Patrick Crawford has always been a huge weather buff! He grew up in Plano, Texas, and it was there that he experienced what Mother Nature was capable of doing. He would always turn on the television to see what local meteorologists were saying about the weather. That's when he realized he wanted to be a meteorologist.

Patrick graduated from Northern Illinois University (’04) with a degree in Meteorology and a double minor in Mathematics and Geography. Broadcast Meteorology has been great to him and he has been able to work in television markets all across the country. Some of his stops have included New Orleans, Green Bay and even Yuma, Arizona. He is so excited to be part of the WeatherNation team.

He has been awarded the prestigious CBM (Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) weather seal from the American Meteorological Society.

Feel free to catch up with Patrick Crawford on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MeteorologistPC/">Facebook</a> and on <a href="https://twitter.com/MeteorologistPC">Twitter</a> pages.

Patrick Crawford

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<p>Today, the Storm Prediction Center has issued a <strong>MARGINAL</strong> (level 1 out of 5) risk for portions of Minnesota, northern Iowa, and western Wisconsin. Hail will be the main threat but damaging winds will also be likely. This follows hail from the same system on Monday in the Dakotas.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/hail reports-1685461658148.jpg">The peak of storm activity will be associated with warmer afternoon temperatures before letting up by the evening. Storms continue into the overnight hours, as more moisture and energy arrive from the west.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/mnstorms-1685490007006.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Forecast rainfall totals will be locally higher where stronger storms are expected to move through. Currently, there is a risk of excessive rain that may lead to localized flooding. Since there is a persistent and slow-moving pattern, some storms are capable of producing up to 3" of rainfall. This would be good news for the drought in western Iowa.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/rainfall-1685461597072.jpg">More on this story can be watched live at :30 minutes past the hour during the Central Regional forecast. Join us!</p>

Strong Storms for Minnesota & Iowa Today

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<div>Lucy is originally from the Boston area but has spent the last four years forecasting and living in Colorado! She stayed in the northeast for her education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Meteorology. Just a few days after graduation, she made the cross country move to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career at KKTV, the CBS affiliate. Lucy has covered historic blizzards, tornadoes, windstorms, the largest wildfires in Colorado state history and dust storms ... they truly "get it all" in Colorado! Lucy is excited to forecast on a national level and continue her passion of explaining the science behind the weather!</div>
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Lucy Bergemann

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<p>A cutoff area of low pressure is migrating from the Pacific into the Four Corners region in the Southwest U.S. This storm system is overall weak but will still provide enough upper-level energy to assist with daily thunderstorm development over the Southwest on the "wet" side of the system. We will also see gusty winds from the south and southwest, which could spell trouble for fire danger conditions in New Mexico mid-week too.</p><h2>Rainfall/Flood Threat</h2><p>There is a FLOOD watch in effect for the Sierra Nevada where excessive rainfall as a result of rainfall will lead to an increased flood threat. This area saw historic snowfall amounts over the winter and there still is a healthy snowpack in the higher elevations. The snowpack will continue to melt under warmer temperatures and new moisture, so be prepared for high-flowing rivers, creeks, and streams. Please do not drive through flooded roadways and watch out if you live near a recent area burn scar.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/flood alerts-1685463964126.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/snowpack-1685464063709.jpg"></p><h2>Forecast</h2><p>We will see daily showers and storms, mostly developing over the higher terrain, but a surface cold front will also assist in storm development. While it may not look like a lot of rainfall, given the saturated soils and general nature of the soil in the Southwest, a quick 0.5" of rain can overwhelm the ground. Keep in mind that rivers, creeks, and streams are already running high as a result of snowmelt (mentioned above). While storms won't be severe criteria, we anticipate areas of gusty winds, perhaps small hail, and the threat of frequent lightning. Remember, "When thunder roars, head indoors".</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 10-20-39-1685464081376.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Fire Concern</h2><p>Winds from the south and southwest in our upper atmosphere will ride over the Rocky Mountains and descend on the east side of the slopes, providing gusty winds, low humidity, and warmer temperatures around central and western New Mexico through Wednesday and Thursday. As a result, we anticipate high fire danger concerns, and subsequent RED FLAG WARNINGS have been issued. Additionally, with winds gusting between 30-40 mph at times, areas of blowing dust will be likely in SW New Mexico. If you are caught in a dust storm, pull off the road as far as possible, shut off your lights, and remain in your vehicle until the dust clears.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/fire weather -1685463766254.jpg"></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/nmwind2-1685489597345.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>For more on the Southwest forecast, join us for your Western Regional Forecast, always :50 past the hour.</p>

