Dave Holder

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<p>As heat builds across the western states, precipitation has also been hard to come by. Along with low humidities and breezy conditions, the increasing fire danger has prompted widespread Red Flag Watches and Warnings for the upcoming weekend! </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 143524-1774039230829.png"></p><p>For this weekend, fire alerts have been issued from the Black Hills of South Dakota, south through the Texas Panhandle. </p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 143606-1774039285554.png"></p><p>While the actual temperatures of this heatwave have been the main focus, increasing temperatures lead to low relative humidities. While cities such as Denver and Amarillo feel the hottest March days ever, single-digit humidity levels look likely. Winds will kick up at times, too, in response to systems riding around the periphery of the upper-level heat dome. </p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 143533-1774039581487.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 143540-1774039590169.png"></p><p>The Storm Prediction Center has also highlighted areas of the greatest fire danger, with Wyoming being a particular focus through Saturday. </p><p></p><h2>24 Fire</h2><p></p><p>Unfortunately, some fires have already sparked and continue to grow. The 24 Fire, located to the southwest of Colorado Springs, has expanded to over 1000 acres after breaking out earlier on Wednesday morning. </p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 144930-1774039787361.png"></p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 143555-1774039733292.png"></p><p></p>

Fire Danger Continues Through the Weekend Across Central States

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<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #454545;">Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a></span></p>

Rob Bradley

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<p>After record shattering rain and hurricane force winds last weekend, Hawaii is already dealing with another strong low pressure system moving in from the west, known locally as a Kona Low.</p><h2>FRIDAY</h2><p>Catastrophic flash flooding unfolded overnight Thursday into Friday morning on the northern side of O'ahu, after 5-9 inches of rain fell from slow moving thunderstorms. A dam failure is forecast to happen sometime today. Evacuation orders have been issued for Haleiwa and Waialua as intense flooding cut off roads and inundated low lying areas. <br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 101325-1774023297460.png"></p><p>The heavy rain was created by an approaching Kona Low, which will keep the weather pattern rainy through the weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 105948-1774026224554.png"></p><p>Flood watches are in effect for all of the islands through the end of the weekend. The low is forecast to shift east into next week, leading to sunnier conditions.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 101245-1774023297462.png"></p><p>Bands of heavy rain will move through the islands at times over the next several days, with intensity of the showers fluctuating. Thunderstorms could lead to the development of flash flooding, especially with saturated soils from the previous Kona low.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/FORECAST-1774037485098.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Rainfall totals could easily surpass 1-4 inches where thunderstorms train, or move over the same locations multiple times. Most areas can expect lower totals.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 110202-1774026208382.png"></p><h1>Previous System Record Rain &amp; Wind</h1><p>Rainfall totals from the previous system are almost unfathomable. Each island had at least one weather station record over 20 inches of rain with hurricane force winds recorded as well. These intense conditions left the islands more prone for impacts from following storms.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-20 110451-1774026907445.png"></p>

Patrick Crawford

Flash Flood Emergency for O'ahu, Additional Rain Expected for Hawaii

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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.

Jesse Kelley

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<p>A series of systems moving across the Northern half of the nation will spark a sharp contrast with the historic heat building in the south / southeast over the weekend. Sunday is the day we are really keeping our eyes on, however, system one moves through Friday and it splits the Northeast. Rain for the Ohio Valley and Snow for New England. This is just the appetizer, the bigger impacts come Sunday - Monday.</p><h1>FRIDAY-SATURDAY</h1><p>The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Marginal Risk (Level 1 out of 5) for severe weather today. All modes will be possible but hail and winds will be slightly higher threat. As the front stalls across the Mid South, a few severe storms will be possible Saturday across the Carolinas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1774031936685.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1774032142310.png"></p><p></p><h1>FORECAST</h1><p>For a lot of the Northeast, we will see mostly rain as the clipper pasts eastward. Snow chances will be the highest across Northern New England into the evening hours. As for thunderstorms, daytime heating should fire up storms later this afternoon into the evening hours across the Ohio Valley. Again a few storms could be severe. Storms should diminish after midnight. Saturday, more isolated to scattered thunderstorms will develop along the front from Tennessee to the Carolinas. Heavy rain shouldn't be a huge concern as some areas could receive as much as an inch.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1774032720640.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><h1>SUNDAY</h1><p>The next clipper arrives Sunday. Already, the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted parts of the Mid Atlantic and Ohio Valley region with a Slight Risk of severe storms. Biggest threat will likely be winds but the forecast will be fine tuned as we get closer to the day.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1774033071247.png"></p>

