Brittany Lockley

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It has been one year since the Palisades and Eaton fires burned through local communities in Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025. The lasting impacts are still being felt across the region, both on the ground and in the atmosphere. The fires took 31 lives and burned down 18,000 buildings and homes.&nbsp;The fires ignited during a period of extreme fire weather, fueled by prolonged drought, critically low humidity, and strong offshore winds. The Palisades&nbsp;fire initially started with an open flame in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Firefighters were able to contain&nbsp;the flames above ground, but the fire continued to burn underground. At the time of ignition, relative humidity values dropped into the single digits, while wind gusts frequently exceeded 40 to 60 mph, creating ideal conditions for the rapid spread of the fire. The National Weather Service even issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation for these fires. These factors allowed flames to move miles in just hours, overwhelming containment efforts during the initial stages. The Palisades fire grew to 23,707 acres.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 041825-1767784832298.png">The Eaton Fire ignited in Altadena shortly after the Palisades Fire. In this fire, close to 10,000 homes were destroyed and 19 lives were lost, as the fire ravaged 14,021 acres by the time of its containment on January 31, 2024.&nbsp;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-07 04-18-40-1767784809714.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rainfall deficits leading up to the fires played a major role in their intensity. Many areas had received less than 50 percent of their average precipitation over the previous 6 to 12 months, resulting in exceptionally dry vegetation. Live fuel moisture levels were near record lows for late season, and energy release components, an index used to measure potential fire intensity, were well above climatological averages. &nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 040748-1767784265056.png">Once the fires were established, towering smoke plumes injected particulates high into the atmosphere, degrading air quality across hundreds of miles and prompting repeated air quality alerts as fine particulate concentrations surged well above health-based thresholds.&nbsp;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2025-12_2025-01-09_g18_abi_meso_geocolor-fires-1767898580832.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>In the aftermath, the weather continued to complicate recovery. The first significant rain events following the fires produced short bursts of heavy rainfall, falling on soils unable to absorb water efficiently. Rainfall rates of just a half inch per hour were enough to trigger runoff, mudslides, and debris flows within burn scars. Damaging roads and infrastructure months after the flames were extinguished. Emergency managers were forced to pivot from wildfire response to managing the floods, highlighting the compound risks associated with extreme weather.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 091018-1767802242571.png">A year later, both fires are on California's most destructive fires list. Weather and climate data show early signs of ecological recovery, but also ongoing vulnerability. Native grasses and shrubs have begun to return, aided by winter&nbsp;rainfall.&nbsp;The Palisades and Eaton fires now serve as a stark example of how weather extremes, heat, wind, drought, and heavy rainfall are reshaping wildfire behavior. &nbsp;

Tracey Anthony

One Year Later: Palisades and Eaton Fires

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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

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Two sprawling storm systems are tracking from the Rockies to the Great Lakes, bringing prolonged periods of heavy rain, severe&nbsp;thunderstorms,&nbsp;and flooding concerns to much of the country. The multi-day weather pattern began in the Southwest and is gradually shifting east,&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;more than 30 states from the Plains to the East Coast.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 061355-1767964633704.png"><h1>Outlooks &amp; Timing</h1>The first storm system developed over the Four Corners region, spreading rain across parts of Arizona and New Mexico before intensifying as it moved into the Southern Plains. A few tornadoes did cause damage in Oklahoma early Thursday morning. We are awaiting more information on the strength of these tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 062121-1767965062250.png">Friday into Saturday, a second storm system is expected to reinforce the unsettled pattern. Friday's outlook covers areas from east Texas through Kentucky, with a level 2 (slight) risk from Baton Rouge to Nashville, which means storms are expected to be slightly more widespread, stronger, and could last longer. All modes of severe weather (wind, hail, and tornadoes) will be possible. The tornado potential is at a level 2 from Louisiana through central Alabama.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot20260109060639png-1767964003041.png">Warm and moist air is expected to remain in place as the next trough begins to mature, with storms targeting the Mississippi Valley. Isolated severe storms are possible early, but by the early afternoon, daytime heating will help increase instability enough to lead to scattered severe storms developing. Those storms are expected to intensify through the late afternoon hours, with some persisting into the evening and overnight. Be sure to review your tornado safety plan and have multiple ways to get severe weather alerts that can wake you up.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-09 06-40-49-1767966081003.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Severe storms will still be possible through Saturday afternoon, which includes the continued threat for tornadoes. The tornado threat for Saturday stretches from Birmingham through Atlanta to Asheville.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 063626-1767965796452.png"><h1>Rain &amp; Flooding</h1>Rainfall rates will increase significantly on Friday across the south, with 1-2" per hour possible, possibly more. This means some areas could receive 4-6 inches in a short period of time, which could lead to flash flooding. A Flood Watch has been issued for parts of the South into Saturday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 064134-1767966305477.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1767900428811.png">The WPC has issued a level 3 outlook for excessive rainfall (flash flooding) for Friday, with areas from Louisiana through east Tennessee mostly likely to see flooding develop. If you live in a flood-prone location, review your flooding plan to seek higher ground if flood waters threaten. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 064527-1767966333985.png">Catch updates during our top weather headlines (:00, :20, :40 past the hour) or get the latest regional update for the East and Central U.S. at :10 and :30 past the hour.

