Kevin Schneider

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A series of storms is lining up to impact the West Coast, bringing days of wet and unsettled weather to parts of California and the Rockies. Gusty winds will also accompany the system at times, adding to the overall impact.&nbsp; As of now, isolated severe storms are expected in the Bay Area. In the higher elevations, snowfall is expected. 1-2 feet of snowfall is possible for the Sierra Nevada mountains. Winter weather alerts are already in place.Higher elevations will see a different side of this system, with colder air allowing snow to fall across the mountains. Snow levels are expected to drop enough for accumulating snow in the Sierra Nevada, where totals could become significant. Winter Storm Advisories and Warnings have been issued for portions of the Sierra Nevada and higher terrains in Southern California through tonight for a couple of feet of snowfall in the higher elevations, mostly above 4500 feet. This could create hazardous travel conditions in mountain passes, with slick roads and reduced visibility due to falling snow and wind.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 105814-1776013152826.png">A stronger cold front moves in tonight, and it will drag down some cooler air to support heavy snow chances in the Sierra. Travel could be a little dicey on Interstate 80. Southern California will also get in on the precipitation.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-12 cal-1776013168692.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rainfall totals are expected to build quickly as each wave moves through. Several inches of rain could fall in parts of California and Oregon, with the heaviest amounts likely in coastal areas and higher terrain. Totals may surpass a foot in the high country and at the peaks of the mountains, but the Donner Pass will be a slick one to travel over.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 105818-1776013178338.png">The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into early next week, meaning the West Coast will not see much of a break from the active weather anytime soon. As these systems push inland, they may also help trigger additional weather impacts farther east, extending the reach of this stormy stretch beyond the coastline.&nbsp;<h2>Four Corners Moisture</h2>Here is a closer look at the incoming rain, thunderstorms, and snow for the Intermountain West. A few showers and storms may sneak into portions of New Mexico and Arizona, but the majority of the moisture looks to happen in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. This moisture picks up over the next few afternoons, which is great news for the drought.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 110019-1776013226155.png">Drought conditions have intensified to extreme and exceptional levels out west due to a 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 2026-04-11 061335-1775909620203.jpg">However, some of that moisture might come with some strong winds. Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah are all in a marginal risk for severe storms Sunday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 110049-1776013253804.png">

Alana Cameron

Stormy Pattern Continues for West Coast

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The peak of spring severe weather season is fast approaching and the outlooks are here to prove it! The Storm Prediction Center has outlooks for severe storms just about each day this week! This weekend will see an increase in energy as upper-level energy moves through northern Mexico into the Southern Plains. Another trough arrives early next week to keep the severe weather risk going.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-10 100804-1775837299426.png"><h1>Outlooks</h1>Sunday's risk is in many of the same locations as Saturday, but has been extended well north into Wisconsin. The threat is more of a conditional risk, meaning that severe storms are far from guarenteed. But if storms do develop, they have potential to reach severe weather criteria. Large hail and damaging winds will be the biggest concern today.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 105226-1776012795500.png"><h1>Forecast</h1><h2>South Side</h2>After a break from storms earlier today, another round of isolated to scattered thunderstorms has developed this afternoon. Some storms have already brought the risk for flash flooding.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-12 RSC-1776012903843.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>North Side</h2>Storms are possible again this afternoon, but confidence is still low on how widespread storm development will be.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-12 06-36-28-1775997459127.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Rainfall &amp; Flood Threat</h1>Heavy downpours are expected with these thunderstorms. Rainfall totals could surpass 3-5" in some areas that see multiple thunderstorms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-11 043616-1775903842893.png">A Slight Risk for excessive rainfall has been issued for parts of the Southern Plains. Slow moving storms could trigger flash flooding!<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 105709-1776013036446.png">MONDAY</h2>A lot of the same question marks move into Monday, with a bimodal severe threat. The area of greatest concern looks to be up around the Great Lakes, where a higher tornado threat resides.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 122005-1776018029088.png">