Severe Storms make a Weekend Comeback to the Ohio Valley

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<p><em>Top Image Credit: National Parks Service</em></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8V6xqwukzO0" start="0"></iframe></div><p>Spring is fast approaching, and so are the blooms of flowers all across North America. This includes the famous cherry tree bloom around the National Mall in Washington, D.C.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-06 080027-1772810872599.png">On Thursday, March 5th, the National Park Service announced its projected peak cherry blossom date for 2026. The peak is expected around late March into early April (between the 31st and 2nd). Still, the forecast for the peak is generally difficult to make beyond ten days, as blossoms will be impacted by weather conditions. Check back in for updates!</p><h2>What is "peak bloom"?</h2><p>The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open, one of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/types-of-trees.htm"><strong><u>many types of cherry trees</u></strong></a> in the area. Peak bloom usually lasts for several days, with the blooms taking <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm"><strong><u>about two to three weeks to reach peak</u></strong></a> after the appearance of green buds. As buds begin to appear, the forecast peak date will be updated by National Park Service horticulturists.</p><h2>Past Blooms</h2><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-06 080035-1772811048593.png"><br>Due to variable weather conditions, peak bloom has occurred as early as March 15th (1990) and as late as April 18th (1958).</p><p>Visiting the blossoming cherry trees has become a favorite springtime tradition for Americans and tourists alike, dating back to 1912 when Japan gifted the U.S. about 3,000 cherry trees. The cherry trees in Japan have been putting on a show for thousands of years, with the dates of blooms being <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/date-of-the-peak-cherry-tree-blossom-in-kyoto"><strong><u>recorded all the way back to the 9th century</u></strong></a>. The dates for this year's peak blooms in Japan are expected from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.japan-guide.com/sakura/"><strong><u>late March through late April</u></strong></a> from north to south across the nation.</p>

Peak Cherry Blossom Forecast Released for 2026

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<p><strong>WEST - </strong>Heatwave would be putting this stretch of extreme weather mildly. The most intense heat event the U.S. has seen since record keeping began is unfolding and STILL getting worse. Not only were daily records broken on Wednesday, but monthly record highs for March were broken as well, despite it being the middle of the month! Las Vegas set its March record high with a high of 95°, beating out the previous record of 95° from yesterday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773973132611.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2-1773973138347.png"></p><p>The heat is expected to intensify through Friday and Saturday, before temperatures drop slightly. Even though temperatures will drop somewhat, record heat will persist through at least the middle of next week, if not longer.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773973182216.png"></p><p>Afternoon highs in several locations are expected to climb into the 80s, 90s, and even 100s, shattering daily temperature records and creating a dramatic contrast from the colder conditions that typically dominate early March. In some areas, temperatures are running 20 to 40 degrees above seasonal averages.</p><p>Heat alerts<strong> </strong>are in effect through the weekend across portions of California, Nevada, and Arizona.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-17 124426-1773773073161.png"><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">The Climate Prediction Center has a high confidence that temperatures will stay above normal through the end of March.</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-18 112057-1773854463320.png">More on your Western Regional Forecast can be found:50 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p>

Records Obliterated - Extreme March Heatwave Bakes the West

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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2033702354504323511" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2033702354504323511"></div><p>It wouldn't be March without a good ol' fashioned blizzard. The Upper-Midwest experienced intense blizzard conditions last weekend, and while the blizzard has cleared, additional rain and snow makers are on the way. While additional snow, ice, and storms are in the forecast, these systems are not expected to be as impactful.</p><h1>Timing</h1><p>Clipper systems with limited precipitation and impacts are expected to phase through the Great Lakes and Northeast through Friday. Stronger systems begin taking shape this weekend, with heavier precipitation and gusty winds. Friday into Saturday can expect heavier rain and snow in New York and New England, while the Upper-Midwest gets a new round of moderate snowfall from the trailing system. By Sunday, that next system is expected to move from the Great Lakes into the Northeast, bringing ice, snow, rain, and wind!</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-20 10-29-40-1774017019380.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Rain and Snow Totals</h1><p>I-95 and the Central Appalachians are likely to stay on the rainy side of these systems, but higher elevations in the Northeast, along with areas that see lake-enhanced precipitation, will see some snowfall. Mountain areas could see some 6"+ totals.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-19 201431-1773972882164.png"></p><p>Make sure to check in with us here on WeatherNation! We'll be covering these clipper systems all week, so follow along to stay updated on the latest!</p>

