WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p><strong>SPOKANE, WA - </strong>On Saturday, August 1st, the Old Trails Fire ignited northwest of Spokane. This fire was fueled by hot, dry conditions and wind gusts up to 45 mph, which helped the fire spread rapidly through grass and brush before reaching neighborhoods. The fire eventually crossed the Spokane River, creating additional challenges for firefighters.</p><h3>Impacts:</h3><ul><li><p>Thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders</p></li><li><p>Approximately 900 structures have been destroyed, and thousands more are threatened</p></li><li><p>Containment remains at 0% for the Spokane Complex</p></li></ul><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2083726162212298857" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2083726162212298857"></div><p>The Governor of Washington, Bob Ferguson, has declared a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://governor.wa.gov/news/2026/governor-ferguson-declares-statewide-wildfire-emergency-issues-statewide-burn-ban"><strong>statewide wildfire emergency</strong></a>, including a statewide burn ban due to the current drought conditions, high temperatures, and high winds.</p><h2>Forecast Ahead</h2><p>Forecast winds are expected to ease through tonight, but active fire behavior will likely continue in these areas. The SPC has an elevated risk for fire danger through tonight across the northwestern region, as well as numerous <strong>Red Flag Warnings</strong>.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 161039-1785795044964.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 161102-1785795067692.png">Residents should have a go bag packed and an evacuation plan in place in case evacuation orders expand into their area. If your community is placed under an evacuation order, leave immediately and follow instructions from local emergency officials.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-02 163825-1785710315388.png"></p><h2>Air Quality</h2><p>Smoke from the ongoing wildfires has prompted air quality alerts across much of the northwestern United States. People in affected areas should limit or avoid outdoor activities while poor air quality persists, especially those with respiratory conditions, older adults, and young children.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 161116-1785795081872.png">Forecast models indicate areas of dense smoke will spill southward. As temperatures cool after sunset, a temperature inversion often forms, trapping smoke close to the ground and leading to deteriorating air quality near the surface.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/fjfjfjfjssssss-1785808939823.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Residents should expect reduced visibility and degraded air quality through Monday morning before seeing improvements.</p>

Jackie Brown

Spokane Complex Continues to Burn

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Kevin Schneider

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<p>A large area of high pressure continues to bring the heat across the United States.<strong> Extreme heat warnings </strong>and<strong> heat advisories</strong> are all in place across the western U.S. Find ways to stay cool and stay out of the sunshine.  Multiple records were broken on Monday. Pueblo, CO set a new record of 107° today, beating out the old record of 103°, which is  the all-time August record. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/fjsjsjfaaaaa-1785809047265.png">In addition to the heat alerts, the <strong>HeatRisk</strong> is up to major to extreme levels, especially across the southwest. This means that the heat will be dangerous for everyone, even if you're used to the desert heat.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/ttuesdyaaa-1785809183626.png">Temperatures for Los Angeles will climb into the 90s, with Las Vegas climbing into the 110s. Normally this region is known for hot and dry conditions, but with monsoonal moisture in the area, the heat index values will be abnormally high!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-02 132322-1785698610402.png"></p><h1>Northwest</h1><p>Temperatures across the interior Northwest will spike over the next few days as well, with heat alerts issued for Wyoming and Montana for Sunday. Smoke from nearby wildfires is expected to filter some sunshine out and curb temperatures by a degree or two, but won't keep some from threatening the century mark again.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 044218-1785753755665.png"></p><p>For everyone across the country dealing with the intense heat, practice heat safety, take frequent breaks, and stay hydrated as best as you can in the days upcoming.</p>

