Meteorologist Jesse Kelley is excited to join the talented staff at Weather Nation. Jesse spent most of his childhood in Birmingham, Alabama. The state of Alabama is prone to seeing various types of weather from severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter weather. For college, Jesse attended the University of South Alabama where he received his degree in Broadcast Meteorology along with minors in Math and Geography. From Alabama, Jesse started his broadcast television working three years at KAVU-TV in Victoria. Recently, he finished a stint in Shreveport, LA. Jesse and his wife are looking forward to making the Rocky Mountains and Colorado home. If you would like to follow me, you can follow me on Twitter @JesseKelleywx and on Facebook at Meteorologist Jesse Kelley.

Jesse Kelley

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On the heels of severe thunderstorm activity to end the week, another strong upper-level trough will be dropping across the Great Plains on Sunday and Monday. Model data continues to hint at stronger ingredients coming together, including instability and wind shear. Sunday, moderate to high instability will be building in. Southwesterly winds aloft and southerly winds at the surface will enhance wind shear, and changing wind direction with height would increase the tornado threat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-14 171517-1778800525656.png"><h1>Severe Outlooks</h1>SPC has highlighted an Enhanced Risk for Sunday and Monday across the Central Plains as all modes of severe weather will be possible including strong tornadoes, very large hail, and destructive damaging winds.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778871644605.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2-1778871681061.png"><h1>Forecast</h1>On Sunday, storms will still be left over along a warm front across Nebraska and Iowa. By the afternoon and early evening hours, supercells are expected to develop near the cold front which could lead to all severe weather hazards. Into the overnight hours, storms will congeal into a complex which will promote damaging winds. Monday will be similar to Sunday with all hazards but damaging winds will overwhelming becoming the biggest hazard into the evening and overnight hours.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/BARON 5-1778872315279.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The heaviest of the rain will be across the Upper Midwest as rainfall range between 3-6" with repeated rounds of severe storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778872433373.png">

Widespread Significant Severe Weather Possible Sunday and Monday

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Tracey Anthony

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It's been one or the other for a little while on the plains. Severe storms keeping temperatures in check or letting them run wild. They're running wild over the next few days, which could again power some storms...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>A strong ridge of high pressure is migrating eastward over the next few days. That brings it squarely over the southern and central plains by the end of the week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 060538-1778851078130.png">Highs look to be the worst in the Southern Plains in terms of raw temperatures, closing in on the century mark. Record highs will be likely into early next week. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778870110938.png">Next week, the heat shifts eastward into the Mid South and East Coast. Highs are expected to be anywhere between 10-20 degrees above average! Records will be likely! For example, Washington D.C. should be in the 70s. The forecast calls for highs in the middle 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1778851192032.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-14 173017-1778801425614.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061654-1778851110348.png">

Sweltering Temperatures Slide Eastward This Weekend

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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Ready for hurricane season? As a reminder, waters in the tropical Pacific tend to warm faster than in the Atlantic; thus, the season starts about two weeks earlier in the Eastern Pacific. The CPC has moderate confidence in the formation of a tropical system in the Eastern Pacific going through the end of May into June. If you have travel plans along the SW coast of Mexico, stay up to date with the forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 054445-1778672697750.png"> If a storm were to form and reach tropical storm status, it would be named Amanda.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 080308-1777731407202.png">Ocean heat content has been rapidly increasing in the Eastern Pacific this Spring, which is not surprising. You might've heard about the potential for a "super" El Niño this summer. Well, the warm water created in the Eastern/Central Pacific by El Niño can lead to supercharged hurricane seasons in those regions.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-15 050125-1778842896285.png">Global circulations influenced by El Niño tend to create less disruptive wind shear in the Eastern Pacific as well. Weak upper-level winds combined with warm waters tend to lead to the development of many tropical systems. At the same time, wind shear tends to increase in the Caribbean during these events, making it tougher for tropical systems to form and survive.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 080343-1777731377186.png">Last season was quite active in the Eastern Pacific, with 20 named storms and 5 major hurricanes. The Mexican National Meteorological Service issued an early outlook for the 2026 season in April, calling for another active year with roughly 20 named storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 081157-1777731386253.png">El Niño typically increases wind shear in the Atlantic, which is a primary reason why some forecasts are calling for a slightly less active season. The Atlantic averages 14 named storms a season. Despite the El Niño, the forecast is just slightly below average with 13 named storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-08 065820-1778245110818.png">We're going to get you ready for hurricane season at the beginning of June. Be sure to tune in for updated forecasts, information, and tips to prepare.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 083105-1777732279156.png">

Hurricane Season Begins in the Eastern Pacific, Atlantic Soon To Follow

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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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<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061107-1778848947230.png">High pressure creating near record heat will give way to several storm systems in the Plains and Midwest through the end of this week and even over the weekend. As areas of low pressure exit the Rockies, they'll tap into warmth and humidity to create severe weather chances on Thursday and Friday. Another series of lows will keep the threat going over the weekend, as well.<h1>Friday</h1>Widespread severe today! The threats shift slightly north on Friday, still with a focused enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) for Iowa, Additionally, a slight risk (level 2 out of 5) is also in effect and includes Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/PIC 3-1778857049504.jpg"><h1>Forecast</h1>The afternoons are when storms are expected to initiate, but severe weather will be possible late into the evening or even overnight once they start. This means you should review your method to get severe weather alerts to make sure they will wake you up if necessary.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/FORECAST-1778856940841.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Since storms won't be widespread, only spotty heavy rain is expected. While flash flooding can't be ruled out, rainfall rates likely won't be high enough to warrant an outlook.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1778849027668.png">

