Karissa is the Director of On-Air Operations at WeatherNation. Karissa grew up loving math and science, but really fell in love with Meteorology while attending the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. After two summers of storm chasing in the central plains, she knew that it was the career path for her. Standing in front of a thunderstorm and feeling the cool outflow knock her over was an experience she will never forget. After two years at COD, she transferred to Metropolitan State University of Denver. Karissa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology. Her high school and college speech and meteorology professors were extremely supportive and pushed her to succeed. Before joining the WeatherNation team, she previously worked as the Morning Meteorologist at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa and at WMBD-TV in Peoria, IL. She recently was part of a National Edward R. Murrow award winning team for breaking news for their coverage of the EF-4 tornado in Washington, Illinois. In her free time, Karissa enjoys cooking and trying new foods. She is a self proclaimed 'TV Junkie' who can get into just about any show. She is a die hard Chicago sports fan who loves attending professional sporting events.

Karissa Klos

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On Tuesday afternoon, Tropical Depression 9 formed off the Mexico coast in the southern Gulf. We expect this storm to continue to organize and strengthen as it makes its way north. By Thursday, it should reach hurricane status, making it the first one in the Atlantic this year; shattering previous satellite-era records for latest hurricane to form. As it moves north, the National Hurricane Center has its initial landfall forecast between New Orleans and Panama City Beach as a category two. Reminder, category two storms have winds between 96-110 mph. Heavy rain and flooding will be possible along the Gulf Coast states, regardless of the system's strength. For now, that is the biggest impact we're expecting.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-06 144652-1791319622624.png">If you're living along the Gulf Coast, now is definitely the time to really start paying attention to the forecast. There is still some uncertainty in the forecast as there is shear and dry air standing in its way as it moves north. That's why the ensemble forecasts below still don't perfectly line up. Anyone form the Louisiana coast to the Big Bend of Florida should be on alert for changes in the forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-06 145024-1791319834804.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-06 043745-1791283113704.png"> <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-06 043921-1791283176257.png">Our in-house BARON model shows nonstop heavy rain associated with a different system we've been tracking this week. The potential impacts are likely going to arrive this weekend.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-06 04-32-38-1791282833711.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Regardless of strength and intensity, we can count on heavy rainfall across a lot of these Gulf Coast states into the weekend. We're seeing potential totals above 6 inches! The flood threat will definitely be there as a result.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-06 145001-1791319989532.png">Stay tuned to the forecast here on WeatherNation. We'll bring you the details you need, and cut out all the hype.

Administrator

BREAKING: Tropical Depression 9 Forms in the Gulf

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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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An area of high pressure will remain locked out west, and this means we see the potential for record highs this week! Los Angeles broke a record high on Monday, reaching 104°, beating out the previous record. Multiple records will continue to be challenged as this ridge of high pressure brings the heat!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/poten rrr-1791314762286.png">Heat alerts remain in place through Friday. Los Angeles is under an extreme heat warning, meaning use caution if working outdoors and make sure to drink plenty of water! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/heat alretssss -1791314866594.png">Check out temperatures in Los Angeles! The average high is normally 80°, but temperatures will flirt with the century mark even in the next few days. Temperatures will remain in the upper 90s for Las Vegas, and Phoenix will dig into the 100s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/wed friday-1791314750370.png">Los Angeles has had such a hot stretch over the last several months. So much so that the time frame of June 1 through October 4 is the hottest stretch of all time for Downtown Los Angeles. The average maximum high temperature was 86.3°. The previous record was 85.9° from 1981.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-05 113339-1791221623399.png">The NW will also be threatening record high temperatures. Multiple records were broken on Monday, including Billings, MT, which reached a high of 88°. More records will be challenged this week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/NW RECORD HIGHSS -1791248470916.png">High temperatures prove to stay hot in most of the cities in the Northwest. These highs will be anywhere from 10-15° above average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-05 113429-1791221674940.png">Tune in to WeatherNation for the latest on this forecast and records that break throughout the days to come.

