Kevin Schneider

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This week brings some nice days to the southern plains and southwest, especially if you like the warmth! A very strong ridge of high-pressure will dominate, and many will see temperatures in the 70s and 80s! Denver is normally 48° this time of year, and will see highs in the 60s and 70s all week! 71 yesterday was good enough to tie the previous record, set last year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-24 170236-1771977847157.png">Los Angeles, you will be feeling like summer with forecast highs in the upper 80s to 90!! Can we say pool/beach days?<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/forecast highsssssss-1772046674172.png">The southern plains will see the record-warmth as well! San Antonio is set to reach 91° on Thursday, with most being 15-20 degrees above average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/thu-sat-1772046688030.png">In addition to well-above-average temperatures, some record highs are set to take place across the Southwest and the Southern Plains.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-24 170222-1771977816136.png">Check out the next few days in Phoenix! The average is normally 72°, but the highs will be in the 90s, threatening records here as well<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 083125-1772033489822.png">Los Angeles, you too will be in record territory with some highs this week in the upper 80s to 90°!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 083153-1772033521463.png">Make sure to watch WeatherNation for the latest updates on the record-warmth.

Jackie Brown

Spring & Summer Like Temperatures For the Southwest

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Brittany Lockley

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The Northeast has gotten another few inches of snowfall on top of the historic Blizzard that swept through the region early this week. The active winter pattern continues to target the northeast. After recent storms left behind widespread snow totals and towering snowbanks.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 050249-1772021421391.png">A few Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through lunch time. A few alerts stay through Thursday morning downwind of Lake Ontario.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 080936-1772032181584.png">By no means is the snow that falls on Wednesday set to rival the intensity of the Blizzard of 2026. Light to moderate snowfall will move out by Wednesday afternoon. However, the additional amount of snow can create renewed travel concerns and slow ongoing cleanup efforts.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/0225-1772032271022.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Communities across the Northeast and New England are still working to clear roads, sidewalks, and parking lots, with many neighborhoods dealing with compacted snow and icy patches that have lingered in colder temperatures. Another few inches of snow may not seem significant on its own, but when added to the existing snowpack, it can make driving hazardous and increase the risk of slips and falls. Snowfall rates and exact totals will depend on the storm track, with higher elevations and inland areas most likely to see measurable accumulation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 081129-1772032295176.png">As if this was not icing on the cake, Thursday and Friday, there will be some lake-effect snow for the Northeast, and another round of snowfall is set for Saturday into Sunday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/02251-1772032348079.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Temperatures are expected to remain cold enough to support snow rather than rain in many areas, particularly north of major metropolitan corridors. That means the wintry feel will stick around, and melting will be limited until a more sustained warm-up arrives. Residents are encouraged to allow extra time for travel and use caution on untreated roads as the Northeast continues to navigate a persistently snowy stretch of winter weather.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 050125-1772020959439.png">Stay tuned to WeatherNation for more details.

A Clipper Brings Additional Quick Snow to the Northeast

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A fast-moving brush fire is burning across parts of the Florida Everglades, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and creating hazardous travel conditions across South Florida. The fire is currently burning in the Big National Preserve and is known as the National Fire. The fire, fueled by dry vegetation and gusty winds, and the recent frost damage, have scorched 15,000 acres of unusually dry&nbsp;marsh and grassland, a landscape that can quickly ignite during the dry season.&nbsp;Satellite footage from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-25 04-23-12-1772018619385.mkv" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The blaze is primarily affecting remote areas of the Everglades, but smoke has at times drifted into nearby communities, reducing visibility and lowering air quality. Drivers along major roadways, including stretches near Alligator Alley (I-75), State Road 29, and U.S. Route 41, have encountered smoky conditions, prompting periodic closures and traffic delays as crews work to contain the flames and keep motorists safe.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 042552-1772018793039.png">Firefighters are battling the blaze both on the ground and from the air, using water drops and fire breaks to slow its spread. The terrain in the Everglades presents unique challenges, with wetlands, sawgrass marshes, and difficult access points complicating suppression efforts. While wildfires are not uncommon in South Florida during the dry season,&nbsp;prolonged dry spells combined with warm temperatures can significantly increase fire danger.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 042405-1772018686139.png">So far, there have been no widespread evacuation orders reported, but authorities are urging residents to monitor updates and limit outdoor activity if smoke becomes heavy in their area. Health officials warn that sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions, may experience irritation from the smoke.&nbsp;Fire crews will continue working to contain the blaze in the coming days, with weather conditions playing a critical role in how quickly the fire can be brought under control. Rainfall would help crews, while continued dry and breezy weather could allow the fire to expand.&nbsp;

