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.

Jesse Kelley

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<p>The upcoming stretch of hot temperatures will be a talker across parts of the Plains and Midwest. As the upper high builds northward, we will keep an eye on a couple of cold fronts and jet stream energy riding the blocking high resulting in severe chances Friday-Monday. Let's talk about Friday first.</p><p>Friday<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784857563832.png">The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted a Slight risk for severe storms on Friday across North Dakota and Northern Minnesota. The primary threats will be damaging winds and an isolated tornado or two. Storms will get going during the afternoon heating and continue past sunset.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/BARON 5-1784857772948.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><h1>Sunday-Monday</h1><p>The storm fuel on Sunday and Monday looks a lot better for the next round of severe storms. With temperatures in the 90s and 100s ahead of the next front, severe weather is looking likely.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784858014872.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1png-1784857337380.png"></p><p>The current thinking of the forecast shows a couple of rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms. The thunderstorm threat will be highest in the afternoon and evening hours, however, storms could still be strong after the sun sets. The biggest threat will likely be damaging winds and heavy rain but we will keep an eye out on the tornado threat too.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/BARON 5-1784858223296.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Severe Chances Return for the Midwest

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Brittany Lockley

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<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/2085448512011391" data-width="500" src="https://www.facebook.com/reel/2085448512011391" style="display: flex; justify-content: center"></div><h1>Bertha</h1><p>Bertha has now moved inland into eastern Texas, with a messy second landfall as an elongated center of low pressure. Bertha first made landfall within the Biloxi Wildlife Management Area in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, with winds of 45 mph on Wednesday July 22. Bertha's center of low pressure continues to be shredded apart and will weaken as it progresses inland.</p><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">Tropical Depression Bertha</span></strong><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)"> is moving slowly in South Texas, bringing periods of heavy rain to the Gulf Coast of Texas. Gusty winds, rough surf, and coastal flooding are possible for the rest of Thursday along the Gulf Coast.</span></p><p>The atmosphere surrounding Bertha remains hostile. Strong northeasterly wind shear is disrupting the storm’s vertical structure by pushing the deepest thunderstorms away from the center of circulation. <span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">As Bertha continues to move inland, the tropical storm will gradually weaken over the coming days. As it does so, the threats will diminish.</span><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784844911012.png"></p><p></p><h1>Pacific</h1><p>There are a few other areas we are monitoring in the Eastern Pacific. <strong>Hurricane Fausto </strong>continues to track west, along with another area behind Fausto that has a high chance of tropical development in the next 7 days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784857226515.png"></p><p></p><p>Now a hurricane, Fausto is expected to track westward and remain at Category One strength. Dry air and increasing shear mean the storm is expected to weaken some through the weekend as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands. It's too early to determine if the storm will track over the islands or head north, but some impacts can be expected. Large swells and strong currents will impact the islands next week, but wind and rain impacts from the system itself cannot be ruled out. We will continue to keep you updated!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784857206954.png"></p><p></p><p>In addition, the second wave behind Fausto has been classified as Invest 98E. Models show this storm could become not only a hurricane but a major hurricane in the coming days. Models show this area of low pressure tracking pretty close to Cabo San Lucas before getting tugged westward and weakening.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784845122236.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784845150165.png"></p>

Tropics: Bertha Dissipates, Fausto Heads to Hawaii

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Adrian Hernandez

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<p>A stalled boundary over the Carolinas will keep storms in the forecast into the weekend. While we do have severe weather chances, models are showing high rainfall rates and a flood risk for the area.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2080088002332872753" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2080088002332872753"></div><h1>Flooding</h1><p>With the front sticking around for the long haul, rainfall chances will be in the forecast daily. This stretch makes it all the way out to the weekend! Rainfall totals across the South will average between 3-6 inches of rain. Localized heavier amounts are possible. Make sure you have a plan of action if high water becomes an issue in your neighborhood.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-23 142023-1784838037928.png">With a large amount of rain in the forecast, the risk for flash flooding will be present. More than likely, Flood Watches will continue from Northern Alabama and East Tennessee to the Carolina coastline through Friday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/FORECAST-1784848511081.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible along and south of the front on Friday. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a marginal risk of severe weather for the area shaded in dark green.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-23 141714-1784837895658.png"></p><p>Despite this last week, it's been pretty dry for the Carolinas. Recent updates from the drought monitor show an extreme to even exceptional drought across the Carolinas. Hopefully, all this rain can offset some of those concerns.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-22 044550-1784717162590.png"></p><p>Make sure to tune into WeatherNation for the full east breakdown at :10 past the hour! Always remember, turn around and don't drown!</p>

Flood Risk Continues for the Mid-Atlantic on Friday

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<p>Are you over the summer heat yet? Well, more impactful heat is in the forecast over the next seven days in parts of the Southwest, Northern and Southern Plains. The Weather Prediction Center's 6-10 Temperature Outlook favors most of the country in seeing above average temperatures except for the Northeast. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1png-1784845647365.png"></p><h1>Southwest</h1><p>Extreme Heat Warnings and Advisories have been issued for parts of the Desert Southwest into Monday. Now, this region is used to seeing hot afternoons. However, the fact that overnight temperatures are only cooling off into the 90s can be dangerous at night if you don't have proper cooling sources. The very hot temperatures are expected to expand into the Northern Four Corners states of Utah and Colorado with highs approaching 100 degrees. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784846127694.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784846396913.png"></p><h1>Central U.S.</h1><p>As high pressure expands westward, the upper high also expands northward into the High Plains. In Montana, extreme heat warnings and advisories have been issued for this weekend for high temperatures exceeding over 100 degrees. The high heat will move east into the Central Plains for this weekend too before a cold front moves in early next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784846828775.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784846849817.png"></p><p>Lastly, for the Southern Plains the high heat sticks around for the weekend and most of next week because of high pressure.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784847018984.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784847042572.png"></p><p>For everyone across the country dealing with the intense, practice heat safety, take frequent breaks, and stay hydrated as best as you can in the days upcoming.</p>

