<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #454545;">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></span></p>

Rob Bradley

RobBradleyjpeg-1679518597323.jpeg

<p><strong>WEST - </strong>Heatwave would be putting this stretch of extreme weather mildly. One of the most intense heat event the U.S. has seen since record keeping began is unfolding. More daily and monthly March records kept falling on Friday across the West.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1png-1774059912687.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1774060007562.png"></p><p>The heat is expected to intensify Saturday, before temperatures drop slightly. Even though temperatures will drop somewhat, record heat will persist through at least the middle of next week, if not longer.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1774060090229.png"></p><p>Afternoon highs in several locations are expected to climb into the 80s, 90s, and even 100s, shattering daily temperature records and creating a dramatic contrast from the colder conditions that typically dominate early March. In some areas, temperatures are running 20 to 40 degrees above seasonal averages.</p><p>Heat alerts<strong> </strong>are in effect through the weekend across portions of California, Nevada, and Arizona. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-21 044406-1774089854111.png"></p><p>The heat will fade only slightly for most SW locations this weekend before the ridge rebuilds next week. A sharper drop in temperatures is possible toward the end of next week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-21 044525-1774089933909.png"></p><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">The Climate Prediction Center has a high confidence that temperatures will stay above normal through the end of March.</span><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1774060186982.png"></p><p>More on your Western Regional Forecast can be found:50 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p>

Records Obliterated - Extreme March Heatwave Bakes the West

1png-1774059912687.png

<p>A series of systems moving across the Northern half of the nation will spark a sharp contrast with the record heat building in the south / southeast over the weekend. As cold fronts move from the Midwest into the East, several rounds of severe storms are possible. Sunday's threat is likely to have the most widespread impacts with wind, hail, and tornadoes possible.</p><h1>SATURDAY</h1><p>As the front stalls across the Mid South, a few severe storms will be possible Saturday across the Carolinas. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-21 045049-1774090254837.png">Severe storms never got going on Friday, however, on Saturday more isolated to scattered thunderstorms will develop along the front from Tennessee to the Carolinas. Heavy rain shouldn't be a huge concern as some areas could receive as much as an inch or two.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-21 05-56-31-1774094423359.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><h1>SUNDAY - MONDAY</h1><p>The next clipper arrives Sunday. Already, the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted parts of the Mid Atlantic and Ohio Valley region with a Slight Risk of severe storms. Hail is expected to be the primary threat initially as discrete cells form ahead of the main line of storms, before shifting to a wind threat later in the evening.  <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-21 045110-1774090276499.png">While wind &amp; hail are the main threats, and isolated tornado or two are possible.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-21 050929-1774094081322.png">Storms build into the early afternoon, with scattered severe storms possible. That threat will persist into the late evening before storms gradually lose energy and move into the Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic with some heavy rain. On Monday as the front drops south into the Carolinas, a few isolated severe storms are possible in the afternoon. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-21 05-58-31-1774094364410.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The SPC is highlighting areas from Macon Georgia out to the coast from Savannah to Wilmington for a wind and hail threat Monday afternoon.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-21 045150-1774090319352.png">Get the latest forecast for the East anytime on the WeatherNaiton app, or by tuning in at :10 past the hour.</p>

