Meteorologist Jesse Kelley is excited to join the talented staff at Weather Nation. Jesse spent most of his childhood in Birmingham, Alabama. The state of Alabama is prone to seeing various types of weather from severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter weather. For college, Jesse attended the University of South Alabama where he received his degree in Broadcast Meteorology along with minors in Math and Geography. From Alabama, Jesse started his broadcast television working three years at KAVU-TV in Victoria. Recently, he finished a stint in Shreveport, LA. Jesse and his wife are looking forward to making the Rocky Mountains and Colorado home. If you would like to follow me, you can follow me on Twitter @JesseKelleywx and on Facebook at Meteorologist Jesse Kelley.

Jesse Kelley

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<p>After an active week of severe weather in the South and heavy snow in the Plains, the forecast is planning to chill out some in the upcoming week. The big weather story will be record warmth in the West and much cooler air dropping south into the Gulf Coast. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1768102131400.png"></p><p>Lets start with the pattern in the West. Record highs could be possible for parts of the Northern Rockies especially in Montana. Check out the temperatures in Great Falls, Montana. Highs will be flirting with the 60s!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1768102231070.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1768102261111.png"></p><p>As we move eastward, below average temperatures are looking likely for the Southeast. Numerous records fell in the last few days. A strong cold front slides southward during the second half of next week. Some of the early signs show possibly some winter weather for parts of the Mid South? We will keep a close eye on both.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1768102425399.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1768102460185.png"></p>

Looking Ahead to the Next Week's Pattern

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Brittany Lockley

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<p><span style="color: inherit">After the last system brought heavy rainfall and flash flooding, this next system will bring more snow to the region as colder air filters in behind it. Snow chances will increase across parts of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas through Saturday, with roads likely turning slick into the overnight hours.</span></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/New Baron Video 3-1768101530881.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Temperature Drop</h1><p>The second storm system will follow closely behind Friday's system on Saturday to reinforce the cold air and help generate additional snowfall this weekend. Farther east and north toward the Great Lakes, snowfall totals may be higher as lake-enhanced snow develops, boosting accumulations in parts of Wisconsin and Michigan.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1768075919789.png"></p><p></p><p>Wind chill values will also become quite cold, dropping some of these temperatures to well below zero. Strong winds could worsen conditions, particularly near the Great Lakes, where blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility at times. Gusty winds may also lead to drifting snow and isolated whiteout conditions, especially in lake-effect-prone areas. Travel impacts are likely to be greatest overnight into Saturday morning, and drivers are urged to use caution as conditions change rapidly.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1768076013377.png"></p><p></p><p>The heaviest snow is expected around the Great Lakes in northern Michigan and northern Wisconsin, where lake effect snow bands will be possible. There could be over 6 inches of snow in these areas by the end of the weekend.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1768076065520.png"></p><p></p><p><span style="color: inherit">Make sure to stay alert to updated winter weather alerts and forecasts, as small shifts in storm tracks or temperatures could lead to changes in snowfall totals and timing across the Midwest through the weekend. </span>For the latest in the Central Region, tune in live at :30 past the hour or get it on demand anytime with the WeatherNation app.</p>

Rounds of Snow Returning to the Midwest

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<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #454545;">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></span></p>

