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

Karissa Klos

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<h1>SET-UP</h1><p>An active pattern in the Pacific Northwest has continued a steady stream of waves through the western U.S. As one of these waves dives into the southern U.S., it will provide enough lift to spark some showers and thunderstorms into the weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-22 043942-1740224400226.png">After a massive arctic blast of air this week, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Warmer%20Temperatures%20on%20the%20Horizon%20for%20the%20U.S.">temperatures will finally start warming in the Central U.S.</a> However, on Saturday morning there was a short time period where freezing rain was recorded around Interstate 35 between Austin and San Antonio!</p><h1>TIMING</h1><p>Rain will continue into Louisiana through Saturday night, with more widespread heavy rain moving east along the Gulf Coast through Sunday evening. Flooding could develop in the heavier downpours on Sunday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Baron 2-1740282138995.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>If you have weekend plans, thankfully temperatures are on the rise and highs will be back in the fifties and sixties by Sunday. Highs will continue to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/back-to-summer-like-temperatures-across-the-southwest">bump up into next week for much of the country</a>.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/1-1740263509642.png"></p>

Jesse Kelley

Heavy Rain and Storms for the Gulf Coast

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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>This week's Arctic Blast is moving out quickly! Friday morning, it was another brutal start in the Plains with low temperatures well below zero degrees! The good news is a warming trend is moving in for the weekend and most of next week across the Central United States.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/1-1740281978904.png"></p><p>As we head into the weekend, the U.S. can expect a shift in weather patterns. By Sunday, much of the country will see low temperatures rising back to average for this time of year. The cold air that has made the South shiver will dissipate, and regions previously buried in snow or frozen by the chill will begin to thaw out. This return to milder weather will be a welcome relief for those enduring the frigid temperatures.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Day1SVR-1740268451944.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/1-1740181351849.png"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">While this Arctic blast is coming to a close, it is important to remember that winter still has some time to run its course. In some areas, the warmer weather will not last too long. Make sure to check in frequently with WeatherNation as the Country transitions into Spring.</span></p>

Warmer Temps on the Horizon for the Central U.S.

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<p>The next in a series of surface lows to move into the Pacific Northwest will carry with it a strong jet stream that will efficiently transport moisture into the region. This will mean heavy rain and snow consistently in the forecast through the weekend and into next week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-21 084534-1740154521492.png">Moisture will also be persistent across the Northwest. Back-to-back weather systems will tap into this moisture dumping heavy rain.</p><p>This efficient flow of moisture is known as an Atmospheric River. You guessed it. There is so much moisture, the average atmospheric river carries an amount of water vapor roughly equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.noaa.gov/stories/what-are-atmospheric-rivers#:~:text=While%20atmospheric%20rivers%20can%20vary,to%2015%20times%20that%20amount.">NOAA</a>)<span style="color: rgb(31, 31, 31)">.</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2017/01/Atmospheric-River.jpg">On a scale from 1-5 of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cw3e.ucsd.edu/arscale/">Atmospheric River intensity from CW3E Scripps</a>, the upcoming wave impacting the northwest coast will hit a 3 or 4 depending on location. That means strong to extreme impacts can be expected. Impacts include powerful winds, heavy precipitation and flooding.</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-22 060544-1740229632645.jpg">TIMING</h1><p>Following Friday night's front, the next front will quickly follow suit bringing heavier rain to the I-5 corridor, digging south into Northern California tonight and Sunday. Widespread rain and snow will continue with subsequent waves through Monday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Baron 2-1740281885049.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Over the next five days, coastal areas and enhanced lift from the mountains could mean rainfall totals upwards of 6-10".<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/1-1740263787440.png"></p><p>Hydrologic outlooks from the National Weather Service are highlighting the potential for this additional precip to exacerbate swollen water ways. At higher elevations, snowmelt and freeze/thaw cycles will add to the potential for issues. The green shaded Flood Watch below highlights the areas most likely to see issues from localized and ice jam flooding.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-22 060623-1740229650755.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/1-1740263920282.png">Snowfall totals will be greatest in the higher elevations of the Northern Rockies, where up to a foot or more could fall with multiple systems. Keep in mind, as temperatures will generally be mild into next week, snow levels will be higher at times.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/1-1740263979066.png"></p><p>Make sure to tune into WeatherNation for the forecast.</p>

Atmospheric River To Bring Heavy Rain and Snow to the Northwest

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Dave Holder

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<p>After watching <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Warmer%20Temperatures%20on%20the%20Horizon%20for%20the%20U.S.">widespread record lows this week</a> across the central states due to an arctic blast, record-breaking warmth is forecast to return to the Southwest by Sunday, continuing through next week.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-20 06-57-31-1740059886836.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>A ridge of high pressure in the Pacific will shift west and build into northern Mexico through the end of the week. This will gradually increase temperatures, especially in Southern California and the Sonoran desert where highs will approach 90° by mid-week!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/1-1740282320000.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/2-1740282329257.png"><br><br>It will not be only our notoriously warm cities that feel the increasing heat either. Denver has been on a wild ride as of late in terms of temperatures. After temperatures dropped below 0°F Wednesday morning, the Mile High City will be back into the 60s by Sunday. By early next week, high temperatures will be running close to 20 degrees above average. <br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-22 051127-1740226305575.png"><br>Along with warming temperatures, expect mostly dry conditions through this stretch. Pacific storm systems will be forced north, into Oregon and Washington, while California stays dry. Some precipitation is possible the first week of March, though temperatures will be well above average, meaning snow will be limited to high elevations.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-22 051208-1740226342307.png">Stay with WeatherNation as we continue to monitor this developing situation!</p>

