WeatherNation Meteorologists

headshotspng-1676305264677.png

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 2026-07-07 105656-1783443426971.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 through Tuesday and Wednesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 160654-1783462045076.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 160657-1783462050312.png">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.

Taban Sharifi

Babylon Fire Surpasses 100,000 Acres

VON_070526_RSW_MONTICELLOUT_HAZYSMOKYCONDITIONSINUTAHASBABYLONFIREGROWSTO150SQUAREMILES_SF_BD_E070626ezgifcomvideotogifconvertergif-1783445063586.gif

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!

TabanSharifijpeg-1679519287847.jpeg

NORTHERN PLAINS - Severe weather is in the forecast across the Northern Plains as we head through the work week. A mid-level trough is expected to move into the area, which will bring us unsettled weather and thunderstorms over the next few days.Tuesday's severe weather risk looks a bit more widespread across the Plains, with organized clusters of thunderstorms possible later in the day on Tuesday. There is a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather across South Dakota and Minnesota.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 114255-1783446182741.png">The risk continues through Wednesday with another SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk once that front slides further south.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 114336-1783446222007.png">Thursday holds a MARGINAL risk for severe weather.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 114532-1783446359012.png"><h2>Timing</h2>Storms are expected to continue forming along the frontal boundary for Tuesday and Wednesday. Timing will be anywhere from early to late afternoon. Make sure we have multiple ways to get alerts, as some of these storms could track into those nighttime hours.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/07071-1783446299860.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 2026-07-07 041143-1783419117205.png">For more on this active forecast, be sure to join us on WeatherNation!

Alana Cameron

Stormy Pattern Ahead for the Northern Plains

Screenshot20260707114241png-1783446163167.png

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!

AlanaCameronjpeg-1679518648021.jpeg

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">Today, a SLIGHT (level 2 out 4) risk for flash flooding has been issued much farther south. A small MARGINAL (level 1 out of 4) risk has also been issued for the Boston area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 041732-1783419601875.png">Although the risk isn't as high, we still shouldn't let our guards down. Several spots across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic could see another 3-4" inches of rain. These storms can wring out efficient rainfall rates of up to 2" an hour.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 042009-1783419686988.png">In addition to the flooding risk, the front that's causing all of this rain will also bring a risk for severe thunderstorms. Through Tuesday, the SPC has issued another outlook. This one, mainly focusing on a damaging winds threat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 042156-1783419768884.png">Through Wednesday and Thursday, severe weather will still play a part in the forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 042257-1783419825830.png">Along the frontal boundary, afternoon storm chances are expected to stay in the forecast through Wednesday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/2026-07-07 04-23-56-1783419862145.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For more details on the threats and timing of these storms, tune in to WeatherNation :10 past the hour for your Eastern Regional Forecast.

Kevin Schneider

Flash Flood Threat Across the Northeast and New England

Screenshot20260707113123png-1783445487754.png

A021DDE71AA34C50BB5468289EA6B1D7jpeg-1699372868991.jpeg

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 Tuesday and Wednesday. An Extreme Heat Warning covers the area and extends into far southern California, where heat advisories are in place.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 043355-1783420446414.png">Forecast highs will be running upwards of 10 degrees above average, but no records are at jeopardy this week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 043438-1783420493338.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 043502-1783420513503.png">This all comes on the heels of a warmer-than-normal June, which featured 18 days above average before a brief break heading into this month.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-06 112909-1783358964049.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.

Warm Weather Returns Out West

Screenshot20260707043540png-1783420544865.png

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

Screenshot20260705093138png-1783265505024.png

Early in the season, we watch closer to the coasts here at home for development in the Hurricane Season. Until the waves coming off the coast of Africa start to fly and quit losing the battle to Saharan Dust, old fronts are the leading source of development.Currently, a frontal boundary moving through the southeastern U.S. has prompted a marginal risk for severe weather across portions of the Southeast. Main threat will be damaging winds. Earlier this week, the National Hurricane Center was monitoring an area of potential tropical interest. That area is no longer expected to form into a tropical system. For now, the only name we have crossed off for the Atlantic season is Arthur.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 063531-1782563982336.jpg">In the Eastern Pacific, on the other hand, Tropical Storm Douglas formed on Wednesday. This system is set to strengthen a little bit before weakening over open waters, with no impacts to land.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/douglassssss-1782952012931.png">

Jackie Brown

Slow-Moving Front No Longer Expected to Develop Tropically, Monitoring Eastern Pacific

Screenshot20260630153850png-1782855532398.png

As Summer settles in across the Central U.S., MCSs, also known as Mesoscale Convective Systems, become more prevalent. These large clusters of thunderstorms can organize and persist for hours, travel hundreds of miles, and produce all modes of severe weather. The weather pattern over the next few days will favor repeated rounds of these storm complexes across the Plains &amp; Midwest.Strong and severe thunderstorms remain possible in the Mid South over the next few days as storms ride a ridge of high pressure. This will target the same areas through the end of the week to see severe weather. <h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/what-is-an-mcs">WHAT IS AN MCS: READ MORE HERE</a></h4><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1782612588554.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For the overnight, a few storms could still be severe across parts of the Ohio Valley before being steering into the Carolinas for Sunday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 133648-1782589019330.png">These storms will dump rain on the same areas, increasing the risk of flooding in some of the same spots that already flooded earlier this week. For more on the flooding risk, read this <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-returns-this-weekend">related article</a> on the flood potential.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1782612765591.png">

Jesse Kelley

'MCS' Season Brings Severe and Flooding Threats Across the Southeast

Screenshot20260627074028png-1782567632795.png

A fire called the Great Lake Fire began Wednesday night and exploded in size on Friday, reaching to 35,000 acres with only 10 percent containment. The fire was fueled by strong, gusty wind and dry air on Friday. Watch the smoke plume off the fire below.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/04/2023-04-22 15-41-53-1682200136702.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The fire is located near Havelock and New Bern in eastern North Carolina. It is burning within the Croatan National Forest and sending smoke and ash to nearby New Bern. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/04/23-1682200144400.jpg">Fortunately this weekend there have been rain showers moving over this fire. Rainfall amounts seem to be light, but hopefully this will help ease the rate of fire spread. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/04/24-1682200152433.jpg">Big plumes of smoke have resulted in poor air quality in neighboring towns and cities. If you have pre-existing respiratory issues, limit time outside.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/04/25-1682200157163.jpg">Remember, "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires!"

Great Lake Fire Burns 35,000 Acres in North Carolina

Babylon Fire Surpasses 100,000 Acres

The Aspen Acres fire continues to burn in Sou

Stormy Pattern Ahead for the Northern Plains

NORTHERN PLAINS - Severe weather is in the fo

Flash Flood Threat Across the Northeast and New England

NEW JERSEY - Heavy rainfall rates of around 2

Warm Weather Returns Out West

A ridge of high pressure is building in our w

Muggy and Stormy in the South

SOUTHEAST - It's been muggy and stormy in the

Slow-Moving Front No Longer Expected to Develop Tropically, Monitoring Eastern Pacific

Early in the season, we watch closer to the c

'MCS' Season Brings Severe and Flooding Threats Across the Southeast

As Summer settles in across the Central U.S.,