Record Heat Returns to the West

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<h1>Pacific Basin</h1>The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active so far this hurricane season, with no signs of slowing down. Nolo is now Typhon Nolo. Hurricane Rachel is still churning, and a new area of interest is likely to develop this week.<h2>Rachel</h2>Rachel continues to impact the western Mexico coastline indirectly; it will continue its trek west through the week. At times, this storm will run into some wind shear and weaken somewhat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/racheell-1791315011446.png">The current forecast brings this storm out across open waters while decreasing in intensity in the coming days. However, the National Hurricane Center has Rachel making a hard east turn into the weekend. Warrants watching for sure.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-06 045050-1791283888190.png">There is another area of potential interest we are watching in the Eastern Pacific. This is a high chance of development in the next 7 days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-06 045233-1791283965650.png"><h1>El Nino Fueling Pacific Activity</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-04 082933-1791124216732.png">The surge in tropical activity comes as El Nino continues to strengthen across the equatorial Pacific. El Nino is characterized by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures across portions of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Those unusually warm waters can influence weather patterns around the globe while also creating an environment that can favor tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 194202-1790646127358.png">This year’s El Nino has already strengthened considerably, and forecasts indicate it could become exceptionally strong later this year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-12 063433-1789216512410.png">

Tropical Update: EPAC Remains Active

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Kevin Schneider

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Deep tropical moisture streaming north from the Gulf is combining with a slow-moving front, setting the stage for widespread showers and thunderstorms along the Gulf Coast. Heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding is possible over the next few days.<h1>Timing</h1>After all the heavy rain throughout the Southeast over the weekend, more heavy rain will continue as a frontal boundary lingers. As this front moves south, heavy rain will shift south as well.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/RAIN MOVING FORWARD-1791314568036.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Some localized totals of 5-6 inches of rain will be possible. Watch out for localized flash flooding and ponding on the roads in the usual spots.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-06 045454-1791284109371.png">The long-term forecast keeps the Gulf Coast very soggy into the middle of October. At least the temperatures are cooling off behind these fronts heading into the month of October.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-06 045521-1791284133960.png">Stay tuned to WeatherNation TV for additional details.

Heavy Rain and Flood Threat Along For The Gulf Coast

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Adrian Hernandez

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A noticeable change in the weather is on the way for millions across the Great Lakes and Northeast as some of the coldest air since spring moves into the region.&nbsp;After an unusually warm start to October, a push of Canadian air will send temperatures tumbling over the next several days. The transition could eventually bring the season’s first widespread frost and freeze to portions of the northern United States.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-03 073235-1791034366761.png">Check out how cold the temperatures will be for the Northeast early next week. This cold air could kill temperature sensitive vegetation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-05 063050-1791203461967.jpg">The cooldown marks a dramatic change following the recent stretch of unseasonably warm weather across the eastern United States.&nbsp;October is typically when the first freeze becomes increasingly common across the Midwest and Northeast, although the exact timing varies considerably depending on elevation and location.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-03 073713-1791034643040.png">For many across the Great Lakes and Northeast, the upcoming cold snap could provide the clearest sign yet that the warm days of early fall are beginning to fade.&nbsp;Stay Tuned for more details in the Eastern Regional forecast on WeatherNation TV :10 past the hour.

Fall Temperatures for the Northeast

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Tracey Anthony

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<h2></h2><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2105658995948281901" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2105658995948281901"></div><h2>WHAT TO EXPECT</h2>Tropical moisture from the remnants of Polo and the Gulf have surged north and met a frontal boundary. This has equaled a formula of very heavy rainfall. Flood alerts are in place through Thursday across portions of the plains and Midwest. The soils for this part of the country are already very saturated for many. This means adding more rainfall can lead to flooding of rivers, creeks, and streams, and flash flooding is not out of the question.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/PIC 4-1790897782083.png"><h2>TIMING</h2>Rounds of heavy rain will continue on and off. Isolated areas of flooding will be possible. Friday, this low will move east, and we will see drier conditions by the end of the week.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/FORECAST-1790897919777.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>TOTALS</h2>Folks can expect very heavy rainfall, with most seeing around 2"- 4". Some localized areas of a half foot will be possible! Never try to drive through floodwaters, and make sure to take any flood alerts and warnings seriously. If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure to have an action plan in place if flooding develops! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/PIC 5-1790897796211.png"> Make sure to tune into WeatherNation for the latest forecast!

