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

JackieBrownjpeg-1679518619427.jpeg

<p><strong>COLORADO -</strong> Severe warned storms have been moving through the I-25 corridor of Colorado today, including this funnel cloud spotted in Castle Rock, a southern suburb of Denver.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2061534854928613741" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2061534854928613741"></div><p>An area of low pressure will bring strong and severe storms across portions of the Plains over the next few days. Today, there is a<strong> SLIGHT</strong> risk for severe storms across eastern Colorado, Kansas, and portions of Nebraska. Thunderstorms capable of producing severe wind gusts and large hail are likely. There is a significant hail threat, meaning hailstones of 2 inches or larger will be possible with these storms. Make sure to have a plan in place as these storms develop throughout the day and evening.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-01 141630-1780350318746.png"></p><h1>Timing:</h1><p>Storms will continue to develop this afternoon and evening. Storms will continue tonight, and some strong to severe storms may hold together into the overnight hours.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/DENVER STORMS-1780339639499.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1><strong>RAINFALL TOTALS:</strong></h1><p>There will be some isolated heavy rain as these storms develop. Localized heavy rain up to 2 inches will be possible.</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/forecast rainfallll-1780339790808.png">MORE SEVERE:</h1><p>On Tuesday and Wednesday, the severe threat moves north, bringing a risk for damaging winds and hail from Oklahoma to North Dakota. A few tornadoes will be possible as well.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/tuesday ss-1780340052435.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/wednesday-1780340058286.png">For more on the severe threat, tune into WeatherNation at :30 and :50 past the hour.</p>

Alana Cameron

Big Hail Targets the Central Plains Today; More Storms on the Way

Screenshot20260601141633png-1780345127460.png

Kevin Schneider

A021DDE71AA34C50BB5468289EA6B1D7jpeg-1699372868991.jpeg

<p>More rounds of heavy rain are expected to move across parts of the South over the next several days, increasing the risk for flash flooding in areas that have already seen significant rainfall. On top of the flash flooding, there is the chance for severe weather over the next few days.</p><p><strong>SEVERE THREAT</strong></p><p>Severe weather is even possible across these areas through tonight. If you live in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, or Arkansas, the SPC has highlighted a <strong>SLIGHT</strong> (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms on Monday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/THROUGH TONIGHT -1780340415104.png">The persistent storm pattern is being driven by a slow-moving system interacting with deep tropical moisture from the Gulf. By Tuesday, the better ingredients for severe storms will settle into the Sunshine State.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-01 155807-1780351464667.png">While this rain is causing flash flooding, it is beneficial in many areas, as widespread drought conditions were introduced in this week's drought update, with Mississippi and Alabama having the greatest improvements.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/06-01 rse bams2k-1780351511925.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Because the system is not moving quickly, repeated rounds of rain are possible through the coming days. Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to stay weather-aware and avoid driving through flooded roadways.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-26 115148-1779817916121.png">Tune into WeatherNation for more details.</p>

