Weather

After a reprieve from frequent downpours, thunderstorms are expected to sweep across the Northeast on Friday. Some of the storms may be severe, with high winds and hail. It may only take moderate gusts to topple trees in areas where the ground remains saturated from rain earlier in the week. The storms will develop along the leading edge of a mass of cooler and less humid air, which will settle over the Midwest. Showers will linger over the central and northern Great Lakes.

Steamy air will remain in control of much of the Southeast. Sunshine and rising temperatures will result in showers and thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening. More concentrated thunderstorms will occur along the border between humid and dry air over the lower Mississippi and Tennessee valleys.

Drenching storms are in store for the Rockies and the High Plains, along the boundary between cool air to the east and hot air to the west. The storms will be slow-moving and may cause flash flooding. Most areas west of the Rockies can expect another very hot day, with blazing sunshine and a high risk of wildfires. Parts of the Southwest may experience a slight temperature drop this weekend.

FOCUS: Weather Pattern Next Week

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase once again from the Deep South to the interior Northeast early next week as Gulf moisture spreads north. This will increase the risk of significant flooding in the Appalachians.