Rob Bradley

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<p>The Northeastern U.S. has been one of the more active regions of the country so far this winter in terms of ice and snow, with plenty piling up around the Great Lakes and into New England. A warmer system brought rain and gusty winds to Northeast Friday, but another wet and colder system is expected to bring back ice and snow tonight through Sunday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-10 063224-1768052229457.png">Saturday will see quickly changing temperatures, with sub-freezing air down to I-90 by the early afternoon. With warmer air overhead, this could lead to freezing rain mixing with snow Saturday evening into Sunday morning before colder air and more widespread snow return on Sunday afternoon. As a result, Winter Weather alerts have been issued for parts of New England. Take it slow on the roads tonight if you are traveling.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1png-1768074845138.png"></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/New Baron Video 3-1768101293465.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>With the colder air in place, higher elevations will see a mix of ice and sleet, while lower elevations experience rain. Heading into Sunday, much cooler air develops in northwesterly flow, allowing for light snow to fall, though it looks to mostly impact areas closer to the Great Lakes versus the I-95 corridor. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-10 063240-1768052313056.png">Freezing rain and sleet forecasts are potentially significant for some areas into Sunday, with Upstate New York and New England expected to deal with slick conditions and accumulations of ice and sleet.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1768101345102.png"></p><p>Snow will mostly be on the lighter side for most areas with pockets of moderate rainfall (1-2" on the high end). Flash flooding is not expected, but some nuisance flooding (ponding on roadways) is possible. The mountains in New York and New England will see potential for heavier snow, upwards of 6-10 inches. Flash flooding is not expected, but some nuisance flooding (ponding on roadways) is possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1768075145616.png"></p><p>Temperatures will be quite warm with the first two waves of low pressure, before the cold front arrives Sunday into Monday.<br><br>Get the latest in the Northeast in the East Regional Forecast anytime with the WeatherNation app - or tune in live at :10 past the hour!</p>

Another Round of Ice and Snow for the Northeast This Weekend

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Tracey Anthony

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<p>The first days of January have brought many record highs across the country, with more falling across the Southeast on Saturday. However, as the front passes through, residents in these areas will feel a noticeable cooldown by the 2nd half of the weekend!</p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-10 160855-1768086546197.png"></p><p></p><p>As this latest system and its associated cold fronts push east, many will see temperature drops substantially. The state of Florida, sans the Panhandle, will squeeze out another warm day on Sunday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-10 160955-1768086602759.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-10 161138-1768086706764.png"></p><p></p><p>Temperatures may stay on the cooler side as we head into the 2nd half of January. In fact, the Climate Prediction Center has high confidence in below-average temperatures for next weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-10 161223-1768086823183.png"></p>

Temperature Whiplash for the Weekend

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<p>It has been one year since the Palisades and Eaton fires burned through local communities in Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025. The lasting impacts are still being felt across the region, both on the ground and in the atmosphere. The fires took 31 lives and burned down 18,000 buildings and homes.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p>The fires ignited during a period of extreme fire weather, fueled by prolonged drought, critically low humidity, and strong offshore winds. The Palisades&nbsp;fire initially started with an open flame in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Firefighters were able to contain&nbsp;the flames above ground, but the fire continued to burn underground. At the time of ignition, relative humidity values dropped into the single digits, while wind gusts frequently exceeded 40 to 60 mph, creating ideal conditions for the rapid spread of the fire. The National Weather Service even issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation for these fires. These factors allowed flames to move miles in just hours, overwhelming containment efforts during the initial stages. The Palisades fire grew to 23,707 acres.&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 041825-1767784832298.png">The Eaton Fire ignited in Altadena shortly after the Palisades Fire. In this fire, close to 10,000 homes were destroyed and 19 lives were lost, as the fire ravaged 14,021 acres by the time of its containment on January 31, 2024.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-07 04-18-40-1767784809714.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Rainfall deficits leading up to the fires played a major role in their intensity. Many areas had received less than 50 percent of their average precipitation over the previous 6 to 12 months, resulting in exceptionally dry vegetation. Live fuel moisture levels were near record lows for late season, and energy release components, an index used to measure potential fire intensity, were well above climatological averages. <span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 040748-1767784265056.png"></p><p>Once the fires were established, towering smoke plumes injected particulates high into the atmosphere, degrading air quality across hundreds of miles and prompting repeated air quality alerts as fine particulate concentrations surged well above health-based thresholds.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2025-12_2025-01-09_g18_abi_meso_geocolor-fires-1767898580832.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>In the aftermath, the weather continued to complicate recovery. The first significant rain events following the fires produced short bursts of heavy rainfall, falling on soils unable to absorb water efficiently. Rainfall rates of just a half inch per hour were enough to trigger runoff, mudslides, and debris flows within burn scars. Damaging roads and infrastructure months after the flames were extinguished. Emergency managers were forced to pivot from wildfire response to managing the floods, highlighting the compound risks associated with extreme weather.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 091018-1767802242571.png">A year later, both fires are on California's most destructive fires list. Weather and climate data show early signs of ecological recovery, but also ongoing vulnerability. Native grasses and shrubs have begun to return, aided by winter&nbsp;rainfall.&nbsp;The Palisades and Eaton fires now serve as a stark example of how weather extremes, heat, wind, drought, and heavy rainfall are reshaping wildfire behavior. <span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p>