Tracey Anthony

Clippers Keep the Great Lakes and Northeast Gusty, Cooler

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

Alana Cameron

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<p><strong>NEBRASKA - </strong>On Thursday, March 12th, a vegetation fire broke out with visible heat signatures detectable on satellite. As winds shifted and the fire headed south quickly, mandatory evacuations were prompted near the town of Oshkosh, NE. Since then, the fire has continued to grow, becoming the largest in state history for the state of Nebraska, named the <strong>Morrill Fire</strong>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Acres:</strong> 643,074</p></li><li><p><strong>Containment:</strong> 98%</p></li><li><p><strong>Status:</strong> Active</p></li><li><p><strong>Counties involved: </strong>Keith, Arthur, Garden, and Morrill</p></li></ul><p>Additional fires broke out across the state on this critical fire risk day, including the <strong>Cottonwood Fire,</strong> which has now burned about 130,000 acres with 80% containment. This fire broke southeast of North Platte in Dawson, Lincoln, and Frontier counties. Evacuations were ordered last week but lifted on Saturday, March 14th.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2033022876803281258" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2033022876803281258"></div><p>The governor of Nebraska Jim Pillen issued an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/WildFiresCentralNebraska.pdf">emergency proclamation</a> to unlock state resources and support the response to multiple wildfires in central and Western Nebraska. The fires include:</p><ul><li><p>The Road 203 Fire (within the Nebraska National Forest) - 35,916 acres | 76% contained</p></li><li><p>Cottonwood Fire (near Brady and Gothenburg) - 131,259 acres | 78% contained</p></li><li><p>Morrill County Fire - 643,074 acres | 67% contained</p></li></ul><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/PIC 2-1773936782932.jpg"></p><h2>Fire Outlooks and Forecast</h2><p>Fire weather outlooks show elevated and critical conditions in the Central Rockies into the Western Great Plains. Warm, dry, and gusty conditions are expected to persist in these areas for the next several days, making for difficult firefighting conditions.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/PIC 3-1773936756106.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/PIC 4-1773936761845.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773946906307.png">Please stay aware of smoke plumes in your area and do not undertake activities where a spark or flame could start a new fire.</p>

Morrill Fire - Largest in Nebraska State History

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p>Spring has sprung, and the arrival of the season sparks the beginning of so many different facets of the world we live in. From the renewed growth of plants, to the great migrations of animals returning home, spring has an endless list of things to look forward to. As we kick off this spring season, we want to get you ready for every aspect of the season.</p><h2><strong><u>Spring Garden Trends:</u></strong></h2><p>One of the biggest kickoffs to Spring is the kickoff to the growing season. But what can you expect this year as you head to the gardening section? We spoke with Garden Media to learn more.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A0rAvB6Y5vs" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>The theme for 2026 is "Lemonading", which simply means making the most of the challenges life hands us each and every day. Whether you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding the latest and greatest in high-tech gardening gear, or simply making your garden a sanctuary for you and your pets, there's lessons we can learn through 2026's theme. You can find the full report on spring 2026 gardening trends on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://gardenmediagroup.com/trends/"><strong><u>Garden Media's website</u></strong></a><u>.</u></p><h2><strong><u>Monarch Butterfly Migration:</u></strong></h2><p>The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single flap for monarch butterflies as they return to the U.S. after spending the winter in Mexico. This endangered species needs our help as they make their trek back to U.S. soil. We spoke with David Mizejewski with the National Wildlife Federation to learn more about this major migration, and what plants we can plant in our own backyards to help these insects soar back to success.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DojDFfgJ6yQ" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>You can learn more about the Monarch Butterfly's migration on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Monarch-Butterfly"><strong><u>the NWF website</u></strong></a><u>.</u></p><h2><strong><u>Spring Tree Pollen:</u></strong></h2><p>For millions of people across the globe, Spring marks the start of allergy season. For those that suffer from tree allergies, it can be a nightmare as trees come into bloom. The experts at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.davey.com/"><u>Davey Tree Company</u></a> gave us some insights on what trees are the biggest culprits this season, and how we can protect ourselves from the pollen.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9pYlXgluRqo" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>Arborists recommend Pacific Dogwood, Oregon White Oak, Hornbeam, Sweetgum, and American Holly trees for those who are sensitive to tree pollen, but still want to plant a tree in their neighborhood. Hayes also recommends sterile, female trees that don't produce fruit as alternatives.</p><h2><strong><u>Cherry Blossom Forecast:</u></strong></h2><p>What began as a gift of trees from Japan in 1912 has turned into a national tradition as thousands wait for the blooming of the cherry blossoms in the Tidal Basin. This year, the blossoms are expected to reach peak bloom by late March, early April. We sat down with the National Park Service at the National Mall to learn more about these annual blossoms.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8V6xqwukzO0" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>March 11th marked the first buds on the trees and kicks off Bloom Watch in the park. You can learn more about the Cherry Blossoms, how weather impacts them, and when peak bloom will be this year on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm"><strong><u>National Park's website.</u></strong></a></p><h2><strong><u>Hummingbird Migration:</u></strong></h2><p>Some of Mother Nature's tiniest travelers are making the long journey back home after wintering in warmer weather. Hummingbirds have already begun their trips, but there are some things you can do at home to help them along the way. We spoke with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.hummingbirdsociety.org/"><strong><u>International Hummingbird Society</u></strong></a> to learn more about this great migration.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/leQC0l8LxDY" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>As the birds travel some 8,000 miles in some cases, it's important to remember to clean your hummingbird feeders regularly as they need to make frequent stops during their travels.</p><h2><strong><u>Death Valley's Super Bloom:</u></strong></h2><p>American's hottest National Park is home to one of the biggest super blooms in recent history. Death Valley National Park is going through a "Super Bloom" and and is advising visitors on how to best enjoy this spring season.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZeBr_MCd1Ac" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>The National Park service says this is the biggest bloom since 2016. You can learn more about the Super Bloom, where it stands, and how to best view it on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/nature/wildflowers.htm"><strong><u>Death Valley National Park's Super Bloom</u></strong></a> webpage.</p>

