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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Our intense storm system continues to wreak havoc 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><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2033523139255435518" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2033523139255435518"></div>Widespread wind damage reports spread from Texas north to Illinois and east into the Carolinas. With multiple severe/tornado watches and warnings in effect, stay up to date LIVE with WeatherNation as the threat heads to the East Coast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 072500-1773667595860.png">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>.The strongest winds were recorded out of Minturn, AR and Radcliff, KY with speeds of 77 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 160200-1773698531372.png">There were also large hailstones across the south. The largest recorded was 2.50".<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 160301-1773698586918.png"><h1>Through Tonight</h1>The risk for intense severe weather continues to the East Coast and increases with an enhanced risk for severe storms (Level 3 out of 5). Once again, multiple squall lines packing intense winds and a few intense tornadoes will be possible.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/ghhh-1773691742842.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/tor and wind through tonight-1773691445761.png">Latest Timing</h1>As the cold front moves east, scattered severe storms are still possible through this evening. This front is quick-moving, and things should clear out late tonight. Expect much colder air on the backside of this.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/moderate ffff-1773691459872.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This forecast and the outlooks will be updated as warranted, so be sure to check back in!

East Coast Under Risk of Damaging Winds & Tornadoes

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As <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Severe-Storms-Return-Sunday-Monday">severe storms are marching from the central U.S. to east Coast</a>, intense wind and extremely heavy snowfall is charging through the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. On Sunday, blizzard conditions halted traffic in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2033160449479557502" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2033160449479557502?s=20"></div>Blizzard Warnings are still in effect from Eastern Iowa to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 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 over the next few days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 111908-1773681599384.png">Snowfall reports as of Monday morning are nearing three feet! Some larger cities across the Upper Midwest are already clocking in with 1-2' and more likely today.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 074351-1773668683815.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/web2-1773657223362.png"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2033530667309597069" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2033530667309597069"></div>Snow and low visibility will remain in the forecast through tonight. Gusty northerly winds and new snow behind the low will cause widespread issues through midday, but conditions will slowly improve through the evening. Even as new snow winds down, blowing and drifting snow will remain an issue. So watch out for slick spots on the roads and pockets of limited visibility into Tuesday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/0316 rnc bliz-1773681689351.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Parts of Wisconsin and the UP of Michigan still have the potential for significant totals. Lake effect snow will stick around into Tuesday, adding an additional 6-12".<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 112105-1773681699433.png">Arctic air will be dragged south behind this storm system with wind chills well below zero for many areas by into Tuesday! Bundle up and make sure your skin is covered to prevent frostbite. Be sure to check back for updates as we fine-tune this forecast!

Alana Cameron

Blizzard Conditions, Heavy Snow Slamming the Midwest

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Kevin Schneider

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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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 112335-1773681849030.png">Afternoon highs in several locations are expected to climb 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 2026-03-16 103951-1773679206691.png">Heat alerts are in effect next week across portions of California and Arizona. Now is the time to get mentally ready for the upcoming heatwave, where records will be challenged. Los Angeles is under an Extreme Heat Warning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 133528-1773690369240.png">Los Angeles reached record levels on Friday and has more record potential on the way for next week for sure. The 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">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;The Climate Prediction Center has a high confidence temperatures will stay above normal through the end of March.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 112445-1773681900946.png">More on your Western Regional Forecast can be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Record Smashing Heat Builds Out West

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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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Numerous fires have broken out over the last few days, including massive fires in the state of Nebraska. The fire danger will build south as colder air begins to move in behind a sharp cold front. Red Flag Warnings have been issued across New Mexico, the Southern Plains, and down to the Gulf through Monday.The largest fire that broke out in Nebraska has been named the Morrill - Cottonwood Fire, burning over 694k acres, making it the largest wildfire in state 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 2026-03-16 112746-1773682091383.png"><h1>Fire Weather Alerts</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/web-1773656741187.png"><h1>Fire Outlook</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/web1-1773656767163.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">

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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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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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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The Rhea fire has been burning across western Oklahoma since Friday, April 12th. With strong winds and low humidity levels, this fire has rapidly grown to over 240,000 acres.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-90247" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/rhea-fire-2-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

https://twitter.com/LauraMockWX/status/986035218623627264

Many people homes, crops, and livestock have been destroyed as this massive wildfire continues to grow with only 3% containment.

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A State of Emergency remains in effect for 52 counties in Oklahoma due to wildfires and critical fire weather.

Sadly, there have been reports of fatalities and injuries due to this fire. On Saturday, a woman was found dead in her car and others have suffered from heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-90248" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/rhea-fire-1-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

Read more about the extreme fire weather conditions for Tuesday <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/news/dangerous-fire-conditions-southwest/">here.</a>

For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Kate Mantych.

Rhea Fire Still Rages Across Western Oklahoma

East Coast Under Risk of Damaging Winds & Tornadoes

Our intense storm system continues to wreak h

Blizzard Conditions, Heavy Snow Slamming the Midwest

As severe storms are marching from the centra

Record Smashing Heat Builds Out West

A heatwave is coming to the West. A surge of

Nebraska Records Biggest Fire Ever as Red Flag Warnings Persist

Numerous fires have broken out over the last

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