Cutoff Low Brings Daily Storm Chances to the Southwest

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<p>Flooding concern arose across the Snake River Valley in Idaho last Sunday when flash flood warnings were prompted for an additional inch of rainfall. An inch might not seem like a lot, but look at what that was capable of producing in Heglar, Idaho! Localized flood alerts continue and for the exact details on your county, head to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://weather.gov">weather.gov</a> for the latest information. The good news is that we will see the opportunity for showers and storms to shift into Montana and Wyoming and away from Idaho this week. However, heavy rainfall in these areas will create flood concerns. Upwards of 3" will be possible along the I-90 and I-25 corridors of the northern Rockies.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/VON_052923_RNW_HEGLAR, ID_FLOODING IN IDAHO_TW_@LUCASPRATLING_BH_052923-1685413149213.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The Weather Prediction Center has highlighted the risk of excessive rainfall Thursday and Friday in nearly the same locations - a<strong> SLIGHT </strong>risk, level 2 out of 4 through central Montana.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-30 172214-1685488942212.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-30 172347-1685489039298.png"></p><p>Additional thunderstorms are possible again over the next few days with a combination of energy in the upper levels, surface instability, orographic lift, and daytime heating. Storms will have the potential to dump very heavy rain in a short amount of time. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-30_rnw 12z-1685473977002.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>As the rain potential shifts to the east, we will see ridging move back into the Western U.S., which will boost our temperatures up through the beginning of June. High temperatures this weekend will be well into the 80s for the I-5 corridor and inland locations, and the longer-term pattern shows the above-average temperature trend continuing.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/3 day highs-1685467053293.jpg"></p><p>For more information and updates with this system, tune into WeatherNation for :50 past the hour for our Western Regional Forecast.</p>

Flood Threat Continues in the Northwest With More Heavy Rain Ahead

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Lauren Bostwick grew up in the small town of Aledo, Texas. Her interests have always involved sports, science, and of course, the weather! After interning at KBTX in College Station, she graduated from Texas A&amp;M University with a B.S. in Meteorology. During her time at Texas A&amp;M she became efficient in many areas of meteorology such as analyzing the radar, detecting severe weather, and forecasting for different regions. Straight out of college, Lauren started her career as a Weekend Meteorologist and Multimedia Journalist at CBS7 in Odessa, Texas. Due to the large coverage area, she was responsible for forecasting for many types of terrain stretching from the Big Bend National Park to southeastern New Mexico. She has experienced reporting on a variety of severe weather events, such as tornadoes, disastrous flooding events, and the devastating February 2021 winter storm. Lauren is thrilled to be a part of the WeatherNation team. Say howdy to Lauren on <a href="https://twitter.com/LBostwickWX">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LBostwickWX">Facebook</a>!

Lauren Bostwick

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<h2>Heat</h2><p>An upper-level ridge that allowed 10-15 degrees above average heat to build into the Upper Midwest will slowly make its way eastward, bringing potential record-breaking heat to the Northeast by the end of the week. 90-degree heat will be possible well into northern New England, with residents of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh feeling temperatures into the 90s by Friday! </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-30 170903-1685488154795.png">Daily record high temperatures could fall as well by the end of the week across the Northeast.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-30 171046-1685488255083.png"></p><p>As the temps continue to rise, don't forget to check the backseat for pets or children. It only takes 10 minutes for temperatures to go from 90 to 109 in the car! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 33 children died of vehicle heatstroke in 2022. A child can pass away once their body temperature reaches 107 degrees. Remember, hot car deaths are preventable.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/car sea-1685223974983.jpg"></p><h2>Smoke</h2><p>Recent wildfires in Nova Scotia, Canada have had the result of pushing ample amounts of wildfire smoke into the air, enough to get caught in the atmospheric flow and be pushed back into portions of the Northeast. Readings Tuesday night have put cities such as Worcester under "Unhealthy" air quality, meaning everyone should limit their time outside. Air Quality Alerts remain in effect here through the rest of Tuesday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-30 171744-1685488672735.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-30 171355-1685488556242.png">For Wednesday, Air Quality Alerts have been issued for New Jersey and southeast Pennsylvania, as deteriorating air quality is expected here throughout the day.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-30 171437-1685488620662.png"></p><p>For more information on the Central and Eastern Regional Forecast tune in to WeatherNation at :30 past the hour.</p>

