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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The Pacific hurricane season is showing no signs of slowing down as multiple tropical systems churn across the basin, with warm ocean temperatures and a strengthening El Niño helping create favorable conditions for development. Karina, Lowell, and Marie are all active in the Pacific, though only two of these systems will create impacts for the U.S.Marie isn't expected to get anywhere close to Southern California, but Marie's moisture will get pulled into the Southwest by a trough off the northwest coast. As it digs south, it can tap into the Pacific moisture of Marie and pull it into Southern California, Nevada, and the Four Corners States. We'll be watching the weekend forecast for rain in already soggy, flood-stricken areas.<h1>MORE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/stormy-cooler-conditions-return-to-the-west">Monsoon Storms Bring Flooding to the Southwest</a><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 105610-1788368183778.png">LOWELL</h1>With well above average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, tropical activity continues to be fast and furious. One storm that will have to be watched for the Hawaiian Islands is Hurricane Lowell. That storm will swing near the western end of Hawaii, bringing impacts to islands like Kaui and O'ahu. While the center of Lowell is expected to pass west of Kaui, its massive wind field will still bring a chance for tropical storm force winds to the islands on Monday. High surf will be another big threat, creating hazards for beach goers and mariners through the whole of Labor Day Weekend. Heavy rain is a possibility as well, though how much rain falls will be determined how closely Lowell gets to the islands. Residents in Kaui, and even O'ahu, should have preparations for wind and rain impacts completed on Sunday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/PIC 4-1788563488935.png"><h1>El Niño Helping Fuel Pacific Activity</h1>The surge in tropical activity comes as El Niño continues to strengthen across the equatorial Pacific. El Niño is characterized by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures across portions of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Those unusually warm waters can influence weather patterns around the globe while also creating an environment that can favor tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 105616-1788368212978.png">This year’s El Niño has already strengthened considerably, and forecasts indicate it could become exceptionally strong later this year.While the Pacific remains crowded with tropical systems, many of the current storms are expected to remain over open water. Still, with several additional areas being monitored, the active stretch of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season is far from over.Click here for more on what is happening in the Atlantic Basin: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Edouard-Impacts-Gulf-Coast">Edouard Impacting the Gulf Coast</a>

Patrick Crawford

Lowell Could Brush Hawaii as the Eastern Pacific Remains Hyperactive

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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Intense rainfall has inundated parts of Texas this week thanks to, what was, Tropical Storm Edouard. Rain totals east of I-45, north of Houston, have come in at over 15 inches for a few areas.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2095195048312995975" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2095195048312995975"></div> The heavy rain led to flash flood emergencies being issued this past Wednesday, as roads became impassable in some areas. High rainfall totals for East Texas due to the heavy rain. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1788473855278.png"> Additional heavy rain is expected for a few areas on Thursday, leading to a lingering flood threat, primarily due to saturated soils.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1788474026008.png">The WPC has issued a moderate risk (level 3 out of 4) for parts of eastern Texas, with a level 2 threat that covers portions of the Dallas area. Isolated flooding may linger on Friday before the remnant moisture finally fades.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/pic4-1788474917265.png"><h1>Landfall</h1> Tropical Storm Edouard made landfall along the northwestern Gulf Coast on Tuesday, September 1st. The National Hurricane Center used radar data from Lake Charles, LA and Houston, TX to determine maximum sustained winds of 60 mph as it moved ashore around 2:20 PM CT near Johnson Bayou, LA.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 194333-1788399821665.png">Wind speeds across portions of Texas peaked to 90 mph. Multiple areas saw wind speeds over 70 mph, leading to power outages for over 75,000 households.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 074944-1788356992093.png">

Flood Threat Lingers in Texas After Edouard

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<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1>There is a significant severe threat for hail and winds Thursday. Hail 2 inches in diameter or larger will be possible, and gusts 75 mph + will also be possible. Have multiple ways to get alerts, as some storms will hold together into the overnight hours.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 195114-1788400331561.png">The Storm Prediction Center has a MARGINAL to SLIGHT risk for severe storms Thursday and Friday. Isolated tornadoes will also be possible on Thursday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 195118-1788400346486.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-02 195232-1788400358755.png">Below is the latest on the timing of these storms Thursday and Friday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/09-02 rnc thu-1788400367321.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For the latest updates on these storms, make sure to tune into the central regional forecast:30 past the hour.

Alana Cameron

More Severe Weather For The Plains

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Flood Watches are in effect throughout Arizona, Utah, and portions of Colorado (above). Watch for flash flood warnings, especially over recent burn scars. Many areas have been seeing heavy rainfall and flooding over the last few days.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2094198484853457139" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2094198484853457139"></div>Flooding in Bright Angel Canyon has led to two confirmed fatalities and over 15 people missing.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-31 134703-1788205659306.png">Pacific moisture continues to inundate the region, with days of heavy downpours for areas around the Four Corners. 1-4 inches of rain are expected in the favored locations, with scattered flash flooding possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-01 040659-1788257481476.png"><h1>Drought Relief</h1>September is favored for above-average precipitation across a majority of the Western United States. This would be a great way to end a solid monsoon season, which runs through the end of the month.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-29 075355-1788011658558.png">With more rain on the way, drought improvement is likely for some areas, while drought removal is even possible in others. Keep doing your rain dance (take video and tag us if you do!).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-29 075403-1788011667031.png">

