Kit grew up in the Piedmont of North Carolina outside of Charlotte, spending most of his childhood in Belmont, an old mill town on the Catawba River now grown into a bustling suburb. He had a passion for mathematics and science through grade school, having ambitions to become an architect, engineer, theoretical/astrophysicist, or geologist, but eventually choosing to pursue Meteorology. He went to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to obtain his degree, taking all electives on atmospheric sensing, tropical, and mesoscale meteorology for a full, in-depth understanding of the atmosphere (though he maintains on every hike, he should have taken more geology classes!) He interned at WCNC in Charlotte, learning the craft of presenting off-script and how to tell a weather story. After Graduation, he worked in the Quad Cities at WHBF-TV and KLJB-TV, the CBS/Fox affiliates. From there, he moved to Grand Island, Nebraska at KSNB-TV, the NBC affiliate for Central Nebraska. The active winters and severe seasons kept him busy, experiencing a wide range of wild weather. He remembers the most impactful event in March of 2019, when a massive snowmelt, heavy rain, and blizzard all struck the state in 36 hours. Kit later moved to the Denver area taking a job as a Producer with WeatherNation. He was brought on as a full-time on-air meteorologist in June of 2022 and can now be seen with the rest of the team on WeatherNation! You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter @KitCwx.

Kit Thomas

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<p>Fires in Nova Scotia, Canada have been raging and pouring out tons of smoke over the last few days. This smoke has made its way into the Northeast and is decreasing air quality to unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.</p><p>Here's a view from Nova Scotia of the huge plumes of smoke pouring from these fires!</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/VON_053023_INT'L_NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA_HUGE SMOKE BLOCKS THE SUN IN VARIOUS SHOTS OF CARS EVACUATING_(@BIGMACDADDY_ETH)_DSC_E053023-1685495591176.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Air Quality Alerts are in place across most of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Air quality should improve some into Wednesday, though we may still see some smoke lingering in the area.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/MA RI AQA-1685496178339.png"></p><p>Sensitive groups will be most at risk to experience respiratory issues, so any outdoor activity should be limited.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Smoke tips-1685496235554.png"></p><h2>Southwest</h2><p>Meanwhile, there are fire concerns in the Southwest U.S. as dry conditions and high temps will spread through parts of New Mexico. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Critical Risk for fire across parts of Western New Mexico for Wednesday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/SPC Fire Outlook-1685496337071.png"></p><p>Red Flag Warnings are already in place so precautions should be taken. Don't burn anything for the day, make sure chains on trailers are tied up above the road surface, and properly dispose of cigarette butts.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/NM Red Flags-1685496392340.png"></p>

Wildfire Smoke in the Northeast

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<p>Meteorological Summer begins on June 1, and we're already looking at summer temps rolling in across much of the Northern United States. An upper-level ridge that allowed 10-15 degrees above average heat to build into the Upper Midwest will slowly make its way eastward, bringing potential record-breaking heat to the Northeast by the end of the week.</p><h2>North Central</h2><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/RNC Dots-1685494772187.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>There are several areas in the Upper Midwest in the next few days which could set record highs. Summer like temperatures are expected across Minnesota and Wisconsin Thursday through Saturday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/RNC Thu-Sat-1685494846467.png"></p><h2>Northeast</h2><p>Many records could be set across the Northeast as well in the coming days. 90-degree heat will be possible well into northern New England, with residents of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh feeling temperatures into the 90s by Friday!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/RNE Heat-1685494368694.png">Daily record high temperatures could fall as well by the end of the week across the Northeast.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/RNE Dots-1685494925348.png">As the temps continue to rise, don't forget to check the backseat for pets or children. It only takes 10 minutes for temperatures to go from 90 to 109 in the car! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 33 children died of vehicle heatstroke in 2022. A child can pass away once their body temperature reaches 107 degrees. Remember, hot car deaths are preventable.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/car sea-1685223974983.jpg"></p>

Early Summer Heat for Northern U.S.

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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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<p>The Storm Prediction Center has issued a <strong>MARGINAL</strong> (level 1 out of 5) risk for portions of Minnesota, northern Iowa, and western Wisconsin. Hail will be the main threat but damaging winds will also be likely. This follows hail from the same system on Monday in the Dakotas.</p><p>The peak of storm activity will be associated with warmer afternoon temperatures before letting up by the evening. Storms continue into the overnight hours, as more moisture and energy arrive from the west.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/mnstorms-1685490007006.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Forecast rainfall totals will be locally higher where stronger storms are expected to move through. Currently, there is a risk of excessive rain that may lead to localized flooding. Since there is a persistent and slow-moving pattern, some storms are capable of producing up to 3" of rainfall. This would be good news for the drought in western Iowa.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/rainfall-1685461597072.jpg">More on this story can be watched live at :30 minutes past the hour during the Central Regional forecast. Join us!</p>

