Weekly Weather Brief

Hurricane Season Outlook, Flash Flooding & Northeast Heatwave

Meteorologists Emily Gracey and Kerrin Jeromin break down this week’s extreme weather headlines, including record-breaking heat in the Northeast, flash flooding in Atlanta and New York City, drought and wildfire concerns across the Southeast and California, and NOAA’s newly released 2026 hurricane season outlook. Plus, what El Niño could mean for hurricane season and why experts say it only takes one storm to make a major impact.

El Niño Watch, Valley Fever, & Alaskan Midnight Sun

Meteorologists Kerrin Jeromin and Emily Gracey discuss the start of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season on May 15, NOAA's recent announcement of El Nino emerging, Valley Fever, and the retirement of the NAM weather model. Plus, it's time for Midnight Sun in northern Alaska. Links: https://www.accuweather.com/en/health-wellness/valley-fever-driven-by-the-weather-may-kill-1000-people-each-year/1890943 [https://www.accuweather.com/en/health-wellness/valley-fever-driven-by-the-weather-may-kill-1000-people-each-year/1890943] https://x.com/NOAASatellites/status/2053894612322853227?s=20 [https://x.com/NOAASatellites/status/2053894612322853227?s=20]

Mississippi Twisters Silver Linings, May Colorado Snow & the NWS is Hiring!

This week on Weekly Weather Brief, Kerrin and Emily dive into a powerful week of weather headlines: from destructive tornadoes in Mississippi to a surprise late-season snowstorm in Colorado. They break down the devastating tornado outbreak that damaged hundreds of homes across Mississippi while also highlighting an encouraging silver lining: there were no reported fatalities, a testament to improved forecasting, warnings, and preparedness. The episode also explores Colorado’s massive May snowstorm, which dumped feet of snow in the mountains and brought much-needed moisture ahead of wildfire season. Plus, the hosts discuss a major hiring push at the National Weather Service, with hundreds of new forecasting and hydrology positions opening nationwide, and why human meteorologists remain critical in an age of weather apps and automation. Finally, the show celebrates the growing movement to recognize May 9th as National Meteorologists Day, spotlighting meteorologists across every field - from forecasting and research to science communication and emergency management. We'll hear from the founder himself- double certified meteorologist Sean Potter! It’s a thoughtful, informative, and hopeful conversation about the people behind the forecasts and the weather stories shaping the week. Links: https://www.nationalmeteorologistsday.com/ [https://www.nationalmeteorologistsday.com/] https://www.weather.gov/jan/2026tornadoinfo [https://www.weather.gov/jan/2026tornadoinfo] https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYCuH_qiujV/?igsh=NG9sNzFtOWVkeG93 [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYCuH_qiujV/?igsh=NG9sNzFtOWVkeG93]

Tornado Outbreaks, Hurricane Secrets & Derby Sunshine

It’s a busy wrap-up to April and Meteorologists Emily Gracey and Kerrin Jeromin have a lot to unpack! This week, they dive into a relentless stretch of severe weather across the U.S., including a powerful EF4 tornado in Oklahoma, days of storm reports, and massive, windshield-shattering hail. Meanwhile, drought and wildfires continue to linger across parts of the Southeast, reminding us that not all weather stories end when the headlines fade. They also highlight a new behind-the-scenes video series from the National Hurricane Center, offering a fascinating (and slightly nerdy) look at how hurricane forecasts are made... just in time as we head toward the start of the season. And to wrap things up on a lighter note: all eyes turn to the Kentucky Derby, where the forecast is looking picture-perfect for race day fashion, fascinators, and sunshine at Churchill Downs. Grab your drink and join us for your weekly dose of weather! Links: Enid Tornado Report: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1436254611873500&set=a.228493719316268 [https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1436254611873500&set=a.228493719316268] Hail Video: https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2049262391641174133?s=20 [https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2049262391641174133?s=20] NHC Forecast Process: https://youtu.be/PnPOTaGrYXc?si=BckD2GHKhnhzcnYU [https://youtu.be/PnPOTaGrYXc?si=BckD2GHKhnhzcnYU] Kentucky Derby Climate: https://www.weather.gov/lmk/Derby_Oaks_Thunder [https://www.weather.gov/lmk/Derby_Oaks_Thunder]

Drought, Fire Risk & Earth Week Wins

This week on Weekly Weather Brief, Emily Gracey and Kerrin Jeromin are joined by climatologist Becky Bolinger to break down worsening drought conditions across the U.S. They explain how drought is measured, why rainfall deficits aren’t as simple as they sound, and what it really takes to recover. Plus, a look at growing fire risk, air quality concerns, and why the type of rain matters just as much as how much falls. To wrap up, a few Earth Week reflections and a look ahead at patterns that could bring some relief.