Tornado Threat Elevated Across the South Friday into Saturday

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This first full week of January has brought many record highs across the country, with more expected through the end of the week. But... not so fast. There is a big cooldown in the forecast and it will hit fast over the weekend! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 4-1767968499810.png">Even widespread record warm lows! Warm overnights will impact areas, from the Plains to the Northeast, many spots could have their warmest overnight lows on record for early January.On Thursday, more records fell across the country, including cities like Hattiesburg, MS, reaching 81 degrees!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 1-1767968366540.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 2-1767968381527.png">As the ridge shifts east and the trough moves in, some will see temperature drops as we head into the second half of the week. Some of us will still be feeling the springtime warmth for the next day or so.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 5-1767968523859.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 6-1767968531755.png">Some cities are in for a little temperature whiplash this weekend. As daytime highs are expected to plunge 20-30 degrees. As a second system rolls across the east on Saturday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 7-1767968785017.png"> <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/web 8-1767968795739.png">

Temperature Whiplash for the Weekend

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Several rounds of winter weather are set to impact the Midwest from Friday into Saturday as a pair of storm systems move across the country, bringing periods of snow and potential travel disruptions. The first system is arrived from the Southwest, spreading snow across the central Plains before pushing into the Midwest on Friday. As colder air filters in behind it, snow chances will increase across parts of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and surrounding areas, with roads likely turning slick during the day and into the evening hours.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-09 07-37-40-1767969485868.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Temperature Drop</h1>After the first low moves through on Thursday, temperatures are going to drop dramatically. A second storm system following closely behind will reinforce the cold air and help generate additional snowfall into Saturday. While many Midwest locations are expected to see generally light accumulations, some areas could pick up a few inches by early Saturday, especially where snow bands linger longer. Farther east and north toward the Great Lakes, snowfall totals may be higher as lake-enhanced snow develops, boosting accumulations in parts of Wisconsin and Michigan.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 073828-1767969529370.jpg">Wind chill values will also be impacted by these two waves, dropping some of these temperatures to well below zero.Strong winds accompanying the second system could worsen conditions, particularly near the Great Lakes, where blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility at times. Gusty winds may also lead to drifting snow and isolated whiteout conditions, especially in lake-effect prone areas. Travel impacts are likely to be greatest overnight Friday into Saturday morning, and drivers are urged to use caution as conditions change rapidly.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web3-1767794539082.png"><h1>Forecast and Timing</h1>As that first low clears to the east, the next round of snow will begin to develop Friday afternoon in the Upper-Midwest along the base of a trough. As gulf moisture meets this trough, widespread snow is expected to develop around the Great Lakes and Upper-Midwest. Snow will wrap around the low as it gradually moves across the Great Lakes through Sunday morning.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/New Baron Video 3-1767928994502.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Heaviest snow is expected around the Great Lakes in northern Michigan and northern Wisconsin where there is a chance to get lake effect snow. There could be over 3-6 inches of snow in these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-09 074506-1767969910106.jpg">Make sure stay alert to updated winter weather alerts and forecasts, as small shifts in storm tracks or temperatures could lead to changes in snowfall totals and timing across the Midwest through the weekend. For the latest in the Central Region, tune in live at :30 past the hour or get it on demand anytime with the WeatherNation app.

Rounds of Snow Returning to the Midwest

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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!