Springing into Spring: Gardening, Migration, Pollen, and More!

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<p>High pressure is calling the shots, once again, out west. That's going to bring searing heat to parts of California and Arizona, but it's helping do something else: soak Seattle and melt snow.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2034261211601068374" src="https://x.com/NWSSeattle/status/2034261211601068374"></div><p>A stubborn area of high pressure is going to sit on top of the West Coast for the remainder of the week. That will help pump more tropical moisture up and over it, focusing it along the Pacific Northwest (above). That will bring rounds of rain, sometimes heavy, to areas surrounding Seattle. Rounds of rain will add up to multiple inches of rainfall, even into the Cascades. Flood watches cover the area until Friday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773971897567.png"></p><p>The threat of rain will be persistent, soaking many plans for the rest of the week. Notice that most of this is coming down in the liquid form, with very high snow levels. That could help melt additional snow, leading to runoff issues in some of the area creeks and streams.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1773972064238.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Flood alerts remain in place this week across portions of the Northwest.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/WEB 1-1773923723817.png"></p><p>For more on your western regional forecast, tune into WeatherNation :50 past the hour.</p>

Atmospheric River Aims at the Northwest

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<p>St. Patrick's Day is here and Mother Nature is bringing us some chilly weather for the east. Chicago was WAY ahead of us last week, getting in on their St. Patrick's Day festivities by dying the Chicago river green!</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2033181427588575299" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2033181427588575299"></div><h1>The Forecast</h1><p>After a gnarly system brought rain, snow and even severe weather to the central/eastern U.S., most of us are going to be staying nice and dry in it's wake. Out towards Chicago and Boston specifically, looking bone dry. Even, in some cases, rather chilly for this time of year! Most of these major parades got quite the lucky forecast!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Web1-1773749134699.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Web2-1773749143924.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Web3-1773749375942.png"></p><p>Make sure you're staying tuned to WeatherNation for all of your top weather headlines from coast to coast!</p>

