Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a>

Rob Bradley

RobBradleyjpeg-1679518597323.jpeg

Several rounds of storms have been swinging through the Southern Plains the last few days, producing large hail, damaging winds, flooding, and even a few tornadoes. Severe storms will remain in the forecast for the long weekend, with all modes of severe weather possible. Yet again, hail was the biggest risk of severe weather on Friday, with hail up to tennis and baseball-sized across the Texas Panhandle. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779501942188.png">Additional scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast for parts of the Lone Star state and Mississippi (top of page), with the biggest hazards being damaging winds, large hail, and heavy downpours. An isolated tornado or two will be possible across portions of the Magnolia State. <h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-23 144208-1779568935067.png">Forecast</h1>New rounds of thunderstorms are expected across the Southern Plains through the evening hours, with some storms persisting overnight. By Sunday, the upper-level energy supporting the storms will move farther east toward the Sabine River, bringing a better chance for storms into Louisiana and Mississippi.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/sattxstorms-1779569121085.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>As mentioned above, heavy rainfall is likely in spots, and flooding will occur. The Gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana could see rainfall of over six inches!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-23 144544-1779569159662.png">

Dave Holder

Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains, Gulf Coast

Screenshot20260523143949png-1779568791678.png

Heavy rain has already hit numerous areas in the Southeast this past week, creating major flash flooding issues in Atlanta.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2057228892034011249" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2057228892034011249"></div>As a stalled frontal boundary lingers in the area, plenty of additional showers and storms are expected. Severe weather is possible too (top of page) with risks outlined through Saturday, so far. Additional risks may be added for Sunday and Monday. Storms have produced a few brief tornadoes like this below in Tuscaloosa County, AL, and it was rated an EF-1.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/~~~LICENSED~~~~ VON_052226_RSE_TUSCALOSSA COUNTY, AL_TORNADO PASSSES IN FRONT OF HIGHWAY_CND_CONNER JACOBS-CDN_LS_E052226-1779502531272.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video> As the low moves north and east today, an associated frontal boundary will be the focus for the strongest storms. Scattered showers and storms will linger in the South through the holiday on Monday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/southmaystorms-1779543087381.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Additional heavy rain is expected to increase the potential for flash flooding, in addition to the severe weather threats. For more on the flood potential, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/repeated-rain-raises-flood-threat-down-south">click here</a>.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-23 073318-1779543220474.png">

Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeast

Screenshot20260523072840png-1779542922172.png

Kevin Schneider

A021DDE71AA34C50BB5468289EA6B1D7jpeg-1699372868991.jpeg

Low pressure systems have been on a tear recently, tracking relentlessly through the southern tier of the country this week. Stalled frontal boundaries have helped these lows ring out moisture, producing flooding and flash flooding in numerous areas. The parade of storms isn't over, either, as multiple waves of low pressure continue to move through the South into next week. With multiple rounds of storms on the way, flooding remains a considerable threat. Friday, heavy rain slammed parts of the Mobile, AL metro with rainfall estimates near a foot in areas like Saraland and Satsuma!<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2058004994788647385" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2058004994788647385?s=20"></div><h1>FORECAST</h1>Going forward, the heaviest rainfall will target the lower Mississippi River Valley and into the Midwest. Some areas will pick up 3-5 more inches, with some localized areas surpassing that easily. If you live in a flood-prone area of the southern plains into the Ohio River Valley, be prepared to seek higher ground.With rounds of heavy rain expected over the next several days, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued Marginal to Slight chances for Excessive Rainfall through the weekend into next week.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-23 07-17-47-1779542671441.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>You can see that some areas, especially the Texas Gulf Coast, will have multiple days in a row of excessive rain. Flooding is likely with this forecast, and flood emergencies can't be ruled out for travelers. Use caution if you are travelling in these hard-hit areas today.A good reminder to avoid driving through flooded roadways at all costs. You never know what's under that water.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-19 053417-1779190502548.png">While this rain is leading to flash flooding, it is beneficial for many areas since drought conditions are widespread and intense for many of these locations.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-23 071648-1779542228755.png">