One Year Later: Palisades and Eaton Fires

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<h1>Outlooks &amp; Timing</h1><p>Friday night and Saturday morning was active tracking severe weather and flash flooding. We do have some good news as the severe weather threat has ended! The National Weather Service crews will be out surveying a few areas where tornadoes did touchdown across the South. Check out some of the damage Saturday morning as strong winds moved through Central Alabama.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/VO_011026_RSE_DALLAS COUNTY, AL_2 OF 3 DOWNED TREES AFTER TORNADO SWEPT THOGH SAT AM_FB_MS_E011026-1768076721260.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Throughout the rest of the afternoon and evening hours, the showers and few embedded storms will continue to work their way east towards the Atlantic coast. The forecast will be drier and windier for Sunday across the South. It is possible the remaining storms could produced an additional half an inch to an inch of rain. The Flood Watch across Alabama and Georgia will expire later this afternoon.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/New Baron Video 3-1768076980959.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1768076918937.png"></p><p>Catch updates during our top weather headlines (:00, :20, :40 past the hour) or get the latest regional update for the East and Central U.S. at :10 and :30 past the hour.</p>

Severe Threat Has Ended in the South

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p>For many people, winter means a visit from Canada Geese, and here at WeatherNation, we have a whole flock of questions about these seasonal guests, as many people are reporting a seeming increase in the number of geese in places they don't typically see in the winter months. We spoke with Dr. David Koons, a professor and Chair of Colorado State University's Wetland and Waterfowl Conservation program, to learn more about why these birds are appearing in different locations.</p><p></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QZV9QSWC9SI" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>Mostly recognized as Canadian Geese, Dr. Koons says that were the misconceptions start. The species is technically Canada Geese.</p><p>While millions of birds migrate each winter, it's the larger-bodied birds that we can more easily see migrating that catch our attention. Canada Geese are larger birds, and store more fat, allowing them to only have to do a shorter migration and stay further north than the smaller-bodied birds that typically move towards more tropical climates.</p><p>"Snowpack over their food is a bigger push for them than temperature," said Dr. Koons. Though long stretches of cold days can freeze over water sources and force the birds to move, he added. Depending on their needs, the geese may move further north or south to follow some warmer temperatures.</p><p>Dr. Koons mentioned that scientists have noticed a trend of larger-bodied birds not migrating as far south as they used to because they don't need to. The frost line is moving further north, and birds don't have to trek as far south to find the resources needed to survive. Koons gave Louisiana as an example. "You're not seeing as many mallards as your grandparents did 50 years ago."</p><p>While Canada Geese aren't known for being very popular, they play an important role in recycling nutrients in an ecosystem, such as nitrogen. Dr. Koons says if you get enough Canada Geese together, it's like having a larger species like a cow or elk doing the same process of nutrient recycling, but in different ecosystems. He also added that since the geese are seasonal migrators, they benefit multiple different ecosystems throughout the year.</p>

What the FLOCK Is Up With All the Geese?

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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!