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

Screenshot20260531163045png-1780266646688.png

WeatherNation Meteorologists

headshotspng-1676305264677.png

<h1 style="text-align: center"><strong>HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE!</strong></h1><p>The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. Join WeatherNation as we help you know your risk, get your plan together and better understand the science behind tropical systems.</p><p>Whether you live on the coastline or inland, it is important to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes">know your risks</a> when it comes to tropical systems.&nbsp; Coastal communities are most at risk of destructive winds, dangerous storm surge, and may have to evacuate. But, even people hundreds of miles inland are still at risk, with the threat of high winds, flooding rainfall, severe weather &amp; tornadoes. Even after the storm passes, the lasting threat of flooding and power outages could occur days or weeks after a storm hits.</p><p>Though Hurricane Melissa became one of the strongest hurricanes to ever make landfall in the basin, it was the first time in a decade that no hurricanes made landfall in the U.S. That doesn't mean we were without impacts. Let's take a look back:</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i3WsK0L2JP8" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/noaa-predictions-for-the-2026-hurricane-season"><strong>WHAT'S THE FORECAST THIS SEASON?</strong></a> <span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">NOAA has released </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-below-normal-2026-atlantic-hurricane-season">their predictions for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season</a><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">. They are calling for a </span><strong><em><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">below</span></em></strong><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)"> normal season with 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes. For probability, they predict a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2rztDcYFRbM" start="0"></iframe></div><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">NOAA sites several factors in their forecast, including the burgeoning El Ni­­ño, and possible Super Ni­­ño, shaping up in the tropical Pacific. The expectation for an El Ni­­ño event during the peak of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season is a big factor in keeping numbers lower than previous years, along with near normal sea surface temperatures, which have been much above average in recent seasons.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">Why does El Ni­­ño typically reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin? The warmer water in the equatorial pacific often leads to a more energetic sub-tropical jet, leading to stronger winds in the upper-atmosphere over the Caribbean. Surface winds in the Caribbean most often comes from the east, known as the trade winds. When these winds lay under strong winds from the opposite (or even the same direction), it leads to strong wind shear which tears hurricanes apart.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">Forecasters at Colorado State University also predicted a below average season. Hear their reasoning:</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PrEEwxSK5tU" start="0"></iframe></div><p>While seasonal outlooks give us some idea of what to expect, there is no way to know for certain just what the season will have in store for YOUR area.&nbsp; Seasonal outlooks cannot forecast exactly when, where, or if storm will strike. <span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">Even below average seasons can have major impacts. All it takes is one storm making landfall for it to be a devastating season in the U.S.</span></p><p>In preparation for the upcoming season, NOAA's National Hurricane Center is incorporating new tools and processes to keep the public better informed. Here's what's new this season:</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ep7nsPYWyFw" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>PREPARE AT HOME</h1><p><strong>GET YOUR SUPPLY KIT READY</strong> Once your know your risks, you should put together an essential hurricane supply kit. There are two types of "kits" you should put together: one if you're sheltering at your home during a storm, and one that you can grab and go should you need to evacuate. <em>Get your supplies ready to shelter at home </em><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1e04d512b273e2133cb865833cc0e32d/FEMA_checklist_parent_508_071513.pdf"><em>Click here for a full list of essentials from FEMA</em></a><em>&nbsp;</em></p><p><strong>Additional Helpful Tips:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><p>Learn much more and get storm ready by visiting<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes"> Ready.Gov/Hurricanes</a></p></li><li><p>Make sure your home is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ibhs.org/hurricanereadyhome/">Hurricane Ready with IBHS</a></p></li><li><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.floodsmart.gov/">Check your insurance coverage</a>. If you are uninsured, apply BEFORE a storm threatens, as it may be too late if you wait</p></li><li><p>Sign up for emergency alerts with your local county, city, or town to ensure you are receiving the most up to date information before and during a storm.