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

Rob Bradley

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A stormy pattern in the Plains states looks to persist through Mother's Day before high pressure takes over bringing hot and dry conditions to the region next week. For now, a series of cold fronts will continue to work south from Canada, tapping into warm and humid air to help trigger scattered thunderstorms. The front on Friday triggered major hail storms across portions of Oklahoma, with some stones over the size of baseballs! In Yukon, the hail was so thick it looked like heavy snow!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/VON_050826_RSC_YUKON, OK_LOOKS LIKE A SNOW PILE_FB_MS_E050826-1778292944564.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Weekend Severe Outlooks</h1>Today's risk will be focused on Oklahoma and North Texas as another cold front comes into the Plains. Hail is a big concern once again, with stones over the size of golf balls possible. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 112603-1778347574909.png">A tornado or two will also be possible, primarily for areas west of I-35.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 112638-1778347617776.png">By Sunday, the front drops farther south into Central Texas. An ENHANCED risk for severe storms is expected for areas in yellow and orange, where scattered to numerous severe storms are possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 134533-1778356205519.png">Intense winds and massive hail will be possible on Sunday, and are expected to be the most widespread hazards. Some gusts could top hurricane strength (74+ mph) and hail stones could be bigger than golf balls (2"+ diameter). Prepare your property ahead of time for these storms!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 042213-1778322304701.png"><h1>Forecast</h1>Through tonight, a new round of storms looks to pop up in the early afternoon before expanding and dropping south through the evening. On Monday, isolated severe storms may be possible early for parts of Louisiana.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-09 04-22-35-1778322424802.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>We are anticipating some heavy rain with the repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Models are forecasting up to 1-3" of rain with some isolated heavier totals before drier air arrives on Monday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 112852-1778347738471.png">

Alana Cameron

Severe Storm Threat Increasing for the Southern Plains

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Brittany Lockley

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A widespread stretch of wet weather is expected to impact millions of people across the southern and eastern United States through Mother’s Day weekend, bringing the threat of flooding rain and strong thunderstorms from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast.&nbsp;In the past 24 hours, Louisiana saw over 5 inches of rainfall.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 050200-1778324536913.jpg"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2052184135439901068" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2052184135439901068"></div><h3>WHAT TO EXPECT:</h3>A slow-moving frontal boundary&nbsp;will tap into deep Gulf moisture, fueling repeated rounds of heavy rain across parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Some communities could see several inches of rainfall in a short amount of time, increasing the risk for flash flooding, especially in low-lying and urban areas where drainage issues can quickly develop.&nbsp;Through tonight, this front will linger towards the Gulf Coast, maintaining a Slight (level 2 out of 4) risk for flash flooding. This includes cities like Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Gulfport, MS.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 112051-1778347281018.png">Through the end of the weekend, we can see totals toppling over 3-4" across the South.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 135126-1778356290424.png">The flood threat is expected to continue through the weekend as the system gradually pushes eastward. Cities across the Southeast may deal with periods of torrential rain and thunderstorms tomorrow on Mother’s Day, while parts of the Northeast could also see soaking rainfall and travel delays. The storms may repeatedly move over the same locations, which can rapidly overwhelm creeks, roads, and drainage systems.&nbsp;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05-09_rse bnam,s-1778347371768.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The next three days this heavy rainfall comes with the threat of severe weather.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05-09 rse spc-1778347422477.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Considering how dry things have been across the south, all of this rainfall will benefit. 98.9 % of the Southeast is in a moderate to exceptional drought.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 044036-1778323255115.png">Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to stay weather-aware throughout the weekend and monitor forecasts closely for possible flash flood watches and warnings.&nbsp;Stay tuned to WeatherNation, as we track all this rainfall into the end of the work week!

Flood Threat Expands Across Southeast for Mother’s Day Weekend

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Tracey Anthony

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WEST - Denver just received 5.8" of snowfall from May 5-6 and is now in store for well-above-average temperatures heading into early next week. In fact, the forecast high a week later is in the upper 80s for the Mile High City!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-06 164523-1778107597662.png">So, what’s causing this rapid warming trend? An upper-level ridge. As the ridge moves onshore, temperatures will begin to climb heading into the weekend. Dozens of records are expected to fall starting on Mother’s Day and continuing into next week. Each city represented by a pink dot is a location where record highs could be broken or tied.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 113005-1778347826195.png">Temperatures on Sunday for cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix are expected to soar into the triple digits, which is around 15 degrees above average for this time of year. Excessive Heat Warnings and Advisories have been issued into early next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 113019-1778347832062.png">Mother's Day could be a very hot one across the Desert Southwest. Record highs are likely in cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 113010-1778347838851.png">The heat continues into the long-range forecast as well, with the Climate Prediction Center showing high confidence that the Southwest will remain above average through the middle of May. Notice how by mid-May the dome of heat will shift East into the Plains.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-09 113055-1778347860960.png">For more details on just how hot your Southwestern city could get, be sure to join us at 50 past the hour for more in your Western Regional Forecast.

