello, injuring 23 people and destroying numerous homes, mobile homes, and vehicles. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2052569172065042760" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2052569172065042760"></div></li><li>May 17 - Nebraska: An EF3 tornado struck near St. Libory, damaging or destroying homes and a rural housing development.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056185501854650512" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056185501854650512"></div></li><li>May 19 - Texas: An EF3 tornado impacted Mineral Wells, damaging homes and businesses throughout the community.</li></ul>While May 2026 was less active than average by the numbers, a few statistics stand out: Oklahoma recorded just 2 tornado reports this month, compared to its May average of 32. States that had an above average May were: Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming, Florida, and Mississippi.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 141156-1780259869233.png"> <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 141202-1780260236683.png">Looking at the past four years, Oklahoma has been below average in three of them. The exception was 2024, when the state recorded 54 tornadoes. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 140939-1780259933980.png">For more on what to expect for the rest of this severe weather season, be sure to join us on WeatherNation, we stream 24/7.

May 2026 Tornado Recap: Below Average, But Not Without Impact

Screenshot20260531144332png-1780260706220.png

Kevin Schneider

A021DDE71AA34C50BB5468289EA6B1D7jpeg-1699372868991.jpeg

More rounds of heavy rain are expected to move across parts of the South over the next several days, increasing the risk for flash flooding in areas that have already seen significant rainfall. The wet weather pattern is expected to linger into next week as moisture from the Gulf continues fueling repeated thunderstorms across the region.Flood concerns remain high in parts of the south where the ground is already saturated from recent storms. Some areas have dealt with flooded roads, high water rescues, and strong thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and hail. With additional rain in the forecast, it will not take much to trigger more flooding, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas.&nbsp;<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2060179321956762045" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2060179321956762045"></div>The flood threat is expected to stretch from the Central Plains to the Southeast Coast. Several inches of rain could fall in some locations as storms repeatedly move over the same areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 162957-1780266605284.png">Daily afternoon thunderstorm chances will persist over the southeastern U.S. as we head into the end of the weekend and into early next week as well.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05-31 wide bams-1780251383764.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Severe weather is even possible across these areas by Monday, if you live in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, or Arkansas, the SPC has highlighted a MARGINAL (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms on Monday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 163019-1780266624349.png">While this rain is causing flash flooding, it is beneficial in many areas, as widespread drought conditions were introduced in this week's drought update, with Mississippi and Alabama having the greatest improvements. The persistent storm pattern is being driven by a slow-moving system interacting with deep tropical moisture from the Gulf. By Tuesday, the better ingredients for severe storms settle into the Sunshine State.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05-31 rse tuesday w spc-1780251394157.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Because the system is not moving quickly, repeated rounds of rain are possible through the coming days. Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to stay weather-aware and avoid driving through flooded roadways.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-26 115148-1779817916121.png">Tune into WeatherNation for more details.

Taban Sharifi

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

Screenshot20260531163045png-1780266646688.png

PLAINS - Renewed rounds of severe weather are expected to unfold across the High Plains to the Ozarks, to the Deep South as we round out the weekend and head into next week. Hot temperatures, high moisture, and an upper-level low-pressure system are all creating an environment favorable for severe weather.<h2>SPC - Severe Outlooks</h2>The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded to a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe storms centered around Kansas City Sunday afternoon. A few strong to locally severe storms are possible for the Central United States due to a trough over the northern Rockies.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 121010-1780251025720.png">On Monday, there is a SLIGHT risk again for severe storms across eastern Colorado and into Kansas and a marginal risk extending all the way to the Lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys. Thunderstorms capable of producing severe wind gusts and large hail are likely, the hail threat higher for Colorado and Kansas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 121015-1780251036786.png"><h2>Timing</h2> As we head into Sunday afternoon, you'll see some isolated to scattered strong storms push through and then on Monday new storms will form into the afternoon from the Plains to the lower MS Valley.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05-31 rnc-1780251112743.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For more on the severe threat, tune into WeatherNation at :30 past the hour.

Nation's Heartland Expects Active Severe Forecast

20260531073052ezgifcomvideotogifconvertergif-1780234412312.gif

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!

