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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A relentless ridge of high pressure has been tormenting much of the middle and eastern portions of the lower 48 for the past week. With that being said, another round of record highs were set across portions of the central plains. Concordia, Kansas, saw a record high of 106°, beating out the old record of 102­°<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/recodss-1788917744549.png">More records will be challenged over the next few days across the country.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 041654-1788949433603.png">Heat alerts remain in in place over the next few days, including an extreme heat warning for portions of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Where heat indices can reach 110° and above.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 042406-1788949471423.png">Temperatures across the Lone Star State are also going to remain in the triple digits for several spots. Over the next few days, expect the heat and humidity to remain. Thursday spots like Little Rock, Dallas, and New Orleans will have feel-like temperatures digging into the 100s! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/highs vs heat -1788982549755.png">Unfortunately for the middle of the country, the middle of September likely won't bring any relief from the heat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-08 032947-1788859802102.png">Tune in to WeatherNation for the latest.

Will It Ever End? Heat Wave Persists for Much of the South & Plains

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The Pacific hurricane season is showing no signs of slowing down as multiple tropical systems churn across the basin. Lowell and Marie remain active in the Pacific.<h3>MORE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/marie-could-impact-labor-day-plans-in-southern-california#google_vignette">Marie's Moisture Pulled into the Southwest for Labor Day</a></h3><h1>HURRICANE LOWELL</h1>While the center of Lowell has passed west of the islands, its massive wind field still brought hurricane-force wind gusts to the Hawaiian islands. Knocking out power to 50-60k customers. Period of heavy rainfall from Lowell will continue through Wednesday. Large waves will produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.WINDSLowell produced very gusty winds as it passed by Hawaii. A gust of 92 mph, was recorded in Puu Lua.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/hawaii highest gusts-1788918010468.png">Rainfall totals reached well over a foot for some areas. Kilohana saw rainfall totals of 21.11".<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/rainfall totals today -1788918050317.png">Lowell will continue to push to the North over the next few days, taking its moisture away from Hawaii. With that being said, we are watching a couple of areas in the Pacific.<h1>WATCHING THE PACIFIC</h1>We have our eyes on three areas of interest. One area has a high chance of development in the next week, and one area has a low chance of development, with another with a medium chance of development. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/lowellll nexxt few daysss -1788979605771.png"><h1>El Niño Helping Fuel Pacific Activity</h1>The surge in tropical activity comes as El Niño continues to strengthen across the equatorial Pacific. El Niño 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 2026-09-02 105616-1788368212978.png">This year’s El Niño has already strengthened considerably, and forecasts indicate it could become exceptionally strong later this year.While the Pacific remains crowded with tropical systems, many of the current storms are expected to remain over open water. Still, with several additional areas being monitored, the active stretch of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season is far from over.Click here for more on what is happening in the Atlantic Basin: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Edouard-Impacts-Gulf-Coast">Edouard Impacting the Gulf Coast</a>

The Pacific Remains Active

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It's been an active summer for the plains. Tuesday Severe storms fired up and brought damaging winds and hail across portions of the plains. Ankeny, IA saw hailstones that measured 2.25" in diameter! Wind speeds were also nothing to mess around with!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 035440-1788947690393.png"><h1>WEDNESDAY</h1>A MARGINAL (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe weather has been issued by the SPC, with damaging winds and hail being the main threat expected.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 040405-1788948261005.png"><h1>FLOOD THREAT</h1>Rounds of efficient storms are expected across much of the Plains and Northeast. As a result, the risk for flash flooding will be on the table into Wednesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 040624-1788948404284.png">Make sure to tune in at :10 and :30 past the hour for your full Eastern and Central U.S. breakdown!

