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

Scattered severe storms have been moving through portions of the Great Plains and Midwest this week, including on Friday around portions of Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The same low pressure system will hardly move on Saturday, prompting another round of severe storms. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 051332-1778930356757.png">Near record-breaking heat has helped to increase instability in the atmosphere. The warm sector (south of the warm/red frontal boundary) will be favored for isolated to scattered severe storms. Areas closer to the low pressure system could see a few tornadoes as the rotational energy is higher.<h1>Outlook</h1>There is an Enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) across the western corners of Nebraska and Kansas. Additionally, a Slight risk (level 2 out of 5) includes the surrounding areas from Colorado through central Iowa.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 051203-1778930364589.png">Extra large hailstones (over golf ball size - 2"+) and hurricane force gusts (74+ mph) are possible for areas below, which should be the more widespread hazards.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 051208-1778930736150.png">Several tornadoes are possible as well, primarily in western Kansas and Nebraska.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 051212-1778930830535.png"><h1>Forecast</h1>Storms have persisted along the warm front overnight from Illinois through Michigan and Indiana. Areas along the front between the Great Lakes and Ohio River have a better chance to see storms early in the day before they become more widespread into the afternoon. Storms in the Plains and Midwest could persist well into the overnight hours, so please have multiple ways to get severe weather alerts that can wake you up!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-16 05-32-06-1778931160970.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Since storms won't be widespread, only spotty heavy rain is expected. Isolated flash flooding is possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 053200-1778931152981.png">

Saturday Severe Storms; Midwest to the Ohio Valley

Screenshot20260516051203png-1778929935678.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 storm chances Saturday and Sunday. On the colder side of the event into Monday, snow is looking likely for the Rockies.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778873046914.png"><h1>Severe Storm 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/Screenshot 2026-05-16 062004-1778934023591.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 062011-1778934038231.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/2026/05/2026-05-16 06-21-09-1778934115879.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-16 062048-1778934056767.png">

Severe to Snow for the Rockies and Front Range

Screenshot20260516061918png-1778934026766.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">

Brittany Lockley

Widespread Significant Severe Weather Possible Sunday and Monday

1png-1778871351162.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

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">

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

Screenshot20260515050018png-1778843407723.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

Howe Ridge Fire Update
<img class="alignnone wp-image-95517" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/ezgif.com-video-to-gif-7.gif" alt="Howe Ridge Fire Update" width="728" height="410" />

Located in northwestern Montana, the Howe Ridge Fire started Saturday, August 11th. Weather conditions were very unfavorable.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95516" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/ezgif.com-video-to-gif-6.gif" alt="Howe Ridge Fire Update" width="728" height="410" />

Hot and dry conditions prompted this fire to grow 2,600 acres in just four days and is still at zero percent containment.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95505 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/HR1-728x408.jpg" alt="Howe Ridge Fire Update" width="728" height="408" />

Due to fast growth, the fire prompted rapid evacuations. Unfortunately, multiple private residences have been destroyed as well as historic buildings along Lake McDonald.

For all of the latest on the <a href="https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6135/">Howe Ridge Fire</a>, make sure to keep tuned to <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/">WeatherNation</a>.

For WeatherNation -Meteorologist <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/shelly-lindblade/">Shelly Lindblade</a>

Howe Ridge Fire Update

Saturday Severe Storms; Midwest to the Ohio Valley

Scattered severe storms have been moving thro

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

Sweltering Temperatures Slide Eastward This Weekend

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

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

Ready for hurricane season? As a reminder, wa

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