Western U.S. Under More Heat Alerts

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<p>FINALLY! A sizeable cooldown, even if it is only here for a day or two. After the mid-to-upper 100's on the High Plains on Sunday, we'd do anything for cooler weather. This front is going to test those theories.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 070832-1785762569757.png">Storms developed this evening and will continue into the overnight hours. These storms will follow along the frontal boundary, and some will bring heavy rain and strong to severe storms.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/FJFJFJFLLSS-1785808619953.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Another threat to keep an eye on is the flooding threat. This front isn't going to be in a hurry, so as it walks southward, it will focus a few rounds of storms somewhere. Right now, that looks to take aim at Iowa and northern Missouri. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 160739-1785794875290.png">As the front drops south, the severe threat will follow it. On Wednesday, a MARGINAL threat for severe storms stretches from eastern Kansas to central Illinois.</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 071748-1785763133908.png"></h1>

Next Front Drops into the Midwest

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<p>The threat for flooding rain continues across the Northeast today after heavy downpours have already hit the region. Places like Williamsport picked up more than 5 inches of rain, making it the 5th wettest day on record there!</p><p><strong>Flood watches</strong> have been extended to include New York City Monday morning.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 120506-1785780314860.png"></p><h2>Severe Potential</h2><p>With this low that's driving storm chances spinning so much, there will be a tornado threat, especially into this afternoon. Damaging winds could accompany any storm that becomes organized this afternoon as well. The Storm Prediction Center is monitoring areas from New England all the way to New Jersey.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 120536-1785780354657.png"></p><p>Storms in the morning will continue into the afternoon. Thankfully, they'll be out of here by the time many are going to bed tonight.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/08-03_rne bams-1785780453236.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Forecast Rainfall</h2><p>Rainfall rates up to 1-2 inches per hour could overwhelm many spots of the northeast, especially areas that have more concrete and asphalt.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-03 120754-1785780490389.png"></p><p>Be sure to follow along on <strong>WeatherNation</strong> or on <strong>Youtube</strong> - where we're streaming 24/7 with the latest forecasts and weather updates.</p>

Alana Cameron

More Storms for the East Through Monday

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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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<h1>Pacific</h1><p><strong>Genevieve</strong> formed last Friday south of Acapulco, Mexico. Chewing up loads of warm water, Genevieve rapidly intensified into a <strong>Category 5</strong> hurricane; after moving into cooler waters, it started weakening and is back to a tropical storm. Luckily, the storm will stay away from land. However, choppy waters and rough surf can be expected from the coast of Mexico up to Southern California.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-02 132115-1785698498667.png"></p><h1>Atlantic</h1><p>All remains quiet in the Atlantic for now. Saharan dust is working it's way across the ocean. As waters continue to warm into early fall, stay vigilant! The tropics can create systems quickly this time of year. WeatherNation will always keep you updated with the latest!</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/xxxzzz-1785722471047.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p>

After Reaching Category 5, Genevieve Weakens in the Pacific

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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

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2083190950491480302" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2083190950491480302"></div><p>After an active week of storms across the northern U.S., another round of severe storms is expected in parts of the Midwest to end the week. A cold front will drop across the region, tapping into warm temperatures and abundant moisture to fuel storms.</p><p>On Thursday, winds downed trees and heavy rain caused a few flash flooding issues. Gusts topped 80 mph in the strongest storms!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1785464306636.png"></p><h1>Severe Weather Outlooks</h1><p>Tonight, a severe weather risk remains across parts of Missouri and Mississippi River Valley. However, the severe threat has looked minimal so far but don't let your guard down tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1785548118325.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1785548138252.png"></p><p></p><h1>Forecast</h1><p>For the overnight, the highest severe threat will be across SE Missouri, Western Kentucky, and Southern Illinois. Storms should start to weaken after midnight across the Ohio Valley.  People attending Lollapalooza in Chicago should stay aware of the weather and have a place to shelter in mind. North of the center of low pressure, moisture will continue to wrap counter-clockwise into Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/BARON 5-1785548313154.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Heavy downpours also posing a threat for flash flooding. Rainfall totals could surpass 2-4 inches in some areas. Get the latest forecast for the Central Region on demand anytime with the WeatherNation app, or tune in to our feed at :30 past the hour!</p>

