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!

Taban Sharifi

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UPPER MIDWEST and GREAT LAKES - Severe thunderstorms will continue to develop across the Upper Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes region with the potential for very large hail, damaging winds, and strong tornadoes this week.What's causing this severe risk? In the upper levels of the atmosphere, a couple of mid-level disturbances are increasing lift and strong winds aloft. This will help storms develop and organize. At the surface, a surface low and slow-moving warm front will help to initialize and organize storms. There are also high levels of CAPE (convective available potential energy) and surface moisture from the Gulf (dewpoints in the 60s) that will help create the risk of large hail.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 153013-1776202220884.png"><h2>Tuesday</h2>The SPC issued another ENHANCED risk (level 3 out of 5) for severe storms in similar areas. Cities including Des Moines, IA, Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI, are included in the enhanced risk. Other large cities such as Green Bay, WI, Detroit, MI, and Kansas City also all need to be on alert for Tuesday's severe risk. The outlook even expands into the northeast, with a mainly damaging winds severe threat present in cities like Albany, NY and Scranton, PA.The tornado potential is greatest across Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. A few areas even have the risk for significant tornadoes, meaning an EF-2 in strength or stronger.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 153056-1776202261076.png">For the timing, storms are forecast to remain discrete for the afternoon before attempting to cluster together as they move more into Michigan and eastward. A lot of these strong storms could hold onto their strength into the overnight hours.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/0414-1776202316523.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Wednesday</h2>Another day, another severe weather outlook. With more warm front storms in the forecast, we have another SLIGHT risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms on Wednesday. Similar to Tuesday's outlook, this one also highlights two hot spots where severe weather is more likely. The expansive warm front stretches as far east as Pennsylvania, getting them in on the action as well.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 153206-1776202332071.png">Thursday</h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 145715-1776202354342.png">With multiple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms in the same areas, this may lead to an isolated to scattered flooding risk across the Great Lakes region. Be prepared for flooding, especially if you still have some snow on the ground; frozen ground can take longer to absorb flood waters compared to unfrozen ground.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 105833-1776185927642.png">

Severe Storm Remain Across the Midwest and Great Lakes

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Kevin Schneider

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SW PLAINS - Portions of Texas and Oklahoma are at risk of severe thunderstorms for the next three days. Today, the dryline will be the primary forcing mechanism to trigger storms. A dryline is similar to a cold front except a dryline separates dry air masses from moist air masses and is often responsible for triggering severe thunderstorms.<h2>Tuesday Outlook and Timing</h2>Through tonight, the SPC has issued an ENHANCED risk (level 3 out of 5) for severe storms across portions of Kansas, Oklahoma, and North Texas (above).There is a significant hail threat. In their discussion, they mention that the environment is favorable for very large to giant hail (up to 3-4 inches in diameter) with any supercells that spread east-northeastward. That is why there is a CIG2 risk for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma through tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 153449-1776202506400.png">In addition to this significant hail risk, there is also a risk of tornadoes with these supercells.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 153452-1776202501665.png">Going into Wednesday, we have yet another SLIGHT risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe storms. This time around, however, likely to be triggered by the cold front pushing through.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 153643-1776202608947.png">The timing of these storms fire up across the region during the afternoon and continue into the evening hours. Wednesday, storms form in the later afternoon.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04141-1776202595760.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The risk for flooding is fairly minimal in these areas but models do have a few localized heavier downpours through the next couple of days in these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 063132-1776162706753.png">

Dryline Driven Storms for Texas and Oklahoma

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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

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WEST - As we head into the rest of the week, increasing chances of rain and snow will impact the western United States as another upper-level low-pressure system moves onshore. Currently, an upper-level low is positioned over parts of the northern Four Corners, while the next trough is moving into the Pacific Northwest today.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-14_rnw jet stream-1776194654293.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This has prompted winter weather advisories for Utah through tonight for a few inches of snow in the Central and Southern Mountains, but above 6500 feet between 6-11 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 45 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 131950-1776194648475.png">Snow currently falling across the Four Corners region will taper off tonight as we await the next system. A frontal boundary associated with the incoming trough will move onshore into the Pacific Northwest later today, spreading precipitation into the Cascade Mountains, Northern Rockies, and the Tetons. As a result, widespread winter weather alerts are in place for higher elevations across the Northwest.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 131958-1776194802232.png">The cold front will bring rain to lower elevations and snow to the Cascades as it moves inland. Moisture will then spread east into Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. This system is expected to reach Utah by Thursday and much of Colorado by Friday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-14 rnw to rockies bams3k-1776194893658.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Snowfall totals will vary by elevation, but mountain areas could pick up 1-2 feet of snow through the week. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 132547-1776194944690.png">Lower elevations, such as Denver, may only see a couple of inches by Friday. Even light snowfall will be beneficial, especially given the below-average snowpack in some areas this season.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/ezgif-4cb5ce479ebf2225-1776195247780.gif">

