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!

Taban Sharifi

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<p>Aside from the two tropical storms that formed along the Gulf Coast, this year in the Atlantic has been fairly quiet. The lower-than-normal activity has been expected thanks to the major El Niño event that continues to build in the Pacific. While the season was <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/noaa-holds-steady-with-below-average-atlantic-hurricane-season-forecast"><strong><u>expected to have less activity than normal</u></strong></a>, it doesn't mean the Atlantic will be devoid of tropical activity.<br></p><h1>Atlantic</h1><p>The National Hurricane Center is watching two different waves off the West Coast of Africa this week. The favorite among the model guidance is the tropical wave still over Africa. Forecast models have been in solid agreement about the higher strength of this tropical wave, and its potential to develop, despite somewhat marginal environmental conditions. Forecast models in the long range take the wave north into the middle of the Atlantic, but with such long-range forecasts, there is little certainty to these solutions. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/0809-1786314525660.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>People in the Caribbean and United States should be monitoring the progress of this system closely over the next few days.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 075458-1786197331248.png">The next storm on the list in the Atlantic this season is Cristobal (Crees-to-bal). The development of tropical waves in western Africa tends to increase greatly from August into September.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 075520-1786197341125.png"></p><h1>Pacific</h1><p>Not to be outdone, the Pacific has 3 different areas to monitor this week. The area of most concern could target Hawaii late week. This is the area that has a <strong>high </strong>chance of tropical developement.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/pacififff-1786298229520.png">Right now, it's too early to know exact impacts for Hawaii, but it's definitely something to watch over the coming days. With a strong El Niño, additional storms are expected, with above-average water temperatures extending well out near Hawaii. There is still some variation of the timing and direction of this system. Below is the side by side comparison of the GFS and Euro model. Notice the differences in timing and location.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/08091-1786314685424.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

The Tropics Are Heating Up With Activity 2 Areas to Monitor in the Atlantic

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<p>A large area of high pressure continues to bring the heat across the United States.<strong> Extreme heat warnings </strong>and<strong> heat advisories</strong> are in effect across the western U.S. Find ways to stay cool and stay out of the sunshine.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-09 161425-1786313682581.png"></p><h1>Southwest</h1><p>In the short term, temperatures stay quite hot for the Southwest. However, the ridge will begin to build eastward across the Plains, which will cool this region's temperatures down to near-normal or below-average highs!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-09 161546-1786313756217.png"></p><h1>Plains</h1><p>The long-lasting heat dome is making its way eastward into the Central and Southern Plains this week! Extreme Heat Warnings are already up for parts of Missouri, along with many heat advisories. Highs will soar into the triple digits, feeling a few degrees hotter with the humidity. Make sure to find adequate ways to stay cool!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-09 161718-1786313848165.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-09 161603-1786313768185.png"></p>

