<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>Melissa is a name that will never be used again to label tropical cyclones in the Atlantic. The WMO (World Meteorological Organization) announced on Wednesday it will retire the name after devastating impacts from Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean last fall. Melissa is the 100th name to be retired in the Atlantic Basin.<br><br>The WMO shared the following release with its announcement.<br><br>"The World Meteorological Organization’s Hurricane Committee retired Melissa from its rotating list of names because of the death and destruction it caused in the Caribbean in October 2025. The committee selected Molly as the replacement name.</p><p>At its peak, Melissa was classified as a category 5 storm based on the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with life-threatening winds reaching around 300 km/h. The storm produced devastating storm surge and damaging winds across Jamaica and Cuba and brought extreme rainfall and flooding to the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba.</p><p>Melissa was responsible for more than 90 deaths across Jamaica, Haiti and the other island nations. Melissa is the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall in Jamaica. The storm ties Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas in 2019 and the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane in the USA as the strongest hurricane (in terms of maximum sustained wind speed) to make landfall in the Atlantic basin.</p><p>“The risks associated with tropical cyclones are both real and increasing. It only takes one landfalling tropical cyclone to roll back years of development. And this was unfortunately the case with Hurricane Melissa,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.</p><p>“Recovery will be long and hard. Despite the force of Melissa, loss of life was in the dozens rather than the thousands. This is testimony to the accuracy of advance forecasts and the use of these early warnings to support early action. Hurricane Committee Members can be proud of themselves for saving so many lives and helping to protect key sectors of the economy like transport, energy and fisheries,” she said in an opening video message.</p><p>The Hurricane Committee consists of experts from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and represents North America, Central America and the Caribbean (WMO Regional Association IV). It met in Mexico City from 2 to 5 March to review the past season and prepare for the forthcoming one.</p><p>“After more than four months since the passage of Melissa over Jamaica, stories about the impacts and recovery continue to dominate the news and media. Melissa has now been engraved in the collective memory of the nation,” said Evan Thompson, Principal Director at Meteorological Service, Jamaica, and President of WMO’s Regional Association IV.</p><p>In 2025, the Atlantic basin produced 13 named storms (winds of 63 km/h or greater), of which five became hurricanes (winds of 120 km/h or greater), including four major hurricanes with winds reaching 180 km/h or greater. An&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="ext" href="https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/Background.html"><strong>average season</strong></a>&nbsp;has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="ext" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/"><strong>WMO’s Regional Specialized Meteorological Center Miami is operated by the US National Hurricane Center</strong></a>&nbsp;and is responsible for issuing regular forecasts to guide individual NMHSs to inform decisions on storm preparation, such as closing airports and ordering mass evacuations – as was the case with Melissa.</p><p>“Every forecast and warning is a lifeline for real people, and a constant reminder that our work is not just about science, but about saving lives. The strong relationship between the RSMC Miami and the affected members during Melissa demonstrated the partnerships built within the Committee, and our shared commitment to reducing the human and economic impacts of storms such as Melissa throughout the region,” said Michael Brennan, Chair of the Hurricane Committee, Director of NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, and Director of the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre Miami.</p><p>While it attracts the most public attention, the WMO naming convention is only a small part of the life-saving work of the Hurricane Committee.</p><p>The<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wmo.int/content/tropical-cyclone-naming"><strong>&nbsp;lists of names</strong></a>&nbsp;helps in the communication of storm warnings and to alert people about potentially life-threatening risks. The names alternate between male and female, and are intended to be easy to pronounce in every language in the region. Names are repeated every six years, unless a storm is so deadly or destructive that its name is retired.</p><p>I am very thankful that there was unanimous approval of my request for the retirement of Melissa. Jamaica would not have liked to constantly recount the trauma that was visited on us in 2025,” said Mr Thompson.&nbsp;</p><p>The name Molly, which was selected by Hurricane Committee members, will be used in 2031."</p>

Jesse Kelley

WMO Retires the Name "Melissa" Following Devastating Impacts Last Fall

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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>As we head through the rest of the work week, an upper-low will move across the Intermountain West and into the Central Plains, increasing chances for severe thunderstorms and heavy rain. The upper-level ridge responsible for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/spring-like-temperatures-return-to-the-southwest"><strong>record heat</strong></a> across the Southwest will begin to break down, allowing the upper-level low, currently moving through the Rockies, to move east, bringing strong jet stream winds overhead.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/web2-1772451788235.png"></p><h2>Wednesday</h2><p>Wednesday the SPC has issued a <strong>SLIGHT</strong> (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe storms for the threat of isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms from north Texas through Illinois with the primary threats of large hail and isolated wind damage.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772662736557.png"></p><p></p><p>As we move into the evening and overnight hours, more thunderstorms are likely along this stalled boundary. The biggest threats will be wind and hail. Although a few isolated tornadoes could be possible.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1772662976202.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Thursday - Friday</h2><p>Our next trough swings in later this week and targets some of the same areas for severe weather. On Thursday, the Storm Prediction Center has issued a <strong>SLIGHT</strong> (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather across portions of the Plains. Large hail, severe winds, and a tornado or two will all be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772663161422.png"></p><p></p><p>The Storm Prediction Center has issued an additional outlook for Friday. This time, they've upgraded their outlook to an ENHANCED (level 3 out of 5) risk for severe weather. Several major cities are in this enhanced outlook, including OKC, Kansas City, and Tulsa. Strong winds, large hail, and even tornadoes are expected, however the SPC believes the heaviest severe weather in their enhanced-shaded area. The timing of these storms will likely head into Friday night. Make sure you have several ways to get alerts, and have your severe weather plan in place for this weekend.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772663223879.png"></p><p></p><p>Timing out these storms later this week, scattered to severe thunderstorms are expected to begin Thursday afternoon and evening and continue through the overnight. Initially, the dryline will help to pop some supercells in west Texas. These storms are expected to move east into the Plains later in the afternoon and evening. By nightfall, the low-level jet will strengthen, keeping the risk for severe storms going through the overnight period and into Friday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1772663322717.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>In addition, as deep moisture continues to move north, heavy rain will become a hazard. Significant rainfall looks to be possible from North Texas up through the Ohio Valley through next week, as a moisture-laden atmosphere continues to interact with strong upper-level energy.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/web5-1772623390529.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-28 173627-1772325396060.png"></p><p>As the severe weather season begins to ramp up, so too does our coverage! Severe Weather Awareness Week is here! Make sure you tune in, as we get prepared for the upcoming season with interviews, tips, and some really interesting facts!</p>