Weekend Warm-up for the Southwest

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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Ready for hurricane season? As a reminder, waters here tend to warm faster than in the Atlantic; thus, the season starts about two weeks earlier in the Eastern Pacific. 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 2026-05-02 080401-1777731353504.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 many tropical systems. At the same time, wind shear tends to increase in the Caribbean during these events, leading to a tougher environment 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 names storms a season but, despite the El Niño, the forecast is barely below average with 13 names 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">

Jesse Kelley

The Countdown to Hurricane Season

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<h1>Wednesday</h1>A cyclic supercell produced a damaging tornado across a large swath of southwestern Mississippi on Wednesday afternoon. The tornado caused damaged to homes in several towns, including Purvis and Brookhaven. WeatherNation field correspondent Brandon Clement was in the town of Brookhaven shortly after the tornado went through, showing significant damage to one neighborhood. The Brookhaven tornado was given a preliminary rating of EF-3, but surveys are expected to be finalized on Friday so check back for the final report.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2052365331382108233" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2052365331382108233"></div>Two supercells raced across Southern Mississippi Wednesday. These cells both took on the classic supercell appearance at times, including showcasing hook echoes and a donut signature. Both cells produced damaging tornadoes.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-07 07-07-38-1778159496391.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Friday- Sunday</h1>The severe weather risk will persist along the Gulf coast through at least Sunday as multiple fronts move across the region and stall. Wind and hail are expected to be the primary threats, but a tornado or two will be possible.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/BARON 5-1778292623471.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Storms look to have the greatest severe weather potential in the afternoon and evening hours. However, some strong storms could linger into the overnight hours through the Mother's Day weekend.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/BARON 5-1778292777795.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Along with the severe weather chances, heavy rain is likely across the Deep South. The forecast is calling for 2-4" of rain with some locally higher amounts up to 7". Flash flooding is possible as rainfall rates will be quite high, over 2" per hour at times. We are slowly trying to put a dent in the drought for the South, as it will take more consistent rains over the next few months to make some significant changes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1778292685768.png">

Tornadoes Cause Damage in Mississippi, Strong Storms Linger in the South

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Kevin Schneider

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Parts of Colorado and Wyoming received up to two feet of snowfall since yesterday, with Estes Park receiving some of the highest amounts at 28" so far.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-06 160827-1778105324524.png">The Denver International Airport accumulated 5.8" of snowfall, which was the 12th highest 2-day May snow total.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-06 160832-1778105401858.png">Our Meteorologist Rob Bradley had some fun in the Denver area during this snow day, before we start to warm back up through the end of the week.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2052093538314436924" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2052093538314436924"></div>Watch the roads tonight, as freeze warnings have been issued for the I-25 corridor. Roads that are wet could be frozen in the morning which could cause difficult travel for the morning drive.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-06 161118-1778105490776.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-06 161123-1778105495430.png">For Denver, only 33.1 inches of snow have accumulated so far this season. On average, year-to-date snowfall totals should be around 50 inches. This is much-needed moisture for the Mile High City.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-05 033530-1777973743777.png">Follow along for more information this week, @WeatherNation!

CO May Snowstorm Could Lead to Icy Thursday Roads

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Adrian Hernandez

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WHAT TO EXPECTThe Northeast is forecast to get a lot of rain going into the midweek. This will likely leave very few spots WITHOUT seeing rain into the next few days.<h1>TIMING:</h1>Rain will move along the frontal boundary as this frontal boundary and its associated low-pressure system move through. Areas of rain will stick around with this system through Thursday morning. On Thursday afternoon and evening, a low-pressure system will lift from the south, bringing more rounds of rain. There can be some localized heavy rain as these systems move through.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-06 04-51-37-1778064718750.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>By Saturday, almost all of the Northeast and Ohio Valley is expected to see rain in some form or fashion. Higher totals could potentially up to 2" across Kentucky, Virginia, and even the New England area! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-06 045312-1778064809757.png">While not under a severe weather threat, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a warning for thunderstorm activity across the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-06 045426-1778064878376.png">With this active pattern in store, cloud cover and cooler air will likely drop temperatures on Thursday, but pick back up on Saturday and Sunday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-06 045716-1778065049312.png">Make sure to stay tuned to WeatherNation at :10 past the hour for your Northeast regional breakdown!

