Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

JackieBrownjpeg-1679518619427.jpeg

<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1><p>A blast of cold air has brought freeze warnings across portions of the Great Lakes, Midwest, and East. Temperatures will drop sub-freezing for Tuesday morning. These temps can impact crops and sensitive vegetation with the potential to damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-20 104320-1776703408953.png">Lows will be cold overnight! Tuesday morning starts out with temperatures in the 20s and 30s for some.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/TONIGHTS LOWS -1776713288386.png"></p><p>There is even the potential for record lows to break on Tuesday morning with sub-freezing temperatures. The dots on the map are cities that could tie or break record lows.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-20 144538-1776717951082.png"></p><p>Some of these temperatures include the 20s for cities like Syracuse, NY which may break a record Tuesday morning.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-20 144545-1776717956348.png"></p><p>The cold snap won't last long, as by Wednesday temperatures will rebound back to above average.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/richmondsss-1776713375572.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/buffalow n-1776713421088.png"></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>

Alana Cameron

Cold Blast Prompts Frost and Freeze Alerts

COOLERAIRFORNEpng-1776627202113.png

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!

AlanaCameronjpeg-1679518648021.jpeg

<p><strong>CALIFORNIA - </strong>Rain has begun in California and will continue through Wednesday, also bringing some snow chances for the Sierra. This is good news as drought has returned to the state following the historic heatwave in March. As the low moves eastward midweek, more moisture should increase across the Rocky Mountain states.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-20 200152-1776736956174.png"><strong>Winter Storm Watches</strong> have been issued for portions of the Sierra Nevada through Wednesday. Generally, 4-9 inches above 6500 feet will be likely, but up to 12-18 inches along the highest mountain peaks is likely. Down at the lake level, 1-4" of snow is possible. In addition to the Sierra Alerts, <strong>winter weather advisories </strong>were issued in Northern California near Mount Shasta for 5-10 inches of snow and winds to 45 mph.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-20 144626-1776718093180.png">Showers have already started as the front has pushed onshore and will continue through Wednesday. High elevation snow also starts tonight and will be especially heavy as we head into Tuesday night before wrapping up on Wednesday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-20 rsw-1776736981313.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>There is also an isolated threat for heavy rainfall across Northern California, the Bay Area, all the way down through Santa Barbara, into Tuesday</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/TUESDAY FFFFFFFF-1776724614964.png">More on this forecast can always be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p>

Active Week Ahead for the West Coast

Screenshot20260420200148png-1776736958437.png

Kevin Schneider

A021DDE71AA34C50BB5468289EA6B1D7jpeg-1699372868991.jpeg

<p>While the severe thunderstorm risk ends with the latest system pushing off the Atlantic Coast, another potent upper trough will move into the middle states by the middle of next week. The Storm Prediction Center is already highlighting an area of potential severe weather Wednesday through Friday, from the Plains to the Lower Mississippi River Valley.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 192833-1776562725783.png"></p><p>This upper-level low will bring strong winds aloft, enhancing shear for any storms that are able to form in the environment. This turning of the winds as you go up in the atmosphere will help organize those storms.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-20 035121-1776678696660.png"></p><p>Meanwhile, at the surface, heat and humidity will build during the afternoons, creating an unstable atmosphere. Storms that form will strengthen quickly!</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/0420-1776695361167.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Long-range, less resolute models fire thunderstorms each afternoon, beginning Wednesday. With more rounds of rain moving over similar locations, flooding will need to be monitored as a potential threat. The WPC Excessive Rainfall Outlook has highlighted the threat of heavy rain from the Central Plains to the Gulf Coast from Wednesday to Friday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-20 082952-1776695398089.png"></p>