Severe Thunderstorms Possible The Rest of the Week

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Kevin Schneider

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<p>Hurricane Melissa devastated islands in the Caribbean in late October in 2025. Now, four months later, the National Hurricane Center has completed the post-storm analysis of Melissa, finding that the winds reached 190 mph, tying it with Hurricane Allen for the strongest ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin's history. </p><p></p><p>The folks at the National Hurricane Center concluded that Melissa reached a central pressure of 892 mb at its strongest, which lashed the western side of Jamaica with high winds, incredible storm surge, and prolonged rainfall. All of these factors contributed to 95 known fatalities as of the report, released February 26, 2026.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 095044-1772038470377.png"></p><p>The origins trace back to a tropical wave emerging off of the western coast of Africa on October 13th. By midnight on the 26th, Melissa had rapidly developed into a major hurricane. With weak steering, the forecast track was HIGHLY uncertain. Even with this uncertainty, the forecast track was incredibly accurate by the National Hurricane Center (below)</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 095418-1772038476153.png">What's going to gain more attention is the upgrade to 190 mph winds. According to the National Hurricane Center, even though they didn't directly observe the winds specifically:</p><blockquote><p>"Based on a blend of satellite estimates, flight-level wind and dropsonde data"</p></blockquote><p></p><p>This ties it with Hurricane Allen from 1980, which was the previous strongest hurricane recorded in the Atlantic Basin. </p><p>Official Report from the National Hurricane Center: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL132025_Melissa.pdf">READ IT HERE</a><br>Josh Morgerman reliving Melissa: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/iCyclone/status/2009330402310381611?s=20">WATCH IT HERE</a></p>

Hurricane Melissa OFFICIALLY Tied for the Strongest in Atlantic History

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<p><strong>NORTHEAST - </strong>A strengthening Nor’easter churned up the Atlantic and slammed into the Northeast, delivering heavy snow, hurricane-force wind gusts, and pounding surf along the coastline. Communities from Pennsylvania to Maine faced dangerous travel and rapidly changing conditions as the storm intensified offshore.<strong> Blizzard warnings </strong>and<strong> winter alerts</strong> remain in place through tonight and into early tomorrow morning across the northeastern United States.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/pic6-1771886133489.png"></p><p>As a reminder, blizzard warnings are issued for low visibility due to blowing snow. The wind is the biggest factor in a blizzard, which makes travel difficult if not impossible. This is the first blizzard warning issued by the NWS in New York City since <em>January of 2022.</em></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/pic6-1771885743103.png"></p><p>The forecast for additional snowfall totals could still exceed another 6-12", and has already exceeded a foot for portions of New Jersey. The <strong>Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI) </strong>for the weight of snow across these locations hits <strong>EXTREME</strong>. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-23 025922-1771840767000.png"></p><h1>Timing</h1><p>Heavy snow and strong winds will continue with this low-pressure system through tonight and into early tomorrow morning. Areas still being impacted include southern New England, New York, and New Jersey metro areas.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/02-23_rne noreaster 12z-1771876035516.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Strong winds continue as the low-pressure system deepens. Remember, the bigger<strong> </strong>the pressure difference, the stronger the winds. The persistent strong winds will lead to large swells developing with waves 8-12 feet, possibly higher, for many Northeast beaches through Tuesday. <strong>Coastal Flood Alerts</strong> are in place through tonight.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-23 124746-1771876077350.png">We'll be updating this story frequently on air and online, so be sure to check back for updates.</p>

Brittany Lockley

Blizzard - Nor'easter Takes Aim at the Atlantic Coast

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Tracey Anthony

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<p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Web 5-1770994156274.png"></p><p>Well, this weekend is jam-packed with holidays and events, from Valentine's Day on Saturday to Presidents' Day on Monday...Mother Nature is getting a jump start on all the fun by brewing up a cross-country storm to literally rain on the Mardi Gras parades across the south.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2022166343257403406" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2022166343257403406"></div><p>A little rain won't stop Carnival in the streets of New Orleans this weekend, however it can put a damper on crowds. The wettest say looks to be Sunday but some parades later on Saturday may require poncho attire.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Web 2-1770993628707.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/1-1771038458259.png"></p><p></p><p>Rain-related interruptions could cause postponements and/or delays at Sunday's Daytona 500. Wet pavement would prevent racing as the track becomes too slick at high speeds.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-13 09-34-52-1770993751399.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Three days of severe storm potential kick off the weekend tonight.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Web 7-1770993948562.png"></p><p>Tune into WeatherNation or download the WeatherNationTV app for your latest forecast updates!</p>

Parades, Ponchos & Pit Stops: Rain & Severe Storm Threat Looms Over Mardi Gras and the 500

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<p>A meteor, possibly two, exploded over the eastern Gulf Monday evening, with many sightings reported throughout the state of Florida. The event was captured by the GOES lightning mapper, which the National Weather Service in Tallahassee posted on Tuesday.<br><br>NASA has now released footage from observatories that show the bolide, a term used to describe a larger than normal meteor which breaks up and explodes, potentially producing a sonic boom. This event occurred during the 9 pm hour Monday night.<br><br>View the footage by clicking the thumbnails <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://fireballs.ndc.nasa.gov/skyfalls/events/20260203-023717?utm_source=TWITTER&amp;utm_medium=NASASpaceAlerts&amp;utm_campaign=NASASocial&amp;linkId=903447175"><strong><u>in this article</u></strong></a>. Observatories at UCF in Orlando and in Daytona beach both show the bright treak of light toward the bottom edge of the camera's view, but the footage does show enough to see the meteoroid break up before it disappears from view.<br><br>Curious about the different terminology used to describe meteors? Check out the helpful guide from the AMS below.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/AMS-TERMINOLOGY-2015-EN-ENGLISH-compressed3 (1)-1770238580752.jpg"></p><p>You may notice the location of the bolide on the lightning mapper and NASA's reanalysis are in different locations. Were there two fireballs or bolides Monday evening? It seems likely given the time and locations were quite different. <br></p>

GOES and NASA Capture Bolide Meteor Exploding Over the Gulf Monday Night

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p>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.</p><p>But who thought the best weather prognostication was sleeping rodents in the first place?</p><h2><strong>HISTORY OF GROUNDHOG DAY:</strong></h2><p>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.</p><blockquote><p><strong>"If Candlemas be fair and bright,</strong></p><p><strong>Come, Winter, have another flight;</strong></p><p><strong>If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Go Winter, and come not again."</strong></p></blockquote><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h2><strong>MODERN GROUNDHOG DAY:</strong></h2><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h2>GROUNDHOG DAY ACCURACY:</h2><p>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.</p><p>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"><strong><u>NOAA's website</u></strong></a>.</p><h2><strong>FORECAST:</strong></h2><p>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>.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-02 155257-1770072782955.png"></p>

6 More Weeks of Winter!

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<p>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?</p><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><p>“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. </p><p>While cold weather doesn’t directly make us sick, Dr. Vyas said viruses do. </p><p>She explained that when the temperatures drop, the nose and throat can dry out, making it easier for viruses to enter the body. </p><p>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. </p><p>“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.” </p><p>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.</p>

Can You Catch a Cold From the Cold Weather?