Severe Storm Potential Returns to the Ohio Valley & Southeast

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<p>After record shattering rain and hurricane force winds last weekend, Hawaii is already dealing with another strong low pressure system moving in from the west, known locally as a Kona Low.</p><h2>FRIDAY</h2><p>Catastrophic flash flooding unfolded overnight Thursday into Friday morning on the northern side of O'ahu, after 5-9 inches of rain fell from slow moving thunderstorms. As a result, a dam failure was possible but officials say that the dam is in good condition so far. More heavy rain is possible to change the status. Evacuation orders have been issued for Haleiwa and Waialua as intense flooding cut off roads and inundated low lying areas. <br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-21 062122-1774096044055.png">The heavy rain was created by an approaching Kona Low, which will keep the weather pattern rainy through the weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 105948-1774026224554.png">Flood watches are in effect for all of the islands through the end of the weekend. The low is forecast to shift east into next week, leading to sunnier conditions.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 101245-1774023297462.png">Bands of heavy rain will move through the islands at times over the next several days, with intensity of the showers fluctuating. Thunderstorms could lead to the development of flash flooding, especially with saturated soils from the previous Kona low.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1774059173915.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Rainfall totals could easily surpass 1-4 inches where thunderstorms train, or move over the same locations multiple times. Most areas can expect lower totals.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1774059222130.png"></p><h1>Previous System Record Rain &amp; Wind</h1><p>Rainfall totals from the previous system are almost unfathomable. Each island had at least one weather station record over 20 inches of rain with hurricane force winds recorded as well. These intense conditions left the islands more prone for impacts from following storms.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 110451-1774026907445.png"></p>

Flash Flood Emergency for O'ahu, Additional Rain Expected for Hawaii

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Brittany Lockley

BrittanyLockleyjpeg-1679519515040.jpeg

<p>Wildfire activity is ramping up across the United States, as a dangerous combination of dry air, gusty winds, and above-average temperatures creates ideal conditions for fires to ignite and spread. From the Rockies to the Plains, fire weather alerts have been issued frequently, with low humidity and strong winds allowing even small sparks to quickly turn into fast-moving wildfires. The next several days will be concerning across central parts of the country, where dormant grasses act as fuel and can carry flames over large distances in a short amount of time.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span>Precipitation will be limited over the next few days, and cold front will brings gusty winds. Red Flag warnings are in place.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-21 063004-1774096376238.jpg"></p><p>For this weekend, fire alerts have been issued from the Black Hills of South Dakota, south through the Texas Panhandle.While the actual temperatures of this heatwave have been the main focus, increasing temperatures lead to low relative humiditiy. While cities such as Denver and Amarillo feel the hottest March days ever, single-digit humidity levels look likely. Winds will kick up at times, too, in response to systems riding around the periphery of the upper-level heat dome.</p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 143606-1774039285554.png"></p><p></p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-21 063232-1774096392152.jpg"></p><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">Several large fires have already made headlines this season, highlighting just how intense conditions have become. In parts of the Plains, massive wildfires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres, forcing evacuations and straining firefighting resources. These fires have been fueled by powerful wind gusts and extremely dry conditions, making them difficult to contain and allowing them to grow rapidly over a matter of hours</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-21 063033-1774096431178.jpg"></p><h2>24 Fire</h2><p></p><p>Unfortunately, some fires have already sparked and continue to grow. The 24 Fire, located to the southwest of Colorado Springs, has has grown to over a thousand acres and remains uncontained, prompting evacuation orders for nearby communities. Crews on the ground, along with aerial support, are working to slow the spread, but shifting winds and dry fuels continue to pose challenges. Smoke from the fire has been visible across the region, a reminder of how active the situation remains.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 144930-1774039787361.png"></p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 143555-1774039733292.png"></p><p>Frequent wind events, dry air, and limited moisture are all contributing to an elevated fire risk heading into spring. As a result, follow evacuation orders if necessary, and take extra precautions to avoid starting new fires. With the current pattern in place, the potential for additional wildfire outbreaks will likely continue in the weeks ahead.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">Stay tuned for WeatherNation for more details.</span></p><p></p>