Severe Thunderstorms Ramp Back Up This Week

Screenshot20260420144508png-1776717914095.png

<h1>SOUTHEAST</h1><p>Over 96% of the Southeast is in moderate to exceptional drought. These dry conditions have been one of many factors increasing the fire threat across the southeast. Over the next few days, we can see gusty conditions combined with the drought, which will aid any fires that start rapidly! Red flag warnings and fire weather watches remain in place through Tuesday. If you are in a local burn ban, please use caution and obey!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-20 200331-1776737024588.png">Because of these dry conditions, we have seen multiple wildfires break out. On Sunday, fire crews responded to the N. Main Street Fire in Gainesville, Florida. As of now, this fire is 25 percent contained.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/fire droughts-1776714061093.png"></p><h1>CENTRAL PLAINS</h1><p>Across the plains, gusty winds, dry conditions, and drought will all contribute to extreme fire conditions. Red flag warnings and fire weather watches are in place this week, as any fire that develops can spread rapidly! Please use extreme caution if you are doing any burning, and check to make sure you are allowed to burn.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/fire plains-1776713881769.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/plains drought-1776713890395.png"></p><p></p>

Extreme Drought Leads To Fire Concerns Across The Nation

firedroughtsepng-1776714021138.png

Tracey Anthony

Tracey2jpeg-1737574224773.jpeg

<p>Flooding turned serious over the last week across Michigan and Wisconsin. Heavy rain &amp; severe storms arrived on top of spring snowmelt. </p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2045208169664913798" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2045208169664913798"></div><p>A big part of this flood set up traces back to the Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where a very snowy winter left a large amount of water locked in the snowpack. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Web_1-1776694765560.png"></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">At the same time, Milwaukee set a new April precipitation record by April 16, surpassing the old record of 7.38 inches from 2013. &nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Web_4-1776695176771.png"></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2044823132792365142" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2044823132792365142"></div><p><span style="color: black">The flood threat is not over yet. The National Weather Service in Marquette said Monday that the threat for river flooding will continue across north-central and eastern Upper Michigan as temperatures warm into the 40s, and its latest flood briefing said minor to moderate flooding is expected over the next seven days, with major flooding possible along parts of the Sturgeon and Muskegon Rivers. </span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Web_7-1776695604663.png"></p><p>For more on your central regional forecast, tune into WeatherNation :30 past the hour.</p>

Record Snow, Record Rain, Rising Rivers

Web_3png-1776694744568.png

<p>Tornadoes, hail, wind, and rain slammed the Midwest and Great Plains on Friday as a powerful storm system moved into the region. The same storm system was producing snow in Colorado while tornado warnings were being issued hundreds of miles to the east.<br><br>Unfortunately, tornadoes hit some residential areas causing damage to homes in several states and injuring at least one person in Iowa. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported thus far. We'll post summaries of the tornadoes, including their ratings, as that information comes in over the next few days. Head to the bottom of the page for radar loops from Friday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-20 103932-1776703184677.png"><br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051753-1776512252193.png">Over one hundred tornado warnings were issued with 25 reports of tornadoes either being spotted or causing damage.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051244-1776512264052.png">Many more severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood warnings were issued on Friday, with many warnings confirmed by reports (below).</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051758-1776512271813.png">Hail topped 3 inches in diameter (bigger than baseballs) in both the Midwest and Plains on Friday, with many significant hail reports (over 2 inches).</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051925-1776512279734.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051918-1776514705456.png">Hurricane force wind gusts also verified on Friday, with at least 5 reported over hurricane strength in the Midwest. Squall lines formed late in the day to produce large bowing segments.</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051932-1776512279733.png">Radar Review</h1><p>Radar imagery from Friday was impressive, with many discrete supercells forming before the storms became more linear late in the evening. Many warnings were issued for storms, including confirmed tornado warnings (pink instead of red).</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-18 03-04-23-1776516944009.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-18 03-12-44-1776516960303.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-18 03-13-20-1776516972432.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Looking Back at Last Week's Severe Weather Outbreak

VON_041726_RNC_MARIONMN_INSANETORNADOCAPTUREOUTSIDEOFROCHESTERMNINSOUTHERNMN_FB_GREGANDERSON_DO_E041826ezgifcomvideotogifconvertergif-1776511732349.gif