Northeast in for Some Heavy Rain

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Portions of the Midwest just wrapped up their rainiest April on record, and the active pattern looks to continue to start the month of May. Several cold fronts are expected to slide into the middle of the country this week after a brief warm-up. Temperatures continue to drop as the front moves to the east.<h2>Severe Outlooks</h2>Through the overnight hours, the Storm Prediction Center has portions of the Midwest under a SLIGHT risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe weather, with one of the primary threats being large hail.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-04 174044-1777938061872.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-04 174109-1777938112736.png"><h2>Timing &amp; Rainfall</h2>Some of these strong storms may persist overnight as the front continues to work its way south and east.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05-04 overnight svbr'-1777938136094.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Heavy downpours will be possible, and models are hinting at 2"+ rain accumulations in localized areas. This could increase an isolated flooding threat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-03 191744-1777857585954.png">Get the latest forecast for the Central region anytime with the WeatherNation app, or at :30 past the hour in our broadcast.

Jackie Brown

Severe Threat Continues Through Tuesday

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

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<h1>Rainfall &amp; Forecast</h1>Afternoon thunderstorms are in the forecast for South Florida for the next couple of afternoons, bringing some isolated downpours to the region. The threat for severe thunderstorms is not in the forecast.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/05-03 rse-1777857906532.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>There are many areas, especially across the southeast, that desperately need more rainfall.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 133607-1777404986134.png">As we head into Tuesday and Wednesday a ridge of high pressure is expected to shift into Florida to bring in the potential for record high temperatures.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/heat-1777857994659.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Cities like Jacksonville and Orlando are expected to break those records on Wednesday with highs in the low 90s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-03 192612-1777858116389.png">For more on this, be sure to join us live at :10 pas the hour.

Florida Storms Bring Isolated Flooding

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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.

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While the eastern United States is under upper-level troughing, bringing frost and freeze conditions, the Northwest will be warm this weekend. High pressure is building in for the next few days, especially for the Pacific Northwest.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-01 173209-1777678338792.png">The warmest days in the forecast period will be Sunday and Monday. For Sunday, Heat Advisories have been issued for the Portland metro area as daytime highs are expected to climb into the lower 90s. Sunday record highs could fall for multiple cities in both Washington and Oregon. Have ways to stay hydrated and check on the vulnerable people who may not have ways of adequate cooling!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 061019-1777723944350.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/PIC 2-1777668022076.jpg">Temperatures are expected to cool down a little but remain above average into next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-03 062826-1777804120962.png">

Record Hot in the Northwest Today

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<h1>Heading to Churchill Downs this Weekend?</h1><h3>Derby Day Weather Outlook</h3>Current forecasts call for partly cloudy to partly sunny skies throughout the day on Saturday, with temperatures expected to top out in the upper 50s Fahrenheit. Morning temperatures are likely to be brisk, with overnight lows dipping to around 40°F, before gradual warming during the late morning and afternoon hours. Don't let those temperatures in the upper 50s fool you - with a north wind it should feel pretty cool for most of the day.Perhaps most importantly, the chance of rain appears low, representing a significant improvement from earlier in the week, when unsettled weather threatened to dampen the weekend’s flagship event. While isolated sprinkles cannot be completely ruled out, the forecast is expected to be mostly dry.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 041851-1777717143387.png"></h1><h1>Impact on Track Conditions</h1>Earlier rainfall during the week may have some lingering effects on the Churchill Downs surface. However, with Saturday shaping up to be dry and cool, track conditions are expected to improve steadily. A dry forecast on Derby Day allows the dirt track to firm up, reducing the likelihood of the kind of muddy, sealed surface that can dramatically influence race strategy and outcomes.For horsemen, a drying track generally leads to more predictable footing, which can be especially important in a 20‑horse field like the Kentucky Derby, where traffic, pace, and positioning are already major variables.<h1>Impact on the Horses</h1>From blazing sunshine to torrential rain, the conditions on Derby Day can significantly influence the race's outcome and the experience for horses, jockeys, trainers, and fans alike 🏇🏇 Precipitation: Track conditions are the most immediate and noticeable way weather affects the Derby. Rain can quickly turn the usually fast dirt track into a sloppy or muddy surface, altering the performance of certain horses and jockeys. Some horses, known as “mudders,” thrive in wet conditions, while others struggle. For instance, in the rain-soaked 2019 Derby, the muddy track played a role in a dramatic finish that included the controversial disqualification of Maximum Security. Handicappers and bettors pay close attention to forecasts, knowing that a change in weather could shift the odds significantly.🏇 Temperature is another critical factor. A warm &amp; humid race day can drain a horse's stamina, especially those not acclimated to the heat and humidity. Trainers often adjust their preparation and hydration strategies depending on the expected weather. Cooler temperatures, on the other hand, may benefit certain horses with more endurance and less speed.🏇 Wind also plays a subtle but real role in racing dynamics. A strong headwind down the backstretch can tire front-running horses earlier than expected, while a tailwind might benefit late closers. Though less obvious than mud or rain, wind direction and speed can change race strategies and even alter the pace of the race.In a race where every fraction of a second matters, weather isn’t just a background variable—it’s a potential game-changer. Whether the sun is shining or rain is pouring, the conditions on Derby Day can leave a lasting imprint.

