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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Dangerous heat and record high temperatures continue across the High Plains through the Upper Midwest, eventually moving into the Northeast for this week. A new record high temperature has been broken in Marquette, MI on Monday (above).ALL TIME RECORD HIGHS were broken across the Western United States on Sunday, July 12th, including cities such as Billings, Montana, reaching a scorching 111° (searing the previous all-time record of 107°) and Salt Lake City, Utah, reaching a toasty 109°, which beat out the previous record set in September of 2022 at 107°.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot20260712193832png-1783906806701.png" alt="main">Heat Alerts remain in place through Thursday across many areas throughout the northern tier of the U.S.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 154559-1783979163857.png">Heat safety will be a continued concern going forward. Be sure to stay hydrated and keep looking in the back seat before locking the car. The heatwave has climaxed in the Central and Northern Rockies and will begin to shift into the High Plains and Upper Midwest as we head into the week ahead. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 154639-1783979207029.png">Temperatures in the northeast will be widespread in the 90s, with a few locations hitting the century mark.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 154642-1783979213084.png">Dangerous Heat is also being seek across the Southwest this week. Heat alerts have been expanded across California, from the Bay Area to San Diego.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 154728-1783979290004.png">Temperatures will be above normal with dewpoints reaching into the 60s. The added layer of humidity will make it difficult for your body to cool off efficiently and effectively.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 154815-1783979305974.png">If your plan is to cool off along the coast, watch for dangerous rip currents and high surf.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 154952-1783979420805.png">Here are a few heat safety tips for people affected by the heat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/pic5-1783634512392.png">More on your Western Regional Forecast can always be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Historic Heatwave Hits the Northern Rockies, California Heat Expands

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After several stormy days to end the previous week, high pressure is starting to take control of the Midwest and Northeast. As this ridge of high pressure remains wedged in the middle of the country, the jet stream energy will cut around the ridge down the East Coast. This could bring rounds of storms to the region from the middle to the end of the week. <h1>Record Heat</h1>Temperatures will warm quickly through the middle of the week, with highs in the upper 90s for some areas. Numerous record highs will be challenged with highs this warm. These temperatures are 10-20 degrees above average for this time of year and will be accompanied by some humidity. Avoid strenuous activity during these afternoons and drink plenty of water. This heat will help to increase the energy and instability needed in the atmosphere for severe storms to develop.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 153833-1783978719270.png"><h1>Severe Weather Outlooks</h1>The SPC has issued an outlook for scattered severe storms on Tuesday for parts of New England, but timing and placement of storms still need to be fine-tuned, so be sure to check back in on this forecast. Forecast models have been picking up on a line of strong storms, favoring Maine for some of the higher activity. All threats of severe weather are possible with this setup, including a few tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 153723-1783978735455.png">Timing on the storms will favor the afternoon hours, but they should be in and out of the area fairly quickly. Significant wind, hail, and tornadoes will all be possible.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/0713-1783978879641.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>How weird is it to be talking about severe weather this far north in New England? A little odd. The last Enhanced risk for the state of Vermont, for instance, was almost two years ago! The last High risk was back in May of 1998!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 090019-1783964609608.png">More on your full Eastern Regional Forecast can always be found :10 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Rare Enhanced Severe Threat For New England

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Texas is facing a major flooding threat this week, causing Governor Greg Abbot to activate emergency response resources. As a result, the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety, DPS, will be deployed as needed.<h1>What to Expect</h1>Flood Watches are in place through Thursday, with life-threatening flooding possible. Rainfall rates of 1"-2" per hour are possible, with 8+ inches of rain possible over the next few days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 153326-1783978413952.png"><h1>Rainfall Totals</h1>Heavy rain will be possible, with the highest totals around the Big Bend, with isolated totals of a foot possible for some parts. Please use caution and never attempt to drive through flood waters.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 153438-1783978483301.png">Weather Prediction Center (WPC) Outlooks</h1>Excessive Rainfall threats have been issued by the WPC. Moderate (level 3 out of 4) threats are in place over the next few days, including the cities of Rocksprings, Uvalde, and Del Rio. When you have a moderate outlook, this means significant flood events will be possible. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 153530-1783978534351.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 153539-1783978544027.png">For more info on this forecast, you can tune into the Central Regional Forecast at :30 past the hour.