Repeated Rain Raising the Flood Threat

Screenshot20260523071506png-1779542177064.png

Karissa is the Director of On-Air Operations at WeatherNation. Karissa grew up loving math and science, but really fell in love with Meteorology while attending the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. After two summers of storm chasing in the central plains, she knew that it was the career path for her. Standing in front of a thunderstorm and feeling the cool outflow knock her over was an experience she will never forget. After two years at COD, she transferred to Metropolitan State University of Denver. Karissa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology. Her high school and college speech and meteorology professors were extremely supportive and pushed her to succeed. Before joining the WeatherNation team, she previously worked as the Morning Meteorologist at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa and at WMBD-TV in Peoria, IL. She recently was part of a National Edward R. Murrow award winning team for breaking news for their coverage of the EF-4 tornado in Washington, Illinois. In her free time, Karissa enjoys cooking and trying new foods. She is a self proclaimed 'TV Junkie' who can get into just about any show. She is a die hard Chicago sports fan who loves attending professional sporting events.

Karissa Klos

KarissaKlosjpeg-1679518530192.jpeg

NOAA has released <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-below-normal-2026-atlantic-hurricane-season">their predictions for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season</a>. They are calling for a below normal season with 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes. For probability, they predict a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season. As a reminder, even below average seasons can have major impacts. All it takes is one storm making landfall for it to be a devastating season in the U.S.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 100455-1779379504114.png">NOAA sites several factors in their forecast, including the burgeoning El Ni­­ño, 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 keeping numbers lower than previous years, along with near normal sea surface temperatures, which have been much above average in recent seasons.The confidence in an El Niño developing this summer is quite high, but the remaining question is how strong will the event be? A weak El Ni­­ño typically has a lower impact on the tropics in the Atlantic, while a strong El Ni­­ño has a more consistent impact. Each updated forecast from the Climate Prediction Center shows higher confidence in this year's El Ni­­ño being on the strong side.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 083641-1779374209515.png">Why does El Ni­­ño 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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 063418-1775740706915.png">“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”If this year's name list looks familiar, it's the same one from the historically active 2020 season. There is one difference: the name "Laura" was retired after Hurricane Laura devastated the Louisiana coast. It was replaced with "Leah".<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065301-1775741404492.png"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/csu-releases-first-hurricane-forecast-for-2026">Colorado State University's Tropical Weather Department has already released their early forecast for the Atlantic Hurricane Season.</a> They are calling for a near normal to slightly below average season with 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. Even with a slightly below average season, major hurricanes are expected with many other named storms. Any named storm that hits land can have major to extreme impacts, so join us here on WeatherNation for Hurricane Prep Week! We'll be talking science with the experts, preparations and so much more. Be sure to check us out LIVE on<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/watch-us"> these platforms</a> or on our YouTube stream June 1-7!<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CcuXpHBtV9o" start="0"></iframe></div>

NOAA Predicts Below Normal 2026 Hurricane Season

Screenshot20260521091503png-1779376620926.png

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released several important seasonal outlooks today, including their expectations for the upcoming Atlantic Hurricane Season. Hurricane season and summer are expected to be impacted by a burgeoning El Niño, which could be very strong through much of the second half of 2026. Among the new outlooks issued are the seasonal forecasts for meteorological summer, which runs from June through August. NOAA is expecting much of the lower 48 to experience above-average temperatures (top of page), with higher confidence across the Western U.S. The Midwest and parts of the middle Mississippi Valley have an even chance for above or below-average temperatures.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 113803-1779385356524.png">Much of the country is forecast to have near-normal rainfall for meteorological summer, but a few areas are favored for below-average precipitation. These include the Texas Gulf Coast, Upper-Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest. In contrast, the Northeastern U.S. is slightly favored to see above-average precipitation. There is some confidence in parts of the Four Corners region having above-average rainfall, indicating the Climate Prediction Center expects an above-average monsoon season.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 113858-1779385377893.png">Not surprisingly, the forecast rainfall in the Four Corners could lead to drought improvement, which is expected in the seasonal drought outlook (above). Drought is also expected to improve in Florida, parts of Texas, and the lower Mississippi Valley. Drought is expected to expand or develop from California through Minnesota.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 113928-1779385397348.png">The North American Monsoon (NAM) develops in Mexico in June and shifts north into the Four Corners, Great Basin, and California into July, August, and September. More data is needed to understand any correlation between El Niño and the NAM, but tropical systems tend to be more active in the Eastern Pacific during El Niño years. Remnants of these systems can greatly increase rainfall during the NAM.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 114106-1779385397348.png">

NOAA Releases Summer Outlook, Above Average Temperatures Expected

Screenshot20260521113757png-1779385333226.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