Alana Cameron

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<p>It's been a slow start to the ski season for a lot of our resorts out west, so any snow in the forecast should bring a little hope to the skiers and boarders out there. <strong>Winter weather alerts </strong>have been issued across the Four Corners through Friday. Totals will vary based on elevation.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174402-1767833193610.png"></p><p>Across Arizona and New Mexico, we've been getting rainfall, and that will continue overnight. In the meantime, snow will start to pile up in Colorado, Utah, and the higher elevations of the southern Four Corners.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-07 rsw rsc-1767833203813.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Through Friday, some of our ski resorts could max out around a foot. For the Colorado Rockies and resorts of Utah, we'll be fortunate enough if we see around 9" to one foot for resorts like Vail and Steamboat Springs.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174409-1767833222196.png"></p><h2>Denver Area</h2><p>Models are starting to get better correlated on what the outcome for Thursday's snowfall is. Temperatures look to be a bit cooler, cool enough to support upwards of 1-5" of snow in the Denver area.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 154256-1767825841035.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174716-1767833250369.png"></p><h2>Salt Lake City</h2><p>SLC has seen barely any snow this season. So far, we've only had 0.1" of snow downtown. The forecast from the National Weather Service has a forecast of 1-2" in the city.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 154348-1767825872371.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 174723-1767833255996.png"></p><p>Whether you're hopeful or skeptical of this forecast, be sure to join us on WeatherNation live for the latest breakdown of these forecasts!</p>

Snow Returns to Ski Country

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Kevin Schneider

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<p>Most of the lower 48 has been missing out on a lot of Winter. Areas along the West Coast and Great Lakes have had an active Winter, but other than them, many along or east of the Rockies have been quiet so far. Not Alaska.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 100656-1767805655200.png"></p><p>Heavy snowfall towards the end of 2025 was enough to sink boats around Juneau. By the end of the month, the airport in Juneau had measured more snow than any December prior, and it wasn't even close! Over 80 inches of snow fell throughout the month, with multiple daily records sprinkled in.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 100846-1767805743282.png"></p><p>We spoke with the National Weather Service office in Juneau, Alaska to learn more about this historic snowfall.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zhaLChRQkac" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>Since 2026 has rolled around, it has only kept snowing. Areas from Anchorage to Haines have picked up close to 20 more inches of snow has fallen. Not to mention it's been coming in with limited visibility with some blizzard conditions. Another system moving in threatens to bring warmer temperatures along with additional precipitation.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 101334-1767806446476.png">Residents have been asked to clear any clogged storm drain nearby, with officials giving the okay to dump "clean" snow into nearby bodies of water. The weight of the snow has caved in roofs in addition to sinking boats in local harbors.</p><p>WHY ARE WARM TEMPERATURES BAD</p><p>You would think a nice thawing out would help ease problems in Alaska but it could actually cause more harm. If temperatures warm enough to end the week, rain falling ontop of snow will help rapidly melt the pack. Then, everything is running off, not just the rain. This could lead to significant flooding in the area.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-07 102411-1767806672935.png">The extended forecast isn't offering much of a break beyong this weekend, either. Rain and snow will continue to threaten the area well into next week it appears.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-07 10-26-27-1767806874418.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p>

Brian Hartman

Record Snowfall Sinking Boats in Alaska

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<p><strong>NORTHEAST </strong>- We've had a series of clipper systems move from the Northern Plains over the Great Lakes and past the Northeast over a lot of the Christmas holidays. Now that we're back for the first full week of work and school, we have more of the same. Through tonight, <strong>winter weather advisories</strong> have been issued for portions of northern New England for a bit of sleet, ice, and a couple of quick inches of snowfall. This will likely lead to slick spots on the road tonight and tomorrow morning.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web1-1767781875352.png"></p><p>Here's a look at our forecast totals from now through Wednesday. Higher elevations may see more than a couple of inches, but otherwise, totals will be fairly minimal.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web2-1767781901208.png"></p><p>Timing things out through Wednesday morning, we currently have a wintry mix pushing through the northeast along a frontal boundary and that will continue through Wednesday morning in these areas.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-07 03-33-24-1767782032503.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Next System To Watch</h2><p>After we receive a little bit of snowfall, another warmer system is set to move into the northeast as we head into the latter half of the work week. With warmer temperatures in store, this will likely bring in more rain than snowfall. That could lead to some slushy conditions, especially if you have snowfall on the ground in your area. Rain starts to push in Thursday through Saturday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-07 03-32-08-1767782070128.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>For more of these details be sure to join us LIVE on WeatherNation!</p>