Strong Storms for Minnesota & Iowa

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<div>Lucy is originally from the Boston area but has spent the last four years forecasting and living in Colorado! She stayed in the northeast for her education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Meteorology. Just a few days after graduation, she made the cross country move to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career at KKTV, the CBS affiliate. Lucy has covered historic blizzards, tornadoes, windstorms, the largest wildfires in Colorado state history and dust storms ... they truly "get it all" in Colorado! Lucy is excited to forecast on a national level and continue her passion of explaining the science behind the weather!</div>
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Lucy Bergemann

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<p>An area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms in the Gulf of Mexico has sparked interest with the National Hurricane Center, just two days before the official start of the season. Currently, there is a low, 10%, chance of the formation of a low in the next 48 hours and a 20% chance in the next 7 days. The area of low pressure continues to be disorganized through the next few days, bringing heavy rainfall into the Eastern Gulf for the later portions of this week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/gulf low-1685468779425.jpg">Showers and storms will develop along weak boundaries and sea breeze fronts over the next few days. This particular model doesn't love the potential for wet weather as a result of the Gulf Low later this week, but it is worth monitoring for the potential of rainfall along the central and eastern Gulf.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/gulfstorms-1685493928599.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Over the next 3 days, the heaviest rainfall will favor southern Florida with the risk of over 5" in spots. Generally, Florida's soils can handle this amount of moisture, but given how saturated some areas are, flooding is not out of the question, especially in cities. This rainfall however will be useful for the ongoing drought which is in the "extreme" category along Florida's West Coast.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/wpc florida-1685468767842.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/drought monitor-1685468752296.jpg">For more on the wet weather forecast in the Sunshine State and for eyes on the Gulf, stay with WeatherNation for the latest forecast information.</p>

Rainy Pattern Returns to Florida & Tropical Interest

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<p>Flooding concern arose across the Snake River Valley in Idaho last Sunday when flash flood warnings were prompted for an additional inch of rainfall. An inch might not seem like a lot, but look at what that was capable of producing in Heglar, Idaho! Localized flood alerts continue and for the exact details on your county, head to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://weather.gov">weather.gov</a> for the latest information. The good news is that we will see the opportunity for showers and storms to shift into Montana and Wyoming and away from Idaho this week. However, heavy rainfall in these areas will create flood concerns. Upwards of 3" will be possible along the I-90 and I-25 corridors of the northern Rockies.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/VON_052923_RNW_HEGLAR, ID_FLOODING IN IDAHO_TW_@LUCASPRATLING_BH_052923-1685413149213.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The Weather Prediction Center has highlighted the risk of excessive rainfall Thursday and Friday in nearly the same locations - a<strong> SLIGHT </strong>risk, level 2 out of 4 through central Montana.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-30 172214-1685488942212.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-30 172347-1685489039298.png"></p><p>Additional thunderstorms are possible again over the next few days with a combination of energy in the upper levels, surface instability, orographic lift, and daytime heating. Storms will have the potential to dump very heavy rain in a short amount of time.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/interiornw-1685494111893.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>As the rain potential shifts to the east, we will see ridging move back into the Western U.S., which will boost our temperatures up through the beginning of June. High temperatures this weekend will be well into the 80s for the I-5 corridor and inland locations, and the longer-term pattern shows the above-average temperature trend continuing.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/3 day highs-1685467053293.jpg"></p><p>For more information and updates with this system, tune into WeatherNation for :50 past the hour for our Western Regional Forecast.</p>

Flood Threat Continues in the Northwest With More Heavy Rain Ahead

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<p>ABOVE: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Western Nebraska, Northeast Colorado, and Northwest Kansas until 11 pm MT Tuesday. The threats expected from storms in this area are winds up to 80mph and hail up to 2" in diameter. On the southern end, another watch is in effect for Southeast Colorado, Southwest Kansas, Northwest New Mexico, and the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles until 10 pm MT. 80mph winds are likely with these storms as well as 1.5" hail.</p><h1>Tuesday</h1><p>The Storm Prediction Center maintains an <strong>ENHANCED</strong> risk for severe storms from risk has been highlighted for the western Plains. Large hail is possible, and damaging winds will be the primary threat, but gusts of 75 mph or stronger will be possible in the highlighted area below.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/HP ENH-1685464215527.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/HP Sig Wind-1685464402076.png">Storms have started to fire up, but the most intense activity will be anticipated throughout the afternoon into the evening.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-30_rswrnc 12z-1685477455773.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Wednesday</h1><p>As stronger upper-level winds begin to overspread the region, the risk from SPC by Wednesday becomes larger in total area. Again covering much of western Kansas, the threat extends further south into eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. The risk for tornadoes is situated across eastern New Mexico, SE Colorado and the OK &amp; TX panhandles. There is also a small area of tornado potential through NE Colorado.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/spc wednesday-1685468439776.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/tor wed -1685468431502.jpg">We could see a few showers lingering from Tuesday early in the morning on Wednesday, but most of the activity comes into play later in the day. Like Tuesday, expect thunderstorm development aided by daytime heating in the early afternoon hours. A lot of the storm activity continues after sunset and into the overnight hours, especially across the High Plains. We expect most of this threat to be heavy rainfall and lightning but a few severe storms cannot be ruled out for the overnight.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 08-39-06-1685457648394.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Thursday</h1><p>By Thursday, the severe threat is more concentrated into the Texas panhandle and eastern New Mexico. Once again, prepare for damaging winds and hail. Some storms will be ongoing from Wednesday night through Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado on Thursday morning with more storm activity developing through the afternoon and evening hours along the dryline and support from our upper level low.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/14-1685447586279.png"></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 08-39-35-1685457721460.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Check back for updates, tune in to continue to follow this developing story on WeatherNation!</p>

