Patrick Crawford has always been a huge weather buff! He grew up in Plano, Texas, and it was there that he experienced what Mother Nature was capable of doing. He would always turn on the television to see what local meteorologists were saying about the weather. That's when he realized he wanted to be a meteorologist.

Patrick graduated from Northern Illinois University (’04) with a degree in Meteorology and a double minor in Mathematics and Geography. Broadcast Meteorology has been great to him and he has been able to work in television markets all across the country. Some of his stops have included New Orleans, Green Bay and even Yuma, Arizona. He is so excited to be part of the WeatherNation team.

He has been awarded the prestigious CBM (Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) weather seal from the American Meteorological Society.

Feel free to catch up with Patrick Crawford on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MeteorologistPC/">Facebook</a> and on <a href="https://twitter.com/MeteorologistPC">Twitter</a> pages.

Patrick Crawford

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A strong ridge of high pressure building over the Western U.S. will bring warm, dry, and windy weather conditions. This continues to set up a strong fire weather risk, and outdoor activities that could spark or ignite should be avoided over the next few days. Check out the strong wind gusts below, as Friday brought intense winds back to Wyoming!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 114657-1773510424840.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 114746-1773510476789.png">The Morrill Fire has now burned over 450k acres, making it the largest wildfire in Nebraska history. It began on Thursday afternoon due to an electrical fire caused by high winds. Unfortunately, 1 person lost their life trying to flee. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 120039-1773511249576.png"><h1>Fire Weather Alerts</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 120124-1773511292999.png"><h1>Fire Outlook</h1><h2>SATURDAY</h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 120211-1773511339047.png"><h2>SUNDAY</h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 120503-1773511524642.png">It is always important to know how to prevent fires, so here are some tips.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/pic4-1773244322444.png">

Dave Holder

Nebraska Records Biggest Fire Ever as Red Flag Warnings Persist

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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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After severe storms slammed the Midwest earlier this week, another set of storm systems is trekking through the region with colder temperatures. Friday's system brought intense winds to the entire region, fanning big wildfires in Nebraska. The following weekend system will bring light snow across the Plains and Midwest through today, but intensifies tonight and quickly into Sunday with very heavy snow and gusty winds that linger through Monday.<h1>Blizzard Warnings</h1>Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for much of the Upper-Midwest (top of page), but blizzard warnings have also been issued for portions of South Dakota and Minnesota. As a reminder, a blizzard is primarily about wind! Strong winds will create low visibility as snow blows around. Very difficult travel, if not impossible travel, can be expected in these areas on Sunday.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 113843-1773509934945.png">Forecast</h1>Light snow will fall across portions of the Midwest along the warm front on Saturday, with snowfall coverage and intensity gradually increasing by the evening hours. As the low quickly intensifies tonight, gusty winds will begin to rapidly increase, leading to blowing snow and the development of blizzard conditions. The blizzard conditions will persist for much of Sunday, as heavy snow falls across much of the Midwest. Snow wraps around the low Sunday evening into Monday, bringing lighter snowfall farther south and east. As arctic air filters in behind the low, lake effect snow will begin over the Great Lakes into Monday and Tuesday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/FORECAST-1773502600896.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Impacts are expected to gradually ramp up into Sunday, with intense snowfall rates combining with gusty winds across the Upper-Midwest. The heaviest snow is currently expected from central Minnesota east into northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Snow totals could surpass 1-3 feet in these locations!<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 054859-1773490426001.png">Cold Plunge</h1>Arctic air will be dragged south behind this storm system with wind chills well below zero for many areas by Monday into Tuesday! Bundle up and make sure your skin is covered to prevent frostbite.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-14 05-57-09-1773489464953.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Be sure to check back for updates as we fine-tune this forecast!

