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

TabanSharifijpeg-1679519287847.jpeg

<p>We have had a nearly stagnant pattern through the western and central United States with multiple days of severe weather. On Tuesday, strong storms continued overnight through Nebraska and the Texas Panhandle. Now, we will be dealing with more of the same through the end of the work week as support in our upper levels become more enhanced thanks to an upper level low pushing in from the west. Multiple days of severe weather are ahead, including the risk for tornadoes, damaging wind and hail.</p><h2>Wednesday</h2><p>As stronger upper-level winds begin to overspread the region bringing another risk for isolated to scattered severe storms. Again covering much of the Great Plains, the threat extends further south into eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. The risk for tornadoes is situated across eastern New Mexico and the OK &amp; TX panhandles along with the potential for "significant" wind and hail, meaning 75 mph gusts or hail 2" diameter or larger.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/spc wed-1685539715862.jpg"></p><p>Tornado potential is sitting at a 2-5% threat for Wednesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-31 111908-1685553553361.png">Large hail exceeding 2" in diameter and strong winds gusting more than 75 mph will also be threats Wednesday. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-31 111921-1685553632542.png">The timing of the storms will be just like the last few days. A few storms during the morning hours and then the strongest storms develop through the afternoon and early evening. 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/2023/05/0531-1685553706289.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><h2>Thursday</h2><p>On Thursday the severe weather threat will be much more focused, encompassing the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles. Damaging winds and hail will be the main risks but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out either.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot 2023-05-31 112209-1685553735476.png">Some showers and storms will be ongoing from Wednesday's activity but more storms develop along the nearly stationary dryline on Thursday. These will push into central Oklahoma by Thursday night and eventually into Kansas with mostly a heavy rainfall threat. More storms develop once again on Friday</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-31 07-33-48-1685540097960.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Another risk of severe storms returns to West Texas and East New Mexico. All modes of severe will be possible and this includes the risk for tornadoes.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/PIC6-1685527603413.jpg">Check back for updates, tune in to continue to follow this developing story on WeatherNation!</p>

Severe Weather Continues Across the Great Plains

upperlevellowjpg-1685540328655.jpeg

<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

RobBradleyjpeg-1679518597323.jpeg

<p>Meteorological Summer begins on June 1, but summer-like temps are already challenging records across much of the Northern United States. An upper-level ridge has led to highs 10-15 degrees above average in the Upper Midwest and we will see the heat most pronounced over the Northeast this week with a few more cities potentially hitting records in the Midwest too by Saturday. </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! We usually don't see 90s until late June, with this heat right on schedule for New York. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-31 Avg 90 Highs-1685529057313.png">Daily record high temperatures could fall as well by the end of the week across the Northeast.Highs will be widespread in the 80s and 90s, peaking on Friday. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-31 NE Record Dots-1685528928349.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-31 NE Highs-1685528921197.png"></p><h2>North Central</h2><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. Everywhere you see a red dot is the potential to break records. Most of these will come on Friday and Saturday this week. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-31 04-21-52-1685528526529.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-31 Midwest Highs-1685528934873.png"></p><p>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>

Early Summer Heat for Northern U.S.

8png-1685360157290.png

<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<div dir="ltr">
<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>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Lucy Bergemann

Untitleddesign4png-1682539884658.png

<p>Thursday is the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season and right on cue we have something churning in the Gulf waters. An area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms in the Gulf of Mexico has sparked interest with the National Hurricane Center. This disturbance currently has a 10% chance of formation within the next 48 hours and a 20% chance in the next 7 days. This disturbance is very disorganized at the moment, but even a disorganized low in the Gulf can bring heavy rain.</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. The heaviest rainfall will favor southern Florida and the Panhandle on Wednesday with more widespread shower activity on Thursday as the low creeps closer to the coast. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/FORECAST-1685525919883.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 could definitely take place. As a result, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has highlighted the risk for excessive rainfall through southern and central Florida over the next 3 days. 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/rainfall se-1685539260030.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>