Back to Summer-Like Temperatures Across the Southwest

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<p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">NOAA</a> has released their latest look at the forecast for Meteorological Spring. As climate forecasters look ahead to the months of March, April and May, the most likely outcomes are driven by the current La Niña pattern. </p><p>La Niña is marked by cooler than average waters in the equatorial Pacific. For the U.S. in a traditional winter La Niña pattern, the southern half of the country is traditionally warmer and drier. The Pacific Jet keeps the northwest pattern soggy, while the Polar jet dips south and brings in cooler air. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-21 113116-1740164621617.png">Forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center expect the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) pattern to shift to a more ENSO Neutral pattern by this summer. But until that transition takes place, we will still likely see the effects/impacts of La Niña spill over for the next few months. </p><p>Factoring that in, the desert southwest has most likely chances of seeing below average precipitation and above average temperatures. The Southeast and East have a good chance at above average temperatures as well. The Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley look to have a soggier pattern for the spring, as does the Pacific Northwest. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-21 113101-1740162736072.png">  </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-21 113124-1740162736070.png"></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xJVsg-q1K_s" start="0"></iframe></div>

La Niña Still Spilling Into Spring Outlook

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

Rob Bradley

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<p>Exciting times are ahead for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts! Two planetary alignments will happen in a span of 40 days, the first featuring six planets in January, followed by a seven-planet alignment in late February. Naked eye observers can expect to see four planets during each event, but adding binoculars or a telescope will help you see the rest. <br><br>Planetary alignment occurs when planets are on the same side of the sun and appear to line up in the night sky. While the planets always appear to form a line, seeing several planets visible to the naked eye doesn't happen every year. Planets of the solar system have differing orbital periods so it can take a while for several to appear together. For example, Mercury takes 88 days to orbit the sun while Jupiter takes about 12 years.</p><h1>January Alignment</h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Jan_2025_sky chart_Planets-1737305096113.png"></p><p><em>Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech</em></p><p>Since the middle of the month, four of the five brightest planets in the night sky have been visible after sunset and will continue to "line up" through the end of the month. The best chance to see these four planets <em>and</em> the two hiding in the dark (Neptune and Uranus) will occur around the 21st and 22nd in the southern sky after sunset, looking generally to the south. Neptune can be found just above Venus and Jupiter while using a telescope or binoculars (top of page), while Uranus will be to the right of Jupiter. This alignment will occur for multiple nights, but as the planets shift, it will be more difficult to see them all in the same sector of the sky.</p><h1>February Alignment</h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot 2025-01-19 084957-1737302067137.png"></p><p>Planets align again in late February, but this time SEVEN planets will appear in the same sector or sky. Like the January alignment, four of the planets will be visible to the naked eye (Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars), while the others will require a tool to help you (binoculars or a telescope). For viewers in North America, trying to see the planets in the days leading up to the 28th will likely produce the best viewing. In order to see Saturn during this alignment, you'll need to be ready as the sun goes down since it will be close to the sun and horizon. While Mercury can be viewed at times without an optical zoom, it will likely need it in this alignment due to its proximity to the sun.</p>

Planets Align in January and February

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<p>Rounds of heavy snow have been hammering the Rocky Mountains over the last week. This has led to numerous avalanches, including busy travel corridors like I-70 in Colorado. Additional heavy snow is expected tonight into Friday for Colorado including the Denver metro!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-21 044011-1740138130342.png">The next low is dropping into the Central Rockies now through Friday, bringing another round of moderate to heavy snow to mountains and lower elevations.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Baron 2-1740109479601.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>The ski areas like Loveland and Winter Park could see a foot of new snow accumulation. Denver and the West Suburbs could see 6-9 inches Thursday into Friday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-21 044017-1740138154547.png"></p><h1>Avalanche Danger</h1><p>Avalanches have been occurring frequently over the past week in Colorado and Utah. Unfortunately a snowboarder was killed on Thursday, February 20th, west of Silverton, Colorado. Avalanche danger remains considerable to high heading into the weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot 2025-02-21 044033-1740138469190.png">Earlier this week, an avalanche covered portions of I-70 in Summit County, near several popular ski resorts. </p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1891842607166390766" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/1891842607166390766"></div><p>A few tips from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (@CAIC):<br></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1890846038975795269" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/1890846038975795269"></div><p>Tune into WeatherNation for the latest forecast.</p>

Snow Hammers Colorado's Front Range

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https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/10156122711614874/

A multi-vehicle crash shut down a portion of the New York State Thruway in Buffalo amid blizzard conditions on Tuesday, January 2. At least two people were injured, <a href="http://buffalonews.com/2018/01/02/eastbound-lanes-of-i-90-near-depew-closed-due-to-crash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a news report said</a>.

Twenty-two vehicles were directly involved in the crash, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted following reports of 75 vehicles involved in the crash. Many other vehicles that were not directly involved in the crash were backed up on the highway, he tweeted.

https://twitter.com/NWSBUFFALO/status/948254186105434114

The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning until 1am Wednesday for the region amid bands of lake-effect snow. Wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour with no visibility was reported at the airport, the weather service said.

https://twitter.com/NWSBUFFALO/status/948296962633293829

Multi-Car Crash in Blizzard Conditions Shuts Down Interstate in Buffalo, New York

Heavy Rain and Storms for the Gulf Coast

SET-UPAn active pattern in the Pacific Northw

Warmer Temps on the Horizon for the Central U.S.

This week's Arctic Blast is moving out quickl

Atmospheric River To Bring Heavy Rain and Snow to the Northwest

The next in a series of surface lows to move

Back to Summer-Like Temperatures Across the Southwest

After watching widespread record lows this we

La Niña Still Spilling Into Spring Outlook

NOAA has released their latest look at the fo

Planets Align in January and February

Exciting times are ahead for stargazers and a

Snow Hammers Colorado's Front Range

Rounds of heavy snow have been hammering the