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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High pressure creating near record heat will give way to several storm systems in the Plains and Midwest through the end of this week and even over the weekend. As areas of low pressure exit the Rockies, they'll tap into warmth and humidity to create severe weather chances on Thursday and Friday. Another series of lows will keep the threat going over the weekend, as well.<h1>Thursday</h1>Thursday's risk will be focused along the warm and cold front of a developing surface low, with a higher risk in the middle of Kansas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061654-1778765169204.png">Wind and hail will be the primary threats, but hail could be significant. Significant hail is larger than 2 inches in diameter (bigger than a golf ball) and can do serious damage.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061724-1778765183404.png">The threats shift slightly north on Friday, still with a focused slight risk (level 2 out of 5) from Kansas into Missouri, but also includes Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061922-1778765198517.png">Forecast</h1>The afternoons are when storms are expected to initiate, but severe weather will be possible late into the evening or even overnight once they start. This means you should review your method to get severe weather alerts to make sure they will wake you up if necessary.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/FORECAST-1778772837819.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Since storms won't be widespread, only spotty heavy rain is expected. While flash flooding can't be ruled out, rainfall rates likely won't be high enough to warrant an outlook.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 184740-1778719679697.png">

Patrick Crawford

Severe Storms Possible in the Plains & Midwest To End the Week

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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/2026/05/05-13 rtne zoomie-1778713844925.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rainfall totals could surpass an inch or two from the Chesapeake Bay north through Maine. Northern New England is expecting heavier rain at times as Atlantic moisture is pulled into the area, with some rain totals possibly surpassing 3-5 inches by Saturday morning. While this is a lot of rain, it should come down at a slow enough rate to avoid flash flooding. Still, be on the lookout for cumulative flooding issues like rivers running high and nuisance flooding.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061107-1778764968554.png">

Stormy and Wet Weather Continues for the Northeast

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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 2026-05-02 080401-1777731353504.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">

Brittany Lockley

The Countdown to Hurricane Season

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Tracey Anthony

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It's been one or the other for a little while on the plains: severe storms keeping temperatures in check or letting them run wild. They're running wild in the next few days which looks like it could power some storms...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 2026-05-13 183359-1778718845729.png">Highs look to be the worst in the southern plains in terms of raw temperatures, closing in on the century mark. Farther north, temperatures will top out in the 90's, nearly 30 degrees warmer than normal for them.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 072422-1778678783594.png">If records are to be broken in the afternoons, anywhere with a pink dot would be a candidate. Be sure to practice heat safety throughout the end of the week. Cooler weather looks like it'll return by the start of next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 183756-1778719087250.png">As this heat shifts east this week, more record highs could potentially push to the eastern United States.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 183727-1778719053798.png">

Sweltering Temperatures Slide Eastward This Week

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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">

Florida Wildfire and Storm Threat

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WEST - An upper-level ridge has led to very warm temperatures in the western U.S. Dozens of records are expected, each city represented by a pink dot (above) is a location where record highs could be broken or tied. Records have been falling since Mother's Day, including spots on Monday like Salt Lake City that hit 92°.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-11 200341-1778551460349.png">Excessive Heat Warnings and Advisories remain in place for the southwest through tonight. Keep practicing heat safety as the week gets off to a hot start.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-12 110345-1778605455123.png">Spots like Las Vegas and Phoenix will dig into the 100s on Tuesday. Even areas as far north as Boise could threaten the century mark. If they get to 98 Tuesday afternoon, it will not only be the earliest on record, but beat the average first 98 by almost 6 weeks!!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-12 061251-1778588043202.jpg">The heat will slide east as the week progresses. Highs in the Central and High Plains will soar into the 90s, threatening records here as early as Tuesday afternoon. Denver normally averages 69°, and will see a high of 90° on Wednesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-12 110428-1778605475814.png">

Alana Cameron

Warm Week Continues For Millions

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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.

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Warm, windy and dry conditions will continue across areas in the southern tier of the nation, yielding the risk for elevated fire concerns.
<h1>Fire Weather Alerts</h1>
Red Flag Warnings have been issued for counties in New Mexico and Southeast Colorado for the risk of wildfires spreading and difficulty of containment.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-120115" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/04/fire.png" alt="" width="1605" height="928" />

You definitely want to be extra cautious if you are working in your hard or on you home today with anything that can create sparks or flames.
<h1>Fire Weather Outlook</h1>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-120116" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/04/fwo.png" alt="" width="1668" height="918" />

Areas of concern have been included under elevated and critical conditions that will will need to be monitored for Friday.
<h1>Ground Conditions</h1>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-120024" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/03/droughtsw.png" alt="" width="1640" height="916" />

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-120025" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/03/swran.png" alt="" width="1653" height="933" />

Even with some rainfall over the last month, drought conditions exist in the Four Corners. This leads to the high fire danger.

Here are some important tips on how to help prevent wildfires.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-119984 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2019/10/7day3-5.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

Keep checking with WeatherNation for more updates on the fire weather risk.

Fire Weather Risk in Southern Sections of the Nation

Fire Weather Alerts

Fire Weather Outlook

Ground Conditions

Severe Storms Possible in the Plains & Midwest To End the Week

High pressure creating near record heat will

Stormy and Wet Weather Continues for the Northeast

A low-pressure system will linger in New Engl

The Countdown to Hurricane Season

Ready for hurricane season? As a reminder, wa

Sweltering Temperatures Slide Eastward This Week

It's been one or the other for a little while

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

Warm Week Continues For Millions

WEST - An upper-level ridge has led to very w