SIMI VALLEY, CA - On Monday, May 18th in Ventura County, California, a new wildfire formed named the Sandy Fire. It has since burned over 2100 acres and grew quickly, threatening life and property. This prompted evacuation orders and warnings to the area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779416671274.png">Footage in the region shows the extent of the smoke and poor air quality.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056736634754809931" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056736634754809931"></div>Additional fires have since quickly formed in southern California, despite no red flag warnings or fire weather outlook. The winds managed to be strong enough for fires to quickly get out of control in the areas. The Bain Fire in Riverside started to burn heavy fuels at a moderate rate before quickly burning up to almost 1000 acres. This prompted evacuation orders and warnings for many Riverside Zones.The Bain Fire is burning in Riverside County, CA. This fire began on Tuesday, May 19, and quickly spread to over 1,400 acres. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779416718052.png">Another fire we are watching is one that possibly started from a shipwrecked sailor off the coast of California. This is the Santa Rosa Island Fire which is over 16,000 acres. Not many people reside on this island but there are species on the island that are threatened by the fire.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061107-1779367133110.png">Due to the extent of several wildfires burning in southern California, air quality has worsened in the area, and air quality alerts have been issued for parts of the Greater Los Angeles area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1779416760992.png">For more on these, be sure to join us at WeatherNation at :50 past the hour.

Jesse Kelley

CALIFORNIA: Wildfires Prompt Evacuations

Screenshot20260520175901png-1779321756733.png

ROCKIES - Through the rest of the week, an upper-level low and a cold front will move into the Rocky Mountains, bringing cooler air, chances for thunderstorms, and even snow across the region!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 114928-1779385809408.png">A Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Warning have been issued for portions of Montana and Wyoming in the higher elevations. Heavy snow is expected on north-facing slopes above 7,000 feet, where snowfall totals of 8–13 inches are possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 115055-1779385865123.png">In addition to the snowy conditions, temperatures ahead of the system will remain warm enough to support instability and thunderstorms. Portions of the Plains are under a highlighted risk area for severe thunderstorms as this cooler air mass collides with the warmer air ahead of the front. A SLIGHT (Level 2 out of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms is forecast for Colorado and surrounding states today. Wind and hail are expected to be the primary hazards, but a tornado or two will be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 115022-1779386008123.png">As the front moves in and provides additional forcing, stronger storms will become possible through the afternoon and evening.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/eco-1779386103698.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rainfall totals are not expected to be nearly as high as they were earlier this week, but some minor disruptions to outdoor plans during the holiday long weekend are still possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-21 115520-1779386130337.png">Be sure to join us on WeatherNation for the latest!

Rockies Brace for Snow, Severe Storms as Cold Front Moves In

Screenshot20260521115022png-1779385824676.png

Brittany Lockley

BrittanyLockleyjpeg-1679519515040.jpeg

A big warmup is taking hold across the eastern United States, bringing temperatures that will feel more like midsummer than mid-May. Much of the East Coast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast saw temperatures surge into record-breaking territory as a strong area of high pressure settled over the region.&nbsp;Numerous records were broken on Tuesday afternoon, including Newark, NJ, which hit a high of 99 degrees. The NE can see one more day of record warmth before temperatures cool off.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/NORTHEAST HIGHS-1779242730674.png">RELATED: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-storms-possible-in-the-plains-midwest-to-end-the-week">Severe Chances on the Plains</a>High temperatures are forecast to climb into the 80s across many areas, while some cities could approach or even reach 90 degrees for the first time this year in the Northeast. The normal average for New York City this time of year is 72°, but the forecast high is expected to be 85° on Wednesday. Temperatures will dip back down to the 60s on Thursday, once a front passes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-20 030656-1779268041186.png">On Wednesday, more records will be broken with some locations up to 20 to 30 degrees warmer than what is typical for this time of year.&nbsp;This has prompted heat advisories through Wednesday afternoon. Major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including Philadelphia and New York City, will come close to daily temperature records if the heat intensifies enough. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-20 031314-1779268412172.png">Additional records are likely to fall through mid-week across the East before our central U.S. cold front draws in cooler air and stormy weather.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-20 032043-1779268878961.png">Despite the urge, stay out of the waters in the area. Many bodies of water are barely above freezing, which could shock the system into paralysis if you jump in<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 104353-1779122640973.png">The unusually warm pattern will come to an end after our front passes through on Thursday. By the end of the week, many spots will be closer to seasonal norms in the 70's<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-20 031551-1779268564533.png">