WeatherNation Meteorologists

headshotspng-1676305264677.png

<p>This year, Earth Day (April 22nd) and Arbor Day (April 24th) mark an action packed week of environmental holidays, and here at WeatherNation, we're taking time to celebrate our planet and the plants and animals that live on it. Join us as we dive into the wonderful world of trees, the Earth, and what we can do to celebrate it.</p><h3><strong><u>Planting Trees:</u></strong></h3><p>One of the most popular ways to celebrate Earth and Arbor Day is by planting trees, but before you start digging, there's a few things to keep in mind. We spoke with experts at Davey Tree Company to learn more about planting the right tree in the right place. </p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QbcPLjzl95I" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h3><strong><u>Creating a Plant and Animal Friendly Environment:</u></strong></h3><p>Planting native plants isn't just a fun and sustainable way to enjoy the outdoors, it helps keystone species specific to our areas thrive. Braelei Hardt, with the National Wildlife Federation has a few reminders as we head out and start planting this year.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6gqYcSEEpfU" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h3><strong><u>Trees and Our Mental Health:</u></strong></h3><p>It may seem odd, but trees have a huge impact on our mental health. Research shows that being around trees can lower our levels of cortisol, the body's main stress hormone. Whether you go as far as practicing shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) or just spending time in your own backyard, trees can reduce anxiety, improve your mood, and make you feel more connected. </p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXfpxUNe-UM" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h3><strong><u>Sequoia National Park: Celebrating America's Most Iconic Trees:</u></strong></h3><p>As America celebrates it's 250 birthday, we're celebrating some of our nation's most iconic trees this Arbor Day. We spoke with Holly Streit with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to talk about these incredible trees. </p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z1bZFbD8s9g" start="0"></iframe></div>

Brian Hartman

Celebrating Earth and Arbor Day 2026

earthdaywebsitejpg-1776631423662.jpeg

<p>High pressure has been dominant on the East Coast this week, setting numerous records throughout the last week. Following Saturday's record highs, temperatures are expected to drop for Sunday and Monday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776562247764.png"></p><p>The temperatures will be cooling off for a few days before going right back up by midweek.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776562405685.png"></p><p></p><h3>Fire Danger</h3><p>Despite the cooler temperatures, fire danger will be present for Sunday and Monday with the strong winds and low humidity values.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776562504453.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776562544985.png"></p>

Jesse Kelley

Last Day of East Coast Record Heat, Big Cool Down on the Way

1-1776562247764.png

<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

RobBradleyjpeg-1679518597323.jpeg

<p>The cold front that generated the severe storms in the Midwest and Southern Plains on Friday will keep moving east into the Ohio Valley on Saturday. The front will interact with more unstable and showers and storms could quickly turn severe. Not many severe warnings as the threat has been lowered to a Marginal. However, the biggest threat will be gusty winds.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1png-1776546181046.png"></p><h1>Timing</h1><p>The cold front continue eastward towards the Interstate 95 region into the nighttime hours. Rain and snow (yes, snow) will shift farther east on Sunday with the front, keeping precipitation in the forecast for quite a few east coast residents.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-18 04-37-14-1776508746880.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Rain totals could surpass an inch or two, especially form western PA into NY. Isolated flooding is possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776546593051.png"></p><p></p><p>Get the latest forecast for the East with the WeatherNation app anytime - or tune into our broadcast at :10 past the hour!</p>

Severe Storms Shift East on Saturday

1png-1776546181046.png

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.

JesseKelleyjpeg-1679519197409.jpeg

<p><strong>COLORADO - </strong>An estimated 70+ car pileup happened on Colorado's I-70 near the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel earlier on Tuesday, April 14th. Light snow was being reported throughout the day. I-70 was closed well into Tuesday evening, but has since been reopened.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2044230476697674132" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2044230476697674132"></div><p>A frontal boundary is moving across the Northern Rockies. As a result, widespread <strong>winter weather alerts</strong> are in place for higher elevations across the Northwest.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/PIC 3-1776437893436.jpg"></p><p>This system is expected to reach Utah by tonight and much of Colorado by Friday. This next round of snow for Colorado looks to bring snow levels lower, down to the I-25 corridor.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/FORECAST-1776437807033.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Snowfall totals will vary by elevation, but mountainous areas could pick up a foot of snow.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/PIC 2-1776437841942.jpg"></p><p>The air will feel much cooler over the next few days. Numerous areas are under frost and freeze alerts.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776368815559.png"></p><p>In true Colorado fashion, Denver's nighttime lows will drop into the 20s and 30s after a mild start on Thursday morning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776368844993.png"></p><p></p><p>More details on this forecast can be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p>

