Extreme Heatwave and Severe Weather Alert for the West, Southern Plains, and Midwest This Weekend
Record-Breaking Heatwave to Impact the West Through the Weekend…
A significant and extremely dangerous heatwave is set to build throughout the West to end this week and continue into the extended holiday weekend, with several days of record-breaking heat forecasted. An upper-level high situated just off the West Coast today is expected to strengthen and reorient directly over the western U.S. by Friday. This pattern will support well above average temperatures over California and into southwest Oregon today, before heat spreads further throughout the western U.S. this weekend. High temperatures are forecasted to reach 105-115°F for interior California away from the immediate coastline, and across much of the Desert Southwest. Locally higher temperatures into the 120s are possible in the typical hot spots of the Desert Southwest. Searing afternoon temperatures will also spread into the Northwest and parts of the central Great Basin, with widespread highs rising into the 90s and low 100s. Dozens of daily record high temperatures are possible, expressing the rarity of this early-July heatwave. The duration of this heat is also concerning, as scorching above average temperatures are forecasted to linger into next week. It is crucial to remain weather aware and follow the advice of local officials. Stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and stay in air-conditioned buildings when possible. Check on the safety of vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors.
Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley: One More Day of Oppressive Heat and Humidity…
Oppressive heat and humidity will also be found throughout the Southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley today, while expanding eastward to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast for the end of the week. High temperatures rising into the upper 90s and low 100s are expected, with heat indices soaring into the 110s across the lower Mississippi Valley. Warm overnight conditions in the upper 70s and low 80s will offer little relief, leading to a dangerous situation for those without access to adequate cooling. A cold front entering the Southern Plains is anticipated to offer cooler and below average temperatures to Oklahoma, much of northern/western Texas, and the Mid-South by Friday. Above average temperatures are then anticipated to confine to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic for the start of the weekend, with afternoon highs into the mid-to-upper 90s. If planning to spend an extended amount of time outdoors this Fourth of July, be sure to use caution and act quickly if you see signs of heat-related illnesses.
Flash Flooding and Severe Thunderstorms Possible Throughout Parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Southern Plains This Independence Day…
An active and stormy weather pattern over the central U.S. is expected to create chances for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, which could impact holiday gatherings through early this weekend. A developing area of low pressure over the northern Plains is forecasted to progress into the upper Midwest by tonight, teaming up with a lingering frontal boundary stretching from the lower Great Lakes to the southern Plains to trigger some meteorological fireworks. Thunderstorm chances span from the southern Plains/Rockies to the middle/upper Mississippi Valley and eastward to the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic. However, the greatest threat for strong to severe thunderstorms will be near/along the frontal boundary through parts of the middle/upper Mississippi Valley and southern Plains. Damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning are the most likely weather hazards associated with these Fourth of July storms. Flash flooding will remain a concern throughout the upper Midwest due to yet another round of thunderstorms overlapping areas dealing with ongoing river flooding and saturated soils, with scattered flash flooding also possible between the Ohio Valley and southern Plains. On Friday, thunderstorms will continue to progress eastward with the frontal boundary into much of the eastern third of the country. Isolated strong to severe storms and flash flooding are possible, with the greatest threat for damaging wind gusts across the upper Ohio Valley. Daily thunderstorm chances associated with daytime heating are possible along the Gulf Coast and Florida. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are also possible throughout the north-central U.S. this weekend as upper troughing remains over the region. Residents and visitors located within areas expecting severe weather and/or heavy rainfall are advised to remain weather aware, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and never drive across flooded roadways.