Patrick Crawford

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

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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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While many do not associate tropical storms and hurricanes with the Desert Southwest, it's not unusual to see remnant moisture from these systems pulled into the region several times a year from decaying systems in the Eastern Pacific. The leftover moisture from Marie that streamed into the area over the holiday weekend is still lingering. Rainfall totals from Marie brought 2" in some locations. This also significantly increased the high surf and rip currents over the weekend holiday.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2097052283859070982" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2097052283859070982"></div>The higher moisture is also impacting the heat across the region. Dew point temperatures have been in the 60s and 70s. Heat Alerts remain active through Thursday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 033610-1788946583336.png">Temperatures will hit the triple digits for cities like Los Angeles. The 90s are expected for San Diego! When the humidity is factored in, temperatures could feel nearly 10 degrees warmer.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 034936-1788947388959.png">Specifically for Los Angeles, CA, temperatures could feel upwards of 111 degrees on Wednesday afternoon. This is dangerous heat and humidity for the region, especially for how unusual it is to see these conditions.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 035012-1788947423842.png">Had plans to hit the beach and beat the heat? Might not be the best idea to head into the water. Beach hazards statements have been issued for coastal California. Mainly, large waves and dangerous rip currents will be the threats to watch out for.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-09 035049-1788947515831.png">If you are going to the beaches, swim near a lifeguard! This is true even for more experienced swimmers.If you ever find yourself caught in a rip current:<ol><li>Don't panic. If you panic and try to swim back to shore against the current, you will exhaust your energy.</li><li>Swim parallel to the coastline. Once you're out of the grip of the rip you'll be able to move towards the shoreline.</li><li>If swimming parallel is too difficult. Float on your back and try to signal for help!</li><li>Listen to the lifeguards and monitor beach conditions before you go into the water.</li></ol><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 081848-1788368179615.jpg">Stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest in the forecast.

Adrian Hernandez

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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The unofficial end of summer is bringing another busy travel weekend across the country as Americans head out for Labor Day getaways.&nbsp;Travel is expected to pick up beginning Thursday and remain busy through Monday, Sept. 7, as vacationers take advantage of the long holiday weekend. AAA booking data shows travelers are planning everything from road trips and national park visits to cruises and international vacations.&nbsp;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PKG_TRT 7.00_2026 AAA LABOR DAY TRAVEL_ADRIAN HERNANDEZ_RS_E083026-1788614961272.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Several major U.S. cities are attracting a large share of holiday travelers. Seattle is leading domestic bookings, with Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York also among the most popular destinations. Seattle’s popularity is being helped by travelers departing on cruises to Alaska.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-03 072348-1788441841652.png">Road trips will be a major part of the holiday weekend, and travelers should be prepared for periods of heavy traffic. The first significant wave of congestion is expected Thursday afternoon as holiday traffic combines with the normal evening commute. The busiest conditions are expected between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday could be even more challenging, with heavier traffic possible from around midday through the evening.&nbsp;Saturday afternoon could also bring slower travel, while Sunday is expected to offer some of the better driving conditions of the weekend. Traffic is forecast to increase Monday again as vacationers head home.&nbsp;Some routes could take considerably longer than usual. In Colorado, the trip north from Denver to Fort Collins along Interstate 25 could take roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes around midday Thursday, nearly twice the typical travel time.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-03 072440-1788441889189.png">As far as the forecast goes, there are areas where severe storms will be possible throughout the day. One area is across the plains with the main threats being strong winds and large hail. Isolated tornadoes are possible in South Dakota. Another isolated threat for severe weather remains for portions of the Gulf Coast, including cities like New Orleans.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-07 080556-1788789966265.png">It's still all about the heat from the Central U.S. to the Southeast. Here's a look at high temperatures for your Labor Day.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-07 080612-1788789980970.png">National parks are another popular option for travelers looking to spend the final stretch of summer outdoors. Denver and Las Vegas are serving as major jumping-off points for visitors traveling to parks across the West, including Rocky Mountain, Arches, Zion and Grand Canyon.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-03 073709-1788442652697.png">With millions of people expected to be on the move, travelers are encouraged to plan ahead. Leaving early in the day can help drivers avoid some of the worst congestion, while checking road conditions before departure can help identify delays or alternate routes.&nbsp;Drivers should also make sure their vehicles are ready for a longer trip. Batteries, tires, and fluids are among the basics worth checking before hitting the highway. Keeping water, snacks, jumper cables, a flashlight, and first-aid supplies in the vehicle can also help if problems develop along the way.&nbsp;The holiday weekend traditionally marks one of the final major travel periods of the summer season, and whether Americans are heading to the beach, mountains, national parks or another city, crowded roads and airports are likely to be part of the journey.&nbsp;Stay tuned for more of the forecast with WeatherNation TV.