Blizzard Warnings Issued, Heavy Snow Targets the Midwest

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Another intense storm system is developing to end the weekend with severe weather in the warm sector and blizzard conditions in the cold sector, which you can read more about here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/old-man-winter-roars-in-this-week">MIDWEST SNOW STORM.</a> On the warmer side of this system, the jet stream energy will greatly increase as the trough swings across the Mississippi River, bringing severe storm potential to areas on the eastern side of the trough from the Midwest and parts of Texas out to the Atlantic.<h2>MIDWEST TARGETED AGAIN</h2><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2032281819236999489" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2032281819236999489"></div> Some of these areas are still picking up the pieces from the last storm system that brought severe weather to Illinois and Indiana on Tuesday. Read more about those storms by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/destructive-tornadoes-hail-rip-through-central-us">clicking here</a>.<h1>Sunday - Monday Storms</h1>An enhanced risk has been issued for severe storms on Sunday and Monday, primarily based on the potential for widespread damaging winds. Multiple squall lines are expected to develop, bringing strong thunderstorm winds to the surface, potentially downing trees and power lines, though a few strong tornadoes are expected as well.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 111853-1773508759768.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 070459-1773494119943.png">Significant wind gusts over hurricane strength (74+ mph) are possible for areas in blue (above), while significant tornadoes are possible for areas in red (below). These significant outlooks do not indicate how widespread storms will be; instead, they're meant to highlight the potential for some storms to have higher intensity.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 070508-1773494127903.png">By Monday, the risk for squall lines shifts to the East Coast with an elevated threat from Pennsylvania to South Carolina. Once again, multiple squall lines packing intense winds and a few tornadoes will be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 111900-1773508821893.png"><h1>Forecast</h1>Storms look to intensify as they approach the Mid-Mississippi region Sunday afternoon and evening, with a squall line developing and pushing east into the evening hours. Heavy rain looks to continue into the night with some change over to snow. As the system moves east of the Appalachians on Monday, additional squall lines form and push across the I-95 corridor in the afternoon. Storms continue to bring heavy rain to New England before the system moves offshore early Tuesday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-14 11-20-39-1773508884980.mkv" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This forecast and the outlooks will be updated as warranted, so be sure to check back in!

Brittany Lockley

Severe Storms Return, Damaging Winds & Tornadoes Expected

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A heatwave is coming to the West. A surge of unusually warm air is spreading across large parts of the United States, bringing temperatures that feel more like late spring than early March. Temperatures will be in the 90s and 100s at times during the next seven days. Daily and all time March records will be challenged. A strong ridge of high pressure in the upper atmosphere is helping push warm air northward, allowing many cities from the Plains to the Midwest and parts of the East to experience temperatures well above average for this time of year.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773455537413.png">Afternoon highs in several locations are climbing into the 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 30 degrees above seasonal averages, leaving residents reaching for short sleeves rather than winter coats.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 073330-1773495236292.jpg">Extreme Heat Watches are in effect Monday through Friday across portions of Southern California and Arizona. Now is the time to get mentally ready for the upcoming heatwave where records will be challenged.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 073410-1773495263112.jpg">Los Angeles reached record levels on Friday and more record potential on the way for next week for sure. The all time record high for Downtown Los Angeles is 99 degrees. The forecast calls for highs near 100 degrees.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773455828667.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773455798136.png">Take heat related illnesses seriously and find ways to stay cool if you need to spend long periods of time outside or without air conditioning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 073441-1773495299020.jpg">The warm pattern is also accelerating snowmelt across parts of the northern tier where snowpack remains on the ground. Rapid melting combined with saturated soil could lead to localized flooding concerns in some regions, especially near rivers and streams. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 073838-1773495529088.jpg">Meanwhile, the warmer and drier conditions across parts of the Plains are increasing fire weather concerns as gusty winds combine with low humidity.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-14 074359-1773495856340.jpg">The warmth will likely persist for several days across many areas before temperatures gradually trend closer to seasonal averages as the pattern shifts again.&nbsp;More details can be found :50 past the hour in your Western Regional Forecast.

Unseasonable Heat Builds Out West

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Top Image Credit: National Parks Service<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8V6xqwukzO0" start="0"></iframe></div>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.<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!<h2>What is "peak bloom"?</h2>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">many types of cherry trees</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">about two to three weeks to reach peak</a> after the appearance of green buds. As buds begin to appear, the forecast peak date will be updated by National Park Service horticulturists.<h2>Past Blooms</h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-06 080035-1772811048593.png"> Due to variable weather conditions, peak bloom has occurred as early as March 15th (1990) and as late as April 18th (1958).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">recorded all the way back to the 9th century</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/">late March through late April</a> from north to south across the nation.

