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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Record-high temperatures were shattered at the start of February in California. Escondido, in Southern California, hit 92°. Another ridge of high pressure builds in midweek, bringing another round of record high potential.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-04 03-27-18-1770200864863.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>All the red dots indicate cities that could break their record high temperature for Wednesday and Thursday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Web6-1770201185796.png">Cities like Los Angeles have average highs this time of the year in the 60s. Instead, high temperatures could hit 90° by Wednesday!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Web8-1770201156501.png">With warm temperatures, we are also looking at strong winds in Southern California. Wind advisories have been issued for Wednesday and Thursday, as wind gusts are likely to reach upwards of 45 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Web7-1770201125999.png">Farther north, temperatures will also be around 10° to, in some cases, even 30° above average!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-03 115424-1770144870043.png">This warmth out west is not expected to go anywhere. The longer range temperature outlook shows a higher confidence of warmer than normal temperatures sticking around through February 12th.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-02 162539-1770074773614.png">

Tracey Anthony

Feeling More Like Summer Out West

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2018383921759535517" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2018383921759535517"></div>Charlotte, NC had record snowfall on Saturday picking up 11inches and a little farther to the north the Big Apple rounded out January with below freezing temps for nine days in a row! By February 2nd, temperatures finally touched above freezing. However another cold spell is on the way for the weekend. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Web2-1770199553792.png">Morning temperatures will drop to the single digits for most of the Northeast by the weekend, with a few isolated areas such as Burlington, VT, dropping sub-zero.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/web1'-1770199576372.png">Snow begins early Friday morning across the Great Lakes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Web5-1770200445485.png">The highest totals look to be downwind of the Great Lakes. Other locations are expected to see a few inches of snow.More details on your Eastern Regional Forecast can be found :10 past the hour on WeatherNation.

The Arctic Grip Holds Across the Northeast

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Winter Weather Advisories drop off through the night in the Ohio Valley, as a low-pressure system moves through. A few inches of snow will be possible with slick roads. With a differing temperature gradient, the system will likely have a rain side farther south and a snow side farther north. The low will make its way offshore on Thursday, with things clearing out.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/OHIO VALLEY SNOW-1770173526474.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The highest snowfall totals will likely stay way up in the Appalachian Mountains.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-03 161744-1770160670533.png">Temperatures are also expected to drop once this system passes. Likely triggering some cold air to descend towards the south.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-03 114941-1770144586845.png">The southern extent of this system will bring some chances for a few general thunderstorms. At this time, not expecting anything up to severe criteria.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/overnaaa-1770173726690.png">Since temperatures are much warmer in the south, we are focused on rainfall rather than ice and snow.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-03 115109-1770144723615.png">Here's a look at the timing for the storms overnight and into Thursday morning.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/gds-1770173687222.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Make sure to stay tuned to WeatherNation, as we'll continue to track this system for you!

Jackie Brown

Snow for the OH Valley, a Few Storms South

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Kevin Schneider

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The championship of the National Football League is set to be decided this upcoming Sunday. The Seattle Seahawks will face the New England Patriots for the right to claim the title at 5:30 PM Sunday. But will the weather have a say in who is hoisting the trophy at the end of it?<h3>PATTERN BREAKING DOWN</h3>A strong area of high pressure is currently in charge of the weather out west. That's pushing temperatures to the extreme in Los Angeles, especially for early February. If you plan on attending any of the pregame festivities this week before the game kicks off, no issues at all!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-03 115531-1770144944078.png"> That will begin to break down towards the end of the week, but will it be in enough time to start talking about rain chances in Santa Clara? Right now, it's a firm maybe.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-03 05-31-00-1770121880427.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rain doesn't look like it's going to ruin the game or any of the activities, but it bears watching as we go throughout the week. This far in advance makes it a tough call. Better bet to see some weather will be a bit farther north, into Oregon and Washington into the first part of next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-03 115537-1770144951284.png">Stay with us as we iron out the details on the big forecast for the big game on Sunday.