TabanSharifijpeg-1679519287847.jpeg

Hurricane Preparedness Week begins Monday, June 1, on WeatherNation. This is also the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began on May 15.Right now, the National Hurricane Center is tracking two disturbances in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. One with a high chance of tropical development and one with a low chance (above). The names for the Eastern Pacific starts with Amanda.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 074929-1780235388727.png">The Climate Prediction Center Outlook showcases a low to medium chance for development through the beginning of June.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 074935-1780235413480.png">Sea surface temperatures for the Pacific are already very warm for the start of the season. The El Nino pattern showcases the potential for higher activity across the Eastern Pacific. On the other hand, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/noaa-predictions-for-the-2026-hurricane-season">NOAA Predicts a Below Normal 2026 Season for the Atlantic</a> basin.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 074939-1780235440882.png">Stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest during hurricane season. Join us through Hurricane Prep Week, June 1 - June 7.

Tracking Two Disturbances in the Pacific Ocean

Screenshot20260531112422png-1780248267312.png

Clear skies provided perfect viewing conditions for Manhattanhenge this year. The biannual event took place on Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29, when the setting sun aligned with the east-west street grid of Manhattan. The timing couldn't have been better, as clouds and rain showers moved into the Northeast over the weekend, obscuring the view.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2060201967289577750" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2060201967289577750"></div>While some saw rain for the first half of the weekend, high elevations in New Hampshire actually saw some snowfall on Saturday! Mount Washington reported nearly 6" of snowfall.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-30 190735-1780189663746.png">The next quick-moving system moves in on Sunday, bringing rain showers and some embedded storms. The chance for additional snow has lowered for these spots.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-30 190848-1780189736644.png">On Sunday, a quick-moving cold front brings New York and northern New England rain chances. Some start in the Champlain Valley as early as daybreak and continue to follow the front throughout the day into more of New England.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05-30 rne bams3k overnight-1780189842614.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The pattern ahead will also keep temperatures on the comfortable side as we wrap up meteorological spring and move into meteorological summer on Monday, June 1st!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/pic5-1780176839270.png">For more on this be sure to join us on WeatherNation at :10 past the hour for your eastern regional forecast.

Wrapping Up Another Cool and Wet Weekend for the Northeast

Screenshot20260530191105png-1780190080679.png

<h1>SET-UP</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/PIC 3-1780015341246.jpg">An upper low is sitting and spinning over the Great Basin out west. That puts our friends in the northwest on the northern side of this feature. Usually, you're looking at areas on the southern and eastern peripheries with the best dynamics for storms. Regardless, a strong corridor of winds is expected to spark storms each afternoon over the next few days.<h1>IMPACTS</h1>Check out some of the damaging wind reports from Thursday's storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/PIC 2-1780015303746.jpg">The wind threat will be the primary severe weather threat for Friday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061107-1780061390025.png"><h1>TIMING</h1><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/FORECAST-1780015366094.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Showers will be sporadic but strengthen each afternoon. Notice they'll rotate from east to west since we're staying north of the low spinning up these severe chances.

Patrick Crawford

Severe Storms Possible in the Pacific Northwest

Screenshot20260329060538png-1780060962673.png

Tracey Anthony

Tracey2jpeg-1737574224773.jpeg

Record high temperatures have been breaking since Memorial Day Weekend in the Northern Plains, making the High Plains the hottest temperatures across the country! On Wednesday, another record was broken in this area for Baker, Montana, reaching 89°!Heat Advisories remain in effect for portions of Montana through Thursday for the dangerous heat. Afternoon highs will once again soar into the 90's<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/web 3-1779977649808.png">The heat will remain into Friday, but more storm chances could throw some cloud cover into the afternoons, which might help.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-27 183319-1779928459791.png">When record heat strikes, often times so does fire danger. Red flag warnings impact most the counties under the heat advisory today. Be mindful of anything that could spark a flame! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/web 5-1779977987247.png">Record highs in Billings will be in trouble through Friday, before relief rolls in for the weekend.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Web 1-1779977558933.png">