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<p>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?</p><p>We spoke with experts at the Dave Tree Company to learn more.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtN0QGJILm0" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>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. </p><p>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.  </p><p>While Meyer said you can sometimes hear tree cracking occurring, it won't be anything truly explosive. </p><p>You may also be hearing thundersnow, or sometimes even cryoseisms, or frost quakes. Both are other rare winter phenomena. </p><p>Meyer emphasizes, "Trees don't really explode...except when they're hit by lightning."</p><h2><strong><u>CENTRAL U.S. FORECAST:</u></strong></h2><p>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. </p><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"><strong><u>SOUTHERN U.S. FORECAST:</u></strong></h2><p>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"><strong><u>threat of icing</u></strong></a> across the South and into the Northeast by next week. </p><p><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.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fnh473lIkEI" start="0"></iframe></div><p>We spoke offices in the Little Rock, Arkansas and Norman, Oklahoma to discuss the impacts the cold will have on their communities.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/878G77ma2i0" start="0"></iframe></div>

Could Major Cold Snap Cause "Exploding Trees"?

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<h1><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-202513">COURTESY: NCEI <strong><span>Assessing the U.S. Temperature and Precipitation Analysis in 2025</span></strong></a></h1><h2><strong>Annual Key Points:</strong></h2><ul><li><p>For the first time since 2015, no hurricanes made landfall in the U.S. or its territories during 2025.</p></li><li><p>The tornado in Enderlin, North Dakota, was the first verified EF-5 since 2013.</p></li><li><p>The Eaton and Palisades Fires were the second- and third-most destructive California wildfires on record, respectively.</p></li><li><p>The Texas Hill Country experienced a 1-in-100- to 1-in-1,000-year flood event that killed at least 135 people after nearly two feet of rain fell in just a few days.</p></li><li><p>Utah and Nevada set new annual temperature records, with Utah eclipsing its previous record that had stood since 1934.</p></li></ul><p><em><img src="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/Notable-Weathe-Climate-US-132025_Final_2.png" alt="Map of the U.S. showing locations of notable weather and climate events in 2025 with text describing each event and title at top stating “Notable Weather and Climate Events: 2025”. " title="Map of the U.S. showing locations of notable weather and climate events in 2025 with text describing each event and title at top stating “Notable Weather and Climate Events: 2025”. ">Map of the U.S. notable weather and climate events in 2025.</em></p><h2><strong>Other Highlights:</strong></h2><h3><strong>Temperature</strong></h3><p>Annual temperatures across the contiguous U.S. (CONUS) averaged 54.6°F in 2025, which was 2.6°F above the 20th-century average and ranked as the fourth-warmest year in the 131-year record. Temperatures were above average nationwide, with the most pronounced warmth across the western third of the country. Averaged across the entire region from the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/reference-maps/rockies-and-westward"><u>West Coast through the Rocky Mountains</u></a>, this area recorded its warmest annual temperature on record.</p><p><em><img src="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/grid-ranks-tavg-202501-202512_0.png" alt="Map of the U.S. showing temperature percentiles for 2025 with warmer areas in gradients of red and cooler areas in gradients of blue. (Courtesy of NOAA NCEI.)" title="Map of the U.S. showing temperature percentiles for 2025 with warmer areas in gradients of red and cooler areas in gradients of blue. (Courtesy of NOAA NCEI.)"></em></p><p><em>Map of the U.S. Mean Temperature Percentiles in 2025.</em></p><p>Based on average annual temperatures across <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/reference-maps/"><u>NOAA climate regions</u></a>, the Southwest saw its warmest year on record; the West and Northwest both ranked third warmest, and the South tied for its fourth-warmest year. Statewide, Utah and Nevada recorded their warmest years on record at 4.3°F and 3.7°F above their 20th-century averages, respectively. In total, a dozen states experienced one of their four warmest years. At the county level, 62 counties across 10 states—more than eight million people—recorded their warmest year on record.</p><p>Annual temperatures in Alaska averaged 29.5°F, 3.5°F above the 1925–2000 average, ranking as the ninth warmest in the 101-year record. Much-above-average temperatures persisted through most of the year, producing the third-warmest January–November statewide, though a notably cold December lowered the annual ranking.</p><p>Hawaiʻi recorded an average annual temperature of 67.0°F, 0.7°F above the 1991–2020 average, placing the year within the warmest third of the 35-year record.</p><h3><strong>Precipitation&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>The CONUS received an average of 29.19 inches of precipitation in 2025, 0.73 inch below the 20th-century average, placing the year in the driest third of the 131-year record. The annual average does not fully reflect some of the pronounced regional wet and dry patterns seen throughout the year: the western U.S. experienced drier-than-average conditions in the first half of the year, followed by wetter-than-average conditions late in the year, while central and eastern regions generally saw above-average precipitation in spring and early summer, then below-average totals in the fall.&nbsp;</p><p><em><img src="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/grid-ranks-prcp-202501-202512_0.png" alt="Map of the U.S. showing precipitation percentiles for 2025 with wetter areas in gradients of green and drier areas in gradients of brown. (Courtesy of NOAA NCEI)" title="Map of the U.S. showing precipitation percentiles for 2025 with wetter areas in gradients of green and drier areas in gradients of brown. (Courtesy of NOAA NCEI)"></em></p><p><em>Map of the U.S. Total Precipitation Percentiles in 2025.</em></p><p>Much of the Southwest and Southeast ended the year below average, with deficits exceeding one foot in parts of the Southeast, while the central and northern Plains, along with the western Ohio Valley, were wetter than average. Kentucky had its 10th-wettest year on record, with over a third of its counties receiving more than a foot above their average annual rainfall.</p><p>Alaska received 39.72 inches of precipitation in 2025, 3.02 inches above average, placing the year within the wettest third of the 101-year record. Hawaiʻi recorded a total of 41.96 inches, 19.77 inches below average for the state, or about 68 percent of normal (1991–2020), marking its third-driest year in the 35-year record.</p><h3><strong>Tropical Cyclones</strong></h3><p>Despite the lack of U.S. landfalls in 2025, the North Atlantic hurricane season was active, producing 13 named storms, including five hurricanes and four major hurricanes; this amount was near the long-term average. The season was particularly notable for three Category 5 hurricanes—Erin, Humberto and Melissa—the second-most to form in a single year. While Erin and Humberto remained offshore, Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica at peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph—tying with the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane as the strongest landfall on record in the Atlantic Basin and ranking as the strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2025. Although no direct landfalls occurred, remnants of tropical systems—including Super Typhoon Halong (Alaska) and Hurricane Priscilla (Southwest)—brought flooding impacts to the U.S. late in the year.</p><h3><strong>Floods</strong></h3><p>2025 was characterized by widespread and significant flooding, driven by a combination of atmospheric rivers, slow-moving convective systems and tropical moisture. Significant flood events were observed in every season and region; July alone recorded 1,434 flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service—the second-highest July total in 40 years. Several historic precipitation events overwhelmed infrastructure, producing 1-in-1,000-year rainfall recurrence intervals in parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and Texas. These events resulted in significant loss of life; catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country in July resulted in at least 135 fatalities, while recurring storms in the Ohio Valley and severe weather across the South contributed to dozens of additional fatalities throughout the year.</p><p>The year featured stark regional extremes, beginning and ending with strong atmospheric rivers that impacted the West Coast; notable events in February, November and December caused widespread damage and fatalities in California and the Pacific Northwest. In the interior, stalled spring fronts produced historic rainfall across the Lower Ohio Valley, while summer saw a shift to the Northeast, where record-breaking rainfall rates inundated the New York City metro area. Unique hydrological extremes also marked the year, including a record-breaking glacial outburst flood in Alaska, tsunami-induced flooding in Hawaiʻi and deadly flash floods over wildfire burn scars in New Mexico.</p><h3><strong>Tornadoes</strong></h3><p>The preliminary U.S. tornado count for 2025 was 1,559, ranking as the fifth-highest on record and 127 percent of the 30-year (1991–2020) average. The year was marked by several notable extremes, including 300 preliminary tornado reports in March—a new March record—more than three times average. In addition to the Enderlin EF-5 tornado, five EF-4 tornadoes occurred in Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois and Kentucky. At the state level, North Dakota shattered its previous annual tornado record of 61 (set in 2010), with 72 tornado reports in 2025.</p><h3><strong>Wildfires</strong></h3><p>The number of wildfires in 2025 was approximately 105 percent of the 20-year (2001–20) average, with more than 72,000 wildfires reported. The total number of acres burned from these wildfires—5.0 million acres—was 72 percent of the 20-year average of nearly seven million acres.</p><p>Southern California experienced some of the year’s most destructive fires. Fueled by Santa Ana winds gusting up to 90 miles per hour and dry conditions, the Eaton Fire burned 14,000 acres, while the Palisades Fire burned more than 23,000 acres and was the most destructive wildfire on record for Los Angeles. Together, these fires damaged or destroyed over 18,000 structures during January and were responsible for 31 fatalities. Later in the year, the Gifford Fire became the largest wildfire for California in 2025, burning over 131,000 acres across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties in August.</p><p>In Arizona, the Dragon Bravo Fire burned more than 145,000 acres between July and September, making it the largest wildfire of the year in the U.S. and the 10th-largest in Arizona history.</p><p>Alaska had a below-average 2025 wildfire season, with approximately one million acres burned—about two-thirds of the state’s 20-year (2001–20) average.</p><h3><strong>Drought</strong></h3><p>The drought footprint across the CONUS experienced marked fluctuations during 2025, following a distinct pattern of spring expansion, early summer contraction and autumn resurgence. The year began with 38.1 percent of the lower 48 states in moderate to exceptional drought (D1–D4). Coverage expanded steadily through March, reaching a spring peak of 44.7 percent on March 25. Widespread precipitation then drove a substantial decline, with drought coverage falling to its annual minimum of 29.6 percent by June 3. However, this improvement was short-lived. Drought conditions intensified during late summer and autumn, with coverage increasing rapidly to a yearly maximum of 46.1 percent on October 21 and again on November 18. By the final week of the year (December 30), drought coverage had eased slightly but remained elevated at 42.8 percent, leaving a larger portion of the country in drought than at the start of 2025.</p><h3><strong>Snowfall</strong></h3><p>The 2024–25 snow season featured above-average snowfall across parts of the mountainous West, central Plains, Gulf Coast, Southeast and Ohio Valley, while below-average snowfall occurred across much of the Great Basin, southern Rockies, northern Plains, Upper Midwest and portions of the Northeast.</p><p>The 2025–26 snowfall season to date (October 1–December 31, 2025) saw above-average snowfall across much of the Midwest and Great Lakes region, with lake-effect areas receiving more than a foot above average for this period. In contrast, much of the Mountain West and High Plains received lower-than-average snowfall, particularly the Cascades, Wasatch and Uinta and the northern and southern Rockies, with the exception of the Sierra Nevada and parts of the northern Cascades, Bitterroots and middle Rockies.&nbsp;<br></p>