Big Game Forecast!

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While it has now been about a week since a major ice storm swept across the southern tier of the country, over a hundred thousand customers remain without power, the majority across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. While temperatures warmed some, it's been a cold week for people to be without power, creating dangerous conditions for those without heat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-03 115640-1770145007230.png">Customers without power are beginning to improve as temperatures climb.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-03 115635-1770145012216.png">Low temperatures will begin to rebound, more noticeably, by midweek. However, with another system bringing even more cool air, temps plummet right back down into the high 20s!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-03 084341-1770133432445.png">Will continue to update this story on Weather Nation, including your Southeast Regional Forecast, every 10 past the hour.

Alana Cameron

Thousands of Customers Still Remain Without Power

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While the snow has ended, the slippery travel hasn't.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2017796406862614965" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2017796406862614965?s=20"></div>This comes after some locations in the Carolinas have seen historic snow totals, comparable with some of the heaviest snows in recent history. In addition to heavy snow, this low brought strong winds to the East Coast, coastal flooding, and has pulled arctic air all the way to South Florida. Miami and West Palm Beach are a couple of the FL cities that broke record lows on Sunday AM.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-01 105502-1769968516931.png">Totals in some North Carolina cities exceeded 20"!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-01 160422-1769987074148.png">Sunshine's helping start the melting process. However, anything that might melt during the day will likely refreeze during the overnights. Leaving slick roads for the morning commute. Wednesday morning lows and road temperatures will continue to see improvements, this will help some of that snow and ice begin to melt and stay melted.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-03 084546-1770133570185.png">Temperatures will climb into the 40's by the middle of the week, which should help get any of the leftover snow to clear out. Another chance of rain/snow moves into the forecast by Wednesday, but it doesn't appear to be quite as threatening.

Historic Snow Leaves Slick Roads

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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Whether it's pulling a slumbering rodent out of hibernation, or watching Bill Murray replay the same day over and over again. One thing is clear: people have some strong opinions when it comes to Groundhog Day. Even here at WeatherNation, some meteorologists find the holiday whimsical, while others find it downright weird.But who thought the best weather prognostication was sleeping rodents in the first place?<h2>HISTORY OF GROUNDHOG DAY:</h2>The most common belief of the origins of the holiday date back to an old Christian religious holiday called Candlemas Day. On February 2nd, 40 days after Christmas and halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, believers would take their candles to churches to have them blessed. The blessings would then carry them through the rest of winter. As the tradition flourished, English folk songs give us an insight on when Candlemas went from purely a religious holiday to one with weather significance.<blockquote>"If Candlemas be fair and bright,Come, Winter, have another flight;If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,</blockquote><blockquote>Go Winter, and come not again."</blockquote>As the English tradition flooded into Germany, that's where we see the first instances of animals being introduced into this folklore. As February 2nd came around, Germans used local animals, typically hedgehogs or badgers to see if they saw their shadows to do the weather forecasting for them. If they saw their shadow then another "second winter" would come along bringing six more weeks of winter.A vast influx of German immigrants into America, and specifically into Pennsylvania is where we start to see the development of our modern day Groundhog Day festivities. Hedgehogs are not native to Pennsylvania, meaning they were finally allowed to continue their hibernation as another animal would take over prognostication duties. While the Germans brought the idea of Dachstag ("Badger Day"), the weasels are extremely rare to this region and not native to the eastern part of Pennsylvania. Another alternate was chosen instead, and the German immigrants selected groundhogs as they can be found throughout the state.<h2>MODERN GROUNDHOG DAY:</h2>The groundhog day as many know it includes the small borough of Punxsutawney, PA and it's now secretive and exclusive group of organizers called the "Groundhog Club's Inner Circle". Kicking off in 1886, the modern holiday was born, and now each year tens of thousands of people gather at Gobbler's Knob to see the most famous groundhog of them all cast his prediction.Since the popularization of the holiday, other groundhogs have rose to occasion and issue their own forecast for a more local perspective. Some of which include State Island Chuck at the Staten Island Zoo in New York City.<h2>GROUNDHOG DAY ACCURACY:</h2>While weather folklore can be fun to discuss, it oftentimes struggles with the science of meteorology. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration keeps track of the most accurate groundhogs for those that wish to find their forecast from a furry friend. In the top spot is State Island Chuck, followed by General Beauregard Lee (Georgia's official weather rodent), and Lander Lil. The latter of which isn't actually a real groundhog, but instead a statue of a prairie dog in Lander, WY.As for America's most famous groundhog forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil, his accuracy rate of just 35% places him 17th. A full list of groundhog forecasting accuracy can be found on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.noaa.gov/heritage/stories/grading-groundhogs">NOAA's website</a>.<h2>FORECAST:</h2>On Monday, Phil declared 6 more weeks of winter. We'll let you be the judge of what cities are feeling like winter right now. You can also watch us anytime, anywhere on our streaming platforms, or on channel 215 on DISH Network. Find out more on how to watch: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/watch-us">HERE</a>.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-02 155257-1770072782955.png">

