<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>Spring has officially sprung, which means severe weather chances are becoming more likely.<br><br>After a severe weather outbreak last weekend, another threat will target the Plains, Midwest, and South this weekend starting late Saturday. This threat will increase along the frontal boundary on Sunday (top of page).</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-20 063517-1742474123998.png">As a strong, upper-level low digs across the Midwest, a frontal boundary will dive south, tapping into warm and moist air Saturday evening, with energy peaking on Sunday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-20 063657-1742474239641.png">With temperatures in the 70s and 80s, it will be plenty warm for increasing instability coupled with surging gulf moisture.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Baron 2-1742612055456.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Severe storms capable of producing large hail could start well after dark on Saturday across the Plains and Midwest, tracking from Missouri into the Ohio Valley Sunday morning. The next round of storms gets fired up along the front into Sunday afternoon as the front continues to dive southward.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-21 043024-1742553038357.png">Rainfall totals could surpass 1-3 inches in some locations, but a lot will be coming down in a short period of time. This could lead to isolated flash flooding, which is being highlighted by the WPC below.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-21 043028-1742553045626.png">Stay tuned for updates as these outlooks and hazards could still change!</p>

Jesse Kelley

Severe Weather Risk Returns Over the Weekend

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<p>The first full week of spring in the west will feel more like May than March, thanks to a strong ridge of high pressure targeting the region. Abnormally warm temperatures early in the season can weigh more heavily on the body due to a lack of acclimation, so please take precaution if you have plans to be outdoors for an extended period of time next week. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-21 102116-1742574162469.png"></p><p>Record breaking temperatures are expected from Southern California to Montana, with highs in the lower deserts approaching 100°. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/2025-03-21 10-22-04-1742574253468.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>These record breaking temperatures can be especially impactful early in the season, when a lot of people are not yet used to the heat. The Heat Risk is expected to reach a moderate level (2 out of 4) on Tuesday, expected to be the warmest day for many in the deserts.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-21 103221-1742574777145.png"></p><h1>Forecast Highs</h1><p>Areas in the Sonoran Desert (Phoenix, Palm Springs, Yuma) are expected to reach the upper 90s, and may even surpass 100° early in the week. The earliest day in the year on record for Phoenix to hit 100° or higher is March 26th, one day after peak high temperatures are expected in southern Arizona.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-21 102137-1742574191916.png"></p><p>The Pacific Northwest will dry out during the work with record breaking warmth expected. High temperatures will climb into the 70s and even 80s for some.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-21 102142-1742574191915.png"></p><p>The Northern Rockies could see rapid snow melt through next week as high temperatures climb to more than 20° above average. Billings, Cheyenne, and Rapid City are all expected to climb into the 70s. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-21 102147-1742574206519.png"></p><p>If you plan to spend time outdoors, especially when venturing farther away from cities on a hike or similar, be sure to bring plenty of water, takes breaks in the shade, and wear loose, light colored clothing. </p>

Heat Wave Targets the West Next Week

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<p><strong>FLORIDA</strong> - A wildfire in Miami-Dade County Florida shut down access to the Florida Keys on Tuesday on US 1 - with another closure on Thursday. The fire has now increased to over 26,000 acres with only 30% containment, according to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ffs.firesponse.com/public/"><em>Florida Forest Service.</em></a><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/1-1742584354274.png"></p><p>Dry and breezy conditions will persist through Saturday for the Southeast, prompting the issuance of Fire Weather Warnings. It may seem strange for Florida, a typically humid state, to have wildfire danger, but the ongoing drought conditions and high winds have led to critical fire danger. This happens more often in the spring after drier conditions over the winter.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/1-1742611759734.png"></p><p>If it feels like we have had a lot of Extreme Fire Weather Outlooks this year, we have. Tuesday brought us our TENTH extreme fire danger for the year, in comparison 2024 and 2023 COMBINED had 6. Through Saturday, the Fire Weather Outlook scales back down to a critical risk.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/2-1742584441417.png"></p><p>As with any day, be vigilant not to do anything that could cause a spark or a flame. If an evacuation order is issued for your area, heed it. Any grass fire could exhibit erratic behavior this afternoon.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-12 063235-1741782858153.jpg">Make sure to watch WeatherNation for more updates on the ongoing fire weather danger.</p>