</p></li><li><p>Talk through your emergency plan with your family ahead of hurricane season</p></li><li><p>Understand<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml"> tropical weather terminology</a></p></li></ul><h1>ABOUT THE SCIENCE</h1><p>We get it. There's A LOT of jargon, phrases, and information that can make understanding tropical cyclones difficult. Understanding the basics may help when a storm threatens.</p><p><strong>WATCHES VS. WARNINGS</strong> Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? What about all of the alerts issued during tropical season? Whenever a tropical cyclone (a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane) or a subtropical storm has formed in the Atlantic or eastern North Pacific, the NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues tropical cyclone advisory products<em>&nbsp;at least</em> every 6 hours at 5 am, 11 am, 5 pm, and 11 pm EDT. A WATCH is issued when hurricane, tropical storm or storm surge conditions are expected within 48 hours. A WARNING is issued when life-threatening conditions are expected within 36 hours.</p><p><strong>WHAT IS THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE?</strong> The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed, with 5 being the highest. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures.&nbsp; (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php"><em>Source: NHC</em></a>)</p><p>When a tropical system reaches winds of 39mph or greater, it's given a name to better track and communicate its risks. The 2026 name list may look a little familiar. Here's why:</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cLoG9Qce7C8" start="0"></iframe></div><p><strong>UNDERSTANDING THE FORECAST "CONE"</strong> Listening to forecast details can mean the difference between being prepared and caught off guard. Before a storm strikes, you'll often see a forecast "cone" to represent the expected forecast track of a system. The forecast cone <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutcone.shtml"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">represents the probable track of the center of a tropical cyclone</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">. The width of the cone is based on historical forecast error percentage and uncertainty in the forecast. In 2024, NHC released an experimental version of the cone to not just communicate the center track, but to also show the widespread nature of potential impacts. They plan to fine tune and continue to use this concurrently until it becomes the primary forecast.</span></p><p><strong>WHAT PART OF A HURRICANE IS THE MOST POWERFUL?</strong> When a hurricane threatens landfall, most often the most impacts will be felt on the "front right quadrant" in relation to the direction of movement. Impacts can and will be felt on all "sides" of a storm, but the threat of highest winds, storm surge, and indirect impacts, such as tornadoes, are often increased in the front right quadrant.</p><p><strong>LIVE INLAND? YOU AREN'T IMMUNE TO HURRICANES!</strong> Even if you live nowhere near a coastline, impacts from tropical systems can still occur. This lesson was learned during Hurricane Helene with historic, catastrophic flooding as far north as North Carolina. Inland rain and water are the deadliest parts of Tropical Storms and the impacts can spread far away from the immediate coastline.</p><p><strong>UNDERSTANDING STORM SURGE</strong> Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/">Storm surge</a> has come along with some of the most powerful storms in history.</p><p>Still have questions? Be sure to watch Hurricane Prep Week on WeatherNation, or get in touch with us on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/">Facebook</a> or<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/WeatherNation"> X</a>. Or, as always, you can watch <strong><em><u>LIVE</u></em></strong> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@weathernation">YouTube</a>!</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1C9h87MYTY" start="0"></iframe></div>

