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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Smoky skies will continue to cover portions of the Central and Eastern United States this weekend, as massive fires in Canada continue to spread. An upper-level trough in the Northeast and Great Lakes is guiding the smoke from north to south, which will eventually bring the smoke as far south as the Gulf Coast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-31 055136-1748692590145.png"><h1>Smoke Overhead</h1>The forecast below shows where smoke will be visible overhead and doesn't necessarily indicate where air quality will be impacted.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/New Baron Video 3-1748718763356.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/1-1748718568148.png"><h1>Near Surface Smoke / Air Quality Impacts</h1>This model shows where smoke will be thick near the ground, indicating areas where air quality impacts are more likely.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/New Baron Video 3-1748718827518.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Air quality alerts have been issued in the Upper-Midwest, with additional alerts probable into early next week as thick smoke lingers in the region.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/1-1748718491378.png">Air quality Saturday morning was impacted in the Upper-Midwest and in the Ohio Valley. Be sure to monitor your air quality locally and limit time outdoors if it reaches levels that will impact your health. For most people, this won't be until the AQ reaches the "unhealthy" category.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-31 055644-1748692744334.png">For the latest forecast in the Upper-Midwest, tune into the Central Regional Forecast at :30 past the hour, or stream it anytime with the WeatherNation app!

Wildfire Smoke Spreads South Across the U.S.

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Brittany Lockley

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The Southern United States has certainly been active over the past week, with multiple rounds of strong storms and heavy rain. This threat continues on Saturday, with the potential for damaging winds.Across the Sunshine State, residents and visitors alike should prepare for a continuation of unsettled weather, as scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to persist, especially across the southern Florida Peninsula. A stalled frontal boundary remains in place, fueling daily rounds of rainfall and thunder that could disrupt outdoor activities, travel, and popular tourist destinations.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-31 060218-1748692959487.jpg"><h1>Severe Outlooks</h1>Active weather started early in central Florida as severe storms developed along a cold front, gradually shifting southward. This means locations like Orlando, Tampa, and Miami may see storms roll through during peak daytime hours. With favorable atmospheric conditions, including sufficient deep-layer shear, there is a chance for storms to organize, producing gusty to damaging winds and possibly small to near-severe hail. While the severe threat remains isolated, those headed outdoors should remain alert to fast-developing weather.&nbsp;These areas have had heavy rain over the last several weeks and that means flooding will also be a concern.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-31 054725-1748692079330.jpg"><h1>Forecast Timing</h1>Looking ahead to the evening hours, the forecast suggest a renewed round of thunderstorms redeveloping overnight, especially across central and southern Florida. A few stronger storms could emerge again. As the stormy pattern looks likely to continue, staying weather-aware, by checking forecasts, enabling alerts on mobile devices, and having a plan for shelter, is essential for safety during this stretch of active weather.&nbsp;The storm threat drops south along the cold front tonight into Sunday into Sunday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/FORECAST-1748708272691.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For visitors headed to Florida’s theme parks or beaches, storm safety is critical. Thunderstorms in Florida can form quickly, especially in the warmer months. If thunder is heard, it means lightning is close enough to strike, visitors should immediately seek shelter in a sturdy building or enclosed vehicle. At beaches, never remain in the water during a storm, as lightning can strike well beyond where rain is falling. Lifeguards may post warnings or clear the beach if storms approach, heed all instructions promptly. In theme parks, designated storm shelters and covered areas offer refuge; it is best to pause outdoor activities until at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-31 060337-1748693027621.jpg">For the most up-to-date information, tune into our Eastern Regional Forecast at 10 past the hour, every hour. Stay safe and prepared as we track this active weather pattern together.

