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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Hazy skies will be hovering over portions of the Gulf and Southeastern United States through this weekend, at least! Why so hazy? Saharan dust will be sent flying over the region at times, thick enough to make a difference in the color of the sun and potentially to air quality. Expect some of the thickest dust to hover over Florida this weekend (forecast below).<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/2026-07-08 08-34-22-1783521472062.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This is not unusual for this time of year. Outbreaks of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) typically occur in the Altantic during the summer months as strong westerly waves move off of Africa, sending dust out over the Atlantic. Depending on the speed and intensity of the SAL outbreak, these plumes of dry, dusty air can reach parts of the U.S. at times, even the middle of the country!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 083614-1783521420831.png"><h1>Heat</h1>Hot and humid conditions will persist in the Southeast while the Saharan Air moves through. While the SAL does dry-out the mid-levels of the atmosphere, the bottom 5,000 feet is typically unaffected, meaning humidity won't change much even though there may be fewer storms. Heat alerts have been issued where the heat index could top 108 - 115° in the days ahead.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 083541-1783521434581.png">These are dangerous heat index values, especially over 110°. Consider avoiding strenuous activity during the middle of the day, take many breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and drink plenty of water!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 083547-1783521444340.png">Highs could challenge several records in Central Florida in the days ahead. With highs approaching the upper 90s, it will be incredible hot, especially when humidity is factored in.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 083558-1783521444339.png">

Saharan Dust, Excessive Heat Impact the Southeast

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Kevin Schneider

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A ridge of high pressure is building in our west, bringing the return of warm temperatures. Temperatures soaring past 115 could lead to heat illness toward the middle of the week. Temperatures, even in the Phoenix area, will stay above average for much of the week, peaking on Wednesday. An Extreme Heat Warning covers the area and extends into far southern California, where Heat Advisories are also in place.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 034132-1783503702733.png">Forecast highs on Wednesday will be running upwards of 10 degrees above average, but no records are in jeopardy.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 082109-1783520478416.png">Temperatures will continue to stay hot through the next few days. Even though this is not record breaking heat, it's still dangerous and difficult on your body.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 082134-1783520499739.png">Long-term models suggest this might be something to get used to, however. This ridge looks to linger in the area and could strengthen by next weekend. The Climate Prediction Center is highlighting much of the west with above-average temperatures into the middle of July.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 161953-1783462799142.png">Some of these forecast highs for cities like Billings, Montana could could close to beating their all-time record highs. If we get above 108 on Sunday, this would be an all time record. The current forecast for Sunday is 107.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 162046-1783462851930.png">Heat safety will be a key concern going forward. Be sure to stay hydrated and keep looking in the back seat before locking the car.

Taban Sharifi

Warm Weather Returns Out West

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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!

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Severe weather is in the forecast across the Plains and Midwest this week. A mid-level trough is moving into the area, which brings unsettled weather and thunderstorms over the next few days.On Tuesday, South Dakota had wind gusts over 70 mph. The primary threats from the severe thunderstorms that come in today will be severe wind gusts, large hail, and a few tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 025839-1783501134364.png">There is an ENHANCED risk for severe weather for portions of Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. The main threat here will be strong damaging winds that could exceed 75 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 081348-1783520075881.png">A SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather is in place across the Front Range with another slight risk area for portions of KA, IL, and IN.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 081445-1783520090818.png">A MARGINAL risk for severe weather has been added for Friday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 081842-1783520340557.png"><h2>Timing</h2>Storms will reignite through the afternoon hours, following the front. Another batch of forms fires up along the Front Range through late-week and storms progress East.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/07083-1783520209943.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>A few locations could get hit a couple of times by thunderstorms this week, which means that some areas may see some locally heavier rainfall totals. Keep an eye on flood alerts in your area. With repeated rounds of storms, you may be at risk for flash flooding.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 081809-1783520294209.png">For more on this active forecast, be sure to join us on WeatherNation!

Stormy Pattern Ahead for the Plains and Midwest

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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The Aspen Acres fire continues to burn in Southern Colorado. Evacuations remain in place but containment is increasing around Pueblo.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2074131250290257963" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2074131250290257963"></div>The Babylon and Cottonwood fires burning in Utah are now among some of the largest fires the state has ever seen.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 160819-1783462106419.png">Numerous additional wildfires continue to burn across Utah, Colorado, and Arizona, which have scorched tens of thousands of acres over the past week. Below is the most recent acreage of the larger fires in Utah and Colorado, along with their containment.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 080948-1783519793438.png"><h1>Fire Outlooks</h1>The fire weather outlooks are minimal as we head through the week, but there is a chance for some dry thunderstorms across the Front Range of the Rockies this week.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/07082-1783519888398.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This is especially important as we move past the 4th of July, especially as warmer temperatures build.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 043144-1782556311355.png">Residents are encouraged to stay informed, follow local evacuation orders, and do their part to help prevent the start and spread of wildfires this summer.