A Lucky Forecast for St. Patty's Day

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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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<p>Our intense storm system continues to wreak havoc with severe weather in the warm sector and blizzard conditions in the cold sector, which you can read more about here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/old-man-winter-roars-in-this-week"><strong><u>MIDWEST SNOW STORM.</u></strong></a></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2033523139255435518" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2033523139255435518"></div><p></p><p>Widespread wind damage reports spread from Texas north to Illinois and east into the Carolinas. With multiple severe/tornado watches and warnings in effect, stay up to date LIVE with WeatherNation as the threat heads to the East Coast.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 072500-1773667595860.png">Some of these areas are still picking up the pieces from the last storm system that brought severe weather to Illinois and Indiana on Tuesday. Read more about those storms by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/destructive-tornadoes-hail-rip-through-central-us">clicking here</a>.</p><p>The strongest winds were recorded out of Minturn, AR and Radcliff, KY with speeds of 77 mph.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 160200-1773698531372.png">There were also large hailstones across the south. The largest recorded was 2.50".<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 160301-1773698586918.png"></p><h1>Through Tonight</h1><p>The risk for intense severe weather continues to the East Coast and increases with an enhanced risk for severe storms (Level 3 out of 5). Once again, multiple squall lines packing intense winds and a few intense tornadoes will be possible.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/sssvvv-1773708020216.png"></p><h1>Latest Timing</h1><p>The front will continue to move offshore through the overnight hours. Expect drier and colder conditions on Tuesday morning.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/jfkaaa-1773706446631.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>This forecast and the outlooks will be updated as warranted, so be sure to check back in!</p>

Jackie Brown

East Coast Under Risk of Damaging Winds & Tornadoes

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<p>As <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Severe-Storms-Return-Sunday-Monday">severe storms are marching from the central U.S. to east Coast</a>, intense wind and extremely heavy snowfall are charging through the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. On Sunday, blizzard conditions halted traffic in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2033160449479557502" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2033160449479557502?s=20"></div><p><strong>Blizzard Warnings</strong> are still in effect for portions of Michigan. As a reminder, a blizzard is primarily about wind! Strong winds will create low visibility as snow blows around. Very difficult travel, if not impossible travel, can be expected in these areas over the next few days.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/through tue am-1773699841853.png">Snowfall totals across the Great Lakes have reached up to three feet!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/great lakes snow-1773700082803.png"></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2033530667309597069" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2033530667309597069"></div><h1><strong>TONIGHT </strong></h1><p>Even as new snow winds down, blowing and drifting snow will remain an issue. So watch out for slick spots on the roads and pockets of limited visibility into Tuesday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/blsaa-1773706575366.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Parts of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan still have the potential for significant totals. Lake effect snow will stick around into Tuesday, adding an additional 6-12".</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/tue additional snowwwww-1773700237673.png">Arctic air will be dragged south behind this storm system with wind chills well below zero for many areas by into Tuesday! Bundle up and make sure your skin is covered to prevent frostbite. Be sure to check back for updates as we fine-tune this forecast!</p>

Blizzard Conditions, Heavy Snow Slamming the Midwest & Northeast

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Patrick Crawford has always been a huge weather buff! He grew up in Plano, Texas, and it was there that he experienced what Mother Nature was capable of doing. He would always turn on the television to see what local meteorologists were saying about the weather. That's when he realized he wanted to be a meteorologist.

Patrick graduated from Northern Illinois University (’04) with a degree in Meteorology and a double minor in Mathematics and Geography. Broadcast Meteorology has been great to him and he has been able to work in television markets all across the country. Some of his stops have included New Orleans, Green Bay and even Yuma, Arizona. He is so excited to be part of the WeatherNation team.

He has been awarded the prestigious CBM (Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) weather seal from the American Meteorological Society.

Feel free to catch up with Patrick Crawford on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MeteorologistPC/">Facebook</a> and on <a href="https://twitter.com/MeteorologistPC">Twitter</a> pages.

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<p>Numerous fires have broken out over the last few days, including massive fires in the state of Nebraska. The fire danger will build south as colder air begins to move in behind a sharp cold front. Red Flag Warnings have been issued across New Mexico, the Southern Plains, and down to the Gulf through Monday.</p><p>The largest fire that broke out in Nebraska has been named the Morrill - Cottonwood Fire, burning over 694k acres, making it the largest wildfire in state history. It began on Thursday afternoon due to an electrical fire caused by high winds. Unfortunately, 1 person lost their life trying to flee.</p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-16 112746-1773682091383.png"></p><p></p><h1>Fire Weather Alerts</h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/web-1773656741187.png"></p><h1>Fire Outlook</h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/web1-1773656767163.png"></p><p>It is always important to know how to prevent fires, so here are some tips.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/pic4-1773244322444.png"></p>