Year in Review: 2025 4th Warmest on Record

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<p>NOAA'S Space Weather Prediction Center reported a strong (R3) solar flare on January 18th. A big solar eruption of this size typically kicks off the chain of events that leads to brighter Auroras on Earth. Additionally, an S4 severe solar radiation storm is also now in progress. This is the largest solar radiation storm since October 2003.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2013319963285561348" src="https://x.com/NWSSWPC/status/2013319963285561348?s=20"></div><p>Think of the flare as a flash that launched a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is a giant cloud of solar material and magnetic energy. If that cloud connects with Earth's magnetic field, it basically supercharges the Aurora, making it more visible &amp; pushing it farther south than normal.</p><p>To help breakdown exactly what this solar radiation storm is and how it'll impact us here on Earth, we spoke with Shawn Dahl with the Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, CO.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y_ee7I7TCa4" start="0"></iframe></div><p>The latest outlook indicates a G4 geomagnetic storm watch. We spoke with professional aurora photographer, and space physics Ph.D. candidate, Vincent Ledvina from Fairbanks, AK to learn more about the tips and tricks you need to know about catching the aurora.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qb0ZZ_s6uFQ" start="0"></iframe></div><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-19 at 10.49.50 AM-1768838008227.png">Seattle to Minneapolis, and Northern Maine, have an opportunity to view tonight's light show. Cloud cover will be mostly clear the farther west you are.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-19 at 11.06.30 AM-1768838899960.png"></p><p>So, if you are trying to see the lights tonight, the basics apply:</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-19 at 11.03.50 AM-1768838646742.png">Don't forget to look North! Make sure you send any videos you've got of the Northern Lights so we can share them with all of you! Stay tuned to WeatherNation to see what we caught in the night sky!</p>

Severe Solar Radiation Storm Peaked Monday Night

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<p><strong>COLORADO - </strong>As of January 13, 2026, the season-to-date snowpack, measured as snow water equivalent (SWE), is at its lowest level ever recorded. Records date back to 1987 for the snowpack. Snowpack records for the state date back to 1987, and no other January 13 has seen a lower SWE. Unfortunately, the long-range forecast doesn’t offer much help, with little to no snowfall expected this week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-13 140811-1768338498328.png"></p><h3>Why Is Snowpack Important?</h3><p>Snowpack runoff is essential for filling up Colorado's reservoirs that supply drinking water to communities along the Rocky Mountains, while also supporting agriculture, vegetation, and wildlife. A healthy snowpack also helps reduce drought impacts later in the year, making winter snowfall vital for the state’s long-term water supply.</p><h3>Is There Hope for This Winter?</h3><p>In short, yes! According to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ftpref/support/states/CO/products/#state=co&amp;element=wteq">USDS</a>, Colorado’s snowpack typically doesn’t peak until April, meaning there is still time for impactful winter storms. Climatologically, the median peak SWE for the state occurs around April 8. According to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.shtml">Climate Prediction Center</a>, there's about a 75% chance of transitioning to ENSO-neutral during January to March 2026. This shift can be more favorable for mountain snowfall, leaving the door open for some recovery later this winter.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-13 124740-1768333665912.png"></p><p></p><p>For the latest information on how the forecast is looking for these areas that need precipitation, be sure to join us at :50 past the hour for your west regional forecast.</p>

