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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Key Messages<ul><li>A new wildfire, the Hughes Fire, near Castaic Lake is growing quickly in LA County. It is over 10k acres with about 36% containment, forcing closures on I-5.</li><li>Gusty winds and low humidity will remain in place through Friday morning then winds will gradually relax.</li><li>Have a plan in place and a go bag ready for quick evacuations!</li><li>Rain and snow are likely to fall this weekend.</li></ul><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/VO_012225_RSW_CASTAIC, CA_HUGH SMOKE PLUMES FROM THE HUGHES FIRE_STORYFUL_MS_E012225-1737605677141.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737689962823.png">A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Friday morning for elevated and critical fire weather conditions, meaning the spread of fires could be rapid. Onshore winds and cooler temperatures return Friday afternoon, with rainfall expected by Sunday. The precipitation will greatly aid firefighting efforts, but could also lead to mudslides, debris flows, and flash flooding. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737605749942.png">The Eaton and Palisades Fires rank in the top 4 most destructive fires in California history with over 15,000 structures burned.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-18 061446-1737206094062.png"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1877040239241224343" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/1877040239241224343"></div>Additional wildfires started on Monday and Tuesday in San Diego County after the Santa Ana winds returned to the region. The Lilac Fire started in the Bonsall area of northern San Diego County but is now 100 percent contained.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-10 053546-1736512590442.jpg">Tune in to your West Regional forecast at :50 past the hour, every hour on WeatherNation.

Jesse Kelley

Hughes Fire Growing Quickly in LA County

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Brittany Lockley

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Rain is in the forecast for Southern California this weekend. Finally, after nearly a month since the last measured rainfall, Southern California is expected to get rain. The last measured rainfall was on Christmas Eve, and rainfall totals only reached 0.02” in Los Angeles. Since May 6th of last year, all-in-all Los Angeles has only received 0.16" of rainfall.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-22 053742-1737549920681.png">The Dry Terrain, accompanied by the downward sloping Santa Ana winds continue to pose a threat on Southern California. Two new fires, Hughes and Sepulveda fires, started on Wednesday.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1882194472123183465" src="https://x.com/CAL_FIRE/status/1882194472123183465"></div>Check in on the ongoing fires in Southern California: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/santa-ana-winds-kick-up-fire-danger">Hughes Fire Growing Quickly in LA County</a>The good news is, some moisture looks to be on the way to help bring some relief to these conditions and help firefighters battle these fires.An Upper-level low will dig father to the South Friday into Sunday. This low will pull Pacific moisture into the region and hopefully aid in some relief to the ongoing wildfire situation.&nbsp;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/2025-01-22 05-35-35-1737549413734.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The rainfall in Southern California will start on Saturday and continue into Sunday. Fortunately, most of Southern California will see rainfall. However, this will come with the risk of potentially seeing mudslides. The areas that have been recently burned will not be able to soak up the rainfall quickly.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/2025-01-22 05-54-17-1737550500757.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>When it comes to rainfall total expect anywhere from a 0.10-.0. 50 of rainfall. Areas above 4,000 ft will see snowfall. This will bring some relief to the Firefighters that have been working day in and day out to combat these fires. Also, it will help to ease the smoke in the air.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737605965594.png">Winter alerts have been issued in advance of the snow arriving this weekend and sticking around into Tuesday! Some of the higher elevations east of San Diego are looking at snowfall totals near two feet!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737690169404.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737690191192.png">Make sure to tune into WeatherNation for the latest updates.

Rain & Snow for SoCal, Fires Get Relief

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Chris Tomer

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Snow returns to Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado this weekend as a cold front races south. Winter alerts are now in effect from Montana down to Colorado.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737690311902.png"><h1>Timing</h1><ul><li>Montana: 1/24</li><li>Wyoming: 1/24</li><li>Utah: Late 1/24-1/25</li><li>Colorado: Late 1/24-1/26</li></ul>In Denver and across the I-25 Corridor snow starts late Friday and continues into Saturday morning. Snow lingers in the Central and Northern Mountains of Colorado on Saturday.Below you can track the timing with the Future Radar &amp; Satellite.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Baron 2-1737690388055.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Forecast Accumulation</h1>Moderate to heavy snow accumulation is likely at many ski resorts. Below is forecast snow accumulation by 11pm Saturday (1/25). The areas in pink should receive more than 6 inches.A few highlights:<ul><li>Jackson Hole: 3-6 inches.</li><li>Big Sky, MT: 3-6 inches.</li><li>Alta, UT: 3-7 inches.</li><li>Steamboat, CO: 6-9 inches.</li><li>Vail: 6-9 inches.</li><li>Aspen/Snowmass: 3-6 inches.</li><li>Bear Lake, CO: 12 inches (&amp; 90mph gusts).</li></ul><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737690422524.png">Zooming in, here are the forecast snow totals in Colorado by 10pm Saturday (1/25). Saturday looks like a powder day!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737690459124.png"><h1>Forecast Highs</h1>Colder air plunges south between Friday and Sunday. By Saturday, high temps in Casper, Cheyenne, and Denver are running 15-20 degrees below average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/TOMER ROCKIES 3DAY HIGHS 1232025-1737652543693.png">

