Kit grew up in the Piedmont of North Carolina outside of Charlotte, spending most of his childhood in Belmont, an old mill town on the Catawba River now grown into a bustling suburb. He had a passion for mathematics and science through grade school, having ambitions to become an architect, engineer, theoretical/astrophysicist, or geologist, but eventually choosing to pursue Meteorology. He went to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to obtain his degree, taking all electives on atmospheric sensing, tropical, and mesoscale meteorology for a full, in-depth understanding of the atmosphere (though he maintains on every hike, he should have taken more geology classes!) He interned at WCNC in Charlotte, learning the craft of presenting off-script and how to tell a weather story. After Graduation, he worked in the Quad Cities at WHBF-TV and KLJB-TV, the CBS/Fox affiliates. From there, he moved to Grand Island, Nebraska at KSNB-TV, the NBC affiliate for Central Nebraska. The active winters and severe seasons kept him busy, experiencing a wide range of wild weather. He remembers the most impactful event in March of 2019, when a massive snowmelt, heavy rain, and blizzard all struck the state in 36 hours. Kit later moved to the Denver area taking a job as a Producer with WeatherNation. He was brought on as a full-time on-air meteorologist in June of 2022 and can now be seen with the rest of the team on WeatherNation! You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter @KitCwx.

Kit Thomas

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<p>We have had a rinse and repeat pattern each and every day in the last week across eastern Colorado, New Mexico along with western Kansas, Nebraska and Texas with a dryline setup and support from an upper level low producing rounds of severe weather east of the Rockies. Now in the last week few days of May we anticipate more of the same with more severe weather chances through Thursday. At the surface, a dryline setup will provide the moisture necessary for storms while in the upper levels, an area of low pressure will move in from the West, brining lift and energy for severe weather.</p><h2>Tuesday</h2><p>Tuesday's risk has been highlighted from South Dakota, down through the northern Texas Panhandle. An <strong>Enhanced Risk</strong> (Level 3/5) has been issued from SW Nebraska to the Northern Texas Panhandle, including E Colorado and W Kansas. Large hail is possible, and damaging winds will be the primary threat, but gusts of 75 mph or stronger will be possible in the highlighted area below.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/HP ENH-1685464215527.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/HP Sig Wind-1685464402076.png">Isolated cells flare up right after lunch, but the most intense activity will be anticipated throughout the afternoon into the evening.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/1-1685446404436.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Wednesday</h2><p>As stronger upper-level winds begin to overspread the region, the risk from SPC by Wednesday becomes larger in total area. Again covering much of western Kansas, the threat extends further south into eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. The risk for tornadoes is situated across eastern New Mexico, SE Colorado and the OK &amp; TX panhandles.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/13-1685447575832.png">We could see a few showers lingering from Tuesday early in the morning on Wednesday, but most of the activity comes into play later in the day. Like Tuesday, expect thunderstorm development aided by daytime heating in the early afternoon hours. A lot of the storm activity continues after sunset and into the overnight hours, especially across the High Plains. We expect most of this threat to be heavy rainfall and lightning but a few severe storms cannot be ruled out for the overnight.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 08-39-06-1685457648394.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Thursday</h2><p>By Thursday, the severe threat is more concentrated into the Texas panhandle and eastern New Mexico. Once again, prepare for damaging winds and hail. Some storms will be ongoing from Wednesday night through Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado on Thursday morning with more storm activity developing through the afternoon and evening hours along the dryline and support from our upper level low.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/14-1685447586279.png"></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 08-39-35-1685457721460.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Check back for updates, tune in to continue to follow this developing story on WeatherNation!</p>

Severe Weather Across the Great Plains

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<div>Lucy is originally from the Boston area but has spent the last four years forecasting and living in Colorado! She stayed in the northeast for her education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Meteorology. Just a few days after graduation, she made the cross country move to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career at KKTV, the CBS affiliate. Lucy has covered historic blizzards, tornadoes, windstorms, the largest wildfires in Colorado state history and dust storms ... they truly "get it all" in Colorado! Lucy is excited to forecast on a national level and continue her passion of explaining the science behind the weather!</div>
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Lucy Bergemann