Adrian Hernandez

Monsoon Moisture Brings Flooding Across the Four Corners

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During El Nino, temperatures across the Eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer, or above normal. For the hurricane season, this means an increase in tropical activity across the Eastern Pacific.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-26 160007-1787781615977.png">These warmer sea surface temperatures also mean an increase in shark activity for Southern California beaches. Meteorologist Taban Sharifi spoke to Dr. Christopher Lowe, professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach on how El Nino brings changes to marine life along the coast.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1FcXy4BQcgA" start="0"></iframe></div>As the waters continue to warm through the Fall, Dr. Lowe talked about the changing species that will be seen across the Southern California waters that are not typically there. This includes hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and even manta rays. This also includes white sharks. The water farther south will get too warm for the white sharks, that are normally off the Baha of California, and they will begin to push north. Dr. Lowe said, "It's going to push those juvenile white sharks that are normally in Mexico into Southern California waters." This is something they have already started to see happen during July and August of this year, and the numbers of these sharks are increasing. Dr. Lowe said the sharks could reach as far north as Santa Cruz, CA.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-26 155905-1787784580682.png">There's a sweet spot for water temperatures for these sharks that sits between 64°-72°. Above 82° is when sharks begin to move north. Currently, water temperatures in the Eastern Pacific are significantly warmer than that 82° threshold.A message to beach goers: "Believe it or not, having all those white sharks off that beach might actually keep people safer. Because they are eating sting rays, there are fewer sting rays that might hurt people," said Dr. Lowe.Watch the full interview for more on how close these sharks get to the coastline and how scientists track their behavior.

Tracey Anthony

El Nino Pushes Sharks into Southern California Beaches

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Alana Cameron was born and raised in Canada in the city of Mississauga, just outside of Toronto. Alana is the oldest of 4 siblings, all close in age, and grew up playing outside with them in all types of weather. After graduating high school, Alana moved to study at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna for a year before transferring to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Upon completion, Alana moved back to Toronto where she completed a post-grad degree in Meteorology at York University. After her post-grad, she went on to complete another post-grad in Broadcast Journalism - TV News at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. During her final year of studies she had the privilege of interning with the best in the business in Canada at The Weather Network. Once she finished her internship, she got the call from small-town Denison, Texas where she accepted a job as an on-air meteorologist at KTEN-TV, right in tornado alley, covering severe weather from Sherman/Denison (North Texas) to Ada (Southern Oklahoma). After the most active tornado season Oklahoma had seen in May 2019 (105 tornadoes!) Alana is excited to join WeatherNation to cover weather all across the nation. If you're interested in following her on social media she can be found @alanacameronwx!

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High pressure continues to dominate the Southwest. Extreme Heat Warnings (in pink) still remain in place for cities including Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and the Coachella Valley. Heat Advisories (in orange) also remain in place through tonight across the California Coast including Los Angeles and San Diego.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-29 124202-1788028928893.png">Most of the Southwest, which is normally hot, will have many cities running above average and breaking records through tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-29 124216-1788028995569.png">By tomorrow, we will start to feel the impacts of the trough that is digging into the PNW and the cooler air associated with it. Los Angeles will see temperatures drop down to the mid to low 80s by midweek.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-29 124327-1788029016854.png">Stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest.

Kevin Schneider

Southwest Heatwave Breaking Down

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2093066020558872742" src="https://x.com/weathernation/status/2093066020558872742?s=46"></div>Strong storms and flash flooding hammered the I-95 corridor Thursday afternoon. Numerous flash flood warnings were issued to accompany storms with strong downdraft winds. As the front lingers on Friday, expect more storms during the afternoon and evening with potential for strong wind gusts and flash flooding.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-28 064245-1787920984704.png">While wind is the primary severe weather hazard, a tornado or waterspout is not of the question.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-28 06-46-58-1787921243269.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Some areas received 2-6 inches of rain on Thursday, with more on the way today. That means some areas will be more susceptible for flooding to develop again.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot 2026-08-28 064317-1787921016407.png">We will have more updates and live coverage on this risk all day on Friday, so make sure to tune in to WeatherNation for the latest .

Rob Bradley

East Coast Storm Threat Lingers Friday

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Tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, oh my!

It was a day filled with wild weather across the Plains as we closed out the workweek.

https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/10156545814439874/

Tornado reports came in from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming in the afternoon and evening.

https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/1002693620971929600

Hail up to the size of a baseball in diameter was also reported in Texas.

https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/10156546023824874/?t=1

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There is a threat for severe weather in the forecast on Saturday, and we will have the latest throughout the day on air, online and on our affiliate channels.

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For WeatherNation, I'm <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/meredith-garofalo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo</a>

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Wild Weather Friday in the Plains

Lowell Could Brush Hawaii as the Eastern Pacific Remains Hyperactive

The Pacific hurricane season is showing no si

Flood Threat Lingers in Texas After Edouard

Intense rainfall has inundated parts of Texas

More Severe Weather For The Plains

WHAT TO EXPECTThere is a significant severe t

Monsoon Moisture Brings Flooding Across the Four Corners

Flood Watches are in effect throughout Arizon

El Nino Pushes Sharks into Southern California Beaches

During El Nino, temperatures across the Easte

Southwest Heatwave Breaking Down

High pressure continues to dominate the South

East Coast Storm Threat Lingers Friday

Strong storms and flash flooding hammered the