Rain or Shine? Your 152nd Kentucky Derby Forecast

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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.

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A trough of low pressure will keep things cool through the rest of the week in portions of the Plains, Great Lakes, and East. Breezy and cool conditions will stick around through the weekend. Cold alerts have been issued for the next few mornings across many of these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777688159965.png">Freezing to sub-freezing temperatures will be possible in the watch and warning areas. Make sure to protect tender plants from the cold! Morning lows will be cold and below average for many. Minneapolis normally has a forecast low of 43°, and will see one more chilly evening before lows moderate back into the 50s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777688202141.png">Across the Northeast, temperatures will run below average as well. Lots of cities that normally see lows in the 40s will wake up this weekend in the 30s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777688285882.png">The WPC has issued a day 3-7 hazards outlook for Sunday, May 3rd, as temperatures will be running 5°- 15° below average!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-30 144419-1777581865617.png">

Cooler Air Sweeps From the Plains to the Northeast

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Taban Sharifi grew up in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego. She is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) with the American Meteorological Society (AMS). She has a B.S. in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Environmental Sciences with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Go Bruins! While in school, Taban was a meteorology intern with NBC LA. There she helped forecast daily weather for the greater Los Angeles region and created a playbook to deploy weather sensors for NBC owned-and-operated stations across the country. Her first on-air job took her to San Angelo, Texas, where she was a morning meteorologist and co-anchor. Working in West Texas gave her knowledge and experience covering severe storms. From there, she moved to Palm Springs, California. People think forecasting in California is sunshine all the time, but with temperatures in the 120’s, wildfires, damaging winds, floodings, and earthquakes, the forecasting kept her very busy! She also worked there as a general assignment reporter and told community stories. Taban is excited for the challenge and opportunity to forecast nationally with WeatherNation. She also looks forward to exploring all that Colorado has to offer!

Taban Sharifi

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2049692718767710529" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2049692718767710529"></div>We have a rather wet pattern ahead for much of the Southwest heading into the weekend. To many folks, this will be great news! The West has been begging for a good drink for a while. Just look at the drought monitor!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1777577601633.png">Unfortunately, the drought continues to worsen across much of the West. Some rain and snow have fallen in recent days, particularly across Colorado and Utah, but additional precipitation will be in the forecast for the weekend and into next week. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/more4cornrain-1777677972265.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>But just how much moisture are we going to pick up? Portions of the Sierra Nevada and the Rockies may end up with over a foot of accumulation, with heavier rain at times for lower elevations. The coastal regions of California, including the Bay Area and Los Angeles, may not see quite as much as the Interior West does. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-01 172136-1777678012221.png">Be sure to join us at :50 past the hour on WeatherNation for your complete West Regional forecast breakdown!