Texas Facing Major Flood Threat This week

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Kevin Schneider

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After weeks of hot and mostly dry weather, the Southwest is beginning its transition into the annual North American Monsoon Season. A shift in the overall weather pattern is allowing deeper moisture to move north from the Pacific and Gulf, setting the stage for a daily chance of showers and thunderstorms across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, southern Utah, southern Colorado, and Nevada.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 104611-1783961179991.png">The North American monsoon is a seasonal wind shift that occurs each summer, transporting moisture from the eastern Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California into the Desert Southwest. As the moist air combines with intense daytime heating and mountainous terrain, thunderstorms become much more common during the afternoon and evening hours.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 154251-1783978981432.png">The first surge of monsoonal moisture is expected to increase storm coverage through the coming days. While many of these storms will produce beneficial rainfall for areas experiencing drought, they will also be capable of dropping heavy rain over a short period of time. Because the Southwest’s dry soils do not absorb water efficiently, runoff can develop quickly, creating a heightened risk of flash flooding in washes, slot canyons, and other low-lying locations.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 154316-1783979001689.png">Recently burned areas will be particularly susceptible to flooding and debris flows. Vegetation lost to wildfires leaves hillsides unable to absorb rainfall, allowing water, mud, and rocks to move rapidly downhill during intense thunderstorms. There are Marginal risks for excessive rainfall and flooding over currently burning fires across Utah and Colorado.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 154330-1783979013949.png">As the monsoon continues to strengthen through July, residents and visitors across the Southwest should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions each afternoon. Even short-lived storms can produce dangerous flash flooding, making it important to avoid flooded roadways and never enter fast-moving water.

Monsoon Moisture Returns to the Southwest, Increasing Storm and Flash Flood Potential

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2074923974841041110" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2074923974841041110"></div>Hazy skies will be hovering over portions of the Gulf and the Southeastern United States as we head into the workweek. Why is it so hazy? Saharan dust will be sent flying over the region at times, thick enough to make a difference in the color of the sun and potentially to air quality. Expect some of the thickest dust to hover over Florida and push into Texas this week.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/saharan fut-1783908048297.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This is not unusual for this time of year. Outbreaks of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) typically occur in the Atlantic during the summer months as strong westerly waves move off of Africa, sending dust out over the Atlantic. Depending on the speed and intensity of the SAL outbreak, these plumes of dry, dusty air can reach parts of the U.S. at times, even the middle of the country!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 083614-1783521420831.png"><h1>Heat</h1>Hot and humid conditions will persist in the Southeast while the Saharan Air moves through. While the SAL does dry out the mid-levels of the atmosphere, the bottom 5,000 feet is typically unaffected, meaning humidity won't change much even though there may be fewer storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 103358-1783960451476.png"> Those hot and humid temperatures are keeping severe chances alive. Don't be surprised by storms that could pack damaging straight-line winds.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-13 103706-1783960657138.png">

Saharan Dust, Excessive Heat, Strong Storms Impact the Southeast

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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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Several rounds of severe weather have been rolling off the Front Range into the Great Plains this week! A mid-level trough sparked severe weather Friday afternoon, bringing damaging winds and hail. At the Denver International Airport, wind gusted up to 72 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1783736213990.png"><h1>FRIDAY:</h1>Damaging winds will be the primary threat along the Front Range and east into the Plains. Large hail is possible as well.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-10 063841-1783687129662.png"><h2>Timing</h2>Storms continue to push eastward into the Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas for the late hours. Storms should fizzle out by daybreak Saturday morning.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/BARON 5-1783736334233.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>A few locations could get hit a couple of times by thunderstorms this week, which means that some areas may see some locally heavier rainfall totals. Keep an eye on flood alerts in your area. With repeated rounds of storms, you may be at risk for flash flooding.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-10 064026-1783687247364.png">Flash flooding will be possible for many areas, though it will be more likely for some than others. Areas in dark green in the Excessive Rainfall Outlook (below) will have better chance to see scattered flash flooding incidents.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1783736373460.png">For more on this active forecast, be sure to join us on WeatherNation!

Jesse Kelley

Another Day of Storms for the Plains & Front Range

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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The Aspen Acres fire continues to burn in Southern Colorado. Evacuations remain in place but containment is increasing around Pueblo.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2074856035924205678" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2074856035924205678"></div>The Babylon and Cottonwood fires burning in Utah are now among some of the largest fires the state has ever seen.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/1-1783633931789.png">Numerous additional wildfires continue to burn across Utah, Colorado, and Arizona, which have scorched tens of thousands of acres over the past week. Below is the most recent acreage of the larger fires in Utah and Colorado, along with their containment.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1783603203805.png"><h1>Fire Outlooks</h1>The fire weather outlooks are minimal as we head through the week, but there is a chance for some dry thunderstorms across the Front Range of the Rockies this week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061724-1783603442497.png">Heat will build into the weekend so make sure you are doing your part to not be the problem!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 043144-1782556311355.png">Residents are encouraged to stay informed, follow local evacuation orders, and do their part to help prevent the start and spread of wildfires this summer.

Patrick Crawford

Babylon Fire in UT Surpasses 100,000 Acres, CO Fires Continue to Grow

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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

Historic Heatwave Hits the Northern Rockies, California Heat Expands

Dangerous heat and record high temperatures c

Rare Enhanced Severe Threat For New England

After several stormy days to end the previous

Texas Facing Major Flood Threat This week

Texas is facing a major flooding threat this

Monsoon Moisture Returns to the Southwest, Increasing Storm and Flash Flood Potential

After weeks of hot and mostly dry weather, th

Saharan Dust, Excessive Heat, Strong Storms Impact the Southeast

Hazy skies will be hovering over portions of

Another Day of Storms for the Plains & Front Range

Several rounds of severe weather have been ro

Babylon Fire in UT Surpasses 100,000 Acres, CO Fires Continue to Grow

The Aspen Acres fire continues to burn in Sou