Weekend Snow Likely Across the Rockies

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Exciting times are ahead for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts! Two planetary alignments will happen in a span of 40 days, the first featuring six planets in January, followed by a seven planet alignment in late February. Naked eye observers can expect to see four planets during each event, but adding binoculars or a telescope will help you see the rest. Planetary alignment occurs when planets are on the same side of the sun and appear to line up in the night sky. While the planets always appear to form a line, seeing several planets visible to the naked eye doesn't happen every year. Planets of the solar system have differing orbital periods so it can take a while for several to appear together. For example, Mercury takes 88 days to orbit the sun while Jupiter takes about 12 years. <h1>January Alignment</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Jan_2025_sky chart_Planets-1737305096113.png">Image credit: NASA/JPL-CaltechSince the middle of the month, four of the five brightest planets in the night sky have been visible after sunset and will continue to "line up" through the end of the month. The best chance to see these four planets and the two hiding in the dark (Neptune and Uranus) will occur around the 21st and 22nd in the southern sky after sunset, looking generally to the south. Neptune can be found just above Venus and Jupiter while using a telescope or binoculars (top of page), while Uranus will be to the right of Jupiter. This alignment will occur for multiple nights, but as the planets shift, it will be more difficult to see them all in the same sector of sky.<h1>February Alignment</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-19 084957-1737302067137.png">Planets align again in late February, but this time SEVEN planets will appear in the same sector or sky. Like the January alignment, four of the planets will be visible to the naked eye (Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars), while the others will require a tool to help you (binoculars or a telescope). For viewers in North America, trying to see the planets in the days leading up to the 28th will likely produce the best viewing. In order to see Saturn during this alignment, you'll need to be ready as the sun goes down since it will be close to the sun and horizon. While Mercury can be viewed at times without an optical zoom, it will likely need it in this alignment due to its proximity to the sun.

Planets Align in January and February

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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The historic Winter Storm brought the first Blizzard warnings along coastal Louisiana, and once-in-a-lifetime snowfall totals to the South. Roads and schools in some parts of the Gulf Coast remain closed through Thursday because of the icy roadways!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737582296766.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-22 095432-1737564882219.jpg">RELATED ARTICLE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/how-cold-will-this-weekend-be">Dangerous Wind Chills Likely Into Next Week</a>While some places didn't quite see all-time records, anytime it snows this far south is impressive. Areas like Houston reached 4 inches of snowfall, which broke snowfall records for the day. Since the official snowfall is measured at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the all-time record of 3" is safe. Many locations on the east and south side of town reported 3+" however.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-22 100024-1737565232864.jpg">Even more amazingly, Florida recorded its record highest accumulated snowfall total. This obliterated the old record of 4", set back during the Superstorm of March 1993.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-21 211554-1737519497478.png">With such a cold airmass behind all of the wintry weather, the snow might stick around for a little while. Here's what it looked like as the sun rose Wednesday morning. The clouds are moving east while the snowpack slowly melts.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/2025-01-22 10-03-25-1737565437795.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The highest snowfall totals coming out of the South are from Rayne, Louisiana measured, which measured 10.5" of snow. Additional inches of snow across the Southeast will be possible through Wednesday. Freezing rain and sleet will also mix in for areas just to the south. Prepare for travel impacts and potential power outages where heavy ice occurs. A gradual warming trend is likely heading into the weekend!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737606419854.png">Make sure to tune into to Weather Nation for the latest details.