Nebraska Records Biggest Fire Ever as Red Flag Warnings Persist

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<p>Severe storms have finally moves offshore after multiple days of severe weather that lasted from Tuesday into Thursday morning.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-12 174429-1773359087251.png"></p><p>Things are finally quieting down from this multi-day severe weather outbreak, but not before 200+ severe wind reports, 150+ hail reports, and 30+ tornado <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/260310_rpts.html">reports to the Storm Prediction Center</a>.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-12 174440-1773359116917.png"></p><p>Tuesday, March 10, will go down as record-breaking for at least one state in the Midwest. After the Storm Prediction Center upgraded parts of Illinois and Indiana to a Moderate (Level 4/5) Risk, destructive severe storms ripped through the heart of the country. A large supercell on the ground for up to 45 minutes produced a large and dangerous tornado in the town of Kankakee, IL. The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued preliminary damage assessments rating this tornado as an EF-3 with max winds of 150mph. Our field crews were on the ground to capture it as it happened and to speak with the families impacted.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2031867768505598421" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2031867768505598421"></div><p>First responders worked tirelessly, picking up debris and searching for survivors in the aftermath. Loads of footage came out of this tornado, much of which was heartbreaking to see.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2031730530631434633" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2031730530631434633?s=20"></div><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-12 073153-1773322362766.png"></p><p>A highly unstable atmosphere led to strong updrafts, resulting in large hail during severe storms. Hailstones the size of softballs and larger were reported in Texas and Illinois.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-11 082436-1773239081623.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/AAA_WEB5-1773228556681.png"></p><p>A hailstone from the Kankakee, IL supercell looks likely to be a state record, and could challenge national records for biggest hail. The photo posted by a Kankakee resident looks to be upwards of 7-8 inches in diameter! The stone will have to be examined to determine if it breaks the record set by hail from Vivian, South Dakota, in 2010 that measured 8 inches.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-11 115507-1773251922303.png"></p><p></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2031525994843214069" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2031525994843214069"></div>

Destructive Tornadoes, Hail From Multi-Day Severe Outbreak

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<p>On the heels of an active opening week to Meteorological Spring, another threat of severe weather will be in the cards yet again for Wednesday. With plenty of unstable air to tap into, as this system chugs East, the threat for severe weather persists. The Storm Prediction center has issued a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast.</p><p></p><p>Hail is another big concern. More widespread, 1" in diameter hail is possible, but many locations could also encounter 2" in diameter hailstones Tuesday. Some portions of Texas and Illinois have already seen hailstones over 3.5", which is in between the size of a softball and teacup.</p><p><em>RELATED ARTICLE: </em><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/destructive-tornadoes-hail-rip-through-central-us"><strong><em>Destructive Tornadoes, Hail Rip Through Central U.S.</em></strong></a></p><p>A <strong>SLIGHT</strong> (level 2 out of 5) risk remains in place following the cold front through tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773282080141.png"></p><p>During the overnight, a tornado risk remains in place especially across the Gulf Coast. Have a few ways to receive alerts to wake you up if warnings are issued.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773282254705.png"></p><p></p><p>The threat for severe weather continues Thursday morning as the squall line moves through the Carolinas and Georgia. The biggest threat will be damaging winds.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1773282360616.png"></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1773282503903.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Tune in to WeatherNation live for the very latest.</p>

Significant Severe Weather Threatens Again Wednesday

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<p><strong>NORTHWEST - Blizzard warnings</strong> have been issued for the mountains of the Pacific Northwest for today and tomorrow. The reason? A ridge of high pressure over the Pacific Ocean is funneling in an atmospheric river of moisture into the Pacific Northwest through tonight and tomorrow. High moisture content will lead to heavy rain and snow for these areas and winds will be very high too.</p><p></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-11 05-42-53-1773229398869.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><strong>Blizzard warnings</strong> are issued when winds are greater than 35 mph, visibility less than 1/4 of a mile, and lasting for 3 hours. Additional <strong>winter weather alerts</strong> have been added for the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/web1'-1773229475628.png">In addition to these winter weather alerts, wind alerts have been issued for the northwest for gusts up to 50-60 mph with locally higher gusts.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Web2-1773229526282.png">Let's time this out, as a warm front pushes through, moisture will pick up in the Pacific northwest saturating the soils and lashing with winds. The heaviest of the precipitation picks up on Wednesday before the frontal boundary continues to push inland into Thursday and Friday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-11 05-45-53-1773229585652.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Moisture content with this is extremely high, which will lead to very high snowfall totals.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-10 144721-1773175657342.png">Some of the heaviest rain is expected across portions of Oregon and southern Washington. Some totals through the end of the week will surpass 6-10 inches of rain.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-10 144725-1773175661483.png">For more information about this, be sure to join us at :50 past the hour during your west regional forecast.</p>

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