One More Day of Blistering Temperatures

Screenshot20260520032043png-1779268848874.png

<h1>SUNDAY</h1>A potent setup, fueled by record hot temperatures, lead to destructive severe storms this past weekend. The worst of the days was easily Sunday, with over 300 reports of severe weather, including hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 110814-1779124204412.png">A strong tornado touched down in Nebraska as a part of the outbreak. Even with all of this damage, no injuries were reported Sunday afternoon.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056161399349580033" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056161399349580033?s=20"></div>In a recent update after the damage survey labeled that Saint Libory tornado and EF3!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-19 050928-1779188995338.png">Other places were spared tornado damage but picked up MASSIVE hailstones. It's not a surprise that the cell responsible for the damage in Palmer also produced the largest hailstone on the day.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 111222-1779124373927.png">All of this severe weather came on the heels of an active day to start off the weekend! Severe storms lead to baseball-plus-sized hail in Missouri and Kansas, and prompted a Flash Flood Emergency in the Trenton, MO area after 6+ inches of rain fell.<h1>MONDAY</h1>Yet another big severe weather day was felt across the Midwest. We received roughly 20 tornado reports across Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas. Hefty damaging winds and large hail reports came pouring out yesterday as well!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-19 101520-1779207339213.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-19 050444-1779188693950.png">A Particularly Dangerous Situation Tornado Watch was issued ahead of several tornado-warned storms. Some touched down, giving us views just like this one out of Blue Rapids, Kansas!<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056524242070741358" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056524242070741358"></div><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-19 050839-1779188929043.png">

Severe Storms Leave Trail of Destruction on the Plains

VO_051726_RNC_PALMERNE_AWESOMESHOTOFTORNADOINCENTRALNE_CDN_BRETTADAIR_MS_E051726ezgifcomvideotogifconvertergif-1779125177023.gif

ROCKIES - The precipitation will continue to slow down through Tuesday morning, but more precipitation and snow will be possible on Tuesday afternoon. Totals may still be heavier in the Rocky Mountains.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 163246-1779143794793.png">Behind this wintry, rainy weather, temperatures will be at their coolest through Tuesday morning. This has prompted frost and freeze alerts for Tuesday morning for the High Country. Be sure to protect any sensitive vegetation overnight if you want it to last this freeze!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 163251-1779143843851.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 163259-1779143848747.png">Check back in to WeatherNation for the latest.

Jackie Brown

Spring: Frost Alerts Post Winter Alerts in High Country

Screenshot20260518163508png-1779143721262.png

Numerous fires have been burning from the panhandle to the western Plains. Through Tuesday morning, there is an extreme fire danger across these areas. This is the highest level of outlook that the Storm Prediction Center issues. The extreme risk is not often issued, and typically denotes conditions that could lead to the unstoppable spread of fires. Residents in these areas should review their evacuation plans and have a "go bag" ready with essential items like medications and important documents. Don't forget your pets!Our field correspondent, Jonathan Petramala has been following these fires, and here's his latest report.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2056487491100975119" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2056487491100975119"></div>The fire danger weans as we head into Tuesday but remains at elevated levels for portions of Arizona and New Mexico.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 162935-1779143455125.png">Make sure you're prepared for fire danger and know all the ways to prevent a fire too.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-18 085121-1779115885540.png">

Alana Cameron

Extreme Fire Danger Causes Thousands of Acres Burned

Screenshot20260518162929png-1779143378777.png

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

Saturday Severe Storms; Midwest to the Ohio Valley

1-1778984497778.png

WeatherNation Meteorologists

headshotspng-1676305264677.png

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

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

Screenshot20260515050018png-1778843407723.png

A low-pressure system will linger in New England through the end of the week, bringing scattered showers and gusty winds at times.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2054720850402619803" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2054720850402619803"></div><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061131-1778765024932.png"></h2><h2>THU - FRI</h2>The surface low will linger in New England Thursday into Friday before moving offshore this weekend. Expect scattered showers and a few thunderstorms in New England Thursday, with some heavy rain at times in Maine, before lingering showers get lighter and become fewer on Friday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/BARON 5-1778782373059.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Through Saturday morning, New England can expect to see a few inches of rain with some isolated totals over 4-5" in Southern Maine and New Hampshire.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778782488770.png">