6 More Weeks of Winter!

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You've been warned, iguanas. We've had glancing blows of cold weather recently, stunning a few cold-blooded reptiles. This one's going to be more widespread and could even bring the threat of snow as far south as Tampa.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IusUvOmydJc" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>COLD</h1>A developing low-pressure will cutted across the Gulf Friday. This system did bring some impressive snow to the Carolinas before moving up the coast. That system will leave the door WIDE OPEN behind it, letting the Arctic air flow much farther south than it has been recently. Overnight lows in the 30's will make it as far south as Miami, where they haven't seen the 30's for more than a decade!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-28 101841-1769620728751.png">Even areas like the Tampa area will slip into the freezer by Sunday morning. That's where things might get interesting...<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/web1-1769944569000.png"><h1>GULF-EFFECT SNOW</h1>We've started shutting down the lake-effect machine a little bit--it's been that cold recently. Great Lake ice coverage has rocketed way above average for the time of year. Let's find another body of water. The Gulf won't freeze over!<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2016346284802629827" src="https://x.com/NWSWPC/status/2016346284802629827?s=20"></div>For any sort of "-effect" to happen (rain or snow) there just needs to be a sizable difference in temperatures. Some lesser-known include ocean-effect snow that can sometimes affect places like Nantucket, MA. This is similar, where cold, Arctic air will flow over warmer waters of the Gulf around the Big Bend this weekend.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-28 102535-1769621144325.png">The difference in temperatures will drive persistent showers onshore into Sunday. The thinking is that temperatures could catch up to the showers, turning the rain over to snow. This won't be a long-lived setup, so is expected to be more novelty than anything. It's still wild that Florida could pick up snow twice in the same Winter, though! For the record, the last time Tampa picked up measurable snow was January 19, 1977.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-01 06-16-37-1769944619717.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Gulf-Effect Snow Possible This Weekend

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More precipitation is in the forecast across the Pacific Northwest. Conditions have not been as active to start the weekend, but another cold front is on the way for early Sunday morning. The highest totals look to target the Olympic Peninsula again and into the foothills of the Cascades. A few inches of rain will be possible over the next several days, along with snow in the higher elevations. Localized totals may end up measuring up to a foot in the northern Cascades.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1769915849541.png">Over the next few days, the forecast calls for waves of moisture off and on, producing rain and snow showers.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/New Baron Video 3-1769916147523.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>More details on your Western Regional Forecast can be found :50 past the hour, every hour, on WeatherNation.

