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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UPPER MIDWEST and GREAT LAKES - The second day of destructive severe storms moved through Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Hail up to 3" in diameter caused damage between Madison and Milwaukee Tuesday evening, with multiple confirmed tornado warnings.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 102002-1776270008798.png">Severe thunderstorms did not give up overnight. In fact, they remained strong as they pushed through much of the Midwest. Reports of large hail, tornadoes, and damaging winds were rolling in all throughout the night.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2044202476317093912" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2044202476317093912"></div>What's causing this severe risk? In the upper levels of the atmosphere, a couple of mid-level disturbances are increasing lift and strong winds aloft. This will help storms develop and organize. At the surface, a surface low and slow-moving warm front will help to initialize and organize storms. There are also high levels of CAPE (convective available potential energy) and surface moisture from the Gulf (dewpoints in the 60s) that will help create the risk of large hail.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 153013-1776202220884.png"><h2>Wednesday</h2>Another day, another severe weather outlook. With more warm front storms in the forecast, we have another SLIGHT risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms on Wednesday. Similar to Tuesday's outlook, this one also highlights two hot spots where severe weather is more likely. The expansive warm front stretches as far east as Pennsylvania, getting them in on the action as well.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 063205-1776249138264.png"><h2>Thursday</h2>The outlook shifts eastward by Thursday. As the cold front sweeps through, we'll have a MARGINAL (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe weather for most of the outlook. However, the SPC has higher confidence in central New York state's chances of severe weather. A SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather is issued for that area, with all threats being on the table.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 063230-1776249162053.png">With multiple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms in the same areas, this may lead to an isolated to scattered flooding risk across the Great Lakes region. Be prepared for flooding, especially if you still have some snow on the ground; frozen ground can take longer to absorb flood waters compared to unfrozen ground.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 105833-1776185927642.png">

Alana Cameron

Severe Storms Remain Across the Midwest and Great Lakes

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Kevin Schneider

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SW PLAINS - Portions of Texas and Oklahoma are at risk of severe thunderstorms through Wednesday. On Tuesday, a dryline was the primary forcing mechanism to trigger storms. A dryline is similar to a cold front except that a dryline separates dry air masses from moist air masses and is often responsible for triggering severe thunderstorms.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 102435-1776270283612.png"></h2>Through Wednesday morning, the SPC has kept a SLIGHT risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe storms across portions of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas (above). There is a significant hail threat. In their discussion, they mention that the environment is favorable for very large to giant hail (up to 3-4 inches in diameter) with any supercells that spread east-northeastward. That is why there is a CIG2 risk for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma through tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 102605-1776270374798.png">In addition to this significant hail risk, there is also a risk of tornadoes with these supercells. If a tornado were to form, it could become strong-with a reasonable maximum intensity of EF-2.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 102637-1776270406445.png">Timing will try o favor the afternoon, but there's a chance these persist into the early overnight hours. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-15 10-28-31-1776270534362.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The risk for flooding is fairly minimal in these areas but models do have a few localized heavier downpours through the next couple of days in these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 063132-1776162706753.png">

Dryline Driven Storms for Texas and Oklahoma

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Record high temperatures are in the forecast for the second half of the work week, and in fact, we broke records on Tuesday across many northeastern locations.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 181344-1776212031741.png">Over the next several days, multiple cities could challenge or break daily records, with temperatures running more than 20 degrees above average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 064242-1776249775481.png">Across the Southeast, temperatures will remain well above normal. Many cities are expected to approach 90 degrees today, Wednesday, and Thursday far above the typical April highs in the 70s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 082159-1776262942335.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 082203-1776262947656.png"><h3>Fire Danger</h3>With this kind of warmth, fire concerns increase. Hot, dry conditions can quickly dry out soils and vegetation, creating more fuel for fires. There is an elevated threat for fire danger Wednesday and Thursday.On Wednesday, the elevated fire threat includes portions of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 082242-1776262971922.png">By Thursday, the elevated risk is across portions of Georgia to Virginia. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 082245-1776262977847.png">

