- Excessive Heat in the Southwest: The heat wave continues across parts of Southern California and the Southwest, with temperatures ranging from the upper 90s to over 110°F. Excessive Heat Warnings remain in effect for places such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Southern California. The high temperatures, combined with overnight lows only dropping into the upper 80s to low 90s, will provide little relief from the heat. Heat-related health impacts are a significant concern, particularly for those without access to cooling or adequate hydration.
- Fire Weather Risk in the Plains: A Critical Fire Weather Risk persists over the Central High Plains and Central Rockies due to gusty winds, warm temperatures, and dry conditions. Red Flag Warnings may be in place for some areas.
- Rain in the Gulf Coast and Southeast: Tropical moisture is building over the Gulf Coast and Florida. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, some with heavy rainfall, are expected in Florida and along the Central Gulf Coast. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall along the Central Gulf Coast on Thursday, with localized flash flooding possible. Rainfall will be heaviest in areas prone to rapid runoff.
- Cold Front in the Northeast and Midwest: A weakening cold front stretching from the Midwest to the Northeast will bring scattered light showers across the region. However, significant rainfall is not expected. More organized rain could develop across the Upper Great Lakes and parts of the Mississippi Valley as a second front pushes eastward toward Friday.
Northeast Weather Story:
In the Northeast, today will mark a transitional day with high pressure gradually taking hold after a weak cold front moves out. Here’s what to expect:
- Conditions: The cold front will weaken and dissipate as it moves eastward, leaving behind some clouds in the morning, particularly in western New York and northern New England. However, skies will clear from west to east as high pressure begins to build in later in the day, allowing for more sunshine across most of the region.
- Temperatures: With increased sunshine by the afternoon, temperatures will rise slightly above average. Expect highs to range from the mid-60s to low 70s across much of the region, with warmer spots reaching the mid-70s, particularly in the valleys of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont.
- Impacts: No significant weather impacts are expected. Marine interests may still experience minor coastal flooding due to high astronomical tides in coastal areas of Long Island and Connecticut. Additionally, patchy fog may develop overnight, particularly in low-lying areas.
- Travel & Outdoor Plans: Overall, conditions will be favorable for travel, outdoor activities, and local events. Dry weather, warmer temperatures, and mostly clear skies by the afternoon will make for an ideal fall day.
- Looking Ahead: The fair weather will continue into Friday, with even warmer temperatures expected. However, by the weekend, a cold front may bring some scattered showers, though no widespread heavy rainfall is anticipated.