Rain Finally Makes a Return to the Northwest

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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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Persistent bursts of cold air have continued to produce heavy snow around the Great Lakes this week. While ice continues to build on the lakes, it doesn't look like it will stop the potential for snow over the next few days as another round of arctic air spills over the region.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-29 064508-1769694424422.png">While Lake Erie is now mostly ice-covered, Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Ontario remains mostly ice free exposed, meaning cold air can still pick up plenty of moisture.As winds shift to the north on Friday, lake effect snow will also shift, sending snow southward into northern Illinois and Indiana. The alerts now include the Chicago metro.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1769829629345.png">Some of those snow bands will even aim at Chicago, IL tonight into Saturday, with the potential for 6"+ in some neighborhoods around the city. Areas like Gary, IN, could also see some heavier totals in the area.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/New Baron Video 3-1769829767736.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>. The band setting up for northern Illinois also has the potential for heavy accumulation from Chicago through Gary, IN.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1769829817382.png">As for Lake Michigan it has been an active year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 2-1769783777171.png">For more details on the Central U.S., be sure to join us :30 past the hour, for more details on the northeast, be sure to join us :10 past the hour.

Lake-Effect Snow Continues, Shifts Toward Chicago This Weekend

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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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ABOVE - Up to one inch of ice accumulated across parts of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana, weighing down power lines and transmission equipment and causing widespread outages. As of Tuesday afternoon, roughly 300,000 customers remain without power. The threat continues with dangerously cold overnight lows expected throughout the week - and these predictions were accurate as nearly 300,000 people were still without power Thursday AM. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 2-1769694288159.png">The impacts of this storm are expected to linger throughout the rest of the week. With power still out, many are still in danger as cold temperatures pose a serious risk. Lows are expected to remain well below freezing each night, increasing concerns for hypothermia, frozen pipes, and additional infrastructure damage.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 1-1769694270374.png"><h3>Wintry Precipitation Totals</h3>Snow started Friday in the South before switching over to sleet and ice on Saturday with our first round of precipitation. Our top snowfall totals maxed out around a foot for cities such as Little Rock, Arkansas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-26 171858-1769473186656.png">Sleet altered the forecast a bit for some, with up to 5 inches reported in cities such as Catholic Point, Arkansas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-26 172017-1769473290101.png">In the Midwest, cities like Indianapolis, Indiana, received over 10 inches of snowfall from this storm.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-26 171920-1769473316826.png">In the northeast, this was a snow-only event. Cities near Boston received almost 2 feet of snowfall, resulting in a city-wide snow day on Monday!<h3><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-26 171906-1769473390953.png">Headlines</h3><ul><li>Icing in Tennessee caused portions of the interstate (65) to be shut down after a truck lost control, hit a sign, and caused it to collapse.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2015869851844411634" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2015869851844411634"></div><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u-MQ4nDMG1U" start="0"></iframe></div></li><li>Several fatalities have been confirmed from this winter storm, including a teenage girl in Frisco, Texas, being pulled by a sled by a Jeep on Sunday morning.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2015904286497206685" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2015904286497206685"></div> </li><li>The city of Boston had a snow day after the mayor closed schools on Sunday for Monday.</li></ul><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2015847206176133150" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2015847206176133150"></div>For more details on power outages and the forecast ahead, be sure to join us LIVE on WeatherNation.

Thousands Without Power as another Systems Brews

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Temperatures have been record-breaking with how cold it has been over the last week. There is no relief in sight with the cold air. Even as temperatures look as if they may rebound, they drop again by the weekend.A few cold alerts will stick around through Thursday morning across portions of the Midwest to the Northeast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1769634366421.png">In addition, the cold makes its way all the way down to Florida. Frost and freeze alerts are in effect through Thursday morning across a large area of Florida and south Georgia, as well as some counties in Louisiana.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1769634408214.png">Cold temperatures will remain in the pattern through the weekend. Lows will again drop to below zero across parts of the Northeast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1769634467664.png">For the Southeast, cities like Tampa will see lows in the 30s Thursday morning with highs by Sunday in the 40s!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/1-1769634576099.png">Miami even has a forecast low of 39 degrees on Sunday! If it was to get this low, it'll be the first time in just over 15 years that Miami's seen a low temperature in the 30s!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web4-1769598242446.png">If you're across the deep south, extreme cold weather doesn't come too often. However, when it does, remembering the 4 P's is always helpful.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-27 162948-1769556593983.png">Tune in to WeatherNation for more of your top weather headlines. All your regional forecasts can also be found :10, :30, and :50 past the hour.