Western Snow Returns This Week

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We’re not all that close to the summer solstice; in fact, we’re not even a month removed from the Spring Equinox, but it certainly feels like many of us have skipped spring and jumped straight into summer. A strong ridge of high pressure is dominating the eastern half of the country this week, and it’s doing two key things: heating temperatures up and steering storms farther north.Today, that record heat expands across more of the eastern United States. Over the next several days, multiple cities could challenge or break daily records, with temperatures running more than 20 degrees above average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 064226-1776163363181.png">Across the Southeast, temperatures will remain well above normal. Many cities are expected to approach 90 degrees today, Wednesday, and Thursday far above the typical April highs in the 70s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 110955-1776186648943.png"><h3>Fire Danger</h3>With this kind of warmth, fire concerns increase. Hot, dry conditions can quickly dry out soils and vegetation, creating more fuel for fires. Through tonight and into tomorrow, the Storm Prediction Center has issued an elevated fire risk.Today, the fire outlook expands to include more of Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 111013-1776186659163.png">Tomorrow, the elevated fire threat includes portions of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 111018-1776186680960.png">We’ll continue to monitor drought conditions, as ongoing dryness could keep fire danger elevated, even if rain chances remain limited.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-13 121639-1776104208839.png">

Eastern Heat + Fire Danger

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After a busy start to the week, the weekend doesn't look like it will let up much. Another trough will swing in, replacing another that kept severe chances around all week. This next trough (above) that will drop in looks like it could be a touch stronger even. It's early in the forecast, but let's talk about what we know.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-13 062927-1776083428095.jpg">There looks like there will be just as much unstable air to work with, helping power storms in the afternoon. Because many of the ingredients don't change, just their origin, the severe outlook will look familiar.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 111200-1776187125329.png">Right now, the Storm Prediction Center is more concerned with Friday from Iowa to Oklahoma. This early on, all modes of severe weather are still on the table, but there's plenty of work to be done concerning the details. Get in the habit of checking back with the forecast if you live in these areas, although that might be already formed given the severe chances preceding all of this.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 111217-1776187140910.png">Storms fire along the front on Friday afternoon from Kansas to Illinois and continue along the boundary as we head into Saturday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-14 rnc bams 3 to 15-1776187151448.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Next Severe Threat: Friday and Saturday

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<h1>Multi-Day Severe Storm Set-Up</h1>We continue to see the busy April pattern from Texas to the Great Lakes. A huge trough will swing through, bringing a severe threat risk on Tuesday and Wednesday. All severe threats will be possible, including damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Heavy rainfall will also be embedded in some storms, raising concerns about flooding. Make sure to stay with us for the latest updates and shifts in the forecast.An ENHANCED (level 3 out of 5) risk for severe weather is in place on Tuesday. The outlook even expands a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk out into the northeast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 072908-1776173358269.jpg">Similarly, on Wednesday, we'll have another outlook where two hot spots for severe weather are highlighted. At this point, however, a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather is issued.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 063457-1776162907110.png">Daytime heating will help to spark up thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Some storms will remain strong into the evening and nighttime hours, so make sure to have multiple ways to get alerts.In addition to severe storm hazards (wind, hail, and tornadoes), heavy rainfall rates are expected to lead to flash flood potential. It doesn't appear to be a high-end flooding threat, but as the forecast draws closer, we will keep you updated!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 073108-1776173482064.jpg">For a deep dive into the north and south sides of this severe threat, visit the following articles on our website! <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/upper-midwest-and-great-lakes-enhanced-risks">North Side</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/dryline-driven-storms-for-texas-and-oklahoma">South Side</a>

Storm Overview: Who All Is At Risk This Week?

