Kevin Schneider

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<h1>Forecast Outlooks</h1>A widespread severe weather outbreak is unfolding across parts of the central United States over the next several days, bringing the threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flooding rain from the Plains into the Midwest. Monday still appears to be the most intense, with the threat of strong tornadoes a real possibility. A MODERATE (level 4 out of 5) risk for severe weather will be in place as a result.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 103308-1779121995296.png">This includes the threat of long-track, violent tornadoes along with MASSIVE hailstones. Eventually, storms are expected to merge together, leading to more of a damaging wind threat. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 102708-1779121636440.png">The front will continue to dig into the east slowly but surely. There is a slight risk in place from the SPC as it moves into record hot temeratures. Damaging will be the easiest threat to realize, but a low-end tornado threat appears to be in the cards, especially in New England. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 050438-1779102440279.png"><h1>Timing</h1>This is a complex forecast with a few moving parts. When and whether storms fire and stay discrete might not be known until storms are up already, but tonight they're still expected to merge into a cluster or line of storms. There has been some recent suggestion that a nasty cluster of storms could roll through the OKC-DFW metros early Tuesday morning. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-18 05-05-11-1779102480787.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Heavy rainfall will also be a growing concern throughout the event. Repeated rounds of thunderstorms may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, especially where storms track over the same locations. Rainfall totals could add up quickly across parts of the Plains and Midwest before the system finally shifts eastward by the middle of next week. Tune into WeatherNation for more details.

MODERATE Risk for Severe Weather Today

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A potent setup, fueled by record hot temperatures, lead to destructive severe storms this past weekend. The worst of the days was easily Sunday, with over 300 reports of severe weather, including hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 110814-1779124204412.png">A strong tornado touched down in Nebraska as a part of the outbreak. Even with all of this damage, no injuries were reported Sunday afternoon. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056161399349580033" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056161399349580033?s=20"></div>Other places were spared tornado damage but picked up MASSIVE hailstones. It's not a surprise that the cell responsible for the damage in Palmer also produced the largest hailstone on the day.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 111222-1779124373927.png">All of this severe weather came on the heels of an active day to start off the weekend! Severe storms lead to baseball-plus-sized hail in Missouri and Kansas, and prompted a Flash Flood Emergency in the Trenton, MO area after 6+ inches of rain fell.

Severe Storms Leave Trail of Destruction on the Plains

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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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Welcome to May in Colorado! Severe storms and tornadoes moved through the Plains Sunday, and on the colder side of the event into Monday, snow is falling in the Rockies. Winter alerts are already in place for the snowfall on the way through Monday afternoon (above).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 050951-1779102604311.png">Temperatures will drop into the night and bring along snow chances for the Colorado Rockies.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05-17 sw-1779058653476.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Totals have some significant totals possible through Colorado and Wyoming.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 051032-1779102647512.png">Check back in to WeatherNation for the latest.

Spring: Where Snow & Severe Storms are in the Forecast

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A big warmup is expected to take hold across the eastern United States in the coming days, bringing temperatures that will feel more like midsummer than mid-May. Much of the East Coast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast saw temperatures surge into record-breaking territory as a strong area of high pressure settled over the region.&nbsp;RELATED: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-storms-possible-in-the-plains-midwest-to-end-the-week">Severe Chances on the Plains</a><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 095906-1779119952794.png">High temperatures are forecast to climb into the 80s across many areas, while some cities could approach or even reach 90 degrees for the first time this year in the Northeast. For comparison, Washington, D.C. normally sees its first 95° high in the middle of June!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061724-1779111019025.png">Major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, may come close to daily temperature records if the heat intensifies enough. Some locations could end up 20 to 30 degrees warmer than what is typical for this time of year.&nbsp;The heat is also expected to stick around for several days instead of quickly moving out, making it one of the more significant warm spells so far this spring. Increasing humidity levels may enhance the summer-like feel, especially in the afternoons and evenings.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1779111010786.png">Despite the urge, stay out of the waters in the area. Many bodies of water are barely above freezing, which could shock the system into paralysis if you jump in<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 104353-1779122640973.png">The unusually warm pattern will come to an end after our front passes through Thursday. By the end of the week, many spots will be closer to seasonal norms in the 70's<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 104152-1779122551349.png">

Early Taste of Summer Heat Expands Across the East Coast

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An extremely critical outlook has been issued from New Mexico into SW Kansas through Monday (above). This is the highest level of outlook that the Storm Prediction Center issues. The extreme risk is not often issued, and typically denotes conditions that could lead to the unstoppable spread of fires. Residents in these areas should review their evacuation plans and have a "go bag" ready with essential items like medications and important documents. Don't forget your pets!<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056368381826351245" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056368381826351245"></div>As the trough digs over the weekend, gusty winds are expected to kick up dust and create hazardous driving conditions for high-profile vehicles. Red flag warnings (fire weather warnings) have been issued for many locations through Monday, including the Central Valley of California. Risks will be highest, however, in eastern New Mexico and parts of Western Texas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 084953-1779115820544.png">Make sure you're prepared for fire danger and know all the ways to prevent a fire too.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 085121-1779115885540.png">