Severe Weather Continues Across the Great Plains

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<p>A cutoff area of low pressure is migrating from the Pacific into the Four Corners region in the Southwest U.S. This storm system is overall weak but will still provide enough upper-level energy to assist with daily thunderstorm development over the Southwest on the "wet" side of the system. We will also see gusty winds from the south and southwest, which could spell trouble for fire danger conditions in New Mexico mid-week too.</p><h2>Rainfall/Flood Threat</h2><p>There is a FLOOD watch in effect for the Sierra Nevada where excessive rainfall as a result of rainfall will lead to an increased flood threat. This area saw historic snowfall amounts over the winter and there still is a healthy snowpack in the higher elevations. The snowpack will continue to melt under warmer temperatures and new moisture, so be prepared for high-flowing rivers, creeks, and streams. Please do not drive through flooded roadways and watch out if you live near a recent area burn scar.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/flood alerts-1685463964126.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/snowpack-1685464063709.jpg"></p><h2>Forecast</h2><p>We will see daily showers and storms, mostly developing over the higher terrain, but a surface cold front will also assist in storm development. While it may not look like a lot of rainfall, given the saturated soils and general nature of the soil in the Southwest, a quick 0.5" of rain can overwhelm the ground. Keep in mind that rivers, creeks, and streams are already running high as a result of snowmelt (mentioned above). While storms won't be severe criteria, we anticipate areas of gusty winds, perhaps small hail, and the threat of frequent lightning. Remember, "When thunder roars, head indoors".</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-30 10-20-39-1685464081376.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Fire Concern</h2><p>Winds from the south and southwest in our upper atmosphere will ride over the Rocky Mountains and descend on the east side of the slopes, providing gusty winds, low humidity, and warmer temperatures around central and western New Mexico through Wednesday and Thursday. As a result, we anticipate high fire danger concerns, and subsequent RED FLAG WARNINGS have been issued. Additionally, with winds gusting between 30-40 mph at times, areas of blowing dust will be likely in SW New Mexico. If you are caught in a dust storm, pull off the road as far as possible, shut off your lights, and remain in your vehicle until the dust clears.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/fire weather -1685463766254.jpg"></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/nmwind2-1685489597345.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>For more on the Southwest forecast, join us for your Western Regional Forecast, always :50 past the hour.</p>

Cutoff Low Brings Daily Storm Chances to the Southwest

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Several waves of energy moving into the Northwest will bring <a href="http://bit.ly/35zQPwI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heavy rain and high mountain snow</a>, but the other risk these systems will bring are some strong winds.  Wind alerts are scattered across the Northwest for both Friday and Saturday. Here is the very latest on the high wind event.
<h1>Wind Alerts</h1>
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Wind advisories and high wind warnings are scattered across the Northwest for areas of Oregon, California and Montana.  If you are in any of these areas, you will want to secure any loose outdoor items and use extra caution driving a high profile vehicle.  Wind gusts up to 60 mph will be possible.
<h1>Maritime Alerts</h1>
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The strong winds will be impacting the the coast along the Pacific Northwest. Gale watches and small craft advisories are in place for dangerous seas and high surf as wave heights could get up to 23 feet near the coast.  Any winds out of the West or Southwest could also lead to some coastal flooding.
<h1>Wind Forecast</h1>
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The timing of the winds will be from Friday through early Sunday.  Keep in mind that on top is these strong winds will be the heavy precipitation.  Definitely not going to be ideal weather conditions for Holiday Travel.  Keep checking with WeatherNation for the very latest travel updates for this weekend.

Strong Winds in the Forecast for the Northwest Friday and Saturday

Wind Alerts

Maritime Alerts

Wind Forecast

Wildfire Smoke in the Northeast

Fires in Nova Scotia, Canada have been raging

Early Summer Heat for Northern U.S.

Meteorological Summer begins on June 1, and w

Strong Storms for Minnesota & Iowa

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a MARG

Rainy Pattern Returns to Florida & Tropical Interest

An area of disorganized showers and thunderst

Flood Threat Continues in the Northwest With More Heavy Rain Ahead

Flooding concern arose across the Snake River

Severe Weather Continues Across the Great Plains

ABOVE: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effe

Cutoff Low Brings Daily Storm Chances to the Southwest

A cutoff area of low pressure is migrating fr