Watching a Low in the Gulf for Potential Tropical Development

PIC2jpg-1685526399456.jpeg

<p>Fires in Nova Scotia, Canada, have been raging and producing thick 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. This is a level 3 out of 6 on the Air Quality Scale, and means those with preexisting health conditions may feel impacts from the smoke. </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>The heaviest concentration of smoke will be through the day on Wednesday for the I-95 corridor of New York, Pennsylvania and down into Virginia. Be prepared for the smell and sight of smoke in the air. Later tonight the smoke pushes into central Pennsylvania and New York and disperses overnight. An incoming cold front Thursday night and Friday should help to scour away the smoke for the weekend too. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-31 07-44-42-1685541013641.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><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. 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/2023/05/05-31 Red Flags-1685529710201.png">Winds will be at their strongest during the afternoon and evening hours, gusting in the range of 20-30 mph with locally higher gusts too. This could be problematic for areas of blowing dust and dirt in southern New Mexico, so please be careful if you are driving!</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-31 07-48-09-1685541219940.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>For more on the fire threat and smoke impacting the U.S., join WeatherNation for your latest top weather headlines, always streaming 24/7.</p>

Wildfire Smoke in the Northeast & Fire Threat in the Southwest

0531NESmokepng-1685529528518.png

<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. After a historic snowfall over the winter, 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/snowpack-1685464063709.jpg">Expect daily showers and storms that mostly develop over the higher terrain, but a 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. While storms won't likely reach severe criteria (58 mph winds or 1 inch hail), they will still be capable of producing gusty winds, small hail, and the threat of frequent lightning. Remember, "When thunder roars, head indoors".</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/2023-05-31 04-11-02-1685527939245.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/05/05-31 GB Rain-1685527923801.png">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

cutofflowjpg-1685464401772.jpeg

<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/wpc friday-1685541883343.jpg">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/2023/05/2023-05-31 08-03-02-1685541901546.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">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

0530_rnw_fcstrainfalljpg-1685474022176.jpeg

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

PatrickCrawfordjpeg-1679518802702.jpeg

<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

spciowajpg-1685461678852.jpeg

The severe weather chance has grown for Friday over parts of Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles.  Here is the very latest.
<h2><strong>Severe Outlook</strong></h2>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-94538 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/spc-day1.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" /><strong> </strong>

An enhanced risk of severe weather is over  Central and Southern High Plains for Friday afternoon and evening.
<h2><strong>Enhanced Risk Definition</strong></h2>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-94544 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/moderate.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

&nbsp;
<h2><strong>Severe Risks</strong></h2>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-94539 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/tor.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-94540 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/hail.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-94543 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/wind.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

All modes of severe weather will be in play today and unfortunately large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes will all be possible in these areas.
<h2><strong>Forecast</strong></h2>
Here is the latest timing for today's storms.  We could start to see some development as early as the late morning over Wyoming and South Dakota, but the severe risk will be increasing later in the afternoon and into the evening.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-94509 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/brqaed-6.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-94510 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/Capture-33.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-94511 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/cle-4.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

<img class="alignnone wp-image-94512 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/07/cone-2.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

You can see the timing for today's severe storms will be during the afternoon and evening hours.  Keep checking <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/">WeatherNation</a> for the very latest updates.

Severe Weather Threat Grows for Friday

Severe Outlook

Enhanced Risk Definition

Severe Risks

Forecast

Severe Weather Continues Across the Great Plains

We have had a nearly stagnant pattern through

Early Summer Heat for Northern U.S.

Meteorological Summer begins on June 1, but s

Watching a Low in the Gulf for Potential Tropical Development

Thursday is the official start of the Atlanti

Wildfire Smoke in the Northeast & Fire Threat in the Southwest

Fires in Nova Scotia, Canada, have been ragin

Cutoff Low Brings Daily Storm Chances to the Southwest

A cutoff area of low pressure is migrating fr

Flood Threat Continues in the Northwest With More Heavy Rain Ahead

Flooding concern arose across the Snake River

Strong Storms for Minnesota & Iowa

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a MARG