Weather

While fewer storms are forecast for the mid-Atlantic and central Appalachians compared with recent days, thunderstorms may be strong in parts of New England. A few locations may see strong storms with wind gusts and brief heavy rain. There will be a greater concentration of downpours and thunderstorms over the South Central states. The storms will gather along a stalled temperature contrast zone while moisture streams in from the Gulf of Mexico. This area may stall into next week, which may greatly increase the risk of flooding and help to alleviate drought conditions. Hot and humid air will hold over the Deep South while lower humidity is expected in the Midwest and interior Northeast. Cool air is likely to bring spotty storms to the Great Lakes region.

In the West, an elevated risk of wildfire ignition and spread will continue as most areas west of the Rockies remain dry, sunny and hotter than average. A few storms will dot the deserts. However, these will bring little in terms of rain. Lightning strikes from the storms could ignite new fires. While much cooler air will reach the Northwest by this weekend, gusty winds with the cool air may make firefighting operations difficult.

FOCUS: DROUGHT RELIEF FOR THE SOUTHERN PLAINS

A storm is expected to stall over the Texas panhandle this weekend and draw plenty of moisture northward from the Gulf of Mexico. This will result in widespread, slow-moving thunderstorms that can produce locally heavy rainfall from West Texas to Arkansas.