Patrick Crawford

Colorado I-70 Pileup on Tuesday, More Snow Late Week

Screenshot20260415131321png-1776280402990.png

<p><strong>UPPER MIDWEST </strong>and<strong> GREAT LAKES</strong> - Three straight days of destructive severe storms moved through Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Wednesday, NWS Kansas City confirmed two EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes that hit the city of Clinton, MO. Check out the video below of the tornado knocking over a fuel tanks.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/VO_041626_RNC_CLINTON, MO_AWESOME CLOSE UP SHOT OF THE TORNADO VORTICE &amp; KNOCKS OVER LARGE CYLINDERS_FB_MS_E041626-1776367783604.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-16 073701-1776346632507.png"></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2044202476317093912" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2044202476317093912"></div><h2>Overnight</h2><p>Storms are expected to continue to weaken as we have lost daytime heating. Some rough storms still remain possible across Arkansas and Tennessee that could produce some damaging winds and hail. An isolated severe storm or two is also possible for New England.</p><h1>Timing</h1><p></p><p></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/New Baron Video 3-1776392246151.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>With multiple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms in the same areas, this may lead to an isolated to scattered flooding risk across the Great Lakes region. Be prepared for flooding, especially if you still have some snow on the ground; frozen ground can take longer to absorb flood waters compared to unfrozen ground. Flood alerts continue into Friday with the next round of severe storms in the forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776368095919.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776368119393.png"></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2044599476434907195" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2044599476434907195"></div>

Severe Storms Leave a Mark on the Great Lakes

1png-1776392088816.png

<p><strong>SW PLAINS -</strong> Portions of Texas and Oklahoma are at risk of severe thunderstorms through Thursday morning. The threat for severe storms is expected to slow into the overnight hours but is still non-zero. Wind reports earlier on Wednesday gusted up to 84 mph in Elk City, Oklahoma.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 195038-1776304346569.png"></p><p>In addition to this significant hail risk, there is also a risk of tornadoes with these supercells.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 195124-1776304385162.png">The risk for flooding is fairly minimal in these areas, but models do have a few localized, heavier downpours through the next couple of days in these areas.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 132632-1776281196660.png"></p>

Overnight Storms Slow for Texas and Oklahoma

Screenshot20260415195038png-1776304308005.png

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

TabanSharifijpeg-1679519287847.jpeg

<h1>Multi-Day Severe Storm Set-Up</h1><p>We continue to see the busy April pattern from Texas to the Great Lakes. A huge trough will swing through, bringing a severe threat risk on Tuesday and Wednesday. All severe threats will be possible, including damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Heavy rainfall will also be embedded in some storms, raising concerns about flooding. Make sure to stay with us for the latest updates and shifts in the forecast.</p><p>An ENHANCED (level 3 out of 5) risk for severe weather is in place on Tuesday. The outlook even expands a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk out into the northeast.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 072908-1776173358269.jpg"></p><p>Similarly, on Wednesday, we'll have another outlook where two hot spots for severe weather are highlighted. At this point, however, a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather is issued.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 063457-1776162907110.png"></p><p>Daytime heating will help to spark up thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Some storms will remain strong into the evening and nighttime hours, so make sure to have multiple ways to get alerts.</p><p>In addition to severe storm hazards (wind, hail, and tornadoes), heavy rainfall rates are expected to lead to flash flood potential. It doesn't appear to be a high-end flooding threat, but as the forecast draws closer, we will keep you updated!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 073108-1776173482064.jpg"></p><p>For a deep dive into the north and south sides of this severe threat, visit the following articles on our website!<br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/upper-midwest-and-great-lakes-enhanced-risks">North Side</a><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/dryline-driven-storms-for-texas-and-oklahoma">South Side</a></p>