Western U.S. Under More Heat Alerts

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p>Get ready for one of the most spectacular displays of the cosmos visible on earth - a total solar eclipse! Totality will only cover a small portion of the globe, however, while many others will see a partial solar eclipse.<br><br>A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and earth, casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. There's a small "hard shadow" where the total solar eclipse occurs, where the sun is completely obscured by the moon, leaving only the outer ring, or corona, of the sun visible. The larger "soft shadow" covers a larger portion of the globe, but only a section of the sun will be obscured. Even though both are eclipses, the experience in the path of totality is completely different than in the partial zone. Totality ushers in darkness and massive changes, including temperature drops, changes in animal behavior, and more. If you have the chance to see a total solar eclipse, it is highly recommended you take advantage of the opportunity.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124538-1786128790332.png"></p><h1>Path of Totality</h1><p>People in parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and an incredibly small piece of Portugal, will be able to experience totality if skies are clear enough. The eclipse will begin in the arctic circle before dropping south to cruise over the North Atlantic and eventually western Europe.<br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124037-1786128740977.png"><br>Western Iceland, including Reykjavik, will get to experience totality for a about 60 seconds in the late afternoon on Wednesday, August 12th. This will occur around 5:45 - 5:50 GMT from north to south.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-07 13-00-09-1786129629600.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Some lucky folks in Spain will have nearly two minutes of totality (toward the middle of the path), while folks closer to the outside of the path will only get about 20-30 seconds of magic. The sun will be approaching the western horizon, or sunset, as totality occurs, making for a truly incredible sight. Totality begins on the northern coast around 8:26 pm local time (CEST) and will end as it moves south of Mallorca in the Mediterranean around 8:33 pm.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-07 13-00-28-1786129642319.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Partial Solar Eclipse</h1><p>In the United States, only a partial eclipse will be visible and only for a portion of the country. A partial eclipse will be visible in the early afternoon, peaking around 2:00 pm ET, from portions of Montana to eastern North Carolina. Only a small sliver of the sun will be obscured for many, with about a fifth of the sun obscured in northern New England, mostly in Maine. All of Alaska (expect the far western Aleutians) will experience a partial solar eclipse as well. Southern Alaska will see a quarter of the sun obscured, peaking around 8:15 - 8:30 am Alaskan Daylight Time, while northern Alaska will see about half of the sun covered by the moon.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124624-1786128804207.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124629-1786131371992.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 103029-1786206678322.png"></p><h1>Next Total Solar Eclipse in the U.S.</h1><p>A total solar eclipse will cover portions of the United States in 2044, mostly moving through Canada, but parts of western North Dakota and Montana will get a view. In 2045, a large section of the United States will be able to experience a total solar eclipse. The path of totality runs from Northern California through Salt Lake City and Denver, before moving across the South from Little Rock to Miami, FL. It's never too early to make plans...</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-07 124638-1786131683080.png"></p><p></p>

Jackie Brown

What to Know About the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th

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<p>As a ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the Southwest and Southern Plains, disturbances will continue to ride around the ridge into the Midwest and Northeast, keeping these areas of the country stormy. A stationary front will provide the focus for storms over the next few days. The outlooks shift a bit each day (top of page), depending on where the front is located. Damaging winds and flooding are expected to be the primary hazards. A few isolated tornadoes are possible too!</p><h1>Sunday - Monday Outlooks</h1><p>Severe weather chances will increase Sunday and Monday around the Great Lakes, as jet stream energy and instability increase along the fronts. The SPC has issued slight risks (level 2 out of 5) for both of these days (below).</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/gl to ne -1786299042712.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/monddsss-1786299066153.png"></p><p></p><h1>Forecast</h1><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/videeee-1786299252786.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Storms are possible any time of day, but look more active from the afternoons well into the early mornings. As is the case with many summertime thunderstorms, large clusters of storms (MCSs) may form and persist well into the overnight hours. Our forecast model likes chances for these overnight storms the next few days. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-09 072935-1786282185244.png">With repeated rounds of storms the next few days, flash flooding will become a growing concern too. Some localized areas can expect 3 to 5 inches of rainfall over the next few days!</p>

Series of Fronts Keeps the Midwest Stormy

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<p>After the solar eclipse happens Wednesday afternoon grab some coffee, because one of the best meteor showers of the year peaks late Wednesday night into Thursday morning!<br><br>The Perseid meteor shower is often considered the best of the year for it's high rate of meteors and warm overnight temperatures, especially compared with the Geminids which peak in December. This year's show could be particularly dazzling since the moon will be new, leaving skies perfectly dark away from light pollution. The meteors are named after the constellation from which the appear to emanate, which is Perseus, located in the east-northeast this time of year. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 092352-1786203103738.png">While clouds are forgotten about most days that don't involve the beach, they become your worst enemy when it comes to viewing the cosmos at night. The cloud cover forecast currently favors clear skies in areas across the Northwest and High Plains, Southern Plains into the Mid-South, and parts of the Southeast. Cloud forecasting is difficult and could change quite a bit - so check back for daily updates.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 093115-1786203136507.png">Do you need to bring binoculars for a meteor shower? No! Try to take in as much of the sky as possible at once, which will let you see as many meteors as possible. Find a dark place away from city lights, give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust, and wait for the show! Meteors can come in bursts so don't be discouraged if you don't see many initially, or if the rates slow down. Bring some lawn chairs or a blanket, snacks, and some beverages.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 093010-1786203095588.png"></p>