Colorado Snowpack Hits Record Low for Mid-January

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<p>For many people, winter means a visit from Canada Geese, and here at WeatherNation, we have a whole flock of questions about these seasonal guests, as many people are reporting a seeming increase in the number of geese in places they don't typically see in the winter months. We spoke with Dr. David Koons, a professor and Chair of Colorado State University's Wetland and Waterfowl Conservation program, to learn more about why these birds are appearing in different locations.</p><p></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QZV9QSWC9SI" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>Mostly recognized as Canadian Geese, Dr. Koons says that were the misconceptions start. The species is technically Canada Geese.</p><p>While millions of birds migrate each winter, it's the larger-bodied birds that we can more easily see migrating that catch our attention. Canada Geese are larger birds, and store more fat, allowing them to only have to do a shorter migration and stay further north than the smaller-bodied birds that typically move towards more tropical climates.</p><p>"Snowpack over their food is a bigger push for them than temperature," said Dr. Koons. Though long stretches of cold days can freeze over water sources and force the birds to move, he added. Depending on their needs, the geese may move further north or south to follow some warmer temperatures.</p><p>Dr. Koons mentioned that scientists have noticed a trend of larger-bodied birds not migrating as far south as they used to because they don't need to. The frost line is moving further north, and birds don't have to trek as far south to find the resources needed to survive. Koons gave Louisiana as an example. "You're not seeing as many mallards as your grandparents did 50 years ago."</p><p>While Canada Geese aren't known for being very popular, they play an important role in recycling nutrients in an ecosystem, such as nitrogen. Dr. Koons says if you get enough Canada Geese together, it's like having a larger species like a cow or elk doing the same process of nutrient recycling, but in different ecosystems. He also added that since the geese are seasonal migrators, they benefit multiple different ecosystems throughout the year.</p>

What the FLOCK Is Up With All the Geese?

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<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PH84aZY4bmc" start="0"></iframe></div><p>Every year, AEM (Advanced Environmental Monitoring) survey's millions of lightning strikes across the U.S. Meteorologist Taban Sharifi spoke with AEM lightning scientist Dr. Elizabeth DiGangi about the trends and facts in this year's annual report. </p><h2 style="text-align: start"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://aem.eco/aem-releases-2025-u-s-lightning-report-oklahoma-dethrones-florida-as-americas-lightning-concentration-capital/"><strong>Key Findings from AEM First Look</strong></a></h2><h5><em>Courtesy: AEM</em></h5><ul><li><p><strong>Top State &amp; County by Flash Density:</strong> Oklahoma claimed the top position with 73 flashes per square mile, Kay County, Oklahoma, led the nation with 123.4 flashes per square mile. Florida is frequently the dominating state in this category, however the lack of landfalling tropical systems during 2025's hurricane season likely lessened that number. Louisiana and Kansas rounded out the top four.</p></li><li><p><strong>Peak Lightning Day:</strong> June 15 saw the most of any day of the year with 929,016 flashes.</p></li><li><p><strong>Tourist and Travel Impacts: </strong>Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta reported 10,000 lightning flashes. ATL, along with several other of the busiest airports in the county saw peak lightning numbers during the summer and the peak travel season. Millennium Park in downtown Chicago recorded more than 11,000 lightning flashes. Three SEC stadiums made up the greatest lightning exposure, Tiger Stadium, Kyle Field, and the Cotton Bowl. </p></li><li><p><strong>Active Great Plains: </strong>2025 signaled a shift to more frequent lightning in the heart of the country. While Oklahoma saw the highest flash density, Texas reported the most overall flashes at 13 million. That's 1.3 million more than average for the Lone Star State. About half of the top ten lightning states in 2025 were in the Great Plains. This is due in part to major severe weather outbreaks on the billion dollar disaster scale. </p></li></ul>

Oklahoma Dethrones Florida as U.S. Lightning Capital - AEM

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Adrian Hernandez

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<p>While known for its fair weather, sunny skies, and beaches, even Hawaii isn't exempt from Mother Nature turning the tides. A <strong>Kona Low,</strong> which is a system of low pressure that flips the traditional wind pattern over Hawaii, has caused widespread rain and even heavy mountain snow over the last few days.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2007942616822988877" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2007942616822988877"></div><h1>Kona Low?</h1><p>Similar to a sub-tropical storm in the Gulf or Atlantic, Kona Low's are responsible for bringing heavy rain to Hawaii on an annual basis. They usually occur in the winter months, and often pose a flood/winter storm threat to the island.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/46-1676675771349.JPG"></p><h1>Flood Threat</h1><p>With an excess of rainfall in the forecast, widespread flood watches have been issued for essentially all of the Hawaiian islands. This is due to the elevated runoff, making low-lying areas at more of a risk for flooding. These outlooks will extend through Monday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web1-1767614455215.png"></p><p>If we're looking at numbers, the majority of the rainfall will likely stay on Hawaii's Big Island. Some of these totals can breach the 3" mark by the time we hit Wednesday. The other islands (Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai), can expect anywhere from 1-2" by this point as well.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web2-1767615335188.png"></p><h1>Snow &amp; Wind</h1><p>Taking all that moisture into the high elevations, you're bound to get some snow. In some cases, maybe too much of it. The two massive shield volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea), are under the threat for heavy snow and heavy icing. Any summit roadways likely to feel this threat the most.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/we1-1767710204707.png"></p><p>Gusty winds are also expected to kick up as this low pushes through. Honolulu potentially seeing gusts up to 35 mph by Tuesday! The National Weather Service (NWS) has even issued high wind warnings for the big island summits. Gusts up to 75 mph are expected!</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-05 hawaii wnids-1767646121360.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Trouble on the Water</h1><p>Wave heights will also be a concern for the traditional beach-goer. Some heights showing upwards of 13ft in Honolulu! Likely won't deter many surfers though. The NWS has issued widespread high surf advisories as a result.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-05 05-23-49-1767615844821.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/web10-1767615897385.png"></p>

Kona Low Brings Hazardous Weather to Hawaii

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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.