Adrian Hernandez

Wintry Weather to Rain Chances In The Northeast

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<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PH84aZY4bmc" start="0"></iframe></div><p>Every year, AEM (Advanced Environmental Monitoring) survey's millions of lightning strikes across the U.S. Meteorologist Taban Sharifi spoke with AEM lightning scientist Dr. Elizabeth DiGangi about the trends and facts in this year's annual report. </p><h2 style="text-align: start"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://aem.eco/aem-releases-2025-u-s-lightning-report-oklahoma-dethrones-florida-as-americas-lightning-concentration-capital/"><strong>Key Findings from AEM First Look</strong></a></h2><h5><em>Courtesy: AEM</em></h5><ul><li><p><strong>Top State &amp; County by Flash Density:</strong> Oklahoma claimed the top position with 73 flashes per square mile, Kay County, Oklahoma, led the nation with 123.4 flashes per square mile. Florida is frequently the dominating state in this category, however the lack of landfalling tropical systems during 2025's hurricane season likely lessened that number. Louisiana and Kansas rounded out the top four.</p></li><li><p><strong>Peak Lightning Day:</strong> June 15 saw the most of any day of the year with 929,016 flashes.</p></li><li><p><strong>Tourist and Travel Impacts: </strong>Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta reported 10,000 lightning flashes. ATL, along with several other of the busiest airports in the county saw peak lightning numbers during the summer and the peak travel season. Millennium Park in downtown Chicago recorded more than 11,000 lightning flashes. Three SEC stadiums made up the greatest lightning exposure, Tiger Stadium, Kyle Field, and the Cotton Bowl. </p></li><li><p><strong>Active Great Plains: </strong>2025 signaled a shift to more frequent lightning in the heart of the country. While Oklahoma saw the highest flash density, Texas reported the most overall flashes at 13 million. That's 1.3 million more than average for the Lone Star State. About half of the top ten lightning states in 2025 were in the Great Plains. This is due in part to major severe weather outbreaks on the billion dollar disaster scale. </p></li></ul>

Oklahoma Dethrones Florida as U.S. Lightning Capital - AEM

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<p>While known for its fair weather, sunny skies, and beaches, even Hawaii isn't exempt from Mother Nature turning the tides. A <strong>Kona Low,</strong> which is a system of low pressure that flips the traditional wind pattern over Hawaii, has caused widespread rain and even heavy mountain snow over the last few days.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2007942616822988877" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2007942616822988877"></div><h1>Kona Low?</h1><p>Similar to a sub-tropical storm in the Gulf or Atlantic, Kona Low's are responsible for bringing heavy rain to Hawaii on an annual basis. They usually occur in the winter months, and often pose a flood/winter storm threat to the island.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/46-1676675771349.JPG"></p><h1>Flood Threat</h1><p>With an excess of rainfall in the forecast, widespread flood watches have been issued for essentially all of the Hawaiian islands. This is due to the elevated runoff, making low-lying areas at more of a risk for flooding. These outlooks will extend through Monday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web1-1767614455215.png"></p><p>If we're looking at numbers, the majority of the rainfall will likely stay on Hawaii's Big Island. Some of these totals can breach the 3" mark by the time we hit Wednesday. The other islands (Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai), can expect anywhere from 1-2" by this point as well.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web2-1767615335188.png"></p><h1>Snow &amp; Wind</h1><p>Taking all that moisture into the high elevations, you're bound to get some snow. In some cases, maybe too much of it. The two massive shield volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea), are under the threat for heavy snow and heavy icing. Any summit roadways likely to feel this threat the most.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/we1-1767710204707.png"></p><p>Gusty winds are also expected to kick up as this low pushes through. Honolulu potentially seeing gusts up to 35 mph by Tuesday! The National Weather Service (NWS) has even issued high wind warnings for the big island summits. Gusts up to 75 mph are expected!</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-05 hawaii wnids-1767646121360.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Trouble on the Water</h1><p>Wave heights will also be a concern for the traditional beach-goer. Some heights showing upwards of 13ft in Honolulu! Likely won't deter many surfers though. The NWS has issued widespread high surf advisories as a result.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-05 05-23-49-1767615844821.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/web10-1767615897385.png"></p>