Patrick Crawford

Severe Storms Possible in the Plains & Midwest Friday

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A low-pressure system will linger in New England through the end of the week, bringing scattered showers and gusty winds at times.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2054720850402619803" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2054720850402619803"></div><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1778765024932.png"></h2><h2>THU - FRI</h2>The surface low will linger in New England Thursday into Friday before moving offshore this weekend. Expect scattered showers and a few thunderstorms in New England Thursday, with some heavy rain at times in Maine, before lingering showers get lighter and become fewer on Friday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/BARON 5-1778782373059.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Through Saturday morning, New England can expect to see a few inches of rain with some isolated totals over 4-5" in Southern Maine and New Hampshire.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778782488770.png">

Stormy and Wet Weather Continues for the Northeast

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Kevin Schneider

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<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1>The SPC has issued a slight risk across the Northwest and portions of Utah. Unusually warm temperatures, combined with a frontal boundary, will help enhance winds in the area by this afternoon. Winds could gust in excess of 75 mph in some locations that get caught underneath a strong storm. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 115353-1778694842992.png">The low and its associated frontal boundary are moving onshore, bringing rain and storms along with it. As highs soar into the 90's, storms will strengthen with the potential of damaging winds and hail. By Thursday morning, the frontal boundary will move out.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/wed agerrr-1778638388237.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rain is not much of a concern with this system. In fact, the lack of rain actually is a concern - some of these thunderstorms could be completely dry, meaning we get the harm of lightning and the winds without the help of rainfall.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 115430-1778694882207.png">It will be windy regardless; High Wind Warnings cover areas that could see 65 mph winds, and areas that have a wind advisory could see gusts approaching 45-50 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 115508-1778694919840.png">

Heat & Front Fuels Thunderstorms In The Northwest

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FLORIDA - On Sunday, May 11, 2026, a wildfire broke out in the Florida Everglades after weeks of extreme to exceptional drought conditions across the state. Since Sunday, the fire has burned more than 11,000 acres and is now 60% contained, according to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ffs.firesponse.com/public/">Florida Forest Service</a>.According to the Pembroke Pines Police Department, smoke from the fire caused traffic backups along U.S. 27, so drivers are encouraged to avoid the area if possible.<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/PembrokePinesPolice/posts/pfbid0HvFhXfxCfYR39h64pHpAB2DduAuzTX3ft2RvmdME5aLUZZydFtpcEmboBUm5xmXUl?rdid=zfULUQ0tOgYVBpUH#" data-width="500" src="https://www.facebook.com/PembrokePinesPolice/posts/pfbid0HvFhXfxCfYR39h64pHpAB2DduAuzTX3ft2RvmdME5aLUZZydFtpcEmboBUm5xmXUl?rdid=zfULUQ0tOgYVBpUH#" style="display: flex; justify-content: center"></div> The state of Florida is currently 100% drought-covered, with 98% of the state experiencing conditions worse than moderate drought.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-11 173747-1778542672316.png"> Incoming Rain and Storms</h2>Rain chances continue this week, raising concerns about how much moisture these drought-stricken soils can handle. While any rainfall will be beneficial, heavy downpours in a short amount of time could lead to standing water and localized flash flooding. Rain totals will be more isolated Wednesday and totals will be less than Tuesday, where areas in north Florida picked up over 2". <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 060538-1778678292624.png">Wednesday the severe storm threat remains low, and just general isolated thunderstorms are expected. Fingers crossed some of that rain gets down to the Everglades to help with that fire! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061107-1778678402180.png">

Florida Wildfire and Storm Threat

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On Friday (July 5), a Magnitude 7.1 earthquake rocked southern California. The epicenter was estimated to be very close to Thursday's magnitude 6.4 earthquake in the Mojave Desert near Ridgecrest, California.

https://twitter.com/USGSBigQuakes/status/1147345196717359105

<img class="alignnone wp-image-109789 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2019/07/latest.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

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Two separate strong earthquakes struck within 2 days, one on the 4th of July, the other on the 5th.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-109800 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2019/07/july5.jpg" alt="" width="1871" height="1041" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-109801 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2019/07/july4.jpg" alt="" width="1880" height="1058" />

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Images and video poured out on social media showing the shaking felt all around southern California.

https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/790970887966847/

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https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/2095341780575577/

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The Governor spoke at a news conference on Saturday afternoon, proclaiming that local leaders were ready to rebuild stronger and more resilient than before.

https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1147644080941256704

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Seismologist, <a href="https://twitter.com/DrLucyJones">Dr. Lucy Jones</a>, quickly pointed out on social media late Friday that the first earthquake was a 'foreshock' to the larger 7.1 magnitude quake Friday night.

https://twitter.com/DrLucyJones/status/1147349419903160320

Many reports from the Friday earthquake noted that *this* one was felt much more intense than the Thursday earthquake.

https://twitter.com/NWSHanford/status/1147348216385433600

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This strength of an earthquake is considered 'major' regarding the scale and possible damage.

Do you know what to do when an earthquake begins? <a href="https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out some of these important and life-saving tips.</a>

https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/380022189319947/

For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Steve Glazier

M7.1 Earthquake Hits California

Widespread Significant Severe Weather Possible Sunday and Monday

On the heels of severe thunderstorm activity

Sweltering Temperatures Slide Eastward This Weekend

It's been one or the other for a little while

Hurricane Season Begins in the Eastern Pacific, Atlantic Soon To Follow

Ready for hurricane season? As a reminder, wa

Severe Storms Possible in the Plains & Midwest Friday

High pressure creating near record heat will

Stormy and Wet Weather Continues for the Northeast

A low-pressure system will linger in New Engl

Heat & Front Fuels Thunderstorms In The Northwest

WHAT TO EXPECTThe SPC has issued a slight ris

Florida Wildfire and Storm Threat

FLORIDA - On Sunday, May 11, 2026, a wildfire