Babylon Fire in UT Surpasses 100,000 Acres, CO Fires Continue to Grow

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NEW JERSEY - Heavy rainfall rates of around 2 inches per hour produced an intense burst of rain in a short period of time. These downpours caused a partial roof collapse Monday morning at a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, New Jersey. No injuries were reported.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-06 152920-1783374268634.png"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2074629538055659936" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2074629538055659936"></div>Today, the SPC has issued a MARGINAL (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe weather across the Middle Atlantic. Storms will fire up in the early afternoon and dissipate by midnight. Flooding is not as large of a threat for the next few days, but isolated areas of flooding will be possible.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/07081-1783519594658.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Another MARGINAL risk for severe weather has already been added for Thursday as another front brings additional storms to the region.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 080652-1783519616821.png">For more details on the threats and timing of these storms, tune in to WeatherNation :10 past the hour for your Eastern Regional Forecast.

After Flooding in the NE, Strong Storms Stick Around

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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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SOUTHEAST - It's been muggy and stormy in the southeast and as we wrap up the holiday-long weekend, that trend will continue. Forecast highs and heat index values through Monday will likely reach the triple digits all across the southeast. Cities like Charleston, SC, will be feeling like 110 through Monday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-05 144142-1783284197832.png">This heat and humidity will also help to drive diurnal thunderstorms (storms that are driven by daytime heating). There is a marginal risk across the southeast for severe weather through Monday morning but as we head into the day on Monday thunderstorms will continue to pop through the southeastern U.S.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/07-05 rse bams-1783284239258.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Muggy and Stormy in the South

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Brittany Lockley

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An expansive ridge of high pressure will continue to dominate the weather pattern across much of the eastern United States through the Fourth of July weekend, producing another round of dangerous heat and humidity for millions of people. The stagnant weather pattern has allowed temperatures to climb well above average for several days, with little overnight relief in many locations.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-04 094536-1783179947834.png">The heat is being driven by a strong upper-level ridge, often referred to as a heat dome. As air slowly sinks beneath the ridge, it compresses and warms, leading to widespread sunshine and hotter temperatures at the surface. With the ridge remaining firmly in place, daytime highs will climb into the 90s and lower 100s across portions of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-04 094647-1783180021101.png">Humidity will make conditions even more dangerous. Dew points well into the 70s will push heat index values into the triple digits across many communities, making it feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature. Warm overnight lows, with some locations struggling to fall below the upper 70s, will provide little opportunity for the body to recover from the daytime heat, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-04 093025-1783180256172.png">Several locations could challenge or break daily temperature records as the prolonged stretch of excessive heat continues. The combination of July sunshine, light winds, and persistent subsidence beneath the ridge will allow temperatures to rise quickly each afternoon.We spoke with the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mt. Holly to get some perspective on just how unusual this heat is for the northeast.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PlvJoWIawEw" start="0"></iframe></div>Records could be going down when the official highs come in this afternoon. Cities like Roanoke and Raleigh have a good chance at breaking a record high for the 4th of July.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/PIC 2-1783174506669.jpg">A gradual pattern change is expected later this weekend as a cold front begins to press southward into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The front will usher in slightly cooler and less humid air behind it, offering relief to some communities early next week. However, areas farther south are expected to remain under the influence of summer heat as the ridge weakens but does not disappear entirely.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-04 100037-1783180846117.png">With millions expected to spend time outdoors for Independence Day celebrations, meteorologists urge residents to take the heat seriously. Staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces and limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day can help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.&nbsp;Heat waves become deadly when they are extended in duration, and complicated by overnight lows struggling to cool off enough. Be sure to mix in plenty of water this holiday weekend. Know the signs to look out for in friends and family.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 043943-1782556806519.png">

Persistent Heat Dome to Keep Much of the Eastern U.S. Sweltering Through the Holiday Weekend

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UPDATE: Jefferson County Police have confirmed that there were no fatalities and no missing people from Wednesday night's storm.

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Jefferson City, Missouri is recovering this morning after a tornado devastated the town. Sunrise revealed extensive damage in the state capital.

https://youtu.be/0LUUInS8HKc

Neighborhoods surrounding downtown Jefferson had extensive damage.

https://youtu.be/2u8QEkM_KsU

At least 9 residents were injured as multiple structures faced partial collapses. Emergency officials worked through the night, responding to a wave of 911 calls.

https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperF/status/1131464150322962433

The storm occurred overnight on Wednesday, startling many. One resident saw the menacing twister as lighting flashes illuminated the funnel.

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At least 31 tornadoes have been reported across Missouri and Oklahoma from Wednesday's storms. One twister turned deadly in Golden City, MO, claiming three lives.

https://twitter.com/MoPublicSafety/status/1131416290470629376

Our field correspondents will be covering the aftermath, bringing <a href="http://twitter.com/weathernation">more information</a> throughout the day.

Devastation in Jefferson City after Direct Tornado Hit

Saharan Dust, Excessive Heat Impact the Southeast

Hazy skies will be hovering over portions of

Warm Weather Returns Out West

A ridge of high pressure is building in our w

Stormy Pattern Ahead for the Plains and Midwest

Severe weather is in the forecast across the

Babylon Fire in UT Surpasses 100,000 Acres, CO Fires Continue to Grow

The Aspen Acres fire continues to burn in Sou

After Flooding in the NE, Strong Storms Stick Around

NEW JERSEY - Heavy rainfall rates of around 2

Muggy and Stormy in the South

SOUTHEAST - It's been muggy and stormy in the

Persistent Heat Dome to Keep Much of the Eastern U.S. Sweltering Through the Holiday Weekend

An expansive ridge of high pressure will cont