Storm Overview: Who All Is At Risk This Week?

anareaoflowpng-1776025462961.png

<p>Spring is in full swing which means it's time to start looking ahead to this year's upcoming hurricane season in the Atlantic!<br><br>Each year, Colorado State University's Tropical Weather Department releases multiple forecasts for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, including one of the earliest issued among major forecasters.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065207-1775740414924.png"><br>CSU just released their first forecast for 2026, which is calling for a near normal to slightly below average season with 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. The average season in the Atlantic is just slightly higher than this initial prediction, meaning several impactful storms are still possible. As a reminder, even below average seasons can have major impacts depending on where storms form which is impossible to predict months ahead of time.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065246-1775740421912.png">You've probably heard rumblings about the burgeoning El Ni­­ños, and possible Super Ni­­ño, shaping up in the tropical Pacific. The expectation for an El Ni­­ño event during the peak of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season is a big factor in CSU's below average forecast, along with near normal sea surface temperatures, which have been much above average in recent seasons.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065226-1775739587003.png">The confidence in an El Nino developing this summer is quite high, but the remaining question is how strong will the event be? Weak El Ni­­ños typically have a lower impact on the tropics in the Atlantic while strong El Ni­­ños have a more consistent impact. This year's El Ni­­ño is trending toward the strong side, but it's still too early to say for certain.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2042226020179161097" src="https://x.com/NWSCPC/status/2042226020179161097"></div><p>Why do El Ni­­ños typically reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin? The warmer water in the equatorial pacific often leads to a more energetic sub-tropical jet, leading to stronger winds in the upper-atmosphere over the Caribbean. Surface winds in the Caribbean most often comes from the east, known as the trade winds. When these winds lay under strong winds from the opposite (or even the same direction), it leads to strong wind shear which tears hurricanes apart.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 063418-1775740706915.png">Even with a slightly below average season, two major hurricanes are expected with many other named storms. Any named storm that hits land can have major to extreme impacts, so stay prepared and stay tuned. WeatherNation will always keep you updated on the latest in the tropics!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065301-1775741404492.png"></p>

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

HUrricaneMiltonNOAASatjpg-1775739194572.jpeg

<p>The peak of spring severe weather season is fast approaching and the outlooks are here to prove it! The Storm Prediction Center has outlooks for severe storms through Wednesday of this week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-10 100804-1775837299426.png"></p><h1>Outlooks</h1><p>The SPC has maintained a <strong>SLIGHT </strong>risk for severe storms through Monday morning in Texas. This is a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather. In Minnesota, there is a<strong> MARGINAL </strong>risk for severe storms along the surface low.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 200100-1776045668479.png"></p><h1>Forecast</h1><p>Storms have fired up in west Texas and are expected to continue moving into the I-35 corridor through the morning hours. Models anticipate these storms clustering together as the drag through into the morning.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-12 rsc hrrr-1776034819721.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><h1>Rainfall &amp; Flood Threat</h1><p>Heavy downpours are expected with these thunderstorms. Rainfall totals could surpass 3-5" in some areas that see multiple thunderstorms.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-11 043616-1775903842893.png"></p><h2>MONDAY</h2><p>A lot of the same question marks move into Monday, with a bimodal severe threat. The area of greatest concern looks to be up around the Great Lakes, where a higher tornado threat resides.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 122005-1776018029088.png"></p><p></p>