Heat and Wildfire Smoke for the Northeast

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<p>ABOVE: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Western Nebraska, Northeast Colorado, and Northwest Kansas until 11pm MT Tuesday. The threats expected from storms in this area are winds up to 80mph and hail up to 2" in diameter. On the southern end, another watch is in effect for Southeast Colorado, Southwest Kansas, Northwest New Mexico, and the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles until 10pm MT. 80mph winds are likely with these storms as well as 1.5" hail.</p><p>We have had a rinse-and-repeat pattern each and every day in the last week across eastern Colorado, New Mexico along with western Kansas, Nebraska and Texas with a dryline setup and support from an upper level low producing rounds of severe weather east of the Rockies. Now in the last week few days of May we anticipate more of the same with more severe weather chances through Thursday. At the surface, a dryline setup will provide the moisture necessary for storms while in the upper levels, an area of low pressure will move in from the West, brining lift and energy for severe weather.</p><h1>Tuesday</h1><p>Today's risk has been highlighted from South Dakota, down through the northern Texas Panhandle. An <strong>Enhanced Risk</strong> (Level 3/5) has been issued from SW Nebraska to the Northern Texas Panhandle, including E Colorado and W Kansas. Large hail is possible, and damaging winds will be the primary threat, but gusts of 75 mph or stronger will be possible in the highlighted area below.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/HP ENH-1685464215527.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/HP Sig Wind-1685464402076.png">Storms have started to fire up, but the most intense activity will be anticipated throughout the afternoon into the evening.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-30_rswrnc 12z-1685477455773.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Wednesday</h1><p>As stronger upper-level winds begin to overspread the region, the risk from SPC by Wednesday becomes larger in total area. Again covering much of western Kansas, the threat extends further south into eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. The risk for tornadoes is situated across eastern New Mexico, SE Colorado and the OK &amp; TX panhandles. There is also a small area of tornado potential through NE Colorado.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/spc wednesday-1685468439776.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/tor wed -1685468431502.jpg">We could see a few showers lingering from Tuesday early in the morning on Wednesday, but most of the activity comes into play later in the day. Like Tuesday, expect thunderstorm development aided by daytime heating in the early afternoon hours. A lot of the storm activity continues after sunset and into the overnight hours, especially across the High Plains. We expect most of this threat to be heavy rainfall and lightning but a few severe storms cannot be ruled out for the overnight.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 08-39-06-1685457648394.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Thursday</h1><p>By Thursday, the severe threat is more concentrated into the Texas panhandle and eastern New Mexico. Once again, prepare for damaging winds and hail. Some storms will be ongoing from Wednesday night through Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado on Thursday morning with more storm activity developing through the afternoon and evening hours along the dryline and support from our upper level low.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/14-1685447586279.png"></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 08-39-35-1685457721460.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Check back for updates, tune in to continue to follow this developing story on WeatherNation!</p>

Severe Weather Continues Across the Great Plains

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<p>An area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms in the Gulf of Mexico has sparked interest with the National Hurricane Center, just two days before the official start of the season. Currently, there is a low, 10%, chance of the formation of a low in the next 48 hours and a 20% chance in the next 7 days. The area of low pressure continues to be disorganized through the next few days, brining heavy rainfall into the Eastern Gulf for the later portions of this week. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/gulf low-1685468779425.jpg">Showers and storms will develop along weak boundaries and sea breeze fronts over the next few days. This particular model doesn't love the potential for wet weather as a result of the Gulf Low later this week, but it is worth monitoring for the potential of rainfall along the central and eastern Gulf.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 11-42-51-1685468612900.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Over the next 3 days the heaviest rainfall will favor southern Florida with the risk of over 5" in spots. Generally, Florida's soils can handle this amount of moisture, but given how saturated some areas are, flooding is not out of the question, especially in cities. This rainfall however will be useful for the ongoing drought which is into the "extreme" category along Florida's West Coast.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/wpc florida-1685468767842.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/drought monitor-1685468752296.jpg">For more on the wet weather forecast in the Sunshine state and for eyes on the Gulf, stay with WeatherNation for the latest forecast information.</p>