Wildfire in Florida Shuts Down Keys Access

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<p>Several waves of low pressure will move from the Pacific into the Northwest and Canada through Monday, producing rounds of heavy rain and snow. Rainfall could be heavy enough on Sunday to produce some isolated flash flooding. This storm system comes with the added issue of warm temperatures, increasing the weight of snow and therefor the avalanche danger. Avalanche watches have already been issued in northern Idaho and northwest Montana.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/1-1742586362942.png"></p><p>Winter weather alerts have been issued from the Cascades through the Rockies of Colorado for heavy accumulating snow. Gusty winds could also create blowing snow, especially in Wyoming.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/1-1742611410216.png"></p><p>Heavy snow is expected from the Cascades through the Colorado Rockies, with 6-12 inches expected for higher elevation mountain ranges. Peaks in the Cascades could see 2-3 feet of snow before the end of the day on Sunday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Baron 2-1742611512923.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Several rounds of heavier precipitation are expected through first tonight and again Saturday evening into Sunday. Lighter precipitation is expected into Monday in the Pacific Northwest before a ridge of high pressure takes over with warm and dry conditions for the week ahead.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/1-1742611579300.png"></p><p>Heavy rain is expected in lower elevations, especially in Washington State. Pockets of 3-5 inches of rain are possible and with heavier rainfall rates, isolated flash flooding is possible Sunday on the Olympic Peninsula.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/1-1742611628122.png">In addition to flash flooding, rivers, creeks, and streams are expected to run high. Always avoid low water crossings when you cannot see the road or the water is over 6 inches high.</p>

Avalanche Danger Increases Across the West With Multiple Storms

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p><em>FROM NOAA</em><br><br>"Forecasters from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.rLWQltqwDexXafFwhTzwZEeaPRNFDWox79OTF6jIPIXKK-2B1YWVJSYZk6UTdxa6HWeDc7_Tjw0DBe0ULfpp1Z7u36dpfE9ALCLFGkQHtLExcUocJZl68lHnMtLjgJb6TN9VkVe8mRKCpDl5g4Kgz-2Brfm2UrADTQCra-2Fura9WyF6HCRvCpPtzJzBOjws29qko1Xs3vD9bdOS-2BIuKweOrUA8LjHcjWEfDjMexD-2FAckNSdIQzUlZy9KUNkkYsUqav2I8CEttLMUEDolw26txApwE37qXpzoCcC5UmRviSwhpuMZjnZib8v7mAtOtl5doxc90w-2FxTK1odktVU9hURxKI5iC4CoEw5SHCGko2-2BiVIQTXGCPyu6nTZaXne1Xnpi8VV9ZOsHzDbCE37dLt2IxWsmN-2Bi1vOSMvlYQvJ3hDxLOggykVYI8iemRDEO8BTPxoOkBI3kTRFXPLzTzTsZzpZvItOQ8DXQ-3D-3D">NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center</a>&nbsp;— part of the National Weather Service — issued the 2025 U.S. Spring Outlook for temperature, precipitation, drought and flooding for the coming months.</p><p>Forecasters predict above-average temperatures for the East and Gulf Coast regions, while drought conditions continue in the Southwest.&nbsp;</p><h1>Temperatures &amp; Rainfall</h1><p>Above-average temperatures are likely (top of page) across much of the U.S. For April through June, above-average temperatures are favored along the southern tier of the country and for the Eastern seaboard with the highest chances for central and south Florida, and an area stretching from the Texas and Louisiana coasts to southern Utah and eastern Nevada.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-20 095729-1742488004240.png"></p><p>Much of the western U.S. is favored to receive below-average precipitation, with the greatest odds of below-average precipitation in the central and southern Rockies, including the Four Corners region. Precipitation is favored to be above-average in some areas of the Great Lakes and in northern and western Alaska.&nbsp;</p><h1>Drought &amp; Flooding</h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-20 095736-1742487814667.png">Moderate-to-exceptional drought conditions currently exist across more than 40% of the continental U.S. Drought conditions are likely to persist in the Southwest and parts of the Rocky Mountains, while drought improvement is forecast for the Great Lakes region. Drought development is likely across the central and southern Great Plains.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-20 101939-1742488289405.png"><br>Widespread major flooding is not expected this spring across the CONUS, and significantly reduced flood risk exists over much of the United States, given above average temperatures, combined with well below average snowpack over the Northern Plains, Midwest, and Ohio Valley. The reduced flood risk could lead to low flow impacts on navigation and saltwater intrusion on the Lower Mississippi River during the late summer and fall. This is the fourth year in a row with this risk.</p><p>Despite the overall reduced flood risk this spring, moderate flooding is expected in tributaries to the Lower Missouri River in Kansas and Missouri. This area typically experiences moderate flooding each spring, and despite the lack of snowpack, local antecedent conditions and typical spring rainfall will lead to the likelihood of moderate flooding on these tributaries.</p><p>Current water supply forecasts in the western United States indicate much below normal conditions for the Desert Southwest due to below average snowpack.</p><p>In Alaska, spring ice breakup and snowmelt flood risk is forecast to be above average for the Upper Yukon, Tanana, and Koyukuk River basins. Below average flood risk is expected in the Lower Yukon and Kuskokwim River basins, along with most of Southcentral Alaska.</p><p>Based on the expected spring flood outlook, hypoxia development in the Gulf of America and Chesapeake Bay is projected to not deviate from seasonal normals. Hypoxic zones directly impact commercial and recreational fisheries."</p><p style="text-align: start"></p>