Peak Cherry Blossom Forecast Released for 2026

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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Severe storms have finally moves offshore after multiple days of severe weather that lasted from Tuesday into Thursday morning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-12 174429-1773359087251.png">Things are finally quieting down from this multi-day severe weather outbreak, but not before 200+ severe wind reports, 150+ hail reports, and 30+ tornado <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/260310_rpts.html">reports to the Storm Prediction Center</a>.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-12 174440-1773359116917.png">Tuesday, March 10, will go down as record-breaking for at least one state in the Midwest. After the Storm Prediction Center upgraded parts of Illinois and Indiana to a Moderate (Level 4/5) Risk, destructive severe storms ripped through the heart of the country. A large supercell on the ground for up to 45 minutes produced a large and dangerous tornado in the town of Kankakee, IL. The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued preliminary damage assessments rating this tornado as an EF-3 with max winds of 150mph. Our field crews were on the ground to capture it as it happened and to speak with the families impacted.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2031867768505598421" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2031867768505598421"></div>First responders worked tirelessly, picking up debris and searching for survivors in the aftermath. Loads of footage came out of this tornado, much of which was heartbreaking to see.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2031730530631434633" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2031730530631434633?s=20"></div><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-12 073153-1773322362766.png">A highly unstable atmosphere led to strong updrafts, resulting in large hail during severe storms. Hailstones the size of softballs and larger were reported in Texas and Illinois.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-11 082436-1773239081623.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/AAA_WEB5-1773228556681.png">A hailstone from the Kankakee, IL supercell looks likely to be a state record, and could challenge national records for biggest hail. The photo posted by a Kankakee resident looks to be upwards of 7-8 inches in diameter! The stone will have to be examined to determine if it breaks the record set by hail from Vivian, South Dakota, in 2010 that measured 8 inches.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-11 115507-1773251922303.png"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2031525994843214069" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2031525994843214069"></div>

Destructive Tornadoes, Hail From Multi-Day Severe Outbreak

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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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On the heels of an active opening week to Meteorological Spring, another threat of severe weather will be in the cards yet again for Wednesday. With plenty of unstable air to tap into, as this system chugs East, the threat for severe weather persists. The Storm Prediction center has issued a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast.Hail is another big concern. More widespread, 1" in diameter hail is possible, but many locations could also encounter 2" in diameter hailstones Tuesday. Some portions of Texas and Illinois have already seen hailstones over 3.5", which is in between the size of a softball and teacup.RELATED ARTICLE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/destructive-tornadoes-hail-rip-through-central-us">Destructive Tornadoes, Hail Rip Through Central U.S.</a>A SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk remains in place following the cold front through tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773282080141.png">During the overnight, a tornado risk remains in place especially across the Gulf Coast. Have a few ways to receive alerts to wake you up if warnings are issued.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773282254705.png">The threat for severe weather continues Thursday morning as the squall line moves through the Carolinas and Georgia. The biggest threat will be damaging winds.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773282360616.png"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1773282503903.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Tune in to WeatherNation live for the very latest.

Jesse Kelley

Significant Severe Weather Threatens Again Wednesday

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<img class="alignnone wp-image-93021 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/06/Capture-38-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

According to the Sarasota county Sheriff's Office a lightning strike killed one person at 2:15pm EDT Sunday afternoon on Siesta Key Beach in Florida. The strike occurred near the 6000 block of Midnight Pass Road amidst Sunday's storms.

https://twitter.com/NWSTampaBay/status/1011006168993591296

Following the strike, first responders attempted CPR until the paramedics arrived, but the victim was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is ongoing.

https://twitter.com/spann/status/1011003313737863168

A Deadly Year

This latest fatality is the 6th lightning-caused death of the year.

And the 3rd in the state of Florida.

<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-93018" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/06/This-Year-420x235.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="235" />

June and July

Historically the months of June and July are the deadliest two when it comes to lightning strikes.

<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-93017" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/06/stats-420x235.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="235" />

By the Year

Though not the leading cause of weather-related fatalities, lighting is still incredibly dangerous.

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Each and every year lightning claims many lives.

So remember, when you hear thunder— you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Even under sunny skies.

When Thunder Roars Go Indoors

Lightning Strike Kills 1 in Florida

Nebraska Records Biggest Fire Ever as Red Flag Warnings Persist

A strong ridge of high pressure building over

Blizzard Warnings Issued, Heavy Snow Targets the Midwest

After severe storms slammed the Midwest earli

Severe Storms Return, Damaging Winds & Tornadoes Expected

Another intense storm system is developing to

Unseasonable Heat Builds Out West

A heatwave is coming to the West. A surge of

Peak Cherry Blossom Forecast Released for 2026

Top Image Credit: National Parks ServiceSprin

Destructive Tornadoes, Hail From Multi-Day Severe Outbreak

Severe storms have finally moves offshore aft

Significant Severe Weather Threatens Again Wednesday

On the heels of an active opening week to Met