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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Photo: Iron Fire getting doused with a retardant drop. USFS <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2070303528321737022" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2070303528321737022"></div>Numerous wildfires continue to burn across Utah, Colorado, and Arizona, scorching tens of thousands of acres.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 190001-1782781239195.png"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2071685133040816622" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2071685133040816622"></div>These fires are also sending smoke and hazardous air quality into Colorado. Air quality alerts are in effect across a large portion of the state, including Denver.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 164839-1782773323541.png"><h1>Fire Outlooks</h1>Elevated fire danger remains through Monday night with elevated to critical risks through Tuesday. Portions of Colorado and New Mexico also have isolated dry thunderstorm threats, meaning new fires can spark as storms form with a lack of that moisture reaching the ground.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 164852-1782773343812.png">As we move towards the 4th of July holiday, make sure you are doing everything in your power to avoid sparking any new fires.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 043144-1782556311355.png">Residents are encouraged to stay informed, follow local evacuation orders, and do their part to help prevent the start and spread of wildfires this summer.

Massive Fires Burn in the Four Corners

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Kevin Schneider

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The hottest temperatures of the year are looming later this week. An area of high pressure is loitering over Texas, but it will be on the move. And looks like it will get stronger. That means intense heat will build for many areas east of the Rocky Mountains later this week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 043604-1782556571201.png">Temperatures in the afternoons will soar through the 90's, with many threatening the century mark for the first time this year. We'll feel it first building into the Midwest, where ample humidity will make it feel even worse. Heat alerts have been issued for parts of the Central United States, and more alerts will be added over the next few days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 190234-1782781360638.png">We spoke with the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mt. Holly to get some perspective on just how unusual this heat is for the northeast.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PlvJoWIawEw" start="0"></iframe></div><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 190304-1782781392655.png">Our high will then take aim at the northeast. By Wednesday and Thursday, highs will be in record territory. Ahead of this heat wave, it will still be above average, prolonging the exposure to the warm temperatures.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 190353-1782781439530.png">Heat index values are likely to reach the triple digits by Wednesday across New England and the Atlantic Coast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 115711-1782756033579.png">Heat waves become deadly when they are extended in duration, and complicated by overnight lows struggling to cool off enough. Be sure to mix in plenty of water, even with a holiday weekend coming up. Know the signs to look out for in friends and family.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 043943-1782556806519.png">

Alana Cameron

Dangerous Stretch of Heat Shaping Up This Week

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Early in the season, we watch closer to the coasts here at home for development in the Hurricane Season. Until the waves coming off the coast of Africa start to fly and quit losing the battle to Saharan Dust, old fronts are the leading source of development.Currently, a frontal boundary moving through the southeastern U.S. has prompted a marginal risk for severe weather across Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 115241-1782755662094.png">As this frontal system causes afternoon storms across these areas today and tomorrow, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring the potential for the associated low to turn tropical. It's currently only a 10% chance of tropical development.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 115113-1782755605432.png">Some models handle the process differently, but the one that leans more toward development is the European model. Here, it forms an area of low pressure around Monday and lingers offshore through the middle of the week. A longer time over water will give it a better chance to develop tropical characteristics.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 063519-1782563830977.jpg">Other models move whatever develops over the water back on land prior to anything becoming tropical. IF something were to be named, Bertha is the next name up on the list.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 063531-1782563982336.jpg">

Slow-Moving Front Could Turn Tropical This Week

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Monday morning, one storm brought significant winds across a few cities in South Dakota. Some winds clocked in at over 130 mph. Keep in mind an EF-3 tornado begins with winds at 136 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 122242-1782757410079.png">A Slight to Enhanced risk remains in effect through tonight across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Significant winds, hailstones, and tornadoes remain possible through tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 164621-1782773186606.png">The threat for severe weather continues along this frontal boundary through Tuesday with a Slight risk for severe storms from Colorado through Michigan. Large hailstones will be possible, with the threat of significant hail across Eastern Colorado through Western Kansas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 122458-1782757524484.png">Towards Wisconsin and Michigan, isolated tornadoes will be possible through Tuesday.On Wednesday, the Storm Prediction Center keeps a Marginal risk of severe storms around for the Plains through Michigan.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 164603-1782773169913.png">For more on the forecast and timing, tune in to WeatherNation!