Labor Day Travel Underway as Americans Hit the Roads and Take to the Skies

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2095897171560477173" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2095897171560477173"></div>Severe storms have been following the same path this week, trekking from the Midwest into the Northeast. Another round of intense storms rolled through these areas on Thursday, with an EF-2 tornado in Detroit. Thursday's tornado was the first tornado within the Detroit Metro since July 1997!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/1-1788572871546.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-05 102531-1788625559173.png">The intense winds have led to numerous downed power lines, leaving around 500,000 households in the dark Friday morning. Those numbers have been steadily improving since, but many are still without power around Detroit.<h1>Severe Threat Shifts South</h1>Through Saturday, the overall pattern should begin to change, although a lingering threat for strong or severe thunderstorms may remain across parts of the Carolinas. With repeated rounds of thunderstorms possible, some communities could experience more than one episode of severe weather or flooding before conditions finally improve.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-05 102511-1788625519532.png"><h1>Storm Timing</h1><h2>Saturday</h2>New rounds of storms could get going early Saturday around the Great Lakes, dropping across the Ohio Valley through the day. Storms continue to dive farther south on Saturday as the front cruises down the east coast.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/FORECAST-1788568573869.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Sun - Mon</h2>While some overnight storms are possible, Sunday morning looks to start mostly quiet, with a few isolated storms. By the afternoon, the front will trigger a new round of scattered to numerous thunderstorms, with several of these storms turning severe. Monday's threat will follow the front south into portions of Florida, Southern Georgia, and Southern Alabama.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-05 10-42-55-1788626603869.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Flood Risk</h1>Heavy rainfall rates are expected to lead to flooding issues. The heaviest rain through Sunday morning is likely in the eastern Carolinas and SE Virginia. A level 2 out of 4 risk for excessive rain has been issued for these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-05 102645-1788625617628.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-05 102648-1788625639295.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-05 104232-1788626567428.png">For more on the severe and flooding threat across the Northeast, tune in to WeatherNation :10 past the hour for your Eastern Regional Forecast.

Rob Bradley

Power Still Out for Thousands; Severe Storms Target the East Coast This Weekend

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Intense rainfall has inundated parts of Texas this week thanks to, what was, Tropical Storm Edouard. Rain totals east of I-45, north of Houston, have come in at over 15 inches for a few areas.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2095195048312995975" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2095195048312995975"></div> The heavy rain led to flash flood emergencies being issued this past Wednesday, as roads became impassable in some areas. High rainfall totals for East Texas due to the heavy rain. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1788473855278.png"> Additional heavy rain is expected for a few areas on Thursday, leading to a lingering flood threat, primarily due to saturated soils.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1788474026008.png">The WPC has issued a moderate risk (level 3 out of 4) for parts of eastern Texas, with a level 2 threat that covers portions of the Dallas area. Isolated flooding may linger on Friday before the remnant moisture finally fades.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1788474917265.png"><h1>Landfall</h1> Tropical Storm Edouard made landfall along the northwestern Gulf Coast on Tuesday, September 1st. The National Hurricane Center used radar data from Lake Charles, LA and Houston, TX to determine maximum sustained winds of 60 mph as it moved ashore around 2:20 PM CT near Johnson Bayou, LA.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 194333-1788399821665.png">Wind speeds across portions of Texas peaked to 90 mph. Multiple areas saw wind speeds over 70 mph, leading to power outages for over 75,000 households.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 074944-1788356992093.png">

Flood Threat Lingers in Texas After Edouard

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Check out the Top 5 videos of the week with <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/meredith-garofalo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo</a>

https://youtu.be/KMYkUcOnrBU

Top 5 Videos of the Week - Oct. 21-27

Will It Ever End? Heat Wave Persists for Much of the South & Plains

A relentless ridge of high pressure has been

The Pacific Remains Active

The Pacific hurricane season is showing no si

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

It's been an active summer for the plains. Tu

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

While many do not associate tropical storms a

Labor Day Travel Underway as Americans Hit the Roads and Take to the Skies

The unofficial end of summer is bringing anot

Power Still Out for Thousands; Severe Storms Target the East Coast This Weekend

Severe storms have been following the same pa

Flood Threat Lingers in Texas After Edouard

Intense rainfall has inundated parts of Texas