Northern Plains Heat Pushes into Upper Midwest

web4png-1779977675102.png

The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted a SLIGHT risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe storms from Ohio to the northern reaches of the Tarheel State. Damaging wind gusts will be the main threat through Thursday morning, with some small hail mixed in.<h1>Timing</h1>As we head into the overnight hours, storms will fizzle out in intensity along the front as we've lost daytime heating.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/ovn-1779929090823.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Rain Totals</h1>Some areas could pick up a few inches of rain, which could lead to some localized flooding. The heaviest will likely stay down south across the Mid-Atlantic. There are flood watches in effect across the Ohio Valley through Wednesday night.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-27 114005-1779903612410.png">

Severe Storms Threaten Nation's Capital

Screenshot20260527143507png-1779914762525.png

Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

JackieBrownjpeg-1679518619427.jpeg

<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1>Heavy rain has already hit numerous areas in the Southeast this past week, creating major flash flooding issues in Atlanta. A marginal risk for severe weather remains in place for Sunday and into the overnight hours for portions of GA, AL &amp; FL. Damaging winds and hail will be the primary concern. On Monday, we have another chance of strong-to-severe storms, including in Tallahassee and Atlanta. Once again, damaging winds will be the main concern. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/mondayyaa-1779653951757.png">As the low moves through, scattered showers and storms will continue through the holiday on Monday. Heavy rain will also be a concern as this frontal boundary lingers. Always turn around and never attempt to drive through flood waters. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/ovvv-1779654086424.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Additional heavy rain is expected to increase the potential for flash flooding, in addition to strong storms and severe weather threats. For more on the flood potential, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/repeated-rain-raises-flood-threat-down-south">click here</a>.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-23 073318-1779543220474.png">More rain is expected over the next few days for portions of the south. Mobile, Alabama, will have storms around for Memorial Day, and the storm chances continue into Tuesday and Wednesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/mobile alabama-1779640203804.png">

Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeast

overngihtttpng-1779653840934.png

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

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released several important seasonal outlooks today, including their expectations for the upcoming Atlantic Hurricane Season. Hurricane season and summer are expected to be impacted by a burgeoning El Niño, which could be very strong through much of the second half of 2026. Among the new outlooks issued are the seasonal forecasts for meteorological summer, which runs from June through August. NOAA is expecting much of the lower 48 to experience above-average temperatures (top of page), with higher confidence across the Western U.S. The Midwest and parts of the middle Mississippi Valley have an even chance for above or below-average temperatures.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 113803-1779385356524.png">Much of the country is forecast to have near-normal rainfall for meteorological summer, but a few areas are favored for below-average precipitation. These include the Texas Gulf Coast, Upper-Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest. In contrast, the Northeastern U.S. is slightly favored to see above-average precipitation. There is some confidence in parts of the Four Corners region having above-average rainfall, indicating the Climate Prediction Center expects an above-average monsoon season.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 113858-1779385377893.png">Not surprisingly, the forecast rainfall in the Four Corners could lead to drought improvement, which is expected in the seasonal drought outlook (above). Drought is also expected to improve in Florida, parts of Texas, and the lower Mississippi Valley. Drought is expected to expand or develop from California through Minnesota.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 113928-1779385397348.png">The North American Monsoon (NAM) develops in Mexico in June and shifts north into the Four Corners, Great Basin, and California into July, August, and September. More data is needed to understand any correlation between El Niño and the NAM, but tropical systems tend to be more active in the Eastern Pacific during El Niño years. Remnants of these systems can greatly increase rainfall during the NAM.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 114106-1779385397348.png">

