Brittany Lockley

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A widespread severe weather outbreak is expected to unfold across parts of the central United States over the next several days, bringing the threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flooding rain from the Plains into the Midwest. Forecasters warn the most dangerous conditions are likely to develop Sunday and Monday as a powerful storm system moves across the region.&nbsp;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 2026-05-16 070401-1778936653288.png"><h1>Severe Outlooks</h1>Sunday, atmospheric conditions are expected to become even more favorable for dangerous storms to develop across parts of the northern and central Plains. 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, especially in areas stretching from Nebraska into South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. In addition to the tornado threat, widespread damaging winds and large hail could impact several communities.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778958431970.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778958495432.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778958521402.png">The severe weather risk is expected to peak on Monday as the storm system pushes farther east. A large portion of the central U.S. could face dangerous thunderstorms, including areas from Texas and Oklahoma northward into Iowa and Wisconsin. Major cities such as Dallas, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Omaha, Chicago, and Minneapolis could experience strong to severe storms. Some storms may become capable of producing long-track tornadoes and widespread wind damage.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 070854-1778936948017.png"><h1>Forecast</h1>On Sunday, storms will still linger 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 that will promote damaging winds. Monday will be similar to Sunday with all hazards, but damaging winds will overwhelmingly become the biggest hazard into the evening and overnight hours.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/FORECAST-1778943456995.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Heavy rainfall will also be a growing concern throughout the event. Repeated rounds of thunderstorms may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, especially where storms track over the same locations. Rainfall totals could add up quickly across parts of the Plains and Midwest before the system finally shifts eastward by the middle of next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778958627657.png">Tune into WeatherNation for more details.

Jesse Kelley

Dangerous Multi-day Severe Weather Threat Targets Central U.S. Into Early Next Week

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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.

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Welcome to May in Colorado. This weekend forecast will be wacky with severe storm chances Saturday and Sunday. On the colder side of the event into Monday, snow is looking likely for the Rockies.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778873046914.png"><h1>Severe Storm Forecast</h1>Saturday, an Enhanced Risk has been issued for parts of Northeastern Colorado, Northwestern Kansas, and Southwestern Nebraska. The biggest hazards will be destructive hail and strong winds. The same areas will be at play for severe on Sunday including Denver Metro.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 062004-1778934023591.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 062011-1778934038231.png">Scattered thunderstorms will pop Saturday afternoon across Colorado and Wyoming and get stronger as they move eastward into the Plains. A few isolated tornadoes can't be ruled out either. Sunday, a new surface low forms along a passing cold front. It will force more widespread showers and storms during the day. As the upper low drops surface temperatures, snow will begin to mix with the rain in the high country and snow will gradually drop with elevation too. It can't be completely ruled out with some flakes in the Denver Metro.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-16 06-21-09-1778934115879.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 062048-1778934056767.png">

Severe to Snow for the Rockies and Front Range

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A big warmup is expected to take hold across the eastern United States in the coming days, bringing temperatures that will feel more like midsummer than mid-May. Much of the East Coast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast could see temperatures surge well above average as a strong area of high pressure settles over the region.&nbsp;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 2026-05-15 171204-1778886738109.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/Screenshot 2026-05-16 081153-1778940724828.png">After a stretch of cooler spring weather, warmer air is expected to spread eastward through the weekend and into next week. 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. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1778851192032.png">Major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, may come close to daily temperature records if the heat intensifies enough. Some locations could end up 20 to 30 degrees warmer than what is typical for this time of year.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 081241-1778940784602.png">The heat is also expected to stick around for several days instead of quickly moving out, making it one of the more significant warm spells so far this spring. Increasing humidity levels may enhance the summer-like feel, especially in the afternoons and evenings.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 081249-1778940795899.png">The unusually warm pattern is expected to continue into next week before cooler air eventually returns. While many people may enjoy the warmer weather, the sudden jump in temperatures could lead to increased energy use and may be difficult for those who are sensitive to heat.&nbsp;For more tips on how to beat the heat tune into WeatherNation.

Early Taste of Summer Heat Expands Across the East Coast

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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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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">

Patrick Crawford

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">

Tracey Anthony

Florida Wildfire and Storm Threat

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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

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Cold air is plunging south behind a cold front that will make it to the Gulf Coast! We have had a cooler pattern for much of the Eastern U.S. and the Southeast in particular, and this is going to be another reinforcing shot. Temperatures will rollercoaster for many as this cold whiplash lasts a short time. Thursday and Friday morning Minneapolis will only be in the single digits. Chicago normally sees overnight lows in the upper 20s, but Thursday and Friday will see lows in the teens. Temps trend up on Saturday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/12/forecast lows-1733355379384.png">High temperatures will be cold also. Minneapolis normally has an average high of 33 for this time of year. Thursday's high temp will only be 18°. Omaha and Chicago should be around 40°, with temperatures only in the mid to upper 20s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/12/thur-saturday-1733355396100.png">The wind chills will still be impactful. Thursday morning, "feels like" temperatures will be below zero and single digits for many.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/12/kkljkj-1733355424461.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For the latest weather updates and winter storm warnings, stay tuned to WeatherNation for forecasts and heed all safety advisories.&nbsp;

Arctic Air Moves into the Plains

Dangerous Multi-day Severe Weather Threat Targets Central U.S. Into Early Next Week

A widespread severe weather outbreak is expec

Severe to Snow for the Rockies and Front Range

Welcome to May in Colorado. This weekend fore

Early Taste of Summer Heat Expands Across the East Coast

A big warmup is expected to take hold across

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

Ready for hurricane season? As a reminder, wa

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