NOAA Releases Spring Outlook, River Flood Forecast

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<p>With the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/tornado-outbreak-gearing-up-across-the-us#google_vignette">recent, deadly severe storms</a>, WeatherNation wants to make sure you are prepared ahead of the upcoming season. We are tackling a different topic each day so you know exactly what to expect this Spring and beyond.</p><h1>MONDAY- Tornadoes</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">According to </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado"><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">NOAA</span></a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">a tornado is defined as "a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground." Tornadoes can happen any time, any day, any where. But </span><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">the strength of a tornado can only be determined by the damage it leaves behind. Meteorologist Patrick Crawford takes you through how the Enhanced Fujita scale used to rate the intensity of a tornado.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x8FJyKgaMZU" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1>TUESDAY- Wind &amp; Hail</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">A thunderstorm must produce wind gusts greater than 58 mph or hail an inch in diameter to be considered severe. Severe wind gusts can be strong enough to as much damage as a low level tornado. Large hail is frequently the most damaging and costliest part of a severe thunderstorm. Meteorologist Alana Cameron breaks it down the impacts of large hail by the numbers.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TuXEyOXLeJ0" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1>WEDNESDAY- Thunderstorms</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">Thunderstorms bring a multitude of threats, like lightning, wind, hail, flooding, and tornadoes. One of three things can classify a thunderstorm as severe: hail greater than an inch in diameter, wind gusts 58 mph or stronger, or a tornado. Meteorologist Jackie Brown outlines how differing storm intensities are communicated different ways during the storm.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bf4M2nTlC08" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1>THURSDAY- Flooding</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">Not all flooding is created equal. Areal flooding can happen slower, over time. While flash flooding can surround your car in an instant. Curious about different types of flooding? Meteorologist Kevin Schneider covers the basics so you can stay safe.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8jDGNvxjDW8" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1>FRIDAY- Forecasting</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">Severe thunderstorm reports peak in the Spring, but do you now why? Meteorologist Chris Tomer looks at the scientific reasons behind severe weather season.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4vhUaS2jjQI" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1>SATURDAY- Prep &amp; Safety</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">Knowing the difference between a 'watch' and a 'warning' during a severe thunderstorm or tornado could save your life. Meteorologist Jesse Kelley explains.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bn8ZyanY6aQ" start="0"></iframe></div>