NOAA Releases Summer Outlook, Above Average Temperatures Expected

Screenshot20260521113757png-1779385333226.png

Several rounds of storms have been swinging through the Southern Plains the last few days, producing large hail, damaging winds, flooding, and even a few tornadoes. Severe storms will remain in the forecast for the long weekend, with all modes of severe weather possible. Yet again, hail was the biggest risk of severe weather on Friday, with hail up to tennis and baseball-sized across the Texas Panhandle. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779501942188.png">Additional scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast for parts of the Lone Star state and Mississippi (top of page), with the biggest hazards being damaging winds, large hail, and heavy downpours. An isolated tornado or two will be possible across portions of the Magnolia State. <h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-23 144208-1779568935067.png">Forecast</h1>New rounds of thunderstorms are expected across the Southern Plains through the evening hours, with some storms persisting overnight. By Sunday, the upper-level energy supporting the storms will move farther east toward the Sabine River, bringing a better chance for storms into Louisiana and Mississippi.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/sattxstorms-1779569121085.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>As mentioned above, heavy rainfall is likely in spots, and flooding will occur. The Gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana could see rainfall of over six inches!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-23 144544-1779569159662.png">

Dave Holder

Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains, Gulf Coast

Screenshot20260523143949png-1779568791678.png

SIMI VALLEY, CA - On Monday, May 18th in Ventura County, California, a new wildfire formed named the Sandy Fire. It has since burned over 2100 acres and grew quickly, threatening life and property. This prompted evacuation orders and warnings to the area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779416671274.png">Footage in the region shows the extent of the smoke and poor air quality.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056736634754809931" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056736634754809931"></div>Additional fires have since quickly formed in southern California, despite no red flag warnings or fire weather outlook. The winds managed to be strong enough for fires to quickly get out of control in the areas. The Bain Fire in Riverside started to burn heavy fuels at a moderate rate before quickly burning up to almost 1000 acres. This prompted evacuation orders and warnings for many Riverside Zones.The Bain Fire is burning in Riverside County, CA. This fire began on Tuesday, May 19, and quickly spread to over 1,400 acres. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779416718052.png">Another fire we are watching is one that possibly started from a shipwrecked sailor off the coast of California. This is the Santa Rosa Island Fire which is over 16,000 acres. Not many people reside on this island but there are species on the island that are threatened by the fire.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061107-1779367133110.png">Due to the extent of several wildfires burning in southern California, air quality has worsened in the area, and air quality alerts have been issued for parts of the Greater Los Angeles area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779416760992.png">For more on these, be sure to join us at WeatherNation at :50 past the hour.

Jesse Kelley

CALIFORNIA: Wildfires Prompt Evacuations

Screenshot20260520175901png-1779321756733.png

ROCKIES - Through the rest of the week, an upper-level low and a cold front will move into the Rocky Mountains, bringing cooler air, chances for thunderstorms, and even snow across the region!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 114928-1779385809408.png">A Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Warning have been issued for portions of Montana and Wyoming in the higher elevations. Heavy snow is expected on north-facing slopes above 7,000 feet, where snowfall totals of 8–13 inches are possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 115055-1779385865123.png">In addition to the snowy conditions, temperatures ahead of the system will remain warm enough to support instability and thunderstorms. Portions of the Plains are under a highlighted risk area for severe thunderstorms as this cooler air mass collides with the warmer air ahead of the front. A SLIGHT (Level 2 out of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms is forecast for Colorado and surrounding states today. Wind and hail are expected to be the primary hazards, but a tornado or two will be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 115022-1779386008123.png">As the front moves in and provides additional forcing, stronger storms will become possible through the afternoon and evening.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/eco-1779386103698.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rainfall totals are not expected to be nearly as high as they were earlier this week, but some minor disruptions to outdoor plans during the holiday long weekend are still possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 115520-1779386130337.png">Be sure to join us on WeatherNation for the latest!