Hurricane Prep Week 2026

Screenshot20260528140939png-1779998994929.png

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

TabanSharifijpeg-1679519287847.jpeg

<p>Hurricane Preparedness Week begins Monday, June 1, on WeatherNation. This is also the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began on May 15.</p><p>Right now, the National Hurricane Center is tracking two disturbances in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. One with a high chance of tropical development and one with a low chance (above). The names for the Eastern Pacific start with Amanda.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 074929-1780235388727.png">The Climate Prediction Center Outlook showcases a low chance for development through the middle of June.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-01 043759-1780310284743.png"></p><p>Sea surface temperatures for the Pacific are already very warm for the start of the season. The El Niño pattern showcases the potential for higher activity across the Eastern Pacific. On the other hand, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/noaa-predictions-for-the-2026-hurricane-season"><strong><em><u>NOAA Predicts a Below Normal 2026 Season for the Atlantic</u></em></strong></a> basin.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-31 074939-1780235440882.png">Stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest during hurricane season. Join us through Hurricane Prep Week, June 1 - June 7.</p>

Tracking Two Disturbances in the Pacific Ocean

5090png-1780340548096.png

<p>Clear skies provided perfect viewing conditions for Manhattanhenge this year. The biannual event took place on Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29, when the setting sun aligned with the east-west street grid of Manhattan. The timing couldn't have been better, as clouds and rain showers moved into the Northeast over the weekend, obscuring the view.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2060201967289577750" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2060201967289577750"></div><p>While some saw rain for the first half of the weekend, high elevations in New Hampshire actually saw some snowfall on Saturday! Mount Washington reported nearly 6" of snowfall.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-30 190735-1780189663746.png"></p><p>The next quick-moving system moves in on Sunday, bringing rain showers and some embedded storms. The chance for additional snow has lowered for these spots.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-30 190848-1780189736644.png"></p><p>On Sunday, a quick-moving cold front brings New York and northern New England rain chances. Some start in the Champlain Valley as early as daybreak and continue to follow the front throughout the day into more of New England.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05-30 rne bams3k overnight-1780189842614.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The pattern ahead will also keep temperatures on the comfortable side as we wrap up meteorological spring and move into meteorological summer on Monday, June 1st!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/pic5-1780176839270.png">For more on this be sure to join us on WeatherNation at :10 past the hour for your eastern regional forecast.</p>

Wrapping Up Another Cool and Wet Weekend for the Northeast

Screenshot20260530191105png-1780190080679.png

<h1>SET-UP</h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/PIC 3-1780015341246.jpg">An upper low is sitting and spinning over the Great Basin out west. That puts our friends in the northwest on the northern side of this feature. Usually, you're looking at areas on the southern and eastern peripheries with the best dynamics for storms. Regardless, a strong corridor of winds is expected to spark storms each afternoon over the next few days.</p><h1>IMPACTS</h1><p>Check out some of the damaging wind reports from Thursday's storms.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/PIC 2-1780015303746.jpg"></p><p>The wind threat will be the primary severe weather threat for Friday. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061107-1780061390025.png"></p><h1>TIMING</h1><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/FORECAST-1780015366094.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Showers will be sporadic but strengthen each afternoon. Notice they'll rotate from east to west since we're staying north of the low spinning up these severe chances.</p>

Patrick Crawford

Severe Storms Possible in the Pacific Northwest

Screenshot20260329060538png-1780060962673.png

Tracey Anthony

Tracey2jpeg-1737574224773.jpeg

<p>Record high temperatures have been breaking since Memorial Day Weekend in the Northern Plains, making the High Plains the hottest temperatures across the country! On Wednesday, another record was broken in this area for Baker, Montana, reaching 89°!</p><p><strong>Heat Advisories</strong> remain in effect for portions of Montana through Thursday for the dangerous heat. Afternoon highs will once again soar into the 90's</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/web 3-1779977649808.png"></p><p>The heat will remain into Friday, but more storm chances could throw some cloud cover into the afternoons, which might help.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-27 183319-1779928459791.png"></p><p>When record heat strikes, often times so does fire danger. Red flag warnings impact most the counties under the heat advisory today. Be mindful of anything that could spark a flame! </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/web 5-1779977987247.png"></p><p></p><p>Record highs in Billings will be in trouble through Friday, before relief rolls in for the weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Web 1-1779977558933.png"></p>

Northern Plains Heat Pushes into Upper Midwest

web4png-1779977675102.png

<a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/meredith-garofalo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo</a> talks with <a href="https://mote.org/staff/member/tracy-fanara" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Tracy Fanara</a> from <a href="https://mote.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mote Marine Laboratory</a> in Sarasota, FL with the latest on the red tide outbreak impacting many Florida beaches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9meTNGzKLU

&nbsp;

<a href="http://myfwc.com/redtidestatus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out the latest Red Tide Status across Florida</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Red Tide Outbreak Not Over Yet

Big Hail Targets the Central Plains Today; More Storms on the Way

COLORADO - Severe warned storms have been mov

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

More rounds of heavy rain are expected to mov

Hurricane Prep Week 2026

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE!The Atlantic Hurrica

Tracking Two Disturbances in the Pacific Ocean

Hurricane Preparedness Week begins Monday, Ju

Wrapping Up Another Cool and Wet Weekend for the Northeast

Clear skies provided perfect viewing conditio

Severe Storms Possible in the Pacific Northwest

SET-UPAn upper low is sitting and spinning ov

Northern Plains Heat Pushes into Upper Midwest

Record high temperatures have been breaking s