Jackie Brown

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<p>A ridge of high pressure is bringing unseasonably warm temperatures across much of the United States, sending temperatures above average. Another round of record highs was set today! Pierre, South Dakota, saw a new record of 75°, beating out the old record of 68°.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-07 10-24-47-1772904314598.mkv" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p> Not only were records broken today across the plains, but Florida saw record highs as well.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/FKS;SSSSS-1773013361442.png">The unusual warmth is being driven by a large dome of high pressure in the upper atmosphere, which is allowing warm air from the southern U.S. and Gulf region to spread across the country. This pattern not only boosts daytime temperatures but also keeps overnight lows unusually mild, limiting the amount of cooling that normally occurs this time of year. In several cities, early morning temperatures have been closer to typical afternoon highs for early March. Next week, more record highs are likely, especially for the eastern half of the country. With potential highs as far north as the Great Lakes, more severe weather and heavy rain will be in the cards.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772940022302.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772940042451.png"></p>

Record-Breaking Heat Sweeps Across the Eastern United States

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<p>A powerful early-March storm system unleashed a widespread severe weather outbreak across parts of the Plains and Midwest, producing tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail that left several communities dealing with significant destruction. The storms developed as warm, moisture-rich air surged north from the Gulf and collided with a strong cold front moving across the central United States. The combination of instability and strong wind shear created an environment favorable for intense thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-07 04-44-42-1772883932550.mkv" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Severe storms erupted across several states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois, before tracking farther north into the Midwest and Great Lakes. Millions of people were placed under severe weather alerts as powerful thunderstorms developed along the advancing storm system. Some storms quickly intensified into supercells, capable of producing tornadoes and very large hail.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2030128965650694479" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2030128965650694479"></div><p>According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Beggs tornado has a preliminary rating of EF-3 with estimated peak winds of 135 to 140 mph. </p><p>One of the hardest hit areas was southern Michigan, where tornadoes damaged homes and buildings and caused multiple fatalities. Emergency crews responded to widespread damage after storms tore through communities overnight, leaving debris scattered across neighborhoods and knocking out power to thousands. In addition to the tornado threat, storms produced destructive straight-line winds and hail large enough to cause damage to vehicles, roofs and windows.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;Storm surveyors found EF2 damage in Three Rivers and EF3 damage in Union City, MI.</span><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772940199267.png"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2030093575778635918" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2030093575778635918"></div><p>Some of the storms produced hail larger than three inches in diameter along with wind gusts exceeding 70 miles per hour. Heavy rainfall also accompanied the storms, raising concerns for localized flooding in some areas.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-07 044225-1772883756529.png"></p><p>The outbreak is notable because it occurred relatively early in the severe weather season and impacted a broad portion of the country from the Southern Plains to the Great Lakes. As the storm system continues to push east, an additional round of strong to severe thunderstorms could develop in parts of the eastern United States before conditions gradually improve.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p>

Deadly Tornadoes Strike Plains and Great Lakes

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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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<p>On the heels of an active opening week to Meteorological Spring, another threat of severe weather will be in the cards for the first half of next week. So remember the upper low that caused severe weather this past weekend, the other half of the low will arrive starting Monday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1772915032131.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Severe weather outlooks are already in place from Tuesday to Wednesday. With plenty of unstable air to tap into, the threat for severe weather persists. The massive outlook stretches from central Texas all the way to the Great Lakes. An enhanced (level 3 out of 5) risk for severe weather is in place for Tuesday, making the risk for significant severe weather higher.<br><br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-08 121337-1772993632990.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-08 121401-1772993651409.png"></p><p>In addition, more heavy rain and flooding will be possible as the grounds are already saturated from the past week's storms. The current thinking is that the heaviest of the rain will be down in the South, as an additional 2-4" is likely!</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/03-08_reast banms-1772993792609.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-08 121833-1772993924324.png"></p>

Another Round of Severe Weather Likely This Week

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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"></p><p>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>A series of powerful low pressure system has spawned several violent tornadoes over the last few days. Parts of Oklahoma and Michigan, and potentially Arkansas, saw significant impacts form tornadoes, including multiple deaths. More information about these tornadoes and their ratings <strong><u>can be found here</u></strong>.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2030033898915381363" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2030033898915381363?s=20"></div><p></p><h1>OVERNIGHT</h1><p>Storms continues to keep pushing eastward across the South tonight. The biggest threat will be wind and hail especially in Texas. Along with the severe threat will be flash flooding. As the sun has already set, it is very difficult to judge if you can drive through flood waters. Please REMEMBER TURN AROUND AND DON'T DROWN. The atmosphere has lots of moisture to be squeezed out in showers and storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772939398324.png"></p><p></p><p>Sunday could also see a few strong storms from North Carolina to the Gulf Coast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772939469553.png"></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1772939578493.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Have multiple ways to get severe weather warnings in the afternoon and evening hours. Brush up on your severe weather plan with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-awareness-week-2026">SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK</a></p>

Deadly Storm System Moves East, Elevated Tornado Risk Continues

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<p><strong>WeatherNation</strong> wants to make sure you are prepared ahead of the upcoming severe weather season. We are tackling a different topic each day so you know exactly what to expect this Spring and beyond. From forecasting science to prep and safety, we've got you covered!</p><h1>MONDAY- Prep &amp; Safety</h1><p>We kicked off Severe Weather Awareness Week this year, preparing you and your household from the jump. Take some of these tips and practice them, either mentally or physically, so you know how to respond when severe weather rolls in.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-01 072939-1772375395902.jpg">When severe weather is in the forecast, WeatherNation and NWS Meteorologists will communicate the level and proximity of the threat through watches and warnings. A <strong><u>WATCH</u></strong> is issued when conditions are favorable for severe weather development and you should have a safe place ready. A <strong><u>WARNING </u></strong>is issued when severe weather is happening or imminent. If a warning is issued, it's time to take shelter immediately!</p><p>Some people rely on outdoor warning sirens to alert them when a tornado is near, but that technology is old and it is only meant to be heard out side. Meteorologist Tracey Anthony walks us through the ways to get warnings and why it's important to have multiple.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0pCyaGmExZY" start="0"></iframe></div><p><span style="color: black">A tornado warning can be issued with only moments to get to safety. Are you and your family prepared to take action at home? Meteorologist Brittany Lockley helps us know what to do when tornadoes threaten.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OwcE5yVyXWY" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>TUESDAY- Tornadoes</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">According to </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado"><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">NOAA</span></a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">a tornado is defined as "a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground." Tornadoes can happen any time, any day, any where. But </span><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">the strength of a tornado can only be determined by the damage it leaves behind. Meteorologist Patrick Crawford takes you through how the Enhanced Fujita scale used to rate the intensity of a tornado.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x8FJyKgaMZU" start="0"></iframe></div><p><br><span style="color: black">Wind shear, or a change in wind speed or direction with height, is a crucial part of severe thunderstorm and tornado development. Meteorologist Adrian Hernandez explains.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dAjPrBL2wt4" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>WEDNESDAY- Wind &amp; Hail</h1><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2027466264336101422" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2027466264336101422"></div><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">A thunderstorm must produce a tornado, wind gusts greater than 58 mph or hail an inch in diameter to be considered severe. Severe wind gusts can be strong enough to as much damage as a low level tornado. Large hail is frequently the most damaging and costliest part of a severe thunderstorm. Meteorologist Alana Cameron breaks it down the impacts of large hail by the numbers.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I5zY_9J6u0E" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>THURSDAY- Thunderstorms</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">Thunderstorms bring a multitude of threats, like lightning, wind, hail, flooding, and tornadoes. But not all thunderstorms are created equal. Meteorologist Jackie Brown outlines how differing storm intensities are communicated different ways during the storm.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bf4M2nTlC08" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>FRIDAY- Forecasting</h1><p><span style="color: black">Severe weather can happen anywhere, anytime. However, it's most common in the spring and summer months. Do you know why? Meteorologist Kevin Schneider explains the factors that go into severe weather season.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0QdkPMKiGSg" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>SATURDAY- Flooding</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">Flooding is not part of what makes a thunderstorm considered severe, but it is still one of the deadliest parts of a thunderstorm. With several different ways water can rise quickly, it's important to know your risk. Areal flooding can happen slower, over time. While flash flooding can surround your car in an instant. Curious about different types of flooding? Meteorologist Kevin Schneider covers the basics so you can stay safe.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8jDGNvxjDW8" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1 style="text-align: center">BONUS- WeatherNation Takes YOU to the 2026 National Storm Chaser Summit!</h1><p>The 2026 National Storm Chaser Summit near&nbsp;Denver was where the brightest minds in storm chasing and meteorology came together to advance the science, education, and early warning ability ahead of severe weather. WeatherNation was there to take you into the action!</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qHfN7EaR0Ag" start="0"></iframe></div><p>Ever wanted to try your hand at storm chasing? Well, now you can learn and train from the comfort and safety of your own home. Meteorologist Dave Holder spoke with the creators of 'OUTBRK', the storm chasing game.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8EHXDkjW5TA" start="0"></iframe></div>