Rockies Brace for Snow, Severe Storms as Cold Front Moves In

Screenshot20260521115022png-1779385824676.png

Brittany Lockley

BrittanyLockleyjpeg-1679519515040.jpeg

A big warmup is taking hold across the eastern United States, bringing temperatures that will feel more like midsummer than mid-May. Much of the East Coast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast saw temperatures surge into record-breaking territory as a strong area of high pressure settled over the region.&nbsp;Numerous records were broken on Tuesday afternoon, including Newark, NJ, which hit a high of 99 degrees. The NE can see one more day of record warmth before temperatures cool off.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/NORTHEAST HIGHS-1779242730674.png">RELATED: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-storms-possible-in-the-plains-midwest-to-end-the-week">Severe Chances on the Plains</a>High temperatures are forecast to climb into the 80s across many areas, while some cities could approach or even reach 90 degrees for the first time this year in the Northeast. The normal average for New York City this time of year is 72°, but the forecast high is expected to be 85° on Wednesday. Temperatures will dip back down to the 60s on Thursday, once a front passes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-20 030656-1779268041186.png">On Wednesday, more records will be broken with some locations up to 20 to 30 degrees warmer than what is typical for this time of year.&nbsp;This has prompted heat advisories through Wednesday afternoon. Major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including Philadelphia and New York City, will come close to daily temperature records if the heat intensifies enough. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-20 031314-1779268412172.png">Additional records are likely to fall through mid-week across the East before our central U.S. cold front draws in cooler air and stormy weather.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-20 032043-1779268878961.png">Despite the urge, stay out of the waters in the area. Many bodies of water are barely above freezing, which could shock the system into paralysis if you jump in<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 104353-1779122640973.png">The unusually warm pattern will come to an end after our front passes through on Thursday. By the end of the week, many spots will be closer to seasonal norms in the 70's<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-20 031551-1779268564533.png">

One More Day of Blistering Temperatures

Screenshot20260520032043png-1779268848874.png

<h1>SUNDAY</h1>A potent setup, fueled by record hot temperatures, lead to destructive severe storms this past weekend. The worst of the days was easily Sunday, with over 300 reports of severe weather, including hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 110814-1779124204412.png">A strong tornado touched down in Nebraska as a part of the outbreak. Even with all of this damage, no injuries were reported Sunday afternoon.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056161399349580033" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056161399349580033?s=20"></div>In a recent update after the damage survey labeled that Saint Libory tornado and EF3!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-19 050928-1779188995338.png">Other places were spared tornado damage but picked up MASSIVE hailstones. It's not a surprise that the cell responsible for the damage in Palmer also produced the largest hailstone on the day.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 111222-1779124373927.png">All of this severe weather came on the heels of an active day to start off the weekend! Severe storms lead to baseball-plus-sized hail in Missouri and Kansas, and prompted a Flash Flood Emergency in the Trenton, MO area after 6+ inches of rain fell.<h1>MONDAY</h1>Yet another big severe weather day was felt across the Midwest. We received roughly 20 tornado reports across Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas. Hefty damaging winds and large hail reports came pouring out yesterday as well!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-19 101520-1779207339213.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-19 050444-1779188693950.png">A Particularly Dangerous Situation Tornado Watch was issued ahead of several tornado-warned storms. Some touched down, giving us views just like this one out of Blue Rapids, Kansas!<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056524242070741358" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056524242070741358"></div><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-19 050839-1779188929043.png">

May 2026 Tornado Recap: Below Average, But Not Without Impact

May 2026 Tornado Recap: Below Average, But No

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Acro

Nation's Heartland Expects Active Severe Forecast

Nation's Heartland Expects Active Severe Fore

Tracking Two Disturbances in the Pacific Ocean

Tracking Two Disturbances in the Pacific Ocea

Wrapping Up Another Cool and Wet Weekend for the Northeast

Wrapping Up Another Cool and Wet Weekend for

Severe Storms Possible in the Pacific Northwest

Severe Storms Possible in the Pacific Northwe

Northern Plains Heat Pushes into Upper Midwest

Northern Plains Heat Pushes into Upper Midwes

Severe Storms Threaten Nation's Capital

Severe Storms Threaten Nation's Capital

Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeast

Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeas

NOAA Releases Summer Outlook, Above Average Temperatures Expected

NOAA Releases Summer Outlook, Above Average T

Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains, Gulf Coast

Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains,

CALIFORNIA: Wildfires Prompt Evacuations

CALIFORNIA: Wildfires Prompt Evacuations

Rockies Brace for Snow, Severe Storms as Cold Front Moves In

Rockies Brace for Snow, Severe Storms as Cold

One More Day of Blistering Temperatures

One More Day of Blistering Temperatures

Severe Storms Leave Trail of Destruction on the Plains

Severe Storms Leave Trail of Destruction on t