Another Extremely Critical Fire Risk Today

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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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Scattered severe storms have been moving through portions of the Great Plains and Midwest over the last few days. The same low pressure system will hardly move on Saturday, prompting another round of severe storms. Saturday's storms have produced winds between 60-70 mph and and up to 3.00" hail in Nebraska.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984462328.png"> <h1>Outlook Overnight</h1>There is an Enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) across parts of Nebraska and Kansas. Additionally, a Slight risk (level 2 out of 5) includes the surrounding areas to Central Iowa and Northern Missouri.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984497778.png">Extra large hailstones (over golf ball size - 2"+) and hurricane force gusts (74+ mph) are possible for areas below, which should be the more widespread hazards.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984575307.png">Several tornadoes are possible as well especially between Interstate 70 and 80. A tornado or two could be strong if they form!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984636703.png"><h1>Forecast</h1> Storms in the Plains and Midwest could persist well into the overnight hours, so please have multiple ways to get severe weather alerts that can wake you up! In addition the heavy rain and flooding threat will be around so remember turn around don't drown.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/BARON 5-1778984798405.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Since storms won't be widespread, only spotty heavy rain is expected. Isolated flash flooding is possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778984829518.png">

Jesse Kelley

Saturday Severe Storms; Midwest to the Ohio Valley

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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Ready for hurricane season? As a reminder, waters in the tropical Pacific tend to warm faster than in the Atlantic; thus, the season starts about two weeks earlier in the Eastern Pacific. The CPC has moderate confidence in the formation of a tropical system in the Eastern Pacific going through the end of May into June. If you have travel plans along the SW coast of Mexico, stay up to date with the forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 054445-1778672697750.png"> If a storm were to form and reach tropical storm status, it would be named Amanda.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 080308-1777731407202.png">Ocean heat content has been rapidly increasing in the Eastern Pacific this Spring, which is not surprising. You might've heard about the potential for a "super" El Niño this summer. Well, the warm water created in the Eastern/Central Pacific by El Niño can lead to supercharged hurricane seasons in those regions.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-15 050125-1778842896285.png">Global circulations influenced by El Niño tend to create less disruptive wind shear in the Eastern Pacific as well. Weak upper-level winds combined with warm waters tend to lead to the development of many tropical systems. At the same time, wind shear tends to increase in the Caribbean during these events, making it tougher for tropical systems to form and survive.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 080343-1777731377186.png">Last season was quite active in the Eastern Pacific, with 20 named storms and 5 major hurricanes. The Mexican National Meteorological Service issued an early outlook for the 2026 season in April, calling for another active year with roughly 20 named storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 081157-1777731386253.png">El Niño typically increases wind shear in the Atlantic, which is a primary reason why some forecasts are calling for a slightly less active season. The Atlantic averages 14 named storms a season. Despite the El Niño, the forecast is just slightly below average with 13 named storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-08 065820-1778245110818.png">We're going to get you ready for hurricane season at the beginning of June. Be sure to tune in for updated forecasts, information, and tips to prepare.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 083105-1777732279156.png">

Hurricane Season Begins in the Eastern Pacific, Atlantic Soon To Follow

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SAN DIEGO, CA - Flash flooding led to road closures, water rescues, power outages, and school closures across San Diego County. Officials responded to water rescue calls after 1-4" of rainfall fell in southern California. Residents in the San Diego area had to wade through chest-deep water on Monday afternoon after 3" of rainfall fell in the area.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1749569469364531675" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1749569469364531675"></div>The flood waters reached so high in some places, that cars were washed away from a parking lot along a stream.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1749628023299870918" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1749628023299870918"></div>Monday, January 22nd was a record-setting day for the San Diego Airport! The airport saw 2.70" of rain, tying for the 5th wettest day ever. This was also the wettest January day ever for the San Diego Airport. Typically the city sees about 10" of rain in a year, meaning a quarter of the annual rainfall fell on Monday alone! Most of California is waking up to drier weather this morning; which is what we need to see after yesterday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/01/TOP FIVE -1705972476020.png">Any leftover snow in the Sierras taper off in the early morning of Tuesday. Snow totals coming out of the higher elevations are very impressive! Soda Springs was able to see over 3' of snow from this round of moisture.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/01/ca snow-1706011498121.png">

Lucy Bergemann