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<p>Have you experienced the smoke in the Northeast yet today? An area of high pressure at the surface and in our upper atmosphere is bringing northeast and easterly flow to New England, pumping in smoke from fires burning in Nova Scotia in eastern Canada. Unlike smoke from last week that was high up in our atmosphere and had limited impact on air quality (other than hazy skies), this smoke is more at the surface levels and will create the concern for "MODERATE" and "UNHEALHTY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS" air quality. If you are sensitive to smoke or have a preexisting medical condition take care of your body through the week as smoke is expected through Thursday, although the thickest will be Tuesday. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 08-48-26-1685458273733.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>In addition to the smoke, the ridge of high pressure will also provide much above average temperatures through the end of the work week. Temperatures really start to soar Thursday and Friday, with widespread potential record high temperatures on Friday! </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/ridge-1685458241257.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/records-1685458249241.jpg"></p><p>Many cities across the Northeast will be anywhere from 10-20° above normal with widespread highs in the 80s and 90s. Typically in late May/early June we expect temperatures in the upper 70s. Burlington, VT will see the potential for 3 days of record heat starting Wednesday with highs soaring into the low 90s, roughly 20° above average for early June. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/3 day highs-1685458233000.jpg"></p><p>For more on the smoke and heat in the Northeast, join WeatherNation for the latest forecast, with a feature on the East at :10 past the hour. </p>

Smoke from Nova Scotia Impacting the Northeast Today

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<p>A cutoff area of low pressure is migrating from the Pacific into the Four Corners region in the Southwest U.S. This storm system is overall weak but will still provide enough upper level energy to assist with daily thunderstorm development over the Southwest on the "wet" side of the system. We will also see gusty winds from the south and southwest, which could spell trouble for fire danger conditions in New Mexico mid-week too. </p><h2>Rainfall/Flood Threat</h2><p>There is a FLOOD watch in effect for the Sierra Nevada where excessive rainfall as a result of rainfall will lead to the increased flood threat. This area saw historic snowfall amounts over the winter and there still is a healthy snowpack in the higher elevations. The snowpack will continue to melt under warmer temperatures and new moisture, so be prepared for high flowing rivers, creeks and streams. Please do not drive through flooded roadways and watch out if you live near a recent area burn scar. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/flood alerts-1685463964126.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/snowpack-1685464063709.jpg"></p><h2>Forecast</h2><p>We will see daily showers and storms, mostly develop over the higher terrain, but a surface cold front will also assist in storm development. While it may not look like a lot of rainfall, given the saturated soils and general nature of the soil in the Southwest, a quick 0.5" of rain can overwhelm the ground. Keep in mind that rivers, creeks and streams are already running high as a result of snowmelt (mentioned above). While storms won't be severe criteria, we anticipate areas of gusty winds, perhaps small hail and the threat of frequent lightning. Remember, "when thunder roars, head indoors". </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 10-20-39-1685464081376.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Fire Concern</h2><p>Winds from the south and southwest in our upper atmosphere will ride over the Rocky Mountains and descend on the east side of the slopes, providing gusty winds, low humidity and warmer temperatures around central and western New Mexico through Wednesday and Thursday. As a result, we anticipate high fire danger concerns and subsequent RED FLAG WARNINGS have been issued. Additionally, with winds gusting between 30-40 mph at times, areas of blowing dust will be likely in SW New Mexico. If you are caught in a dust storm, pull off the road as far as possible, shut off your lights and remain in your vehicle until the dust clears. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/fire weather -1685463766254.jpg"></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 10-15-29-1685463399882.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>For more on the Southwest forecast, join us for your Western Regional Forecast, always :50 past the hour. </p>