Historic Snowstorm Comes To an End for the South

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Kevin Schneider

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Good riddance. Many locations are saying good-bye to the dangerous cold that plagued much of the beginning of the week. As some of the Central U.S. sees the cold weather alerts drop off for Wednesday morning, other areas keep holding on to the chilly temperatures. Most of the Eastern U.S. and Gulf Coast will still be feeling very cold the next few mornings.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/2025-01-22 04-07-34-1737544089860.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Temperatures farther south will also hold on to colder temperatures than normal for the next few mornings. Some of that has to do with the fresh snowpack that fell on Tuesday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-22 100959-1737565855748.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-22 101041-1737565855746.jpg">Towards the end of the month, the longer-range temperature forecast shows more normal conditions across a large portion of the country. However, there will be pockets of colder air compared to normal. A couple of these spots include Southern California and the Northeast. The Northern Plains are anticipated to be warmer than normal from Jan 26 - 30.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-22 040823-1737544115164.png">You will find more watching your top weather headlines on WeatherNation, along with your regional forecasts.

Alana Cameron

Midwest Thawing Out After Record Breaking Cold

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A cold front and trailing coastal low will keep the pattern active in the Northeast through the weekend. An initial round of rain and snow will be followed by mostly snow from late tonight through Monday morning. The exact track of the low will determine where a corridor of heavy snow falls, but there is still some uncertainty about this factor. Winter alerts have now been issued for this round of snow Sunday into Monday for parts of the Northeast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-19 100947-1737306595825.jpg"> A blast of bitterly cold air, the coldest yet of the winter is waiting on the other side of a snowy end to the weekend. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-17 075139-1737125578659.png"><h1>Forecast Timing</h1>The trailing coastal low will begin to produce snow early Sunday morning from Virginia up through New Jersey, with snow spreading up the coast into New England by the late morning hours. Snow is expected to continue into Sunday night as it tapers off from south to north.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Baron 2-1737258557911.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Snow Comparison</h1>The track of low will determine who gets the potential for over 6 inches of new snow. The Baron and GFS model both have a good handle on the snow. The biggest difference between the models are the amounts. Our in house model is favoring more snow than the GFS model. Regardless, everyone in the Northeast will see snow with the heaviest along and west of Interstate 95!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737258715042.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/1-1737258738567.png">

Patrick Crawford

One-Two Punch Brings Snow Back to the East Coast

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<ul>
 	<li>Hurricane watch</li>
 	<li>Tropical storm warning</li>
 	<li>Storm surge warning</li>
</ul>
Do you know the difference between these tropical alerts and what to do if one is issued for your home? Let’s break down the different types of alerts during tropical systems.

When a tropical storm or hurricane *watch* is issued, it means corresponding winds are possible within 48 hours.
For a tropical storm that means sustained winds of 39 miles per hour or greater. For a hurricane that means 74 mph or greater are possible.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-121733" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/05/Tropical-Watch.jpg" alt="" width="1187" height="577" />

The rule of thumb when it comes to a *watch* is that’s the time when you want to quickly finish preparations, such as putting up your storm shutters. It’s also the time you want to head to your designated storm shelter, or plan to leave soon if evacuations are issued for your location.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-121734" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/05/Tropical-Warning.jpg" alt="" width="1177" height="610" />
When a tropical storm or hurricane *warning* is issued, it means hazardous and potentially life-threatening weather conditions will begin in the next 36 hours. By this time, preparations must be finished. Quickly get to your designated safe place.

Next, we have *storm surge* alerts.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-121735" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/05/Storm-Surge-Alerts.jpg" alt="" width="1169" height="608" />
A storm surge *watch* means life-threatening inundation from rising coastal waters is possible within 48 hours. A warning? Within 36 hours. If you’re in a storm surge warning, check the latest evacuation orders and get to higher ground if need be.

Please note that these alerts can be issued before tropical systems have fully formed. Vice versa, alerts may be issued for storms that have lost their tropical characteristics but still produce dangerous conditions.

WeatherNation's Hurricane Preparedness Week is Monday, May 25 to Sunday, May 31 where we will get you ready for the upcoming hurricane season. We will share tips on preparations, information to help you understand the forecast, and what to do before, during, and after a storm. Also, the National Hurricane Center will release its seasonal outlook on Thursday, May 21. Stay with us as we bring you these stories this season!

To watch/listen to this story, see our video below:

https://youtu.be/-5HbDeA53_U

Find The Difference: Tropical Watch Vs. Warning

Hughes Fire Growing Quickly in LA County

Key MessagesA new wildfire, the Hughes Fire,

Rain & Snow for SoCal, Fires Get Relief

Rain is in the forecast for Southern Californ

Weekend Snow Likely Across the Rockies

Snow returns to Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and C

Planets Align in January and February

Exciting times are ahead for stargazers and a

Historic Snowstorm Comes To an End for the South

The historic Winter Storm brought the first B

Midwest Thawing Out After Record Breaking Cold

Good riddance. Many locations are saying good

One-Two Punch Brings Snow Back to the East Coast

A cold front and trailing coastal low will ke