Severe Storms Keep Northern U.S. Active

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Severe storms will be possible Tuesday and Wednesday across the Northeast ahead of an incoming heatwave that will send heat index values into the triple digits.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/dangerous-stretch-of-heat-shaping-up-this-week">Dangerous Stretch of Heat Shaping Up This Week</a>There is a slight risk of severe storms on Tuesday. All threats look possible, including tornadoes. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 123043-1782757856353.png">A marginal threat for severe weather sticks around through Wednesday across portions of New York and New England.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-29 123048-1782757893386.png">The warm front will help to spark these storms through Tuesday. Storms do not last all day, but they have the potential to be strong as they form.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/0629-1782757992920.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For more details on the threats and timing of these storms, tune in to WeatherNation :10 past the hour for your Eastern Regional Forecast.

Storms Spark up in the Northeast Ahead of Heatwave

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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As Summer settles in across the Central U.S., MCSs, also known as Mesoscale Convective Systems, become more prevalent. These large clusters of thunderstorms can organize and persist for hours, travel hundreds of miles, and produce all modes of severe weather. The weather pattern over the next few days will favor repeated rounds of these storm complexes across the Plains &amp; Midwest.Strong and severe thunderstorms remain possible in the Mid South over the next few days as storms ride a ridge of high pressure. This will target the same areas through the end of the week to see severe weather. <h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/what-is-an-mcs">WHAT IS AN MCS: READ MORE HERE</a></h4><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1782612588554.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For the overnight, a few storms could still be severe across parts of the Ohio Valley before being steering into the Carolinas for Sunday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 133648-1782589019330.png">These storms will dump rain on the same areas, increasing the risk of flooding in some of the same spots that already flooded earlier this week. For more on the flooding risk, read this <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-returns-this-weekend">related article</a> on the flood potential.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1782612765591.png">

Jesse Kelley

'MCS' Season Brings Severe and Flooding Threats Across the Southeast

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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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Another day, another Illinois tornado. That's just how this spring has gone in the Midwest. A low pressure system brought numerous severe storms to the Midwest on Wednesday, including large hail and flooding in Wisconsin, with strong winds, a tornado, and flooding in Illinois.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2070122338226749842" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2070122338226749842"></div><h1>Forecast</h1>The low pressure system that spawned Wednesday's storms is now moving east into New England bringing severe weather chances for Friday. A new low forms along the same front to also produce a severe risk across the Ohio River Friday. This is primarily for the threat of damaging winds but an isolated tornado or two will be possible (top of page).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1782440323140.png">The stalled boundary will the focal point for storms on Friday. The first low moving across the Northeast will produce severe storms across parts of New England. Secondly, as the new coming out of Missouri will produce severe weather for Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois, and Kentucky during the afternoon and evening hours. All modes will be possible. The front slides into the Carolinas bringing the Carolinas at play for severe weather on Saturday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1782440710501.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>As a trailing low moves in on Saturday, a few more severe storms will be possible as the low tracks into the Southeast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/pic5-1782421830617.png">Heavy rainfall will accompany strong storms, leading to isolated flood potential. The higher chance for flooding will stick to areas along and west of the Appalachians, through the Ohio River, and up to I-70.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1782440751771.png">You Eastern Regional Forecast can be viewed on demand anytime with the WeatherNation app, or tune in live at :10 past the hour!

Severe Threat Tracks into the Northeast Friday

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The Last Great Race: 2018 Iditarod
MUSH! MUSH! The 2018 Iditarod race is well underway, even if the term "mush" isn't even commonly spoken. Saturday, Mushers took to the streets of Anchorage, AK to continue a tradition dating back to 1973, when "The Last Great Race" officially started. The Iditarod was inspired by the 1925 race, via dog sled, to deliver a life-saving drug to the town of Nome, AK. The Iditarod celebrations kicked off today, in Anchorage, AK , as they do the first Saturday of March each year. Although the celebration starts in Anchorage, AK, the official 2018 start line is located in the town of Willow, AK,  about 81 miles north of Anchorage. In years past, due to the lack of snow in southern Alaska, the race has started as far north as Fairbanks, AK.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzlnPQSxzf8&feature=youtu.be

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As far as temperatures go, this year's opening event temperature in Anchorage, AK topped off at 26°. Within the past three years, the warmest Anchorage Iditarod starting temperature was as high as 42°, well above the average temperature of 33.9° for the month of March.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDtyoO3hE5o&feature=youtu.be

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Although temperatures will be relatively warm by Alaskan standards, a heavy band of snow is forecasted to move in from the Bering Sea on Tuesday. If you think snow doesn't sound fun while doing a 1,049 mile outdoor race - remember - you can't pull a sled without snow!

For <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/?ref=settings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WeatherNation</a> - Meteorologist <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JoshCozartWx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Cozart</a>

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