Cutoff Low Brings Daily Storm Chances to the Southwest

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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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<p>Today, the Storm Prediction Center has issued a <strong>MARGINAL</strong> (level 1 out of 5) risk for portions of Minnesota, northern Iowa, and western Wisconsin. Here, storms are likely much earlier in the day. Hail will be the main threat but damaging winds will also be likely. This follows hail from the same system on Monday in the Dakotas. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/hail reports-1685461658148.jpg">As we heat things up, the peak of storm activity will be associated with warmer afternoon temperatures before letting up by the evening. Storms continue into the overnight hours, as more moisture and energy arrives from the west. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 09-45-54-1685461616782.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Forecast rainfall totals will be locally higher where stronger storms are expected to move through. Currently, there is a risk for excessive rain that may lead to localized flooding. Since there is a persistent and slow-moving pattern, some storms are capable of producing up to 3" of rainfall. This would be good news for the drought in western Iowa. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/rainfall-1685461597072.jpg">More on this story can be watched live at :30 minutes past the hour during the Central Regional forecast. Join us!</p>

Strong Storms for Minnesota & Iowa Today

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Lauren Bostwick grew up in the small town of Aledo, Texas. Her interests have always involved sports, science, and of course, the weather! After interning at KBTX in College Station, she graduated from Texas A&amp;M University with a B.S. in Meteorology. During her time at Texas A&amp;M she became efficient in many areas of meteorology such as analyzing the radar, detecting severe weather, and forecasting for different regions. Straight out of college, Lauren started her career as a Weekend Meteorologist and Multimedia Journalist at CBS7 in Odessa, Texas. Due to the large coverage area, she was responsible for forecasting for many types of terrain stretching from the Big Bend National Park to southeastern New Mexico. She has experienced reporting on a variety of severe weather events, such as tornadoes, disastrous flooding events, and the devastating February 2021 winter storm. Lauren is thrilled to be a part of the WeatherNation team. Say howdy to Lauren on <a href="https://twitter.com/LBostwickWX">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LBostwickWX">Facebook</a>!

Lauren Bostwick

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<p>Temperatures on Memorial Day have been quite warm for some, but the thermometer will continue to climb in the upcoming days! High pressure will ridge and will aid in maintaining above-average temps into the work week (ABOVE). Looking at the upcoming week, cities including Minneapolis, Indianapolis, and Kansas City will reach 90 degrees! The average for these cities should be in the 70s and 80s. Summer-like heat will be felt, so find ways to stay cool! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/1-1685448514361.png">Temperatures across the northeast will begin to crank up too, especially by the end of the upcoming week! A building high pressure in the upper levels will cause temperatures to soar. Washington D.C. is expected to reach 88 by Friday, but average highs are typically in the lower 80s. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2-1685448521507.png">Daily record high temperatures could fall as well by the end of the week across the Northeast.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2-1685448530015.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>As the temps continue to rise, don't forget to check the backseat for pets or children. It only takes 10 minutes for temperatures to go from 90 to 109 in the car! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 33 children died of vehicle heatstroke in 2022. A child can pass away once their body temperature reaches 107 degrees. Remember, hot car deaths are preventable.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/car sea-1685223974983.jpg">For more information on the Central and Eastern Regional Forecast tune in to WeatherNation at :30 past the hour.</p>

Heating Up in the Central & Eastern U.S.

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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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<p>Flooding concern arose across the Snake River Valley in Idaho on Sunday when flash flood warnings were prompted for an additional inch of rainfall. An inch might not seem like a lot but look at what that was capable of producing in Heglar, Idaho:</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/VON_052923_RNW_HEGLAR, ID_FLOODING IN IDAHO_TW_@LUCASPRATLING_BH_052923-1685413149213.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1><br>Flood Alerts and Outlook</h1><p>Here's a look at ongoing flood alerts across the western United States. For the exact details on your county, head to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://weather.gov">weather.gov</a> for the latest information. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-29_west flood alerts-1685413467688.jpg">The Weather Prediction Center has issued a <strong>MARGINAL</strong> (level 1 out of 4) risk for flash flooding for the next three days out west.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-29_west_excessive rainfall-1685413462169.jpg"><br>By Thursday and Friday, the risk for flash flooding bumps up to a<strong> SLIGHT </strong>risk, level 2 out of 4.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-29_thu-1685413556850.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-29_fri-1685413562033.jpg"></p><h1>Forecast</h1><p>Additional thunderstorm are possible again as we head into the afternoon hours of Tuesday. Localized flooding is possible as more daily driven storms fire through into Wednesday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-29_west 18z-1685413634559.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Through Wednesday we may see rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches. Isolated heavy rain and flash flooding can't be ruled out as storms develop daily.</p><p>For more information and updates with this system, tune into WeatherNation for :50 past the hour for our Western Regional Forecast.</p>