Very Hot Temperatures For the Western and Central United States

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<p>Conditions have been really dry out west. We've been tracking some major fires across the state of Oregon. With multiple fires burning in the same general region, they form complexes. We have two large ones we're tracking now with containment improvements.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-03-29 062044-1784814484684.png"></p><p>One of the biggest issues we're going to track with these fires will be the smoke. Unfortunately, upper-level winds will send this moderate to even dense smoke across the Pacific Northwest.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-03-29 062205-1784814510315.png">This smoke is expected to lower the air quality considerably across the area through the week. Red Flag warnings will be in place the next few days, so be mindful of anything that could spark a new fire over the weekend. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-03-29 062330-1784814589706.png"></p><p>Stay tuned to the forecast here on WeatherNation at :50 past the hour for your full Western U.S. breakdown!</p>

Tracey Anthony

Hot & Smoky w/ a Chance of Lightning

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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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<p>Tuesday brought severe weather again across parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Multiple tornadoes were spotted, including one in Summerville, PA. </p><p></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2078640402845114541" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2078640402845114541?s=20"></div><h1>OVERNIGHT </h1><p>Into the overnight hours, the Storm Prediction Center has issued a marginal risk for severe storms, including the cities of Charlotte, Raleigh, and Richmond. Any area highlighted in dark green will have the potentail for strong to severe storms overnight. Damaging winds will be the primary concern, but a brief tornado can't be ruled out. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/overnigsss-1784768974407.png"></p><p>Storms will continue along the frontal boundary overnight. Another concern with these storms is the heavy rain that has developed and will continue to develop as this system lingers.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/kkdss-1784769199524.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Along the stalled boundary, heavy rainfall will be possible with the training showers and thunderstorms, and flooding could occur. Some pockets of rainfall between 3-6" will be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1784750513254.png"></p>

Another Round of Storms Targets the Northeast

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<p>The upper-level low train continues to keep the weather pattern active for the Midwest. As this system moved through today, strong storms developed, bringing damaging winds, large hail, and tornado warnings.</p><h1>Severe Outlook</h1><p>Overnight, we have a slight risk for strong storms from the Midwest to the Great Lakes. The biggest concern will be damaging winds, but large hail and a few tornadoes are also possible.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/enhannfff-1784599474298.png">Some storms could be packing a significant punch. Hen-egg sized hail and hurricane-force wind gusts will be possible with the strongest storms. Some storms will have a chance to see large tracking tornadoes.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/fjfjfjfjfsss-1784599821708.png"></p><h1>Forecast Timing</h1><p>Overnight, as the frontal boundary moves to the south/east, storms will continue to ride along it. Any storm that develops through the overnight will have the capability to be strong to severe.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/fprecccsss-1784599734885.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>More on your Central Regional Forecast can be found :30 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p>

Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<h1><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.noradsanta.org/en/">CLICK HERE TO TRACK SANTA WITH NORAD!</a><br></h1><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LGqyHwddfu0" start="0"></iframe></div><p><span style="color: rgb(15, 20, 25)">We spoke to </span><span style="color: black">Major Jennie Derenzis</span><span style="color: rgb(15, 20, 25)"> of NORAD. She gives us details on Santa's trip around the world, and how Santa and the gang get you your presents in an efficient and timely manner! </span><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">Watch along with WeatherNation as we track Santa's journey around the world on Christmas Eve!</span></p><h2>Fun Facts About Santa's Mission:</h2><p>Santa's sleigh is approximately 75 candy canes in length or 150 lollypops. The weight at takeoff is 75k gumdrops and Santa is estimated to be 260 lbs at takeoff - we're not sure how much he weighs by the time he lands after all those cookies! Santa's sleigh can travel faster than starlight at maximum speed and is powered by 9 reindeer!</p><h2><strong>How Did NORAD Get Their Start Tracking Santa?</strong></h2><p style="text-align: start">For more than 60 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa’s flight.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/12/santa_and_shoup-1703177296101.jpg"></p><p style="text-align: start"><em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">(Image: Colonel Harry Shoup, NORAD's First Santa Tracker September 29, 1917 - March 14, 2009)</span></em></p><p style="text-align: start">The tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck &amp; Co. advertisement misprinted the telephone number for children to call Santa. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations "hotline." The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born.</p><p style="text-align: start">In 1958, the governments of Canada and the United States created a bi-national air defense command for North America called the North American Aerospace Defense Command, also known as NORAD, which then took on the tradition of tracking Santa.</p>

Tracking Santa with NORAD & WeatherNation

CLICK HERE TO TRACK SANTA WITH NORAD!

Fun Facts About Santa's Mission:

How Did NORAD Get Their Start Tracking Santa?

Severe Chances Return for the Midwest

The upcoming stretch of hot temperatures will

Tropics: Bertha Dissipates, Fausto Heads to Hawaii

BerthaBertha has now moved inland into easter

Flood Risk Continues for the Mid-Atlantic on Friday

A stalled boundary over the Carolinas will ke

Very Hot Temperatures For the Western and Central United States

Are you over the summer heat yet? Well, more

Hot & Smoky w/ a Chance of Lightning

Conditions have been really dry out west. We'

Another Round of Storms Targets the Northeast

Tuesday brought severe weather again across p

Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

The upper-level low train continues to keep t