Dave Holder

Further Rain and Snow Chances Out West

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<h1>MONDAY</h1>Severe storms erupted across the Midwest on Monday, causing damage to homes and other structures. Reports of damaging winds, large hail, and even a few tornadoes came in throughout Monday. Some of those tornadoes touched down after dark, creating truly nightmare-like scenes captured on video in Illinois.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2048955551267328360" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2048955551267328360"></div><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2048945300266537201" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2048945300266537201"></div>Storms started to spark up by the early evening hours on Monday. Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were firing off into the nighttime hours across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-28 04-20-09-1777371667954.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>We picked up some pretty large hailstones out of Missouri after this system pulled through. Some reports showed hailstones reaching the size of softballs!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 042253-1777371968460.png">The gustiest winds reported were actually out of Illinois and Indiana. Looking back at the radar from Monday night, it's no surprise, being that we got that defined bow echo.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 042302-1777372048925.png">Flooding was also a major issue across places like Kansas City. With multiple heavy rounds of rainfall, we even broke several records across major cities in the Midwest. We always tell folks to never sleep on that flooding threat!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 042928-1777372180763.png">Why weren't there more high-end tornadoes? A lot of research will go into the exact whys, but one thing that jumped out at us was the cap. Temperatures above the area where storms were attempting to form were slightly warmer than expected. That snuffed out many storms before they could achieve strong to violent status on Monday evening.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 115059-1777398675567.png">TUESDAY</h1>On Tuesday, our front dropped into the southern plains, providing a focus for more thunderstorms. Supercells approached the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, nearing rush hour. Large hail fell with the most intense storms, and a few tornadoes were reported.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 114240-1777484739534.png">Earlier in the day, storms north of the boundary produced more massive hail in southwest Missouri, smashing multiple windows!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 114259-1777484807523.png">

A Look Back at Moderate Risks This Week

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Severe storms have been numerous this week, and the severe threat continues. As we look ahead, storms are expected to push south and east over the next day or two, bringing some slightly different areas into the fold.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2048061975142322502" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2048061975142322502"></div>The Storm Prediction Center has downgraded the overnight risk for severe weather to SLIGHT, a level 2 out of 5 threat, for portions of west Texas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 191541-1777511980766.png">Large hail looks to be the primary threat. Some hailstones could grow in excess of 2" in diameter again.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 191545-1777511990472.png">Isolated tornadoes will be possible. This includes cities like San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Jackson.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 192024-1777512032252.png">Overnight, storms will push to the east along the frontal boundary, where a severe threat will be in place on Thursday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-29 RSC RSE BAM3K-1777512099617.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Hail Pummels Missouri, Texas; Back for More Overnight

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WEST - Another upper-level low is set to move through the western United States to bring in a chance for rainshowers and snow for the higher elevations.Rain and high-elevation snow chances will ramp up through Wednesday, which could bring back renewed slick roadways on some mountain passes. Most of our winter weather alerts have ended for the Rockies today as we wait for our next round.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/0427 west-1777330956598.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h3><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-27 124601-1777315581223.png">What's Next for the West?</h3>Another upper level low pressure system is set to move in from the Pacific onshore by about midweek, increasing rain chances for the Four Corners.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-27 rfsw set up-1777315770759.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>On Wednesday, rain chances will increase across the Four Corners, but by Thursday, widespread rainshowers and heavy high elevation snow will take over Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-27 rsw we to fri-1777315803787.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>In the long term, the Weather Prediction Center keeps the 4-Corners region in the green with confidence in above-average precipitation heading into May.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-27 035703-1777283836422.png">

Severe Storm Threat Increasing for the Southern Plains

Severe Storm Threat Increasing for the Southe

Flood Threat Expands Across Southeast for Mother’s Day Weekend

Flood Threat Expands Across Southeast for Mot

Weekend Warm-up for the Southwest

Weekend Warm-up for the Southwest

The Countdown to Hurricane Season

The Countdown to Hurricane Season

Tornadoes Cause Damage in Mississippi, Strong Storms Linger in the South

Tornadoes Cause Damage in Mississippi, Strong

CO May Snowstorm Could Lead to Icy Thursday Roads

CO May Snowstorm Could Lead to Icy Thursday R

Northeast in for Some Heavy Rain

Northeast in for Some Heavy Rain

Severe Threat Continues Through Tuesday

Severe Threat Continues Through Tuesday

Florida Storms Bring Isolated Flooding

Florida Storms Bring Isolated Flooding

Record Hot in the Northwest Today

Record Hot in the Northwest Today

Rain or Shine? Your 152nd Kentucky Derby Forecast

Rain or Shine? Your 152nd Kentucky Derby Fore

Cooler Air Sweeps From the Plains to the Northeast

Cooler Air Sweeps From the Plains to the Nort

Further Rain and Snow Chances Out West

Further Rain and Snow Chances Out West

A Look Back at Moderate Risks This Week

A Look Back at Moderate Risks This Week

Hail Pummels Missouri, Texas; Back for More Overnight

Hail Pummels Missouri, Texas; Back for More O

West Staying Active this Week

West Staying Active this Week