Western U.S. Flooding Concern

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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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<p>Scattered thunderstorms are expected to ignite this afternoon once again for some of the same cities that have already been impacted by heavy rain and severe storms. Below, are some reports taken from Sunday that include very large hail and very strong winds.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-28_plains hail-1685328845080.jpg"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-28_plains winds-1685328850346.jpg"></p><h2><strong>Severe Outlook</strong></h2><p>The Storm Prediction Center has issued a marginal outlook for areas south of San Antonio, TX. The rest of the state is under a general thunderstorm risk. Large hail and gusty winds will be the primary threats with any severe thunderstorm for south Texas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-29 154643-1685396808937.png"></p><h2>Forecast Timing</h2><p>This afternoon, further storms will be possible. Notice that the storms ignite during the peak heating, t-storms will be anticipated until the sun sets, then the storms will settle down.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05292-1685396860925.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Flood Potential</h2><p>Heavy rain has fallen over the past few days across much of the southern Plains. With further rainfall expected, flash flooding is possible. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall on Monday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-29 113210-1685381538416.png">Localized rainfall totals from storms have had a tendency to trigger flash flood warnings. These have been very slow-moving storms. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/4-1685365576898.jpg">For more on the storm threat, join WeatherNation for the latest forecast always streaming 24/7.</p>

More Active Weather for the Southern Plains

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The Storm Prediction Center has outlined the Northeast and the Midwest severe chances for Tuesday.

A cold front moving through the Midwest and Ohio Valley and eventually the Northeast will bring some much-needed relief from the <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/news/heat-advisories-issued-northeast-southeast/">hot and humid conditions</a>, especially for the East Coast.  The threat of severe thunderstorms will exist all along the cold front as well.  Thunderstorms that reach severe limits Tuesday afternoon and evening will bring the risk of damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95074 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/RNE_SPCWind-728x408.jpg" alt="Northeast &amp; Midwest Severe Forecast" width="728" height="408" />

Closer to an area of low pressure, the state of Maine may also experience hail and an isolated tornado risk as thunderstorms rumble through the region on Tuesday.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95073 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/RNE_SPCTornado-728x408.jpg" alt="Northeast &amp; Midwest Severe Forecast" width="728" height="408" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95072 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/RNE_SPCHail-728x408.jpg" alt="Northeast &amp; Midwest Severe Forecast" width="728" height="408" />

Thunderstorm coverage will be spotty in nature through the evening, with the potential for lingering thunderstorms after midnight in the lower Great Lakes region and lower Ohio Valley.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95068 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/1600-728x408.jpg" alt="Northeast &amp; Midwest Severe Forecast" width="728" height="408" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95067 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/2000-728x408.jpg" alt="Northeast &amp; Midwest Severe Forecast" width="728" height="408" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95066 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/2600-728x408.jpg" alt="Northeast &amp; Midwest Severe Forecast" width="728" height="408" />

Cities such as New York, Pittsburgh, and Richmond will hang onto the chance for showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday.  A few storms may reach severe limits.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95069 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/RNE_SPC2-728x408.jpg" alt="Northeast &amp; Midwest Severe Forecast" width="728" height="408" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95070 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/Pittsburgh-728x408.jpg" alt="Northeast &amp; Midwest Severe Forecast" width="728" height="408" />

Be sure to follow <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/">WeatherNation</a> on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WeatherNation">Twitter</a> for the latest severe weather updates.

- <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MeteorologistJoeAstolfi">Meteorologist Joe Astolfi</a>