Eastern Heat + Fire Danger

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After a busy start to the week, the weekend doesn't look like it will let up much. Another trough will swing in, replacing another that kept severe chances around all week. This next trough (above) that will drop in looks like it could be a touch stronger even. It's early in the forecast, but let's talk about what we know.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 102133-1776270101860.png">It looks like there will be just as much unstable air to work with, helping power storms in the afternoon. Because many of the ingredients don't change, just their origin, the severe outlook will look familiar.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 043440-1776249290365.png">Right now, the Storm Prediction Center is more concerned with Friday from Iowa to Oklahoma. This early on, all modes of severe weather are still on the table, but there's plenty of work to be done concerning the details. Get in the habit of checking back with the forecast if you live in these areas, although that might already be formed given the severe chances preceding all of this.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 043458-1776249305153.png">Storms fire along the front on Friday afternoon from Kansas to Illinois and continue along the boundary as we head into Saturday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-14 fri sat-1776216108670.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Next Severe Threat: Friday and Saturday

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COLORADO - An estimated 75+ car pileup happened on Colorado's I-70 near the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel earlier on Tuesday, April 14th. Light snow was being reported throughout the day. I-70 was closed well into Tuesday evening, but has since been reopened.As we head into the rest of the week, increasing chances of rain and snow will impact the western United States as another upper-level low-pressure system moves onshore. Currently, an upper-level low is positioned over parts of the northern Four Corners, while the next trough is moving into the Pacific Northwest today.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-14_rnw jet stream-1776194654293.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>A frontal boundary associated with the incoming trough is moving across the Pacific Northwest, spreading precipitation into the Cascade Mountains, Northern Rockies, and the Tetons. As a result, widespread winter weather alerts are in place for higher elevations across the Northwest.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 043752-1776249487041.png">The cold front will bring rain to lower elevations and snow to the Cascades as it moves inland. Moisture will then spread east into Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. This system is expected to reach Utah by Thursday and much of Colorado by Friday. This next round of snow for Colorado looks to bring snow levels lower, down to the I-25 corridor.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-14 rnw bams-1776211889623.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Snowfall totals will vary by elevation, but mountainous areas could pick up 1-2 feet of snow through the week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 180906-1776211935709.png">More details on this forecast can be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Colorado I-70 Pileup on Tuesday, More Snow Late Week

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<h1>Multi-Day Severe Storm Set-Up</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.An ENHANCED (level 3 out of 5) risk for severe weather is in place on Tuesday. The outlook even expands a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk out into the northeast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 072908-1776173358269.jpg">Similarly, on Wednesday, we'll have another outlook where two hot spots for severe weather are highlighted. At this point, however, a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather is issued.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 063457-1776162907110.png">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.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/Screenshot 2026-04-14 073108-1776173482064.jpg">For a deep dive into the north and south sides of this severe threat, visit the following articles on our website! <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/upper-midwest-and-great-lakes-enhanced-risks">North Side</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/dryline-driven-storms-for-texas-and-oklahoma">South Side</a>

Storm Overview: Who All Is At Risk This Week?

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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">

Tracey Anthony

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

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https://youtu.be/i-_fIlQrrK8

Pea size, baseball size, even grapefruit size?

There are many everyday items that we can use to determine the best estimate of a hail stone.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-90381 size-full" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/hail-size-chart-pics.jpg" alt="" width="630" height="617" />

Courtesy: NOAA/National Weather Service

Pea size hail is ¼" in diameter and hail at ¾" is the width of a penny.

When hail is 1" in diameter, that’s the same size as a quarter and also when hail size is considered "severe" (or large enough to potentially cause damage).

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-90382" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/quart-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

Some of the most destructive hail that falls measures at least 2" in diameter!

Tennis ball size is 2 ½", baseball size measures 2.75", tea cup size is 3", and softball size measures 4" in diameter.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-90383" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/weldon-1-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

Did you know hail can be even larger than that?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1258580136699420674

The biggest hailstone ever recorded was near Vivian, South Dakota in 2010, coming in at 8” in diameter!

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-90384" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/viv-2-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

Just remember -- before you go outside to measure the size of hail that fell in your backyard, wait until the storm has moved far enough away so you can safely make your observation.

For WeatherNation, I’m <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/meredith-garofalo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo</a>

Understanding Hail Size

Severe Storms Remain Across the Midwest and Great Lakes

UPPER MIDWEST and GREAT LAKES - The second da

Dryline Driven Storms for Texas and Oklahoma

SW PLAINS - Portions of Texas and Oklahoma ar

Eastern Heat + Fire Danger

Record high temperatures are in the forecast

Next Severe Threat: Friday and Saturday

After a busy start to the week, the weekend d

Colorado I-70 Pileup on Tuesday, More Snow Late Week

COLORADO - An estimated 75+ car pileup happen

Storm Overview: Who All Is At Risk This Week?

Multi-Day Severe Storm Set-UpWe continue to s

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

Spring is in full swing which means it's time