Jesse Kelley

Florida Braces for Days of Rain and Thunderstorms

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Atlantic hurricane season is just around the corner, so the question is, when and where we will see the first system of the season?Signs are pointing to areas around Central America during the 2nd or 3rd week of June, as increasing lift moves into the region along with westerly winds. The Climate Prediction Center is highlighting this region (top of page) with low confidence of a tropical system forming in the western Caribbean or southwestern Gulf, also known as the Bay of Campeche. This doesn't indicate a system is expected, so be sure to stay up to date with the 7-Day forecast from the National Hurricane Center. Better chances for formation around Mid-June are expected in the Eastern Pacific, which <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/an-area-to-watch-in-the-pacific-already">already has one name crossed off the list</a>.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-29 104826-1748537463299.png">A system in the Gulf or western Atlantic is not unusual in the month of June, which typically has warmer water early in the season compared to the MDR in the Atlantic (between the Caribbean and west Africa).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-29 104849-1748537876634.png">The early season will more often see more tropical storms than hurricanes, but hurricanes can form and impact the United States, so it's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/hurricane-prep-week-2025">always best to be prepared</a>. Andrea is the first name on the list in the Atlantic in 2025.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-29 104834-1748537884478.png">NOAA and Colorado State are expected an above average season in the Atlantic Basin. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/noaa-predicts-above-average-2025-hurricane-season">Click here to read more.</a>

First Tropical System in the Atlantic Could Form Mid-June

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Even through summer is approaching, the northern lights may still dazzle millions Sunday night into Monday morning. A powerful solar flare erupted from sun late Friday night, with an Earth directed coronal mass ejection (CME) expected to arrive sometime Sunday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/ezgif-51637e8d7b470f-1748712327325.gif">Astronomers are in a wait and see mode for how strong the CME may be, but many are hopeful it will be strong enough to bring aurora borealis down to the mid-latitudes, including a large portion of the north United States late Sunday into Monday. The Space Weather Prediction Center is expected G3 conditions, with the potential for G4 conditions by the 2nd, or early Monday morning. Their latest forecast shows the potential to view the aurora down to I-80 in Iowa and Nebraska.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-31 112223-1748712236698.png">G4 conditions would mean aurora viewing would be possible even farther south, especially for long exposure photography. It is worth noting the timing and strength of a CME is difficult to forecast, but satellites away from the Earth will be able to confirm if and when a CME impact is expected with about 30 minutes of lead time for earthlings. This means if you plan to try to view the aurora, stay up to date with the Space Weather Prediction Center's latest conditions.<h2>Cloud Forecast</h2>Even if the aurora may be visible overhead, it doesn't mean clouds won't run your fun. For the northern and mid-latitudes, there will be some cloud cover over the northern Rockies, Great Lakes, and northern New England.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/2025-05-31 11-22-33-1748712624382.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Aurora Borealis Could Reach the Mid-Latitudes Sunday Night

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Hurricane Season has begun in the Eastern Pacific basin! The season officially kicked off on May 15. Almost two weeks after the start of the season, tropical depression One-E formed and was quickly upgraded to Tropical Storm Alvin.<h1>Alvin</h1>TD-1E strengthened to Tropical Storm Alvin on Thursday, but quickly reached its peak intensity Thursday evening before it started to weaken on Friday. The storm is expected to weaken to a remnant low as it nears Cabo San Lucas Saturday, but will still pack scattered heavy showers.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-31 053724-1748691617272.png">Moisture from this system is expected to move into portions of the Southwest this weekend, increasing chances for thunderstorms and flooding.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-30 053532-1748604940060.png">Next System</h1>The next system in the Eastern Pacific basin may not be far behind Alvin. An area of low pressure could form west of Guatemala next week. With conditions favorable for development, Barbara may not be far behind Alvin. Steering currents would likely take this system to the west away from Central America.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-31 054558-1748691965709.png"><h1>Pacific Tropical Climatology</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-20 073348-1747748094171.png"> Stay with WeatherNation for the latest.

First Named Storm of the Season in the Pacific, Alvin Heads Toward Baja

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Tracey Anthony

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Here we go again! The West Coast is going to heat up in a serious way over the upcoming weekend. Triple-digit heat is likely.<h1>CAUSE</h1>A one-two punch of high-pressure centers will help the west get toasty. The second of which will be stronger, setting the stage for potentially record heat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Web 1-1748425733737.png"><h1>HOW HOT WILL IT GET</h1>Several records in California fell on Friday and more are likely to fall on Saturday across the Southwest.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/1png-1748661478433.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-28 190352-1748481074398.png">We're getting in the habit of practicing heat safety and looking before we lock the cars. Heat is always the most dangerous aspect of weather, killing more people every year than any aspect of severe weather.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/1-1748661586538.png">This heat will reach up into the Northern Rockies as well. Record High temperatures will be expected Saturday and Sunday across Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Heat advisories are now in place for parts of the Northwest through Saturday too.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/1-1748661622964.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot 2025-05-28 190403-1748481082412.png">Thankfully, this is a fairly abbreviated snap of hot weather. Once Sunday comes around, more changes are expected to arrive in the west.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/1-1748661670564.png">Catch the West Regional forecast on demand or every hour :50 past the hour.