Weekend Closes With More Storms

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We're not really that close to the solstice. In fact, we're not even a month removed from the Spring Equinox but many of us have skipped Spring and found ourselves in Summer! A strong ridge of high pressure (above) is gripping the eastern half of the country this week. It's doing 2 things: heating things up, and steering storms north.For the first time in 15 years, the Masters has been rain-free but it's also been hot with temperatures close to 90 to close out the final round of the Masters today, which shouldn't have much impact on the golfers, but it's no less odd. Elsewhere, records will fall this afternoon.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 075349-1776002152763.png">Even Columbus, who is fairly north for this warm of a setup, has a chance to get to 80+ just about every day this week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 075821-1776002306515.png">The potential for records out east continues into the work week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 135223-1776023563257.png">Temperatures in the southeast will run well-above average. Many cities will near 90 as we head into Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week, which is well about the typical 70s we should have in April.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 135238-1776023604888.png">Watch out for fire concern with temperatures this warm, it helps to dry out soils and fuel for fire danger.

Feeling Like Summer This Week

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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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<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1>We continue to see the busy April pattern from Texas to the Great Lakes. A huge trough will swing through, bringing a severe threat risk on Tuesday and Wednesday. All severe threats will be possible, including damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Heavy rainfall will also be embedded in some storms, raising concerns about flooding. Make sure to stay with us for the latest updates and shifts in the forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/tuesdyaa-1776025475428.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/wednesdaysss-1776025484682.png"><h1>TIMING</h1>Daytime heating will help to spark up thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Some storms will remain strong into the evening and nighttime hours, so make sure to have multiple ways to get alerts.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/fjfjssss-1776025501937.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>In addition to severe storm hazards (wind, hail, and tornadoes), heavy rainfall rates are expected to lead to flash flood potential. It doesn't appear to be a high-end flooding threat, but as the forecast draws closer, we will keep you updated!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/tue-wed-1776025857186.png">

Active Pattern This Week Across U.S.

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<h1 style="text-align: center"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/">Click here to WATCH LIVE with WeatherNation!</a> Coverage starts at 6:30 pm ET</h1>Welcome home, astronauts! Friday, April 10th, the Orion spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, where the U.S. Navy assisted in the recovery of the crew. The weather thankfully allowed for an efficient recovery, even if the seas were a bit choppy.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/WEB 1-1775822977156.png">The descent of the Orion spacecraft was impressive, entering the atmosphere at around 24,000 mph before slowing down and deploying multiple parachutes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-10 123205-1775845963897.png">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">Artemis II Flight History</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><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-01 180532-1775088336863.png"><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.

Jesse Kelley

Artemis II Splashes Down After Journey Around the Moon

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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>

Rob Bradley

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Spring is in full swing which means it's time to start looking ahead to this year's upcoming hurricane season in the Atlantic! Each year, Colorado State University's Tropical Weather Department releases multiple forecasts for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, including one of the earliest issued among major forecasters.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065207-1775740414924.png"> CSU just released their first forecast for 2026, which is calling for a near normal to slightly below average season with 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. The average season in the Atlantic is just slightly higher than this initial prediction, meaning several impactful storms are still possible. As a reminder, even below average seasons can have major impacts depending on where storms form which is impossible to predict months ahead of time.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065246-1775740421912.png">You've probably heard rumblings about the burgeoning El Ni­­ños, and possible Super Ni­­ño, shaping up in the tropical Pacific. The expectation for an El Ni­­ño event during the peak of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season is a big factor in CSU's below average forecast, along with near normal sea surface temperatures, which have been much above average in recent seasons.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065226-1775739587003.png">The confidence in an El Nino developing this summer is quite high, but the remaining question is how strong will the event be? Weak El Ni­­ños typically have a lower impact on the tropics in the Atlantic while strong El Ni­­ños have a more consistent impact. This year's El Ni­­ño is trending toward the strong side, but it's still too early to say for certain.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2042226020179161097" src="https://x.com/NWSCPC/status/2042226020179161097"></div>Why do El Ni­­ños typically reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin? The warmer water in the equatorial pacific often leads to a more energetic sub-tropical jet, leading to stronger winds in the upper-atmosphere over the Caribbean. Surface winds in the Caribbean most often comes from the east, known as the trade winds. When these winds lay under strong winds from the opposite (or even the same direction), it leads to strong wind shear which tears hurricanes apart.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 063418-1775740706915.png">Even with a slightly below average season, two major hurricanes are expected with many other named storms. Any named storm that hits land can have major to extreme impacts, so stay prepared and stay tuned. WeatherNation will always keep you updated on the latest in the tropics!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065301-1775741404492.png">