Rainy Pattern Returns to Florida & Tropical Interest

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<p>Have you experienced the smoke in the Northeast yet today? An area of high pressure at the surface and in our upper atmosphere is bringing northeast and easterly flow to New England, pumping in smoke from fires burning in Nova Scotia in eastern Canada. Unlike smoke from last week that was high up in our atmosphere and had limited impact on air quality (other than hazy skies), this smoke is more at the surface levels and will create the concern for "MODERATE" and "UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS" air quality. If you are sensitive to smoke or have a preexisting medical condition take care of your body through the week as smoke is expected through Thursday, although the thickest will be Tuesday. Air quality alerts are in effect for all of Rhode Island and much of Massachusetts through this evening. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-30_rne_smoke-1685473559282.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>In addition to the smoke, the ridge of high pressure will also provide much above-average temperatures through the end of the work week. Temperatures really start to soar Thursday and Friday, with widespread potential record-high temperatures on Friday!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/ridge-1685458241257.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-30_rne_pot record highs-1685473745623.jpg"></p><p>Many cities across the Northeast will be anywhere from 10-20° above normal with widespread highs in the 80s and 90s. Typically in late May/early June, we expect temperatures in the upper 70s. Burlington, VT will see the potential for 3 days of record heat starting Wednesday with highs soaring into the low 90s, roughly 20° above average for early June.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-30_rne_fcst wed to fri-1685473781119.jpg"></p><p>For more on the smoke and heat in the Northeast, join WeatherNation for the latest forecast, with a feature on the East at :10 past the hour.</p>

Smoke from Nova Scotia Impacting the Northeast Today

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A 67-year-old man in Russellville, Arkansas has died from a lightning strike Friday. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/courieronline/posts/10156415968522488">According to a Facebook post from the Russellville Courier</a>, the man was outside doing yard work when he was struck. The post goes on to say that he was transported to the hospital but pronounced dead on arrival. His name has not been released as of Friday night.

<img class="size-full wp-image-93673" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/Capture-6.jpg" alt="" width="1868" height="1028" /> The radar imagery at 12 p.m. Friday, July 6.

From a meteorological standpoint, the thunderstorms that allegedly caused this lightning fatality popped up very quickly. The image above is at noon Friday where the radar over Russellville, AR was quiet.

<img class="size-full wp-image-93674" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/Capture2-4.jpg" alt="" width="1859" height="1026" /> The radar imagery at 1:06 p.m. Friday, July 6

The storm near Russellville first started to show up on the radar around 12:26 p.m. By 1:06 p.m. it was producing lightning. At 1:23 p.m. the National Weather Service office in Little Rock, Arkansas issued a Significant Weather Advisory for Russellville and several other towns. The lightning fatality occurred at some point between 1 and 2 p.m. and the NWS estimates near 1:30 p.m. based on radar data.

<img class="size-full wp-image-93675" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/Capture3-3.jpg" alt="" width="1881" height="1034" /> The radar imagery near 2 p.m. Friday, July 6

We show you the hour-by-hour radar imagery to show you how quickly some storms pop up and how quickly lightning can develop within these growing storms. This storm first showed up on radar around 12:26 p.m. and within 30-40 minutes it was producing dangerous lightning. We urge you to be weather aware and monitor your surroundings when outside this summer. We can't speak to the circumstances with this particular lightning fatality in Arkansas because we don't know the  whole story, but we urge you to please seek shelter if you see lightning or hear thunder.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-93676" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/Capture4-3.jpg" alt="" width="1872" height="1077" />

The lightning incident in Arkansas Friday came one day after a deadly strike in Missouri Thursday. It marks the fourth lightning-related fatality in two weeks. July is historically the deadliest month regarding lightning strikes.

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Remember these helpful tips from the National Weather Service for thunderstorms!

<img class="size-full wp-image-93678" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/images_wrn_social_media_2017_Lightning_Do_and_Dont.png" alt="" width="768" height="768" /> Courtesy NOAA/NWS

For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Steve Glazier

Arkansas Man Struck by Lightning Dies Friday

Strong Storms for Minnesota & Iowa Today

Today, the Storm Prediction Center has issued

Cutoff Low Brings Daily Storm Chances to the Southwest

A cutoff area of low pressure is migrating fr

Flood Threat Continues in the Northwest With More Heavy Rain Ahead

Flooding concern arose across the Snake River

Heat and Wildfire Smoke for the Northeast

HeatAn upper-level ridge that allowed 10-15 d

Severe Weather Continues Across the Great Plains

ABOVE: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effe

Rainy Pattern Returns to Florida & Tropical Interest

An area of disorganized showers and thunderst

Smoke from Nova Scotia Impacting the Northeast Today

Have you experienced the smoke in the Northea