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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NEW RECORD - At 1:56 PM ET on Monday, April 6, 2026, the Artemis II crew broke the record for the farthest distance anyone has traveled from Earth. The previous record was 248,655 miles during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. At 7:07 PM ET, they reached their maximum distance of 252,756 miles from Earth. Later that day, the crew experienced a 40-minute communications blackout with mission control in Houston as they passed over the far side of the Moon before reestablishing contact.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2041225429772882179" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2041225429772882179"></div>LIFTOFF - At 6:35 PM ET on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, NASA launched astronauts on an historic mission to the Moon. This marks the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years, dating back to the Apollo era.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2039477801787769177" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2039477801787769177"></div>NASA’s Space Launch System sent four astronauts, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, aboard the Orion spacecraft on a test flight around the Moon and back. This 10-day mission will demonstrate life support systems and help lay the foundation for future deep space exploration.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-28 091928-1774711352235.png">What's Next for Artemis II?</h2><ul><li>Day 1: focused on launch and entering Earth orbit.</li><li>Days 2-4: outbound transit toward the Moon.</li><li>Days 5-6: Orion will fly by the Moon, entering its sphere of influence, where the Moon becomes the dominant gravitational force.</li><li>Days 7-10: return trip to Earth, followed by re-entry and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, where the U.S. Navy will recover the capsule.</li></ul>We are currently in the lunar flyby stage. This is the point of the mission where Orion is moving into the moon's gravitational sphere of influence and away from Earth's gravitational pull. On Day 6, Artemis II will move to the far side of the moon and lose contact with Earth for 40 minutes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-01 180532-1775088336863.png">After sling shotting around the moon, Orion will head back toward earth near the end of next week. Several burns will reposition the spacecraft before it re-enters Earth's atmosphere next Friday. It is expected to splashdown in the Pacific near San Diego. We will be monitoring the forecast in this area of the Pacific closely for any impacts. Check back for updates!<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-02 073719-1775137047865.png"></h2><h2>What is the Future of the Artemis Program?</h2>In simple terms, Artemis is the first step in a broader effort to send humans to Mars. Before that, NASA aims to return astronauts to the Moon and establish a sustained presence while testing humanity’s ability to live and work beyond Earth’s orbit. Artemis II, specifically, will send astronauts around the Moon and back.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-28 091131a-1774710738504.jpg">This will be the first mission since 1972 to take humans beyond low Earth orbit, and potentially farther from Earth than any human has traveled before. NASA currently plans a series of Artemis missions, with Artemis IV expected to land astronauts on the Moon.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-01 180027-1775088036041.png">Artemis II marks a major step forward in human space exploration, pushing us farther than we’ve gone in decades, and bringing us one step closer to returning to the Moon… and eventually, reaching Mars.

Farthest Humans Ever from Earth: Artemis II

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A low-pressure system that moved over Texas brought more than 3 inches of rainfall to parts of the state on Sunday. This was much-needed rain for many drought-stricken areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-05 170414-1775430271651.png">This system is expected to move over the Gulf and track toward Florida as we head through the week, bringing showers and thunderstorms along with it.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-06 153632-1775511398986.png">An upper-level low, combined with a trailing surface front, will lead to periods of heavy rain across the Sunshine State. Forecast models continue to show widespread showers and storms across Florida, especially during the afternoons throughout the week. The front is expected clear the region later Tuesday and rain will continue into Wednesday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-06_rse fl bams3k 18z-1775524967649.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rainfall totals may exceed 5-7 inches over the course of the week. As a result, an excessive rainfall outlook has been issued for parts of the Atlantic Coast, with a level 1 out of 4, MARGINAL risk, for flash flooding for the next several days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-06 153706-1775511431109.png">This rain arrives at a critical time, as Florida’s drought conditions have worsened in the latest update. Much of the state is now experiencing extreme to exceptional drought (levels 4-5), which has already led to water restrictions.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-05 171122-1775430689163.png">So while this rain is much-needed for a drought-stricken state, it also raises concerns for flooding, making this a week of both relief and risk across Florida.

Florida: Rain Coming to Drought-Stricken State

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Kevin Schneider

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If it's not a foot and a half of snow in the Dakotas, a lot of these systems have been tossing decorations and trash cans alike. Here comes another one.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-06 112852-1775496801974.png"><h1>WIND</h1>A lot of wind energy with this trough of low pressure, which will be the biggest impact out of the next few days. Wind alerts cover quite a bit of real estate in Montana, where winds could gust as high as 90 mph in the highest elevations! Wednesday looks like the windiest day in the Upper Midwest.<h1></h1><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-06 rnc winds-1775525206244.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>SEVERE</h1>That front will be the focus of what could be a few severe chances. Right now, Wednesday looks like the best bet, with slightly better thunderstorm coverage. Storms look to fire around the front and move into slightly colder temperatures north of it. The biggest concern right now will be large hail. The Storm Prediction Center is circling portions of Kansas and Nebraska with the highest threat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-06 153810-1775511495015.png"><h1>PRECIPITATION</h1>As this system sets up, there will still be cold air in the vicinity of this shot at rain. The warm air could be slow to build in, which would bring in a threat of freezing rain back to northern Wisconsin and Michigan. Right now, the threat appears limited since temperatures will gradually warm, but one worth watching.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-06_rsc wed thi bams3k-1775525198435.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Windy System Blows in Midweek

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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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The drought conditions have started to increase into extreme and exceptional levels out west with the lack of moisture, especially across the northern four-corners. Any moisture to make it this way will be beneficial to the area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-05 170244-1775430223227.png">There will be a few chances for general thunderstorms through Tuesday across the Four Corners. This will bring some moisture in the form of rainfall and some snow for the higher elevations.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-06 192759-1775525298416.png">More Moisture Later This Week</h2>Later in the week, a digging trough will keep the pattern active. This increases some of the chances out west to keep moisture in the forecast. By Thursday, forecast models are in agreement that more rain will develop from California to the Four Corners.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/0406-1775511626425.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For now, the totals do not look high, but any and all moisture is welcome.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-06 154031-1775511636054.png">In the longer range forecasts, there is a confidence of higher than normal precipitation ahead from April 11-15.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-06 154047-1775511651652.png">More on your Western Regional Forecast can be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.