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2026

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<p>Another round of wintry weather is taking aim at the Northeast once again. This time the impacts will be primarily from sleet and freezing rain, with some snow mixing in as well.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772767202842.png"></p><p>Winter weather alerts have been issued through Friday morning for a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow. Freezing rain could top three tenths of an inch in some areas, leading to power outages.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1772767419786.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Sleet will be the more widespread freezing precipitation type, but freezing rai could target a few areas as well, notably higher elevation locations like the Worcester Hills, Berkshires, and Catskills.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772767452002.png"></p><p>Snow should be on the lighter side, but a quick burst of Northeast winds Friday morning could lead to an hour or two of heavy snowfall rates. While the snow falls, expect roads to get slick very quickly.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772767488871.png"></p><p>Across most of the Northeast, however, heavy rainfall is expected with our next system. Warmer temperatures will favor some of these high rainfall totals by the end of the work week. The heaviest totals we're seeing will likely reside across the Ohio Valley and the Mid-Atlantic region.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-04 174250-1772671382238.png">It has been a snowy and cold winter across the Northeast. Check out some of the current snow totals for the season in comparison to what is normal for the season!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-02 084520-1772466352663.png">More details can be found during your Eastern Regional Forecast, :10 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p><p></p>

Northeast: Snow & Ice Winds Down, Heavy Rain Ahead

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<p>Storms rumbled through the Plains early Wednesday. The strongest storms kicked out hailstones 1-2 inches in diameter on Wednesday morning! That will be an appetizer for the severe threat unfolding for the rest of the week! </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-04 073957-1772635438778.png"></p><h1>Outlooks</h1><p>The Storm Prediction Center has issued a SLIGHT risk for severe storms overnight with a threat for some tornadoes. This risk extends from Texas to the Ozarks to the Ohio River Valley. The threat of isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds, and a tornado or two is possible.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-04 143331-1772660037853.png">Through tonight, the tornado threat is a little higher in northern Arkansas and into Missouri through the Ozarks.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-04 143344-1772660061804.png"></p><h1>Timing</h1><p>Overnight, we still see storms around. Please have multiple ways to get alerts, as all threats, including tornadoes. As we head into Thursday, spots like Oklahoma and Arkansas will have storms around to start your day.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/ovas-1772677716837.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p></p><p></p>

Severe Chances Ride Along Front Tonight

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<p>A blood moon graced the skies this morning! Hopefully the cloud cover cooperated where you were.<br><br>What is a blood moon? It's another name for a total lunar eclipse, a phenomenon that occurs when a full moon passes directly through a planet's shadow, changing the bright white reflection to a much darker shade of red. This time, the dark red shade, known as totality, will last about an hour, while the Moon's shadow will gradually increase and decrease for about 90 minutes before and after totality. This means the entire event will last about 4 hours.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 121621-1772047002716.png"></p><p>This eclipse is known as a "total" lunar eclipse, named for when the entirety of the Moon gets covered by Earth's hard shadow, known as the umbra. It's different from a solar eclipse in that the Earth is between the Moon and Sun, as opposed to a solar eclipse when the Moon is between the Earth and Sun.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 121627-1772047012922.png"></p><p>Unfortunately for folks on the East Coast, the amount of time to see totality will be cut short, lasting only about 20-30 minutes (depending on your longitude) as the moon sets. Full eclipse times are in the image at the top of the page.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 121049-1772047025361.png"></p><p>For folks in Central, Mountain, or Pacific time zones, all of totality should be visible before the moon goes down. Some of the partial eclipse after totality may be cut short.<br><br>Pacific times for the eclipse are in the image below!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 121124-1772047085029.png"></p>

Lunar Eclipse Stuns Many Tuesday Morning

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<p>This week brings some nice days to the southern plains and southwest, especially if you like the warmth. On Sunday, Chattanooga, Tennessee, tied a record high, reaching 79°! California set multiple records on Sunday, including Indio, which reached 98°!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/SCA-1772422124039.png">The above-average warmth continues for the Southwest for several more days because of the blocking high-pressure system. Just like the Southern Plains, some relief could be coming with a low-pressure system passing by.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-01 134712-1772398071527.png">The Southern Plains will see the record-warmth potential last into this weekend before a cold front arrives for some areas. However, the farther south you go, the higher chances you have of keeping the heat well into the start of the work week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/web2-1772451264489.png"></p><p>The warmth is likely to lead to numerous records continuing to fall through Tuesday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/web3-1772451285985.png"></p><p>Phoenix reached 90 degrees again on Saturday and 93 on Sunday and the 90s are likely through Monday afternoon.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-01 173103-1772411468693.png"></p><p>Make sure to watch WeatherNation for the latest updates on the record-warmth.</p>

Spring & Summer Like Temperatures for the Southwest

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<p>A busy day on Thursday resulted in several reports of large hail, gusty winds, and a possible tornado touchdown in Trussville, AL. Our Field Meteorologist Brett Adair was on the scene of wind and hail damage in Pinson, outside of Birmingham, AL. The same supercell produced an EF-0 tornado in Trussville, AL, with winds of 85mph.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/New Baron Video 3-1772162895506.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/VON_022626_RSE_PINSON, AL_ FOUR BOX OF DAMAGE AFTER STORMS IN ALABAMA_BRETT ADAIR_WHATSAPP_BH_022626-1772162922454.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Outside the Birmingham metro, thunderstorms produced large hail from south of Memphis, TN, out to North Georgia on Thursday afternoon and evening.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-27 102748-1772213311396.png"></p><p>The stalled front will be the focus for showers and storms across Florida on Saturday. Some storms for Southeast Florida could get up to severe strength.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/FORECAST-1772284116042.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-27 170931-1772237377894.png"></p><p>The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded some areas of Florida to a Marginal Risk of severe storms on Saturday. Locations include Palm Bay down to Miami along the Atlantic seaboard.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/PIC 2-1772284189900.jpg"></p>