Fire Burns Through the Florida Everglades, Prompting Road Closures

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MAJOR SYSTEM RECAP:The Northeast hasn't seen a system this intense in years. The massive scale of impacts, combined with duration, is impacting millions. Numerous records were broken for snowfall record totals for daily totals, but also for storm totals. Providence, RI hit 37.9" of snow, which broke the storm total snowfall record. The last record was from the February 1978 blizzard that hit 28.6" of snowfall.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-24 114401-1771958655179.png">Blizzard warnings, winter alerts, and flood alerts dominated these past few days, as the Nor'Easter moved through. Some areas in New York and Rhode Island saw over 3 feet of snow. Check out these videos from Massachusetts.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/VON_022326_RNE_BRANT ROCK, MA_POWER FLASHES DURING HIGH WINDS_DROPBOX_JONATHAN PETRAMALA_LS_E022326-1771870850192.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/VON_022326_RNE_QUINCY, MA_CAR STRUGGLING TO MOVE ON THE SNOWY ROADS_DROPBOX_JONATHAN PETRAMALA_LS_E022326-1771871598927.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>POWER OUTAGESHundreds of thousands are without power across the Northeast, as this low pressure continues to linger. Be sure to check on neighbors and loved ones in the area!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-24 092339-1771950253813.png">SNOWFALL TOTALSSnowfall totals have well surpassed 3 FEET across portions of the Northeast!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-24 161627-1771975062864.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-24 161620-1771975068073.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-24 161636-1771975076164.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-24 161614-1771975125043.png">WINDSWind gusts have been hurricane strength in some parts. Nantucket, MA reached a gust of 83 mph, which is Category 1 hurricane strength.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/web2-1771930716453.png">For the latest updates on this system, tune into WeatherNation!

Northeast Hit By Historic Snowstorm

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Last week, multiple fires broke out across the central plains, burning over 325,000 acres. The Ranger Road Fire has been completely contained after torching over a quarter million acres. The fire threat is back, and an elevated fire weather outlook is in place across New Mexico and Texas. Dry conditions and gusty winds have led to dangerous fire conditions. Red flag warnings and fire weather watches remain in place through Thursday. Fires that do develop can spread rapidly.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 084332-1772034284448.png">Fire outlooks have been extended into Thursday, also at a critical risk, but not covering as much real estate. The same areas are likely to be impacted.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 084518-1772034330111.png">FORECAST MOISTURE:The combination of relative humidity in the teens and single digits, combined with gusty winds, will increase the fire threat. Please use caution if burning, as any fire that develops can spread rapidly.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/2-24 rh-1771977644947.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>FORECAST WIND GUSTS:<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/02-24_rsw wind-1771977636298.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Elevated Fire Danger Across Southern Plains

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Inches of rain and feet of snow fell across the Western United States during the past week, thanks to a series of powerful low-pressure systems. The Pacific coast will stay active through Wednesday with a few additional systems behind to keep the stormy pattern going. However, this system has far warmer air to tap into across the West Coast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-24 092706-1771950453572.png"><h1>Timing</h1>The low-pressure system is moving through, bringing heavy mountain snow and rain. Snow levels are expected to be quite high, above 8,000 feet, leading to rain falling on top of the feet of snow California recorded last week.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/02-24 rsw-1771978442959.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Precipitation &amp; Flood Potential</h1>Rainfall totals in Northern California and Southern Oregon could surpass 4-5 inches in some locations, with snowfall totals in the NW topping a foot. Temperatures appear to be too warm for heavy snow in the Sierra, outside of the highest peaks.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-24 171250-1771978452900.png">Winter storm warnings and advisories are in place across portions of the Northwest over the next few days. In the winter storm warnings, some of the heaviest snowfall totals can reach up to two feet of snow.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-24 171435-1771978542406.png">