Kona Low Brings Hazardous Weather to Hawaii

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2007919969460183293" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2007919969460183293"></div><p>One last push of the trough responsible for the heavy rain in California will kick off the week. This comes after several systems created major flooding and mudslides over the holidays. The threat of additional flash flooding (including with mudslides and debris flows) and heavy mountain snow will continues on Monday.</p><h1>Flooding Threat</h1><p>Flash flood potential is expected to continue through today with the WPC's excessive rainfall outlook at a MARGINAL (level 1 out of 4) risk.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-05 134424-1767645873195.png"></p><h1>Timing / Forecast</h1><p>There is still some lingering rain in northern California happening today through tonight. The surface low will parallel the coast through tomorrow and may bring some minor rain back into southern California.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-05_rsw california-1767645945817.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Snow &amp; Wind</h1><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2007829374213693448" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2007829374213693448"></div><p><strong>Winter Storm Warnings</strong> remain in effect for the Sierra Nevada as well as the Trinity-Shasta mountains through tonight.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-05 134605-1767645972878.png"></p><p>Snowfall totals moving forward are likely in the higher elevations but a couple inches over the Donner pass and up near Mount Shasta could cause road slow-downs on our interstates.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/we2-1767620172781.png"></p><p>More details on your Western Regional Forecast can always be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p>

Heavy Rain & Snow Winding Down Tonight in California

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<p>As 2025 wrapped up, we took a look back at the weather stories that mattered most in the year.</p><h1><strong>JANUARY</strong></h1><p>January was a dramatic start to 20-25. From the West Coast to the East Coast -- records were broken. We started the year with destructive wildfires in California and transitioned to the highest snowfall totals ever recorded for some cities across the Gulf Coast. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Meteorologist Taban Sharifi looks back on the first month of the year in our Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZhCDrfucevU" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>FEBRUARY</strong></h1><p>February 2025 brought significant atmospheric rivers to the west and severe weather that stretched from Alabama to New York, changing the lives of millions.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Meteorologist Tracey Anthony takes a look back at February's headlines. Meteorologist Patrick Crawford has a look at these Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gDPn1enLwDU" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>MARCH</strong></h1><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">From devastating wildfires to record-breaking floods and widespread severe storms, including one of the most violent </span><span style="color: inherit">Mar</span>ch<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)"> tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, the Spring of 2025 started more lion than lamb. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Meteorologist Tracey Anthony details the Top Weather Events of 2025.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1jDoUNdsQsE" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>APRIL</strong></h1><p>Tornadoes and flooding brought a one-two punch in April. Meteorologist Adrian Hernandez takes a look back at our Top Weather Events of 2025.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2jrVc9pVRbw" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>MAY</strong></h1><p>Record-setting rainfall and destructive severe weather outbreaks dominated headlines in May. Meteorologist Jackie Brown tells us why in our Top Weather Events of 2025.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_kRQ9kP-Alg" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>JUNE</strong></h1><p>This summer, the U.S. saw its first EF-5 tornado in more than a decade. Meteorologist Dave Holder highlights June as we continue our look at the Top Weather Events of 2025. &nbsp;</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WZYPfSprBeo" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>JULY</strong></h1><p>The Fourth of July holiday weekend turned deadly and destructive. Meteorologist Rob Bradley looks back on the impacts of July’s tropical moisture in our Top Weather Events of 2025. &nbsp;</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n3zverrLAdk" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>AUGUST</strong></h1><p><br>August was the start of a long period of coastal erosion for the Eastern Seaboard. Meteorologist Jesse Kelley chronicles July’s once-in-a-generation flooding in our Top Weather Events of August 2025.&nbsp;</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vA89EW49pkE" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>SEPTEMBER</strong></h1><p>Relentless tropical rains from the Eastern Pacific and dueling hurricanes in the Atlantic. Meteorologist Patrick Crawford shows us the impacts of September in our Top Weather Events of 2025. &nbsp;</p><p></p><h1><strong>OCTOBER</strong></h1><p>Tropical impacts hit their peak in October. Meteorologist Alana Cameron highlights Category Five Hurricane Melissa’s devastating hit to Jamaica in our Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2M04A7WEpiI" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>NOVEMBER</strong></h1><p>An early start to winter left thousands stranded in a Thanksgiving storm. Meteorologist Kevin Schneider has the details as we look back on November in our Top Weather Events of 2025.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wuodtzDlAAc" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>DECEMBER</strong></h1><p>Historic river flooding inundated Washington and California, while constant clippers roamed the Northern U.S. Meteorologist Brittany Lockley rounds out the final month of the year in our Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/80oB37u25nQ" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>Other Natural Phenomena</strong></h1><p>It wasn’t just the weather making headlines this year. Meteorologist Alana Cameron talks about the other forces of nature that caught our attention in 2025.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xPIOEoUUDv4" start="0"></iframe></div>