Patrick Crawford

Stormy and Wet Weather Continues for the Northeast

Screenshot20260329061107png-1778764977801.png

<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1>The SPC has issued a slight risk across the Northwest and portions of Utah. Unusually warm temperatures, combined with a frontal boundary, will help enhance winds in the area by this afternoon. Winds could gust in excess of 75 mph in some locations that get caught underneath a strong storm. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 115353-1778694842992.png">The low and its associated frontal boundary are moving onshore, bringing rain and storms along with it. As highs soar into the 90's, storms will strengthen with the potential of damaging winds and hail. By Thursday morning, the frontal boundary will move out.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/wed agerrr-1778638388237.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rain is not much of a concern with this system. In fact, the lack of rain actually is a concern - some of these thunderstorms could be completely dry, meaning we get the harm of lightning and the winds without the help of rainfall.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 115430-1778694882207.png">It will be windy regardless; High Wind Warnings cover areas that could see 65 mph winds, and areas that have a wind advisory could see gusts approaching 45-50 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-13 115508-1778694919840.png">

Heat & Front Fuels Thunderstorms In The Northwest

Screenshot20260513115328png-1778694813101.png

FLORIDA - On Sunday, May 11, 2026, a wildfire broke out in the Florida Everglades after weeks of extreme to exceptional drought conditions across the state. Since Sunday, the fire has burned more than 11,000 acres and is now 60% contained, according to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ffs.firesponse.com/public/">Florida Forest Service</a>.According to the Pembroke Pines Police Department, smoke from the fire caused traffic backups along U.S. 27, so drivers are encouraged to avoid the area if possible.<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/PembrokePinesPolice/posts/pfbid0HvFhXfxCfYR39h64pHpAB2DduAuzTX3ft2RvmdME5aLUZZydFtpcEmboBUm5xmXUl?rdid=zfULUQ0tOgYVBpUH#" data-width="500" src="https://www.facebook.com/PembrokePinesPolice/posts/pfbid0HvFhXfxCfYR39h64pHpAB2DduAuzTX3ft2RvmdME5aLUZZydFtpcEmboBUm5xmXUl?rdid=zfULUQ0tOgYVBpUH#" style="display: flex; justify-content: center"></div> The state of Florida is currently 100% drought-covered, with 98% of the state experiencing conditions worse than moderate drought.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-11 173747-1778542672316.png"> Incoming Rain and Storms</h2>Rain chances continue this week, raising concerns about how much moisture these drought-stricken soils can handle. While any rainfall will be beneficial, heavy downpours in a short amount of time could lead to standing water and localized flash flooding. Rain totals will be more isolated Wednesday and totals will be less than Tuesday, where areas in north Florida picked up over 2". <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 060538-1778678292624.png">Wednesday the severe storm threat remains low, and just general isolated thunderstorms are expected. Fingers crossed some of that rain gets down to the Everglades to help with that fire! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-03-29 061107-1778678402180.png">

Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains, Gulf Coast

Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains,

Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeast

Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeas

Repeated Rain Raising the Flood Threat

Repeated Rain Raising the Flood Threat

NOAA Predicts Below Normal 2026 Hurricane Season

NOAA Predicts Below Normal 2026 Hurricane Sea

NOAA Releases Summer Outlook, Above Average Temperatures Expected

NOAA Releases Summer Outlook, Above Average T

CALIFORNIA: Wildfires Prompt Evacuations

CALIFORNIA: Wildfires Prompt Evacuations

Rockies Brace for Snow, Severe Storms as Cold Front Moves In

Rockies Brace for Snow, Severe Storms as Cold

One More Day of Blistering Temperatures

One More Day of Blistering Temperatures

Severe Storms Leave Trail of Destruction on the Plains

Severe Storms Leave Trail of Destruction on t

Spring: Frost Alerts Post Winter Alerts in High Country

Spring: Frost Alerts Post Winter Alerts in Hi

Extreme Fire Danger Causes Thousands of Acres Burned

Extreme Fire Danger Causes Thousands of Acres

Saturday Severe Storms; Midwest to the Ohio Valley

Saturday Severe Storms; Midwest to the Ohio V

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

Hurricane Season Begins in the Eastern Pacifi

Stormy and Wet Weather Continues for the Northeast

Stormy and Wet Weather Continues for the Nort

Heat & Front Fuels Thunderstorms In The Northwest

Heat & Front Fuels Thunderstorms In The North

Florida Wildfire and Storm Threat

Florida Wildfire and Storm Threat