Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

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<p>Storms fired up across the plains, and a severe threat remains in place overnight. With an upslope flow set up, things will remain active over the next several days for this portion of the country. Overnight, the threat continues with an enhanced risk in Kansas and Oklahoma. Large hail and damaging winds will be the main concerns.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/overnightsss-1782093494637.png">Expect days for strong storms to develop, with the best chance for severe weather with daytime heating.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/overnight storms-1782092607393.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The severe threat will continue over the next few days. Stay with us at WeatherNation for the latest updates.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/olains-1782093477668.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/plains 2-1782093483085.png"></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>

Active Week Ahead For The Plains

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Adrian Hernandez

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<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1><p>It was a very active day across portions of the plains and Midwest. Storms fired up, bringing multiple confirmed tornado warnings, damaging winds, and large hail. Heavy rain has also been a concern. Into the overnight hours, large complexes capable of producing heavy rain and strong winds are likely into Monday morning.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/fsffss-1782092187611.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>While severe weather will be a concern, heavy rainfall may become the more widespread threat. Abundant atmospheric moisture will allow storms to produce intense downpours, and some areas could see rainfall rates of more than an inch per hour. Repeated rounds of thunderstorms moving over the same locations may quickly overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flash flooding.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-21 091038-1782047458414.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-21 114623-1782063993295.png">We will continue to monitor the progression of the system as it moves across the region. Residents in areas prone to flooding or severe weather are encouraged to stay informed of the latest forecasts and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts throughout the weekend.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p>

Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Overnight In Midwest

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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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<p>Next week, an upper level ridge takes over parts of the West. Record heat is looking possible across parts of the Northwest early next week. Heat alerts have been issued for parts of the Interstate 5 region from Bellingham, WA to just north of Redding, CA.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-21 091809-1782047906005.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-21 091843-1782047935941.png"></p><p>The hottest days will be Monday and Tuesday before temperatures gradually cool down near the end of the week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781994262761.png"></p><h1>Southwest</h1><p>In Southern California, Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for parts of the LA Metro for Tuesday into Thursday. The worst of heat will be in areas northeast of Downtown Los Angeles. More alerts will be issued as we get closer to next week. Wednesday, high temperatures are expected to reach the 90s from Calabasas to San Bernardino.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-21 091917-1782047969405.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781994533112.png"></p>

Heat Returns to the West

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<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #454545;">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></span></p>

Rob Bradley

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<p>Fathers across the country will have to share their glory day this year with the astronomical start of summer, also known as the summer solstice! Dads deserve their moment in the sun (pun intended), so we'll start with the Father's Day forecast, which looks hot for much of the country, except in the Upper Midwest!</p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 193004-1782005417349.png"></p><p>A low-pressure system emerging from the Rockies on Saturday will push east through the Midwest on Sunday, creating numerous showers and thunderstorms. You may want to have indoor plans for these areas, especially by the afternoon. Read more about the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-returns-this-weekend">severe weather threat here</a>.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/daddy-1782005545094.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1781992012660.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Summer Solstice &amp; Summer Forecast</h1><p>Father's Day this year happens to fall on the longest day of the year, when the summer solstice occurs! The solstice happens before sunrise for the East Coast, around 4:24 am. This is the point in Earth's orbit when the Northern Hemisphere most directly tilts toward the sun. This means after today, days will gradually start getting shorter, but the heat will take a while to fade.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 052822-1781954988791.png">How does the rest of the summer look across the US? Warm for most, though the Midwest could be cooler than average.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 052840-1781955036807.png">Most areas of the country should expect near-normal precipitation from July through September, with parts of the Midwest and Southern Plains expecting drier-than-average conditions. Monsoon season could be active this year in the Four Corners and Southern California, leading to above-average precipitation.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 052849-1781955043126.png"></p>

Kevin Schneider

Summer Solstice Kicks Off Father's Day Sunday

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<p><br><br></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2067812111733149721" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2067812111733149721"></div><p><br><br></p><p>Numerous flash flood warnings were issued as tropical downpours took over the Gulf Coast states over the last few days. Check out some of the storm totals from the leftovers of Arthur.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/pic5-1781960903702.png">This historic rain event has affected many residents in the Gulf Coast States. Check out some of the impacts we found from the heavy rainfall.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/VON_061826_RSE_PERKINSTON, MS_VIDEO OF THE WATER RESCUE_CORCLIPS_BRANDON CLEMENT_MS_E061826-1781811920242.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><h1>Forecast</h1><p>With saturated grounds in place, the threat of flooding and flash flooding will continue until the water can make it into the larger waterways and eventually the Gulf. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-21 071812-1782047912342.png">While storms won't be nearly as widespread as we've seen in recent days, those that get rain will get efficient rain-makers. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-21 072228-1782048155842.png">If you get caught under one of these, frequent lightning, heavy rain, and some gusty winds will all be possible. </p>