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2025

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Brittany Lockley

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<p><span>Looking for warmer temperatures? The wait is finally over. Spring has officially arrived. Thursday, March 20th, 5:01 am Eastern Standard time, while you were most likely catching some Z’s, spring arrived. Thursday marks the Spring Equinox, which is when earth tilts on its axis towards the sun, giving a balance of day and night, each lasting 12 hours.&nbsp;This astronomical event symbolizes a fresh start&nbsp;as flowers begin to bloom, and a sign&nbsp;of warmer weather ahead. Some other things that spring brings that are not so pleasant are pollen and </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-awareness-week-2025"><span>severe weather</span></a><span>.</span><span style="color: windowtext">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-20 053347-1742470435169.jpg"></p><h2><strong><span>The Science Behind the Equinox</span></strong><span style="color: windowtext">&nbsp;</span></h2><p><span>The Spring Equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, occurs when the sun crosses directly over the Earth's equator. This shift causes both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to experience equal amounts of daylight and darkness. The phenomenon is a direct result of the Earth’s axial tilt, which is 23.5 degrees. As the planet orbits the sun, this tilt causes different regions of Earth to experience varying lengths of daylight throughout the year.</span><span style="color: windowtext">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-20 053030-1742470284949.jpg"></p><h2><strong><span>Fun Facts about the Vernal Equinox</span><span style="color: windowtext">&nbsp;</span></strong></h2><ol><li><p><span>The equinox occurs when the sun is directly over the equator resulting in a nearly equal length of night and day for nearly every region of the world.</span><span style="color: windowtext">&nbsp;</span></p></li></ol><ol start="2"><li><p><span>It is called the Vernal Equinox because the word "vernal" stands for Spring and "equinox" means "equal night" in Latin.</span><span style="color: windowtext">&nbsp;</span></p></li></ol><ol start="3"><li><p><span>It does not happen on the same day every year and is usually within four days from March 19-23. The reason behind this is because a calendar year is 365 days (about 12 months), but it takes Earth 365.25 days to revolve around the sun. That extra quarter adds up (and is part of the reason we have a leap day) and means the equinox fluctuates around 6 hours yearly. For example, in 2024 the equinox was on March 20th.</span><span style="color: windowtext">&nbsp;</span></p></li></ol><ol start="4"><li><p><span>Meteorological Spring is different than astronomical Spring. Because the Spring equinox fluctuates it is easier to group the seasons by the first of the month for record-keeping. Meteorological Spring is the months of March, April, and May with meteorological summer starting June 1 (the summer solstice is June 20th).</span><span style="color: windowtext">&nbsp;</span></p></li></ol><ol start="5"><li><p><span>The Spring Equinox determines a couple of holidays: it is the first day of the first month of the Iranian solar calendar and is the start of the Persian New Year. Also, Easter is determined as the first Sunday following a full moon after the solstice (which for simplicity is marked as March 21)</span><span style="color: windowtext">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: windowtext">&nbsp;</span><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-20 053150-1742470314907.jpg"></p></li></ol><p><span>The Spring Equinox reminds us that change is constant. The Earth continues its journey around the sun, and with each cycle, nature offers us a chance to renew and grow. &nbsp;Spring has officially arrived.</span><span style="color: windowtext">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: windowtext">Tune into WeatherNation for updates on all the spring weather changes.</span></p>

Spring Has Officially Arrived: The Vernal Equinox Marks a New Season

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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.

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<p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/1-1739061270112.png">Around 6PM ET, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake was detected in the Western Caribbean between the Cayman Islands and Honduras. Over the past few hours, there has been a few aftershocks near the epicenter. Also, there has been a few smaller earthquakes near Puerto Rico.</p><p>According to the USGS, it is not out of the ordinary to see earthquakes at this location. The last earthquake nearby this location was back in January 2018 with a magnitude of 7.5. A small tsunami was caused similar to tonight's earthquake. The danger of tsunamis have ended and there is no threat to the Gulf waters.</p><p>We will keep you updated as this is a developing story.</p>

Strong Earthquake in Western Caribbean Saturday Night

Severe Weather Risk Returns Over the Weekend

Spring has officially sprung, which means sev

Heat Wave Targets the West Next Week

The first full week of spring in the west wil

Wildfire in Florida Shuts Down Keys Access

FLORIDA - A wildfire in Miami-Dade County Flo

Avalanche Danger Increases Across the West With Multiple Storms

Several waves of low pressure will move from

NOAA Releases Spring Outlook, River Flood Forecast

FROM NOAA"Forecasters from NOAA’s Climat

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2025

With the recent, deadly severe storms, Weathe

Spring Has Officially Arrived: The Vernal Equinox Marks a New Season

Looking for warmer temperatures? The wait is

Strong Earthquake in Western Caribbean Saturday Night

Severe Weather Risk Returns Over the Weekend

Spring has officially sprung, which means sev

Heat Wave Targets the West Next Week

The first full week of spring in the west wil

Wildfire in Florida Shuts Down Keys Access

FLORIDA - A wildfire in Miami-Dade County Flo

Avalanche Danger Increases Across the West With Multiple Storms

Several waves of low pressure will move from

NOAA Releases Spring Outlook, River Flood Forecast

FROM NOAA"Forecasters from&nbsp;NOAA’s Climat

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2025

With the recent, deadly severe storms, Weathe

Spring Has Officially Arrived: The Vernal Equinox Marks a New Season

Looking for warmer temperatures? The wait is

FROM NOAA"Forecasters from NOAA’s Climat