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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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Spring is in full swing which means it's time to start looking ahead to this year's upcoming hurricane season in the Atlantic! Each year, Colorado State University's Tropical Weather Department releases multiple forecasts for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, including one of the earliest issued among major forecasters.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065207-1775740414924.png"> CSU just released their first forecast for 2026, which is calling for a near normal to slightly below average season with 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. The average season in the Atlantic is just slightly higher than this initial prediction, meaning several impactful storms are still possible. As a reminder, even below average seasons can have major impacts depending on where storms form which is impossible to predict months ahead of time.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065246-1775740421912.png">You've probably heard rumblings about the burgeoning El Ni­­ños, and possible Super Ni­­ño, shaping up in the tropical Pacific. The expectation for an El Ni­­ño event during the peak of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season is a big factor in CSU's below average forecast, along with near normal sea surface temperatures, which have been much above average in recent seasons.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065226-1775739587003.png">The confidence in an El Nino developing this summer is quite high, but the remaining question is how strong will the event be? Weak El Ni­­ños typically have a lower impact on the tropics in the Atlantic while strong El Ni­­ños have a more consistent impact. This year's El Ni­­ño is trending toward the strong side, but it's still too early to say for certain.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2042226020179161097" src="https://x.com/NWSCPC/status/2042226020179161097"></div>Why do El Ni­­ños typically reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin? The warmer water in the equatorial pacific often leads to a more energetic sub-tropical jet, leading to stronger winds in the upper-atmosphere over the Caribbean. Surface winds in the Caribbean most often comes from the east, known as the trade winds. When these winds lay under strong winds from the opposite (or even the same direction), it leads to strong wind shear which tears hurricanes apart.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 063418-1775740706915.png">Even with a slightly below average season, two major hurricanes are expected with many other named storms. Any named storm that hits land can have major to extreme impacts, so stay prepared and stay tuned. WeatherNation will always keep you updated on the latest in the tropics!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065301-1775741404492.png">

Tracey Anthony

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

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<h1>Zeta Stats</h1>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-130492 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/10/ptc.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

Zeta continued to weaken this afternoon but remains a strong tropical storm. Maximum sustained winds are estimated around 50 mph with stronger gusts. Zeta's speed continues to increase as well, now moving to the northeast around 55 mph.
<h1>Key Messages</h1>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-130470" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/10/key-3.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />
<h1>Forecast Track</h1>
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Zeta is expected to continue to track out to sea and be well away from the US by Friday morning.
<h1>Alerts</h1>
Wind Advisories and High Wind Warnings remain in place from the Carolinas into the Mid-Atlantic.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-130494" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/10/wind-ad.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

Storm surge warnings have been dropped but coastal flood advisories remain in effect from Louisiana through the Big Bend of Florida.
<h1>Zeta Mexico and U.S. Landfalls</h1>
https://twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic/status/1320942642574872576

<img class="alignnone wp-image-130344 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/10/zeta-night-fan-2.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1200" />

https://twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic/status/1321561162622799872

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-130449" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/10/NEW_info.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

Zeta was the last named storm of the 2005 hurricane season, the only other year the Greek alphabet has been used during a hurricane season.  Hurricane season runs through November 30th.

Stay with WeatherNation for the latest updates on the tropics, along with other top weather headlines.

Zeta Weakens But Wind & Rain Threat Continues

Zeta Stats

Key Messages

Forecast Track

Alerts

Zeta Mexico and U.S. Landfalls

Severe Storm Remain Across the Midwest and Great Lakes

UPPER MIDWEST and GREAT LAKES - Severe thunde

Dryline Driven Storms for Texas and Oklahoma

SW PLAINS - Portions of Texas and Oklahoma ar

Western Snow Returns This Week

WEST - As we head into the rest of the week,

Eastern Heat + Fire Danger

We’re not all that close to the summer solsti

Next Severe Threat: Friday and Saturday

After a busy start to the week, the weekend d

Storm Overview: Who All Is At Risk This Week?

Multi-Day Severe Storm Set-UpWe continue to s

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

Spring is in full swing which means it's time