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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An extremely critical outlook has been issued from New Mexico into SW Kansas through Monday (above). This is the highest level of outlook that the Storm Prediction Center issues. The extreme risk is not often issued, and typically denotes conditions that could lead to the unstoppable spread of fires. Residents in these areas should review their evacuation plans and have a "go bag" ready with essential items like medications and important documents. Don't forget your pets!<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056368381826351245" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056368381826351245"></div>As the trough digs over the weekend, gusty winds are expected to kick up dust and create hazardous driving conditions for high-profile vehicles. Red flag warnings (fire weather warnings) have been issued for many locations through Monday, including the Central Valley of California. Risks will be highest, however, in eastern New Mexico and parts of Western Texas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 084953-1779115820544.png">Make sure you're prepared for fire danger and know all the ways to prevent a fire too.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 085121-1779115885540.png">

Another Extremely Critical Fire Risk Today

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Kevin Schneider

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<h1>Forecast Outlooks</h1>A widespread severe weather outbreak is expected to unfold across parts of the central United States over the next several days, bringing the threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flooding rain from the Plains into the Midwest. Forecasters warn the most dangerous conditions are likely to develop Monday as a powerful storm system moves across the region. A MODERATE (level 4 out of 5) risk for severe weather will be in place as a result.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 062704-1779020848028.png">The moderate risk is in place for tornadoes and large hailstones. The threat of long-lived, violent tornadoes will be on the table.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 050359-1779102451143.png">Storms stick around through Tuesday. There is a slight risk in place from the SPC. We will keep you updated on any changes to this forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 050438-1779102440279.png"><h1>Forecast Timing</h1>Monday will be similar to Sunday with all hazards, but damaging winds will overwhelmingly become the biggest hazard into the evening and overnight hours. As the front slides east, another outlook is issued for Tuesday, with more heavy rain in the forecast along the frontal boundary.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-18 05-05-11-1779102480787.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Heavy rainfall will also be a growing concern throughout the event. Repeated rounds of thunderstorms may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, especially where storms track over the same locations. Rainfall totals could add up quickly across parts of the Plains and Midwest before the system finally shifts eastward by the middle of next week. Tune into WeatherNation for more details.

MODERATE Risk for Severe Weather Today

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A big warmup is expected to take hold across the eastern United States in the coming days, bringing temperatures that will feel more like midsummer than mid-May. Much of the East Coast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast could see temperatures surge well above average as a strong area of high pressure settles over the region.&nbsp;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 2026-05-18 095906-1779119952794.png">Highs will once again be worse 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 2026-05-17 170906-1779059350758.png">After a stretch of cooler spring weather, warmer air is expected to spread eastward through the weekend and into next week. However records were being broken on Sunday already, across the Southeast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 060538-1779111091378.png">High temperatures are forecast to climb into the 80s across many areas, while some cities could approach or even reach 90 degrees for the first time this year in the Northeast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061724-1779111019025.png">Major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, may come close to daily temperature records if the heat intensifies enough. Some locations could end up 20 to 30 degrees warmer than what is typical for this time of year.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-17 170926-1779059371490.png">The heat is also expected to stick around for several days instead of quickly moving out, making it one of the more significant warm spells so far this spring. Increasing humidity levels may enhance the summer-like feel, especially in the afternoons and evenings.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1779111010786.png">The unusually warm pattern is expected to continue into next week before cooler air eventually returns. While many people may enjoy the warmer weather, the sudden jump in temperatures could lead to increased energy use and may be difficult for those who are sensitive to heat.&nbsp;

Early Taste of Summer Heat Expands Across the East Coast

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Welcome to May in Colorado. Severe storms and tornadoes moved through the Plains Sunday, and on the colder side of the event into Monday, snow is looking likely for the Rockies. Winter alerts are already in place for the snowfall on the way through Monday afternoon (above).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 050951-1779102604311.png">Temperatures will drop into the night and bring along snow chances for the Colorado Rockies.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05-17 sw-1779058653476.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Totals have some significant totals possible through Colorado and Wyoming.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 051032-1779102647512.png">Check back in to WeatherNation for the latest.

Adrian Hernandez

Spring: Where Snow & Severe Storms are in the Forecast

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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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Scattered severe storms have been moving through portions of the Great Plains and Midwest over the last few days. The same low pressure system will hardly move on Saturday, prompting another round of severe storms. Saturday's storms have produced winds between 60-70 mph and and up to 3.00" hail in Nebraska.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984462328.png"> <h1>Outlook Overnight</h1>There is an Enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) across parts of Nebraska and Kansas. Additionally, a Slight risk (level 2 out of 5) includes the surrounding areas to Central Iowa and Northern Missouri.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984497778.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/2026/05/1-1778984575307.png">Several tornadoes are possible as well especially between Interstate 70 and 80. A tornado or two could be strong if they form!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984636703.png"><h1>Forecast</h1> 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! In addition the heavy rain and flooding threat will be around so remember turn around don't drown.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/BARON 5-1778984798405.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/2026/05/1-1778984829518.png">

Jesse Kelley

Saturday Severe Storms; Midwest to the Ohio Valley

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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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

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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

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The drought is still very persistent across much of the western and southern parts of the Nation.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-92558" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/06/US-Drought-Monitor.jpg" alt="" width="745" height="419" />

The worst drought conditions are in place across the four corners region, impacting the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Parts of these states are dealing with "Exceptional" drought" based on the drought monitor categories.

There is also "Exceptional" drought in place across parts of Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma.

The next United States Drought Monitor will be issued on Thursday, June 14th, 2018.

Tune into WeatherNation for the latest.

&nbsp;

A Look at the Latest US Drought Monitor

Another Extremely Critical Fire Risk Today

An extremely critical outlook has been issued

MODERATE Risk for Severe Weather Today

Forecast OutlooksA widespread severe weather

Early Taste of Summer Heat Expands Across the East Coast

A big warmup is expected to take hold across

Spring: Where Snow & Severe Storms are in the Forecast

Welcome to May in Colorado. Severe storms and

Saturday Severe Storms; Midwest to the Ohio Valley

Scattered severe storms have been moving thro

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