WeatherNation Meteorologists

headshotspng-1676305264677.png

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 2026-05-15 050125-1778842896285.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">

Dave Holder

Hurricane Season Begins in the Eastern Pacific, Atlantic Soon To Follow

Screenshot20260515050018png-1778843407723.png

Tracey Anthony

Tracey2jpeg-1737574224773.jpeg

It's been one or the other for a little while on the plains. Severe storms keep temperatures in check, or let them run wild. They're running wild over the next few days, which could again 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 2026-05-15 171204-1778886738109.png">Highs look to be the worst in the Southern Plains in terms of raw temperatures, closing in on the century mark. Record highs will be likely into early next week. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-15 171309-1778886796291.png">Next week, the heat shifts eastward into the Mid-South and the East Coast. Highs are expected to be anywhere between 10-20 degrees above average! Records will likely fall! For example, Washington, D.C., should be in the 70s. The forecast calls for highs in the mid-90s on Tuesday and Wednesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1778851192032.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-15 171406-1778886853615.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061654-1778851110348.png">

Sweltering Temperatures Slide Eastward This Weekend

Screenshot20260329061131png-1778851117811.png

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

RobBradleyjpeg-1679518597323.jpeg

<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-15 140124-1778875291273.png">Near record-breaking heat has helped to increase instability in the atmosphere on Friday afternoon. With several fronts draped across the area, thunderstorm development is expected through the evening, with the potential for some to quickly turn severe. <h1>Friday</h1>Through the rest of Friday evening, a focused Enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) has been highlighted across the state of Iowa. Additionally, a Slight risk (level 2 out of 5) includes the surrounding areas of the Upper Midwest and Great Plains. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-15 140435-1778875484001.png"><h1>Forecast</h1>Thunderstorms are expected to initiate during the late afternoon hours, but severe weather will be possible late into the evening or even overnight. 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/iowastorms-1778875670985.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 2026-05-15 140948-1778875800610.png">

Enhanced Risk of Severe Thunderstorms Today

Screenshot20260515140150png-1778875312267.png

Meteorologist Jesse Kelley is excited to join the talented staff at Weather Nation. Jesse spent most of his childhood in Birmingham, Alabama. The state of Alabama is prone to seeing various types of weather from severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter weather. For college, Jesse attended the University of South Alabama where he received his degree in Broadcast Meteorology along with minors in Math and Geography. From Alabama, Jesse started his broadcast television working three years at KAVU-TV in Victoria. Recently, he finished a stint in Shreveport, LA. Jesse and his wife are looking forward to making the Rocky Mountains and Colorado home. If you would like to follow me, you can follow me on Twitter @JesseKelleywx and on Facebook at Meteorologist Jesse Kelley.

Jesse Kelley

JesseKelleyjpeg-1679519197409.jpeg

Welcome to May in Colorado. This weekend forecast will be wacky with severe chances across Interstate 25 and areas east into the Front Range. On the colder side of the event into Monday, snow chances are looking likely for the Rockies.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778873046914.png"><h1>Severe Forecast</h1>Saturday, an Enhanced Risk has been issued for parts of Northeastern Colorado, Northwestern Kansas, and Southwestern Nebraska. The biggest hazards will be destructive hail and strong winds. The same areas will be at play for severe on Sunday including Denver Metro.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778873316351.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2-1778873322037.png">Scattered thunderstorms will pop Saturday afternoon across Colorado and Wyoming and get stronger as they move eastward into the Plains. A few isolated tornadoes can't be ruled out either. Sunday, a new surface low forms along a passing cold front. It will force more widespread showers and storms during the day. As the upper low drops surface temperatures, snow will begin to mix with the rain in the high country and snow will gradually drop with elevation too. It can't be completely ruled out with some flakes in the Denver Metro.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/BARON 5-1778874301770.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778874685158.png">

Severe to Snow for the Rockies and Front Range

1png-1778872854767.png

On the heels of severe thunderstorm activity to end the week, another strong upper-level trough will be dropping across the Great Plains on Sunday and Monday. Model data continues to hint at stronger ingredients coming together, including instability and wind shear. Sunday, moderate to high instability will be building in. Southwesterly winds aloft and southerly winds at the surface will enhance wind shear, and changing wind direction with height would increase the tornado threat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-14 171517-1778800525656.png"><h1>Severe Outlooks</h1>SPC has highlighted an Enhanced Risk for Sunday and Monday across the Central Plains as all modes of severe weather will be possible including strong tornadoes, very large hail, and destructive damaging winds.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778871644605.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2-1778871681061.png"><h1>Forecast</h1>On Sunday, storms will still be left over along a warm front across Nebraska and Iowa. By the afternoon and early evening hours, supercells are expected to develop near the cold front which could lead to all severe weather hazards. Into the overnight hours, storms will congeal into a complex which will promote damaging winds. Monday will be similar to Sunday with all hazards but damaging winds will overwhelming becoming the biggest hazard into the evening and overnight hours.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/BARON 5-1778872315279.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The heaviest of the rain will be across the Upper Midwest as rainfall range between 3-6" with repeated rounds of severe storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778872433373.png">

Widespread Significant Severe Weather Possible Sunday and Monday

1png-1778871351162.png

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/BARON 5-1778782373059.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Through Saturday morning, New England can expect to see a few inches of rain with some isolated totals over 4-5" in Southern Maine and New Hampshire.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778782488770.png">

Patrick Crawford

Stormy and Wet Weather Continues for the Northeast

Screenshot20260329061107png-1778764977801.png

Kevin Schneider

A021DDE71AA34C50BB5468289EA6B1D7jpeg-1699372868991.jpeg

<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

Screenshot20260513115328png-1778694813101.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

Hurricane Season Begins in the Eastern Pacific, Atlantic Soon To Follow

Ready for hurricane season? As a reminder, wa

Sweltering Temperatures Slide Eastward This Weekend

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

Enhanced Risk of Severe Thunderstorms Today

Near record-breaking heat has helped to incre

Severe to Snow for the Rockies and Front Range

Welcome to May in Colorado. This weekend fore

Widespread Significant Severe Weather Possible Sunday and Monday

On the heels of severe thunderstorm activity

Stormy and Wet Weather Continues for the Northeast

A low-pressure system will linger in New Engl

Heat & Front Fuels Thunderstorms In The Northwest

WHAT TO EXPECTThe SPC has issued a slight ris