One of the Best Meteor Showers of the Year Peaks Wednesday Night

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<p>A series of frontal systems will keep the Northeast active with storms and heavy rainfall chances into the weekend. As a front approaches the coast on Saturday, scattered severe storms are expected with damaging winds possible. Flash flooding will also be a concern, especially in urban areas.</p><h2>HEAT ALERTS</h2><p>Warm southerly flow around the Bermuda high in the Western Atlantic is keeping the coast hot and humid on Saturday. Heat alerts have been issued where heat index values will range between 95 - 105° F. Take breaks from the sun in shade or air conditioning and be sure to drink lots of water.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 070515-1786194328560.png"></p><h2>FORECAST</h2><p>Friday's storms did produce several areas of damaging winds and flooding across parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. In the Northeast, wind gusts topped out at 58 mph in Pennsylvania. Saturday, more scattered storms are possible ahead of the cold front, which could lead to gusty winds and heavy rainfall. The best timing for the severe storms will occur during the afternoon and evening hours. The front should clear most of the Northeast on Sunday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/FORECAST-1786219970943.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>RAINFALL</h2><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-08 070818-1786194510592.png">Rainfall totals don't appear off the charts, but with already saturated grounds, the flooding risk is certainly here.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/1-1786156033794.png"></p><p>For more on this and any flood or severe alerts in your area, be sure to join us on WeatherNation for the latest.</p>

Patrick Crawford

Severe Storms Target I-95 Saturday, D.C. to NYC

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<p><strong>SPOKANE, WA - </strong>On Saturday, August 1st, the Old Trails Fire ignited northwest of Spokane. This fire was fueled by hot, dry conditions and wind gusts up to 45 mph, which helped the fire spread rapidly through grass and brush before reaching neighborhoods. The fire eventually crossed the Spokane River, creating additional challenges for firefighters.</p><p><strong>UPDATE: </strong>The cause still remains under investigation, but a convicted felon has been arrested on an arson charge as the primary suspect for starting the Old Trails Fire near Spokane.</p><h3>Impacts:</h3><ul><li><p>The Spokane Area fires, consisting of the Autumn Lane, Old Trails, and Fairview fires, have burned 10,436 acres</p></li><li><p>Containment: Autumn Lane 37%, Old Trails 23%, and Fairview 31%</p></li><li><p>Thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders</p></li><li><p>Approximately 800+ structures have been destroyed, and thousands more are threatened</p></li></ul><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-05 194958-1785981012796.png"></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2084640508320854421" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2084640508320854421"></div><p>The Governor of Washington, Bob Ferguson, has declared a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://governor.wa.gov/news/2026/governor-ferguson-declares-statewide-wildfire-emergency-issues-statewide-burn-ban"><strong>statewide wildfire emergency</strong></a>, including a statewide burn ban due to the current drought conditions, high temperatures, and high winds. The President has also approved an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260804/president-donald-j-trump-approves-emergency-declaration-washington"><strong><u>emergency declaration</u></strong></a> for Washington, providing federal disaster assistance to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting in these wildfires.</p><p></p><h2>Forecast Ahead</h2><p>Winds will increase in the forecast on Friday and Saturday, prompting new fire weather alerts across the northwest. Red Flag Warnings are in place for portions of the Northwest and Northern Four Corners.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/1-1786068617168.png"></p><p></p><p>Residents should have a go bag packed and an evacuation plan in place in case evacuation orders expand into their area. If your community is placed under an evacuation order, leave immediately and follow instructions from local emergency officials.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-02 163825-1785710315388.png"></p><h2>Air Quality</h2><p>Smoke from the ongoing wildfires has prompted air quality alerts across much of the northwestern United States. People in affected areas should limit or avoid outdoor activities while poor air quality persists, especially those with respiratory conditions, older adults, and young children.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/1-1786068644866.png"></p><p>Forecast models indicate areas of dense smoke will spill southward. As temperatures cool after sunset, a temperature inversion often forms, trapping smoke close to the ground and leading to deteriorating air quality near the surface. AS the next front in the north-central U.S. moves through it will likely pull in more moderate to dense smoke behind it.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/BARON 5-1786068730681.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Residents should expect reduced visibility and degraded air quality through Monday morning before seeing improvements.</p>