Record Heat Returns Out West

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Kevin Schneider

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TEXAS - Destructive warned thunderstorms brought hail up to 3 inches on Wednesday, and as drastic as that may be, it has been on the smaller side over the past several days. Hail up to 6 inches in diameter was reported Sunday in Afton, Texas, as powerful supercells developed strong updrafts capable of producing massive hail. On Monday, a hailstone reached 5 inches. A nearly stationary front stretching from the Southeast to the Central Rockies draws warm, moist air northward from the Gulf. This influx of moisture is fueling widespread showers and thunderstorms across the region. There is also a cold front that will be diving down across the lone star state on Thursday bringing additional storms.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1926797935129624966" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/1926797935129624966"></div>On Thursday, more large and destructive hail fell across parts of New Mexico and Texas. The large hail and damaging wind threat continues overnight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/1-1748574528428.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/1-1748574689773.png"><h2>Timing</h2>Tonight, thunderstorms will congeal into a line as it continues eastward towards the Interstate 35 corridor! As mentioned above, the biggest threats will be damaging winds and hail!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/New Baron Video 3-1748574885204.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Flooding will also be a big story the next few days, with many locations already picking up 4-5 inches and more on the way. Download the WeatherNation app to stay informed by monitoring the radar and alerts.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/05/1-1748557883530.png">

Massive Hail Hits Texas as Storms Threaten the South

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WeatherNation's Top 5 videos of the week showcase the good, the bad, and the ugly weather of the week.

5) Jaw dropping video of a man narrowly misses a lightning strike in Conway, SC kicks it all off. Thankfully, the man was okay. This video is a good reminder that if you hear thunder, that means lightning is close enough to strike. [<a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/news/man-describes-his-close-encounter-with-a-lightning-strike/">Related article: Man Describes Close Encounter with Lightning Strike</a>]

&nbsp;

https://youtu.be/gHSaTTonRaA

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4) A picturesque tornado caught on camera in Eastern Colorado, gave one community quite the show! Watch as a twister goes through a full lifespan, from a churning tornado... to gone in just minutes. Thankfully, there was no damage reported from this tornado near Joes, Colorado.

3) The Central Plains spawned several mesmerizing storms this past week, including a photogenic supercell that moved through Topeka, Kansas. The video shows development of a severe thunderstorm, as it grows into what looks like a spaceship by the end of the video!

2) The next video was definitely not a sight you want to see before boarding your plane! A lightning bolt created a striking display on an airport runway in Jacksonville, FL, lighting up the night sky. Delays, anyone?

1) And finally, with every storm, a beautiful ending. Mammatus clouds glow under the late day sun, making quite the sight in Denver, Colorado. A time-lapsed video shows how sinking air near a thunderstorm, forms these pouch-like structures.

&nbsp;

Do you think you can top these Top 5?  Be sure to send us your best weather videos!  Share your best weather video with us on social media.  Find @WeatherNation on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/weathernation/">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation">Twitter </a> for a chance to be featured in our weekly top 5.  (<a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/terms/">Read WeatherNation Terms of Service</a>)

&nbsp;

For WeatherNation,  <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/meredith-garofalo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo</a>

WATCH: Top 5 Videos of the Week

Wildfire Smoke Spreads South Across the U.S.

Smoky skies will continue to cover portions o

Florida Braces for Days of Rain and Thunderstorms

The Southern United States has certainly been

First Tropical System in the Atlantic Could Form Mid-June

Atlantic hurricane season is just around the

Aurora Borealis Could Reach the Mid-Latitudes Sunday Night

Even through summer is approaching, the north

First Named Storm of the Season in the Pacific, Alvin Heads Toward Baja

Hurricane Season has begun in the Eastern Pac

Record Heat Returns Out West

Here we go again! The West Coast is going to

Massive Hail Hits Texas as Storms Threaten the South

TEXAS - Destructive warned thunderstorms brou