Patrick Crawford

The Severe Storm Risk Continues Across the Southeast

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<p>A new round of winter weather is set to aim the Midwest and Northeast as March begins, continuing an active stretch of storms across the eastern half of the country. <span style="color: inherit">Another clipper is likely to dive in from the northern Plains through the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley, then back into the northeast through Saturday.</span><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)"> A few inches of snow will be possible from Montana to Michigan.</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-27 171130-1772237497218.png"></p><p>Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for northeastern Montana, across the Dakotas, and into southern Minnesota and Wisconsin.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-27 171253-1772237579729.png"></p><p>Snow is expected to start first across portions of the Midwest, including Minneapolis and Milwaukee, before spreading into parts of Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and upstate New York. As the system shifts east, accumulating snow could extend into major Northeast metro areas.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/New Baron Video 3-1772247880266.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p style="text-align: start"></p><p style="text-align: start"><span style="color: inherit">Temperatures are expected to remain cold enough to support snow rather than rain in many areas, particularly north of major metropolitan corridors. That means the wintry feel will stick around, and melting will be limited until a more sustained warm-up arrives. However, </span>farther south, the setup could support a messy mix of precipitation. Warmer air wrapping into the system may lead to sleet or freezing rain along parts of the storm’s southern edge, increasing the risk for slick roads. <span style="color: inherit">Residents are encouraged to allow extra time for travel and use caution on untreated roads as the Northeast continues to navigate a persistently snowy stretch of winter weather.</span><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-27 171521-1772237730600.png"></p><p style="text-align: start">This latest system is part of a broader, active late-winter pattern that continues to send disturbances across the country.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-26 05-51-13-1772110316543.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p style="text-align: start"></p><p style="text-align: start">Stay tuned to WeatherNation for more details.</p>

Another Winter System Targets Midwest and Northeast

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<p>A fast-moving brush fire is burning across parts of the Florida Everglades, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and creating hazardous travel conditions across South Florida. The fire is currently burning in the Big National Preserve and is known as the National Fire. The fire, fueled by dry vegetation and gusty winds, and the recent frost damage, have scorched over 30,000 acres of unusually dry&nbsp;marsh and grassland, a landscape that can quickly ignite during the dry season.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;Satellite footage from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).</span><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/1-1772162406532.png"></p><p>The blaze is primarily affecting remote areas of the Everglades, but smoke has at times drifted into nearby communities, reducing visibility and lowering air quality. Drivers along major roadways, including stretches near Alligator Alley (I-75), State Road 29, and U.S. Route 41, have encountered smoky conditions, prompting periodic closures and traffic delays as crews work to contain the flames and keep motorists safe.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">The Sunshine State is expected to get rainfall on Friday, ahead of the next front that will help the conditions.</span></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/New Baron Video 3-1772248103383.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Firefighters are battling the blaze both on the ground and from the air, using water drops and fire breaks to slow its spread. The terrain in the Everglades presents unique challenges, with wetlands, sawgrass marshes, and difficult access points complicating suppression efforts. While wildfires are not uncommon in South Florida during the dry season,&nbsp;prolonged dry spells combined with warm temperatures can significantly increase fire danger.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 042405-1772018686139.png"></p><p>So far, there have been no widespread evacuation orders reported, but authorities are urging residents to monitor updates and limit outdoor activity if smoke becomes heavy in their area. Sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions, may experience irritation from the smoke.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span>Fire crews will continue working to contain the blaze in the coming days, with weather conditions playing a critical role in how quickly the fire can be brought under control. Rainfall would help crews, while another continued dry and breezy weather day could allow the fire to expand.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p>

Fire Burns Through the Florida Everglades, Prompting Road Closures

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<p style="text-align: start"><span style="color: inherit">The Northeast has gotten another few inches of snowfall on top of the historic blizzard that swept through the region earlier this week. The active winter pattern continues to target the Northeast after recent storms left behind widespread snow totals and towering snowbanks.</span></p><p style="text-align: start"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 050249-1772021421391.png"></p><p style="text-align: start"><span style="color: inherit">By no means the snow that fell on Wednesday rivaled the intensity of the Blizzard of 2026. However, there were snowfall totals of six inches in Circleville, WV.</span></p><p style="text-align: start"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-26 061522-1772111786406.jpg"></p><p style="text-align: start"><span style="color: inherit">Light to moderate snowfall will move out of Indiana and Ohio Thursday morning. Another little batch of snow could move back to the I-95 corridor as we head into your late Thursday. Mostly rain is going to plague the Mid-Atlantic and Mis-South through Thursday, as this system moves off the coast later in the day.</span></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-26 06-16-49-1772111851921.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p style="text-align: start"><span style="color: inherit">This amount of snow will be lacking compared to our Nor'Easter, but an inch or two is still possible and still needs to be taken with caution.</span></p><p style="text-align: start"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-26 061851-1772111937335.jpg"><span style="color: inherit">Another clipper is likely to dive in from the northern Plains through the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley and back into the northeast by Friday and Saturday.</span></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/02-25 rnc to rne-1772070748153.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p style="text-align: start"><span style="color: inherit">Temperatures are expected to remain cold enough to support snow rather than rain in many areas, particularly north of major metropolitan corridors. That means the wintry feel will stick around, and melting will be limited until a more sustained warm-up arrives. Residents are encouraged to allow extra time for travel and use caution on untreated roads as the Northeast continues to navigate a persistently snowy stretch of winter weather.</span></p><p style="text-align: start"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 185126-1772070761210.png">Stay tuned to WeatherNation for more details.</p>

A Clipper Brings Additional Quick Snow to the Northeast

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<p>Last week, multiple fires broke out across the central plains, burning over 325,000 acres. The Ranger Road Fire has been completely contained after torching over a quarter million acres. The fire threat is back, and an elevated fire weather outlook is in place across New Mexico and Texas. Dry conditions and gusty winds have led to dangerous fire conditions. Red flag warnings and fire weather watches remain in place through Friday. Fires that do develop can spread rapidly.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 170902-1772064636960.png">Fire outlooks have been extended into Thursday, also at a critical risk, but not covering as much real estate. The same areas are likely to be impacted.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 170906-1772064653239.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 170851-1772064658482.png"></p><p><strong>FORECAST MOISTURE:</strong></p><p>The combination of relative humidity in the teens and single digits, combined with gusty winds, will increase the fire threat. Please use caution if burning, as any fire that develops can spread rapidly.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 171009-1772064664378.png"></p><p><strong>FORECAST WIND GUSTS:</strong></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot 2026-02-25 171020-1772064701990.png"></p>

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