Jesse Kelley

Spokane Area Fires: Some Containment

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The weekly <strong><em><a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/">Drought Monitor</a></em></strong> was released Thursday morning, as it is every Thursday with data through Tuesday of each week, and it shows some pretty distinct changes in parts of the country. Let's take a look:

<img class="size-full wp-image-125943" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/07/07-30-US-Drought-Monitor.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" /> The Drought Monitor updated Thursday, July 30. The data in this image is valid through Tuesday, July 28

The national view of the Drought Monitor shows that a majority of the country is on the dry side. Roughly 75% of the Lower 48 is experiencing at least "abnormally dry" conditions, shaded in yellow. That means about one-quarter of the Contiguous U.S. is experiencing average or above-average soil moisture conditions.

Here are some highlights when we compare this week's data to last week's data:
<ul>
 	<li>No location is in Exceptional Drought (the worst ranking on the scale)</li>
 	<li>The West saw drought development in all categories (moderate, severe, and extreme drought)</li>
 	<li>There were many areas which had below-average precipitation during the past week</li>
 	<li>Looking ahead, the West will likely face the toughest conditions</li>
</ul>
<img class="size-full wp-image-125944" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/07/07-30-SW-Drought-Monitor.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" /> The weekly Drought Monitor for the Southwest U.S. released Thursday, July 30

Some of the biggest weekly changes were seen across the Southwest U.S. where states including Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming experienced worsening drought. This is the time of the year when the monsoon showers and thunderstorms help replenish the water table, but unfortunately the monsoon has been weak in most areas. Take for instance, Arizona:

https://twitter.com/NWSPhoenix/status/1288672083149430784

The National Weather Service office in Phoenix, Arizona has been tracking the number of lightning strikes across the state as a way to monitor the strength of this year's monsoon. So far, it has been a very quiet wet season.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-125947" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/07/Monthly-drought-outlook.png" alt="" width="792" height="612" />

The monthly drought outlook, going forward, shows drought continuing for much of the West with further drought development likely for parts of Arizona and New Mexico. Unfortunately in the near term, between July 31 and August 12, the precipitation outlook for the West favors higher chances of drier-than-average conditions. This is attributed to the massive area of heat parked over the West right now, not allowing many thunderstorms to pop up.

Drought Status Updated: How's Your Area?

The Tropics Are Heating Up With Activity 2 Areas to Monitor in the Atlantic

Aside from the two tropical storms that forme

Western U.S. Under More Heat Alerts

A large area of high pressure continues to br

What to Know About the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th

Get ready for one of the most spectacular dis

Series of Fronts Keeps the Midwest Stormy

As a ridge of high pressure continues to domi

One of the Best Meteor Showers of the Year Peaks Wednesday Night

After the solar eclipse happens Wednesday aft

Severe Storms Target I-95 Saturday, D.C. to NYC

A series of frontal systems will keep the Nor

Spokane Area Fires: Some Containment

SPOKANE, WA - On Saturday, August 1st, the Ol