Fire Danger Continues Through the Weekend Across Central States

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<p><em>Top Image Credit: National Parks Service</em></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8V6xqwukzO0" start="0"></iframe></div><p>Spring is fast approaching, and so are the blooms of flowers all across North America. This includes the famous cherry tree bloom around the National Mall in Washington, D.C.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-06 080027-1772810872599.png">On Thursday, March 5th, the National Park Service announced its projected peak cherry blossom date for 2026. The peak is expected around late March into early April (between the 31st and 2nd). Still, the forecast for the peak is generally difficult to make beyond ten days, as blossoms will be impacted by weather conditions. Check back in for updates!</p><h2>What is "peak bloom"?</h2><p>The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open, one of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/types-of-trees.htm"><strong><u>many types of cherry trees</u></strong></a> in the area. Peak bloom usually lasts for several days, with the blooms taking <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm"><strong><u>about two to three weeks to reach peak</u></strong></a> after the appearance of green buds. As buds begin to appear, the forecast peak date will be updated by National Park Service horticulturists.</p><h2>Past Blooms</h2><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-06 080035-1772811048593.png"><br>Due to variable weather conditions, peak bloom has occurred as early as March 15th (1990) and as late as April 18th (1958).</p><p>Visiting the blossoming cherry trees has become a favorite springtime tradition for Americans and tourists alike, dating back to 1912 when Japan gifted the U.S. about 3,000 cherry trees. The cherry trees in Japan have been putting on a show for thousands of years, with the dates of blooms being <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/date-of-the-peak-cherry-tree-blossom-in-kyoto"><strong><u>recorded all the way back to the 9th century</u></strong></a>. The dates for this year's peak blooms in Japan are expected from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.japan-guide.com/sakura/"><strong><u>late March through late April</u></strong></a> from north to south across the nation.</p>

Jesse Kelley

Peak Cherry Blossom Forecast Released for 2026

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2033702354504323511" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2033702354504323511"></div><p>It wouldn't be March without a good ol' fashioned blizzard. The Upper-Midwest experienced intense blizzard conditions last weekend, and while the blizzard has cleared, additional rain and snow makers are on the way. While additional snow, ice, and storms are in the forecast, these systems are not expected to be as impactful.</p><h1>Timing</h1><p>Clipper systems with limited precipitation and impacts are expected to phase through the Great Lakes and Northeast through Friday. Stronger systems begin taking shape this weekend, with heavier precipitation and gusty winds. Friday into Saturday can expect heavier rain and snow in New York and New England, while the Upper-Midwest gets a new round of moderate snowfall from the trailing system. By Sunday, that next system is expected to move from the Great Lakes into the Northeast, bringing ice, snow, rain, and wind!</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-20 10-29-40-1774017019380.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Rain and Snow Totals</h1><p>I-95 and the Central Appalachians are likely to stay on the rainy side of these systems, but higher elevations in the Northeast, along with areas that see lake-enhanced precipitation, will see some snowfall. Mountain areas could see some 6"+ totals.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-19 201431-1773972882164.png"></p><p>Make sure to check in with us here on WeatherNation! We'll be covering these clipper systems all week, so follow along to stay updated on the latest!</p>

Tracey Anthony

Clippers Keep the Great Lakes and Northeast Gusty, Cooler

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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!

Alana Cameron

AlanaCameronjpeg-1679518648021.jpeg

<p><strong>NEBRASKA - </strong>On Thursday, March 12th, a vegetation fire broke out with visible heat signatures detectable on satellite. As winds shifted and the fire headed south quickly, mandatory evacuations were prompted near the town of Oshkosh, NE. Since then, the fire has continued to grow, becoming the largest in state history for the state of Nebraska, named the <strong>Morrill Fire</strong>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Acres:</strong> 643,074</p></li><li><p><strong>Containment:</strong> 98%</p></li><li><p><strong>Status:</strong> Active</p></li><li><p><strong>Counties involved: </strong>Keith, Arthur, Garden, and Morrill</p></li></ul><p>Additional fires broke out across the state on this critical fire risk day, including the <strong>Cottonwood Fire,</strong> which has now burned about 130,000 acres with 80% containment. This fire broke southeast of North Platte in Dawson, Lincoln, and Frontier counties. Evacuations were ordered last week but lifted on Saturday, March 14th.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2033022876803281258" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2033022876803281258"></div><p>The governor of Nebraska Jim Pillen issued an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/WildFiresCentralNebraska.pdf">emergency proclamation</a> to unlock state resources and support the response to multiple wildfires in central and Western Nebraska. The fires include:</p><ul><li><p>The Road 203 Fire (within the Nebraska National Forest) - 35,916 acres | 76% contained</p></li><li><p>Cottonwood Fire (near Brady and Gothenburg) - 131,259 acres | 78% contained</p></li><li><p>Morrill County Fire - 643,074 acres | 67% contained</p></li></ul><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/PIC 2-1773936782932.jpg"></p><h2>Fire Outlooks and Forecast</h2><p>Fire weather outlooks show elevated and critical conditions in the Central Rockies into the Western Great Plains. Warm, dry, and gusty conditions are expected to persist in these areas for the next several days, making for difficult firefighting conditions.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/PIC 3-1773936756106.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/PIC 4-1773936761845.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773946906307.png">Please stay aware of smoke plumes in your area and do not undertake activities where a spark or flame could start a new fire.</p>