West Pattern: Moisture Returns

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Here we go again. After what looks like a largely quiet week of weather, the pattern starts to get active this weekend. As our quiet weather starts to break down, neighbors to the west will get some much-needed help with some rain and snow. However, this system will emerge out of the Rockies and take on a different life.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-06 043244-1775471702403.png">As this wave moves through the mountains, it will pull moisture north ahead of it. That will create a powder keg environment if we push storms into it. This far ahead of the event, details are still a bit fuzzy. However, it appears that there going to be ingredients in place to talk severe thunderstorms, with all modes on the table right now. The Storm Prediction Center keeps a 15% chance for severe weather on Sunday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-06 192904-1775525355150.png"><h1>FIRST THOUGHTS</h1>This appears to be a multi-day kind of setup, with a fairly slow-moving trough but one that's potent enough to keep storm chances alive. Right now, Saturday could shake out to an event we've seen before: afternoon storms that spill into the evening but back off in intensity. Sunday is the concerning day right now, with some more energy and dynamics to work with. As this trough works east, the low-level jet will ramp up and likely keep the severe threat going into the overnight hours.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-06 044156-1775472136202.png">Monday, the trough doesn't look like it will clear us yet, so there will likely be an area around the eastern seaboard to watch. With this being so far down the road, there's nothing to do immediately. Check back with the forecast as we approach the weekend. We'll iron out the details throughout the week.

Severe Threat Looms This Weekend

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Several rounds of severe storms have tracked across the Central and Eastern half of the country over the past few days. On Friday, storms in the Central Plains were strong enough to produce hailstones bigger than golf balls! Crews are out to survey damage around Ohio as storms continued to press east on Saturday. The front is exiting the Atlantic coastline tonight. A marginal threat for a few strong storms with damaging winds remains in place.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/pic6-1775251677983.png">By late Sunday night, many areas will have cleared from the showers and the storms.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/0405-1775429929404.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Severe Storms Push East Easter Sunday

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Unseasonably warm air is taking over much of the eastern United States this holiday weekend, bringing a taste of summer well ahead of schedule. Temperatures are soaring 15 to 25 degrees above average from the Southeast through the Mid-Atlantic and into parts of the Northeast, with many cities climbing into the upper 80s. Record highs did fall on Saturday.This early-season heat is not just about warm afternoons, it is also setting the stage for active weather. As the atmosphere becomes more unstable, the risk for thunderstorms increases. Some of these storms could turn strong to severe, producing gusty winds and heavy downpours as the warm, humid air fuels their development.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-04 062651-1775305669351.jpg">But the summer-like stretch will not last long. A cold front is sweeping across the eastern half of the country, bringing rounds of rain and thunderstorms along the East Coast. Behind it, a much cooler air mass will move in, quickly knocking temperatures back down into the 40s and 50s this weekend before slowly creeping up next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1775354976877.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1775355006395.png">By the start of the new week, the same areas that experienced near-record warmth will feel a much different air mass. Highs across parts of the Northeast are expected to drop into the 50s, marking a sharp return to more typical early spring conditions. The rapid shift from warmth to chill is a classic example of springtime “weather whiplash,” where dramatic temperature swings can happen in just a matter of days.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-04 062717-1775305657001.jpg">

Cold Front Ends Record Heat

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Seattle.  Denver.  Minneapolis.  Chicago.  Nashville.  What do all these cities have in common?  Smoke.

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<img class="alignnone wp-image-95445 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/GaylordMI-728x408.jpg" alt="Smoky Skies Across the Country" width="728" height="408" />

Over the last few days, the sky has been very hazy.  It's all because of the wildfires burning throughout western North America---in the United States and Canada.  Hundreds of thousands of acres have burned so far in 2018.  In fact, as of August 14, nearly 1.8 million acres have been charred this wildfire season.  Several large fires continue to burn.

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https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1029342870572949504

But why would wildfires that are thousands of miles away lead to smoky skies in cities like Detroit and Atlanta?  The short answer: the jet stream.  The jet stream is a narrow band of strong winds in the atmosphere that controls the movement of high and low pressure systems and associated fronts.  Usually found between 30,000 and 40,000 feet above the Earth's surface, jet streams will move from time to time.  Wind speeds can reach 200 mph or higher in some cases.

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Due to the large amount of wildfire activity, the jet stream winds carried the associated smoke across the continent.  There was so much smoke that even the strongest jet stream winds could not disperse it enough.  That's why the sky has been hazy and the sunrises and sunsets have been colorful in the eastern United States.

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Closer to the source, areas of the western United States have had to deal with dense smoke (almost looking like fog) and poor air quality.

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Be sure to share your smoky sky photos and videos with WeatherNation on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WeatherNation">Twitter</a>.

- <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MeteorologistJoeAstolfi">Meteorologist Joe Astolfi</a>