Flooding, Severe Storms Target the Midwest Again

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<p>Tuesday, heavy rainfall moved across the Northeast in association with an upper-level low. Totals exceeded 6-7 inches for portions of New York and New Jersey.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-29 081020-1785334228344.png"> An Excessive Rainfall Outlook remains through today as more storms are expected throughout this region. The Weather Prediction Center has placed portions of the New England area, under a <strong>MODERATE </strong>(level 3 out of 4) risk for flash flooding.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/overnighsssss-1785371222121.png">Rainfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, allowing several inches of rain to fall in a short amount of time. This could quickly overwhelm drainage systems and lead to dangerous flash flooding. Come Thursday, the flash flooding threat is expected to fall off. A <strong>MARGINAL </strong>(level 1 out of 4) risk remains in place, however. Cities like Boston will be under that threat for flash flooding for two days in a row.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-29 040556-1785319565288.png"><br>Rainfall totals through Thursday morning could exceed an additional 5 inches across parts of western Massachusetts.<br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-29 163039-1785364260721.png">For the latest forecast and updates, be sure to join us on WeatherNation.</p>

Flooding Risk Increases as Heavy Rain Targets the Tri-State Area

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Karissa is the Director of On-Air Operations at WeatherNation. Karissa grew up loving math and science, but really fell in love with Meteorology while attending the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. After two summers of storm chasing in the central plains, she knew that it was the career path for her. Standing in front of a thunderstorm and feeling the cool outflow knock her over was an experience she will never forget. After two years at COD, she transferred to Metropolitan State University of Denver. Karissa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology. Her high school and college speech and meteorology professors were extremely supportive and pushed her to succeed. Before joining the WeatherNation team, she previously worked as the Morning Meteorologist at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa and at WMBD-TV in Peoria, IL. She recently was part of a National Edward R. Murrow award winning team for breaking news for their coverage of the EF-4 tornado in Washington, Illinois. In her free time, Karissa enjoys cooking and trying new foods. She is a self proclaimed 'TV Junkie' who can get into just about any show. She is a die hard Chicago sports fan who loves attending professional sporting events.

Karissa Klos

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<p>We're only half way through 2026 and Illinois has already broken its record for the most tornadoes in a single year. According to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://stateclimatologist.isws.illinois.edu/climate-of-illinois/tornadoes-in-illinois/">Illinois State Climatologist</a>, the Land of Lincoln averages 54 tornadoes each year (1991-2020 data). As of June 21, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/summary/">Storm Prediction Center</a> has the count at 196.</p><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/4404339883174541" data-width="500" src="https://www.facebook.com/reel/4404339883174541" style="display: flex; justify-content: center"></div><p></p><p>We spoke with Trent Ford, the Illinois State Climatologist, about why the state has seen an increase in tornadoes. See the full interview:</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nd534_navdI" start="0"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-22 124536-1782153951050.png"></p><p>The previous record was 142, set recently in 2024. In 2025, there was still more than double the yearly average. Last year saw 126 tornadoes in Illinois.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-22 093725-1782142687281.png"><em>Courtesy: Illinois State Climatologist</em></p><p>It's not surprising that June is an active month in Illinois. 63% of their tornadoes come between April, May and June.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-22 094023-1782142838106.png"><em>Courtesy: Illinois State Climatologist</em></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2069080473997844793" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2069080473997844793"></div>

Illinois Smashes Yearly Tornado Record in 2026

Spokane Complex Continues to Burn

SPOKANE, WA - On Saturday, August 1st, the Ol

Western U.S. Under More Heat Alerts

A large area of high pressure continues to br

Next Front Drops into the Midwest

FINALLY! A sizeable cooldown, even if it is o

More Storms for the East Through Monday

The threat for flooding rain continues across

After Reaching Category 5, Genevieve Weakens in the Pacific

PacificGenevieve formed last Friday south of

Flooding, Severe Storms Target the Midwest Again

After an active week of storms across the nor

Flooding Risk Increases as Heavy Rain Targets the Tri-State Area

Tuesday, heavy rainfall moved across the Nort