Heavy Rain Wrapping Up Out West

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A developing storm system is expected to bring the potential for severe weather across portions of the Southeast Saturday, with the Storm Prediction Center outlining a Marginal Risk for strong to severe thunderstorms from eastern Mississippi through much of Alabama and into Georgia. The setup features a stalled frontal boundary draped across the region, acting as a focus for thunderstorm development.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/1-1771703180074.png">Warm, moisture-rich air is in place across southern Alabama and Georgia, with dew points climbing into the upper 60s. As daytime heating increases, this unstable air mass will provide additional fuel for storms to intensify. At the same time, stronger winds higher in the atmosphere will support storm organization, meaning a few thunderstorms could evolve into more structured clusters or rotating cells. When wind shear and instability overlap like this, the threat for damaging wind gusts increases, and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/1-1771703292205.png">The greatest concern today centers on southeast Alabama into southwest and south-central Georgia, where storms may tap into the most favorable combination of moisture, lift, and wind energy. Later this afternoon and into the evening, attention may shift toward far southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle as the frontal boundary settles southward and additional storms develop along it.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/New Baron Video 3-1771703403439.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>While widespread severe weather is not expected, any storm that becomes strong could quickly produce hazardous conditions, including wind gusts strong enough to down trees or power lines, pockets of hail, frequent lightning and torrential downpours leading to localized flooding. Because storms may develop in clusters, some communities could experience repeated rounds of heavy rain in a short amount of time.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/1-1771703442587.png">Stay weather-aware throughout Saturday, especially during the peak heating hours of the afternoon. Having multiple ways to receive weather alerts and knowing where to seek shelter if warnings are issued will be important, as conditions could change rapidly where storms strengthen. Cooler and more stable air is expected to filter in behind the front later tonight, gradually bringing an end to the severe threat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/1-1771703480460.png">Stay tuned to WeatherNation for more details.

Patrick Crawford

Strong Storms Target the Southeast

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This week's Tip of the Week on WeatherNation with <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/john-van-pelt/">John Van Pelt</a> is all about staying safe when lightning is nearby.

In 2018, there were 20 lightning fatalities in the U.S.. 16 people died from lightning  the year prior in 2017, and a total of 40 deaths due to lightning in 2016, <a href="https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-fatalities">according to NOAA and NCDC.</a>

So far in 2019, there have been no lightning related deaths...and we'd like to keep it that way.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-105776" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2019/03/lightning-2.png" alt="" width="960" height="720" />

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Watch this week's Tip of the Week to learn more about how to stay safe when thunder roars.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS8Rqgs263Q

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Check in with WeatherNation each week to see our latest "tip of the week".

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WeatherNation is a proud <a href="https://www.weather.gov/wrn/about">WeatherReady ambassador</a>, helping communities prepare for extreme weather, water, and climate events.

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WATCH: Tip of the Week - Lightning Safety

Spring & Summer Like Temperatures For the Southwest

This week brings some nice days to the southe

A Clipper Brings Additional Quick Snow to the Northeast

The Northeast has gotten another few inches o

Fire Burns Through the Florida Everglades, Prompting Road Closures

A fast-moving brush fire is burning across pa

Northeast Hit By Historic Snowstorm

MAJOR SYSTEM RECAP:The Northeast hasn't seen

Elevated Fire Danger Across Southern Plains

Last week, multiple fires broke out across th

Heavy Rain Wrapping Up Out West

Inches of rain and feet of snow fell across t

Strong Storms Target the Southeast

A developing storm system is expected to brin