Top Weather Events of 2025

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<p>After colder air settles into the Southeast earlier this week, warmer temperatures will briefly return ahead of an approaching storm system, setting the stage for severe weather.</p><p>Here are some of the hail reports from Saturday's storms along the Gulf Coast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1767495361933.png"></p><p></p><p>The low diving across the Mississippi Valley today will move through the Carolinas on Saturday, dragging a cold front across the Gulf Coast. As warmer and moist air surges north ahead of the boundary, more thunderstorms are possible tonight. Following the front, temperatures will stay warm and more sunshine will be expected for next week.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/New Baron Video 3-1767495625178.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p>

Severe Storms Target the Southeast on Saturday

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<h1>Northern U.S.</h1><p>In the North-Central U.S., an Alberta Clipper will help reinforce the cooler air as we move into the weekend. Morning lows and afternoon highs will be well below normal for many spots in the northern U.S.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 131959-1767385206537.png"></p><p>Be cautious of the wind chill; some of these spots may read above zero on a thermometer, but they will feel even colder than that. Some wind-chills could reach the single digits.</p><p>Temperatures will not rise significantly in the afternoon. Check out the high temperatures to start the weekend! </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 132146-1767385317298.png"></p><h2><strong>Southern U.S.</strong></h2><p><strong>Frost and Freeze Warnings</strong> were issued earlier this week across portions of the South. Here is a look at the temperatures that kicked off 2026 on Thursday!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-01 074114-1767278487500.jpg"></p><p>Temperatures have been warming back up to end the week. Many areas will be at or above normal with high temperatures into the weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 132431-1767385475366.png"></p><p>Make sure you stay tuned to WeatherNation, as we continue to monitor the cold air! </p>

Looking Ahead to the Next Week's Pattern

Looking Ahead to the Next Week's Pattern

Rounds of Snow Returning to the Midwest

Rounds of Snow Returning to the Midwest

Another Round of Ice and Snow for the Northeast This Weekend

Another Round of Ice and Snow for the Northea

Temperature Whiplash for the Weekend

Temperature Whiplash for the Weekend

One Year Later: Palisades and Eaton Fires

One Year Later: Palisades and Eaton Fires

Severe Threat Has Ended in the South

Severe Threat Has Ended in the South

What the FLOCK Is Up With All the Geese?

What the FLOCK Is Up With All the Geese?

Snow Returns to Ski Country

Snow Returns to Ski Country

Record Snowfall Sinking Boats in Alaska

Record Snowfall Sinking Boats in Alaska

Wintry Weather to Rain Chances In The Northeast

Wintry Weather to Rain Chances In The Northea

Oklahoma Dethrones Florida as U.S. Lightning Capital - AEM

Oklahoma Dethrones Florida as U.S. Lightning

Kona Low Brings Hazardous Weather to Hawaii

Kona Low Brings Hazardous Weather to Hawaii

Heavy Rain & Snow Winding Down Tonight in California

Heavy Rain & Snow Winding Down Tonight in Cal

Top Weather Events of 2025

Top Weather Events of 2025

Severe Storms Target the Southeast on Saturday

Severe Storms Target the Southeast on Saturda

Chilly Air Across the Northern States

Chilly Air Across the Northern States