Flood Risk Continues This Weekend for the Gulf Coast States

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<p>A weak low-pressure system moving through the Great Basin will help to increase fire danger Saturday for parts of the west, increasing gusty winds in the region and spurring thunderstorm activity. As the low moves into the Plains states, high pressure will build with record heat possible into next week.</p><p>Warm and dry conditions will lead to drier fuels, while the low also provides higher winds. Humidity will be less than 10%in some areas with temperatures over 100 degrees. Combined with gusty winds, that's a recipe for high fire danger.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 051141-1781953928064.png">In addition to dry and gusty conditions, the low will spur thunderstorms, with the potential for rain to evaporate before reaching the ground. Known as "dry thunderstorms," these storms can create new fires quickly, sometimes many at once.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 051114-1781953945578.png">When dry thunderstorms are present, downdraft winds can be intense. As the rain evaporates, it cools rapidly and accelerates toward the ground. Gusts over 58 mph are possible Saturday in parts of Utah through SE Idaho and Wyoming.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-20 050952-1781953951175.png">Storms should wrap up into the late evening hours. Storms should be less widespread on Saturday as the low shifts east.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-20 05-12-44-1781954274212.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Record heat will continue to contribute to fire danger next week across parts of the West. Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and California have the potential for record highs starting on Tuesday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-19 130014-1781896412664.png"></p>

Patrick Crawford

Dry T-Storms & Fire Danger in the West

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<h1>EARLIER THIS WEEK</h1><p><strong>MONTROSE, IL - </strong>A dangerous tornado tore through the town of Montrose, Illinois on Wednesday evening along the I-70 corridor, just miles after passing through Effingham. WeatherNation field meteorologist Brett Adair captured this tornado on camera and confirmed that homes were damaged, injuries and search and rescues were happening, and power lines were taken down as a result of this tornado.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2067422143177265563" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2067422143177265563"></div><p>The tornadoes that hit Effingham caused significant damage. Field correspondent Brian Emfinger spoke to residents after the tornado moved out of the area.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2067578080609308927" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2067578080609308927"></div><p></p><h1>Tornado Ratings</h1><p>The reports are coming in slowly across parts of Indiana and Illinois, but a few preliminary reports of EF-1s and EF-2s were found. Further information was released on Friday, with the Effingham, IL, tornado found to have caused EF-3 damage.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781921424713.png"></p><p>For more info on this forecast, tune into WeatherNation :10 and :30 past the hour for your eastern and central regional forecasts.</p>

Tornadoes Tear Through The Midwest, Isolated Severe Storms in the South

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PH84aZY4bmc" start="0"></iframe></div><p>Every year, AEM (Advanced Environmental Monitoring) survey's millions of lightning strikes across the U.S. Meteorologist Taban Sharifi spoke with AEM lightning scientist Dr. Elizabeth DiGangi about the trends and facts in this year's annual report. </p><h2 style="text-align: start"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://aem.eco/aem-releases-2025-u-s-lightning-report-oklahoma-dethrones-florida-as-americas-lightning-concentration-capital/"><strong>Key Findings from AEM First Look</strong></a></h2><h5><em>Courtesy: AEM</em></h5><ul><li><p><strong>Top State &amp; County by Flash Density:</strong> Oklahoma claimed the top position with 73 flashes per square mile, Kay County, Oklahoma, led the nation with 123.4 flashes per square mile. Florida is frequently the dominating state in this category, however the lack of landfalling tropical systems during 2025's hurricane season likely lessened that number. Louisiana and Kansas rounded out the top four.</p></li><li><p><strong>Peak Lightning Day:</strong> June 15 saw the most of any day of the year with 929,016 flashes.</p></li><li><p><strong>Tourist and Travel Impacts: </strong>Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta reported 10,000 lightning flashes. ATL, along with several other of the busiest airports in the county saw peak lightning numbers during the summer and the peak travel season. Millennium Park in downtown Chicago recorded more than 11,000 lightning flashes. Three SEC stadiums made up the greatest lightning exposure, Tiger Stadium, Kyle Field, and the Cotton Bowl. </p></li><li><p><strong>Active Great Plains: </strong>2025 signaled a shift to more frequent lightning in the heart of the country. While Oklahoma saw the highest flash density, Texas reported the most overall flashes at 13 million. That's 1.3 million more than average for the Lone Star State. About half of the top ten lightning states in 2025 were in the Great Plains. This is due in part to major severe weather outbreaks on the billion dollar disaster scale. </p></li></ul>

Oklahoma Dethrones Florida as U.S. Lightning Capital - AEM

Key Findings from AEM First Look

Courtesy: AEM

Active Week Ahead For The Plains

Storms fired up across the plains, and a seve

Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Overnight In Midwest

WHAT TO EXPECTIt was a very active day across

Heat Returns to the West

Next week, an upper level ridge takes over pa

Summer Solstice Kicks Off Father's Day Sunday

Fathers across the country will have to share

Flood Risk Continues This Weekend for the Gulf Coast States

Numerous flash flood warnings were issued as

Dry T-Storms & Fire Danger in the West

A weak low-pressure system moving through the

Tornadoes Tear Through The Midwest, Isolated Severe Storms in the South

EARLIER THIS WEEKMONTROSE, IL - A dangerous t