Weekend Closes With More Storms

Screenshot20260412200100png-1776045674998.png

<p>Welcome home, astronauts! Friday, April 10th, the Orion spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, where the U.S. Navy assisted in the recovery of the crew. The weather thankfully allowed for an efficient recovery, even if the seas were a bit choppy.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/WEB 1-1775822977156.png">The descent of the Orion spacecraft was impressive, entering the atmosphere at around 24,000 mph before slowing down and deploying multiple parachutes.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-10 123205-1775845963897.png"></p><p><strong>NEW RECORD</strong> - At 1:56 PM ET on Monday, April 6, 2026, the Artemis II crew broke the record for the farthest distance anyone has traveled from Earth. The previous record was 248,655 miles during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. At 7:07 PM ET, they reached their maximum distance of 252,756 miles from Earth. Later that day, the crew experienced a 40-minute communications blackout with mission control in Houston as they passed over the far side of the Moon before reestablishing contact.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2041225429772882179" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2041225429772882179"></div><p><strong>LIFTOFF -</strong> At 6:35 PM ET on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, NASA launched astronauts on an historic mission to the Moon. This marks the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years, dating back to the Apollo era.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2039477801787769177" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2039477801787769177"></div><p>NASA’s Space Launch System sent four astronauts, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, aboard the Orion spacecraft on a test flight around the Moon and back. This 10-day mission will demonstrate life support systems and help lay the foundation for future deep space exploration.</p><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-28 091928-1774711352235.png">Artemis II Flight History</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Day 1: </strong>focused on launch and entering Earth orbit.</p></li><li><p><strong>Days 2-4: </strong>outbound transit toward the Moon.</p></li><li><p><strong>Days 5-6</strong>: Orion will fly by the Moon, entering its sphere of influence, where the Moon becomes the dominant gravitational force.</p></li><li><p><strong>Days 7-10</strong>: return trip to Earth, followed by re-entry and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, where the U.S. Navy will recover the capsule.</p></li></ul><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-01 180532-1775088336863.png"></p><h2>What is the Future of the Artemis Program?</h2><p>In simple terms, Artemis is the first step in a broader effort to send humans to Mars. Before that, NASA aims to return astronauts to the Moon and establish a sustained presence while testing humanity’s ability to live and work beyond Earth’s orbit. Artemis II, specifically, will send astronauts around the Moon and back.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-28 091131a-1774710738504.jpg">This will be the first mission since 1972 to take humans beyond low Earth orbit, and potentially farther from Earth than any human has traveled before. NASA currently plans a series of Artemis missions, with Artemis IV expected to land astronauts on the Moon.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-01 180027-1775088036041.png">Artemis II marks a major step forward in human space exploration, pushing us farther than we’ve gone in decades, and bringing us one step closer to returning to the Moon… and eventually, reaching Mars.</p>

Cold Blast Prompts Frost and Freeze Alerts

Cold Blast Prompts Frost and Freeze Alerts

Active Week Ahead for the West Coast

Active Week Ahead for the West Coast

Severe Thunderstorms Ramp Back Up This Week

Severe Thunderstorms Ramp Back Up This Week

Extreme Drought Leads To Fire Concerns Across The Nation

Extreme Drought Leads To Fire Concerns Across

Record Snow, Record Rain, Rising Rivers

Record Snow, Record Rain, Rising Rivers

Looking Back at Last Week's Severe Weather Outbreak

Looking Back at Last Week's Severe Weather Ou

Celebrating Earth and Arbor Day 2026

Celebrating Earth and Arbor Day 2026

Last Day of East Coast Record Heat, Big Cool Down on the Way

Last Day of East Coast Record Heat, Big Cool

Severe Storms Shift East on Saturday

Severe Storms Shift East on Saturday

Colorado I-70 Pileup on Tuesday, More Snow Late Week

Colorado I-70 Pileup on Tuesday, More Snow La

Severe Storms Leave a Mark on the Great Lakes

Severe Storms Leave a Mark on the Great Lakes

Overnight Storms Slow for Texas and Oklahoma

Overnight Storms Slow for Texas and Oklahoma

Storm Overview: Who All Is At Risk This Week?

Storm Overview: Who All Is At Risk This Week?

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 202

Weekend Closes With More Storms

Weekend Closes With More Storms

Artemis II Splashes Down After Journey Around the Moon

Artemis II Splashes Down After Journey Around