Patrick Crawford

Plains & Midwest: Slow Moving Storms Increase Flood Threat

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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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In the last month, the southwestern states of New Mexico and Arizona have seen their fair share of monsoon showers and storms.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2103622200872079365" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2103622200872079365"></div>This week, tropical moisture is pushing across the Southwest and plains. This tropical moisture, from Hurricane Polo, will bring the potential for significant flooding across the region.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/poloooo-1790728785495.png">The flooding has already been seen across the Southwest, including Nevada.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2104753032432910655" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2104753032432910655"></div>A major push of this moisture will continue to move through.. Several more inches on top of what has already come down are expected. This can quickly lead to flash flooding and debris flows, especially over burn scars. The heaviest of the activity, now expected in Colorado and the Central Plains.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-30 054240-1790768613194.png">The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has a moderate (level 3 out of 4) flooding threat in place for portions of Colorado and New Mexico. The flooding threat will taper off by late-week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/overnighssss-1790820790763.png">Make sure to tune into Weathernation for the latest updates on the forecast.

Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

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At WeatherNation, we're committed to educating and informing our viewers of all of the threats severe weather can bring. Each day through the first week of March, we'll highlight different aspects of hazardous spring weather, including severe thunderstorms and what you need to know to stay safe.

In case you missed it, here's what we've already covered this week:
March 1st - <a href="https://bit.ly/33YFdYG">Tornadoes</a>
March 2nd - <a href="https://bit.ly/3K2Dkth">Wind &amp; Hail</a>
March 3rd - <a href="https://bit.ly/35fbAmB">Thunderstorms</a>
March 4th - <a href="https://bit.ly/3ppH3tc">Flooding</a>
March 5th - <a href="https://bit.ly/3plBdJq">Forecasting</a>
<h1>PREPARATION &amp; SAFETY</h1>
Nocturnal severe thunderstorms present a unique, and elevated danger. Meteorologist Erik Kostrzewa explains.

[embed]https://youtu.be/GogTWibg158[/embed]

&nbsp;

There are many things you can do to help your family get ready for severe weather season. Meteorologist Patrick Crawford walks us through a helpful checklist for Severe Weather Awareness Week.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmrTp0p0Fik[/embed]

&nbsp;

In severe weather situations, having multiple ways to get watch and warning information can mean the difference between life and death.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc7Uxl9-3d4[/embed]

&nbsp;

In this week's special edition of "Building a Weather-Ready Nation," John Van Pelt talks with Doug Hilderbrand about what it means to be a "Force of Nature."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUEcjJil6oE

Do you know the difference between a Watch and a Warning? And what to do if one is issued for your area? We've got you covered.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZAKC9Tfgfs&amp;t=1s

Severe Weather Awareness Week: PREP & SAFETY

PREPARATION & SAFETY

BREAKING: Tropical Depression 9 Forms in the Gulf

On Tuesday afternoon, Tropical Depression 9 f

Record Heat Returns to the West

An area of high pressure will remain locked o

Tropical Update: EPAC Remains Active

Pacific BasinThe Pacific Ocean has been incre

Heavy Rain and Flood Threat Along For The Gulf Coast

Deep tropical moisture streaming north from t

Fall Temperatures for the Northeast

A noticeable change in the weather is on the

Plains & Midwest: Slow Moving Storms Increase Flood Threat

WHAT TO EXPECTTropical moisture from the remn

Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

In the last month, the southwestern states of