Weather Summary for the Next Few Days
Heat Risk and Temperature Patterns:
- Northern High Plains: A significant heat wave is expanding, with temperatures soaring into the 100s to near 110°F through Thursday. Residents should practice heat safety measures as the heat spreads.
- Western U.S.: The intense heat wave is gradually easing, especially in the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin, due to the approach of a Pacific cold front.
- Cooler Eastern U.S.: Relatively cool temperatures will persist across the mid-section to the eastern part of the country due to a stalled front, bringing plenty of clouds and scattered thunderstorms.
Precipitation and Storm Activity:
- Texas Coast to East Coast: Excessive rainfall is expected along the Texas coast, with a high probability of flash flooding. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will extend across the southern tier states to the East Coast.
- Northern Appalachians/Interior Northeast: Scattered to severe thunderstorms are possible tonight, particularly over northwestern Pennsylvania into central to eastern upstate New York.
- Monsoonal Thunderstorms: These continue over the Great Basin and Four Corners region, with localized flash flooding threats. Southern Arizona may see severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts and blowing dust this afternoon and evening.
Specific Threats:
- Fire Weather: Critical fire danger is anticipated over the interior northwestern U.S. due to lightning from dry thunderstorms triggered by the cold front.
- Excessive Rainfall: A Moderate Risk of excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding is in effect from the eastern Gulf Coast of Texas into southwestern Louisiana tonight, expanding into central Texas’ Gulf Coast on Thursday.
- Localized Flooding: Persistent rainfall over the Carolinas and parts of the southern tier states could lead to localized flooding issues.
Weather Fronts:
- Pacific Cold Front: This front will sweep across the northwestern U.S., bringing cooler air to the northern Rockies and High Plains by Thursday night into Friday morning. However, it will carry very little moisture.
Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant, stay updated with local weather reports, and take necessary precautions to stay safe in extreme weather conditions.