Alana Cameron

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It's been a slow start to the ski season for a lot of our resorts out west, so any snow in the forecast should bring a little hope to the skiers and boarders out there. Winter weather alerts have been issued across the Four Corners through Friday. Totals will vary based on elevation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174402-1767833193610.png">Across Arizona and New Mexico, we've been getting rainfall, and that will continue overnight. In the meantime, snow will start to pile up in Colorado, Utah, and the higher elevations of the southern Four Corners.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-07 rsw rsc-1767833203813.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Through Friday, some of our ski resorts could max out around a foot. For the Colorado Rockies and resorts of Utah, we'll be fortunate enough if we see around 9" to one foot for resorts like Vail and Steamboat Springs.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174409-1767833222196.png"><h2>Denver Area</h2>Models are starting to get better correlated on what the outcome for Thursday's snowfall is. Temperatures look to be a bit cooler, cool enough to support upwards of 1-5" of snow in the Denver area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 154256-1767825841035.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174716-1767833250369.png"><h2>Salt Lake City</h2>SLC has seen barely any snow this season. So far, we've only had 0.1" of snow downtown. The forecast from the National Weather Service has a forecast of 1-2" in the city.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 154348-1767825872371.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174723-1767833255996.png">Whether you're hopeful or skeptical of this forecast, be sure to join us on WeatherNation live for the latest breakdown of these forecasts!

Snow Returns to Ski Country

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NORTHEAST - We've had a series of clipper systems move from the Northern Plains over the Great Lakes and past the Northeast over a lot of the Christmas holidays. Now that we're back for the first full week of work and school, we have more of the same. Through tonight, winter weather advisories have been issued for portions of northern New England for a bit of sleet, ice, and a couple of quick inches of snowfall. This will likely lead to slick spots on the road tonight and tomorrow morning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web1-1767781875352.png">Here's a look at our forecast totals from now through Wednesday. Higher elevations may see more than a couple of inches, but otherwise, totals will be fairly minimal.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web2-1767781901208.png">Timing things out through Wednesday morning, we currently have a wintry mix pushing through the northeast along a frontal boundary and that will continue through Wednesday morning in these areas.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-07 03-33-24-1767782032503.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Next System To Watch</h2>After we receive a little bit of snowfall, another warmer system is set to move into the northeast as we head into the latter half of the work week. With warmer temperatures in store, this will likely bring in more rain than snowfall. That could lead to some slushy conditions, especially if you have snowfall on the ground in your area. Rain starts to push in Thursday through Saturday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-07 03-32-08-1767782070128.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For more of these details be sure to join us LIVE on WeatherNation!

Adrian Hernandez

Wintry Weather to Rain Chances In The Northeast

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2007919969460183293" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2007919969460183293"></div>One last push of the trough responsible for the heavy rain in California will kick off the week. This comes after several systems created major flooding and mudslides over the holidays. The threat of additional flash flooding (including with mudslides and debris flows) and heavy mountain snow will continues on Monday.<h1>Flooding Threat</h1>Flash flood potential is expected to continue through today with the WPC's excessive rainfall outlook at a MARGINAL (level 1 out of 4) risk.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-05 134424-1767645873195.png"><h1>Timing / Forecast</h1>There is still some lingering rain in northern California happening today through tonight. The surface low will parallel the coast through tomorrow and may bring some minor rain back into southern California.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-05_rsw california-1767645945817.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Snow &amp; Wind</h1><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2007829374213693448" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2007829374213693448"></div>Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for the Sierra Nevada as well as the Trinity-Shasta mountains through tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-05 134605-1767645972878.png">Snowfall totals moving forward are likely in the higher elevations but a couple inches over the Donner pass and up near Mount Shasta could cause road slow-downs on our interstates.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/we2-1767620172781.png">More details on your Western Regional Forecast can always be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Heavy Rain & Snow Winding Down Tonight in California

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It has been a quiet season, so far, for the Atlantic, but we are starting to see some more activity!

<img class="alignnone wp-image-96418 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/09/902B-728x408.jpg" alt="An Active Atlantic Could Lead to Heavy Rain for the South" width="728" height="408" />

Tropical Storm Florence is just west of Cabo Verde and continues to move WNW at 18 mph. Currently, sustained winds are around 50 mph.

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As Florence moves WNW, it is not looking to affect the Caribbean, but could come close to the east coast of the United States. We will definitely keep a close eye on the storm as we near the end of the week.

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Another area of interest is just off the coast of Cuba. We're watching an area of low pressure that will be moving northwest into the Gulf of Mexico. It has about an 80 percent chance of forming into our next named Atlantic storm. Even if it does not strengthen into a named storm, it is still looking to bring heavy rain to the South and Southeast.

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Rain started up early this morning for southern Florida and for the coast of Louisiana and Texas. These same areas will need to be watched over the next few days as the low pressure system moves closer. Rain is looking to be constant, and thunderstorms that form, due to the low pressure system, could produce heavy rainfall.

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In the next three days, south Florida, the coast of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas could experience an abundant amount of rain. These areas could receive anywhere from 1 to 5 inches of rain. Make sure to stay safe! If you see any flooding or ponding on the roads, remember to turn around, don't drown.

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For WeatherNation -Meteorologist <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/shelly-lindblade/">Shelly Lindblade</a>