Morrill Fire - Largest in Nebraska State History

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How big are hailstones?  That definitely can depend on where you live and how strong an updraft the storm has that produces them!

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-89379" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/03/hail-1-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

The best way to find out how large the hail might be that fell in your yard is to take an actual measurement.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-89382" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/03/hail-4-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

Depending on what the diameter is in inches will determine the size.

The chart below, as provided by the <a href="http://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/tables/hailsize.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Storm Prediction Center</a>, shows how hail is typically measured.
<table class=" aligncenter" style="height: 1146px;" border="0" width="763" cellspacing="9" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center">&nbsp;
<h4><b>HAIL SIZE (in.)</b></h4>
</td>
<td align="left">&nbsp;
<h4><b>OBJECT ANALOG REPORTED</b></h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>.50</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Marble, moth ball</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>.75</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Penny</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>.88</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Nickel</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>1.00</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Quarter</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>1.25</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Half dollar</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>1.50</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Walnut, ping pong</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>1.75</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Golf ball</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>2.00</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Hen egg</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>2.50</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Tennis ball</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>2.75</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Baseball</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>3.00</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Tea cup</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>4.00</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Softball</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<h4>4.50</h4>
</td>
<td align="left">
<h4>Grapefruit</h4>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-89380" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/03/hail-3-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

The biggest hailstone ever measured was a whopper, and fell in South Dakota in 2010!

https://twitter.com/NWSDesMoines/status/978368351843110913

If you have any videos or photos of hail, make sure to share them with us on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> pages!

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-89381" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/03/hail-8-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

For WeatherNation, I'm <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/meredith-garofalo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo</a>

HAIL SIZE (in.)	OBJECT ANALOG REPORTED
.50	Marble, moth ball
.75	Penny
.88	Nickel
1.00	Quarter
1.25	Half dollar
1.50	Walnut, ping pong
1.75	Golf ball
2.00	Hen egg
2.50	Tennis ball
2.75	Baseball
3.00	Tea cup
4.00	Softball
4.50	Grapefruit

How Hail Is Measured

HAIL SIZE (in.)

OBJECT ANALOG REPORTED

.50

Marble, moth ball

.75

Penny

.88

Nickel

1.00

Quarter

1.25

Half dollar

1.50

Walnut, ping pong

1.75

Golf ball

2.00

Hen egg

2.50

Tennis ball

2.75

Baseball

3.00

Tea cup

4.00

Softball

4.50

Grapefruit

Records Obliterated - Extreme March Heatwave Bakes the West

WEST - Heatwave would be putting this stretch

Severe Storm Potential Returns to the Ohio Valley & Southeast

A series of systems moving across the Norther

Flash Flood Emergency for O'ahu, Additional Rain Expected for Hawaii

After record shattering rain and hurricane fo

Fire Danger Continues Through the Weekend Across Central States

Wildfire activity is ramping up across the Un

Peak Cherry Blossom Forecast Released for 2026

Top Image Credit: National Parks ServiceSprin

Clippers Keep the Great Lakes and Northeast Gusty, Cooler

It wouldn't be March without a good ol' fashi

Morrill Fire - Largest in Nebraska State History

NEBRASKA - On Thursday, March 12th, a vegetat