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

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Brittany Lockley

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The Masters Tournament in Augusta is expected to see a stretch of unusually calm and favorable weather, setting the stage for a smooth and uninterrupted competition. Forecasts call for dry conditions throughout the entire tournament, which is a rare occurrence for this time of year. If the forecast holds, it would mark the first time in more than a decade that the event avoids any rainfall, eliminating concerns about delays, soft course conditions, or challenging wet play. Instead, golfers will likely compete under steady, predictable weather that keeps the focus on their performance rather than the elements.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-11 062643-1775910415535.jpg"> Temperatures are expected to remain comfortable, with mild afternoons and cool mornings typical of spring in Georgia.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-11 06-28-05-1775910553527.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Winds should stay relatively light as well, especially heading into the weekend, which could make for ideal scoring conditions. Without strong gusts to contend with, players may find it easier to control their shots and take advantage of scoring opportunities across Augusta National. Overall, the quiet weather pattern could lead to a more consistent pace of play and potentially lower scores as the tournament unfolds.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-11 06-29-37-1775910600720.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>With minimal weather impacts expected, this year’s Masters may ultimately come down to precision and execution. In a tournament often influenced by shifting conditions, the lack of major weather disruptions means the field will be tested purely on skill. Speculators will also be in for a treat with this weather, but not only that look at the prices of the concessions.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-11 063131-1775910706277.jpg">For more information on other spring event forecast, head over to WeatherNation TV.

Masters Forecast: No Rain, No Delays, Just Golf

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Multiple, brief tornado touchdowns were reported across parts of Central Illinois on Saturday afternoon, associated with a stormy day across the Appalachians, Midwest, and Plains states.

https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1413956548083208195

<a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-risk-continues-for-high-plains/">Related Article: Plains Severe Weather Risk Continues Through The Weekend</a>

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-149179" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2021/07/Capture2-4.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

The three separate tornado reports occurred to the west-northwest of Springfield, Illinois Saturday. The tornadoes were reportedly brief in nature and over open, rural locations. When we monitored the tornadic cells via Radar, it was clear that a tornado had touched down.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-149180" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2021/07/Capture-21.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

The radar image Saturday afternoon of the apparent tornado showed what's called a "CC drop." That means a lower value popped up on the Correlation Coefficient product of the radar from Lincoln, Illinois. We circled it in white above. The radar is seeing mixed objects, such as tree leaves, being lofted into the air from a tornado.

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We will continue to stay on top of the latest tornado and severe storm reports this weekend! See the related article link (above) for more on the severe weather forecast this weekend.

Tornadoes Touch Down In Illinois Saturday

Stormy Pattern Continues for West Coast

A series of storms is lining up to impact the

Weekend Closes With More Storms

The peak of spring severe weather season is f

Feeling Like Summer This Week

We're not really that close to the solstice.

Active Pattern This Week Across U.S.

WHAT TO EXPECTWe continue to see the busy Apr

Artemis II Splashes Down After Journey Around the Moon

Click here to WATCH LIVE with WeatherNation!C

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

Spring is in full swing which means it's time

Masters Forecast: No Rain, No Delays, Just Golf

The Masters Tournament in Augusta is expected