Jesse Kelley

Cold Air Sticks Around the Central to Eastern U.S.

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At some point or another, we've all heard this warning–don't go outside in the cold or you'll get sick. But is there any truth to that?<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/SOT_TRT .35_CAN YOU GET A COLD FROM THE COLD WEATHER_CLEVELAND CLINIC_BH_012026-1768934981727.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>“You can't get a cold from the cold weather itself, but you can get a cold indirectly from cold weather environments,” explained Neha Vyas, MD, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic. While cold weather doesn’t directly make us sick, Dr. Vyas said viruses do. She explained that when the temperatures drop, the nose and throat can dry out, making it easier for viruses to enter the body. Viruses, like the flu, spread more easily in cold, dry conditions. Another reason more people tend to get sick in the winter is that we’re spending more time indoors. Being in close quarters with others increases your chances of getting sick, so it’s important to take extra precautions this time of year. “Make sure you wash your hands frequently, cover your cough or sneeze and stay home if you're sick. Eating healthy foods and staying hydrated will go a long way in keeping you healthy as well,” Dr. Vyas said. “I also recommend getting your vaccines, such as the flu shot, as well as any other vaccines that are appropriate for the winter months.” For those who do come down with a cold, Dr. Vyas recommends checking in with a doctor if symptoms worsen or don’t go away. While cold weather doesn’t directly make you sick, bundling up and staying inside during extreme temperatures helps prevent frostbite and other cold-related health issues.

Can You Catch a Cold From the Cold Weather?

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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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While much of the country will be <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Rare%20Winter%20Storm%20Threatens%20Over%20130%20Million">impacted by wintry weather</a>, a small portion of the south will be impacted by severe storms today! Portions of Florida and Georgia are feeling the warmth, and this warm air mass will collide with the advancing cold front, bringing severe thunderstorm risks through Sunday night. Several severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings have already been issued.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/0125-1769380916039.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>With enough instability, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is issuing a large Slight risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe weather through Sunday. Strong winds and tornadoes remain possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-25 153954-1769380799364.png">Heavy rain will also be a factor as these storms move through. Our model data shows swaths of heavy rain across Mississippi and Alabama. There is an isolated flooding threat for portions of Alabama and northern Georgia through tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-25 154030-1769380834575.png">We'll continue to update this developing story in the coming hours and days. Stay with WeatherNation for the latest, and watch your Southeast Regional Forecast every 10 minutes past the hour!

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the South on Sunday

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For much of this winter season, the Southwestern United States has been under the influence of a large, blocking ridge of high pressure. This ridge has sent storms well to the north, keeping the southwest dry and warm. While a few soaking systems helped push drought conditions out of California, the Four Corners have been seeing drought conditions worsen with snow pack rivaling the worst on record (snow pack records date back about 40 years).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-22 130618-1769112396676.png">A wet storm system has moved in from the Pacific bringing heavy rain and snow back to these parched locations. Winter weather alerts remain in place for portions of New Mexico and Arizona lasting through Sunday morning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/web1-1769341115291.png">The worst of this low is definitely behind us by Sunday morning rainfall-wise. What's left is some residual snowfall that'll bring some decent totals across New Mexico throughout the day.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-25 06-38-54-1769341154993.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Some totals will still measure close to 6" in some areas like near Alamogordo, New Mexico. Rainfall totals still may reach half an inch in some spots in southern Arizona and New Mexico. However, most of this precipitation should be on it's way out by Sunday afternoon.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/web2-1769341262273.png">Get the latest forecast for the Western U.S. anytime with the WeatherNation app by pulling up the regional forecast section, or tuning in to WeatherNationTV at :50 past the hour.

Adrian Hernandez

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

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If you've scrolled through social media lately, you may have seen the headlines warning of "exploding trees" due to the extreme cold in the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains. But is that actually true?We spoke with experts at the Dave Tree Company to learn more.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtN0QGJILm0" start="0"></iframe></div>Lou Meyer, a certified arborist, said when referring to "exploding trees", people shouldn't expect Bugs Bunny types of explosions. Trees will instead crack as the fluids within them freeze rapidly due to dramatic drops in temperatures. Meyer goes onto explain that sudden temperatures drops of warm to cold can cause the trees to be more susceptible to the cracking, especially around the bark. He also added that trees that receive more sunlight, say on a south facing side, are more likely to crack as the sun will heat up part of the tree while the rest of the plant remains colder. While Meyer said you can sometimes hear tree cracking occurring, it won't be anything truly explosive. You may also be hearing thundersnow, or sometimes even cryoseisms, or frost quakes. Both are other rare winter phenomena. Meyer emphasizes, "Trees don't really explode...except when they're hit by lightning."<h2>CENTRAL U.S. FORECAST:</h2>Places like Minnesota, and the Dakotas are in a region that could see potential tree cracking as temperatures plummet well below zero. Dangerous wind chills are also forecasted through the weekend with some locations expected to dip nearly 40 to 50 degrees below zero. <h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 155052-1769036077404.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 155147-1769036085651.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 155309-1769036099763.png">SOUTHERN U.S. FORECAST:</h2>While cold air is expected to dip deep into the southern tier of the country, temperatures won't feel as extreme, but will have just as much of an impact. The colder air is helping to provide the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Rare%20Snow%20&amp;%20Ice%20Threatens%20the%20South%20This%20Weekend">threat of icing</a> across the South and into the Northeast by next week. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 155111-1769036246179.png">Record cold is expected across various states over the weekend. Several National Weather Service Offices are advising residents to be aware of the cold, and to dress appropriately while they prepare for the snow, cold, and ice.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fnh473lIkEI" start="0"></iframe></div>We spoke offices in the Little Rock, Arkansas and Norman, Oklahoma to discuss the impacts the cold will have on their communities.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/878G77ma2i0" start="0"></iframe></div>

Feeling More Like Summer Out West

Feeling More Like Summer Out West

The Arctic Grip Holds Across the Northeast

The Arctic Grip Holds Across the Northeast

Snow for the OH Valley, a Few Storms South

Snow for the OH Valley, a Few Storms South

Big Game Forecast!

Big Game Forecast!

Thousands of Customers Still Remain Without Power

Thousands of Customers Still Remain Without P

Historic Snow Leaves Slick Roads

Historic Snow Leaves Slick Roads

6 More Weeks of Winter!

6 More Weeks of Winter!

Gulf-Effect Snow Possible This Weekend

Gulf-Effect Snow Possible This Weekend

Rain Finally Makes a Return to the Northwest

Rain Finally Makes a Return to the Northwest

Lake-Effect Snow Continues, Shifts Toward Chicago This Weekend

Lake-Effect Snow Continues, Shifts Toward Chi

Thousands Without Power as another Systems Brews

Thousands Without Power as another Systems Br

Cold Air Sticks Around the Central to Eastern U.S.

Cold Air Sticks Around the Central to Eastern

Can You Catch a Cold From the Cold Weather?

Can You Catch a Cold From the Cold Weather?

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the South on Sunday

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the Sout

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

Could Major Cold Snap Cause "Exploding Trees"?

Could Major Cold Snap Cause "Exploding Trees"