Weather

Showers and thunderstorms are in store for the Ohio Valley to the central Appalachians on Saturday, as well as for southern New England and the Middle Atlantic. Within this zone, downpours may linger and lead to flash flooding. In parts of New England and the lower Middle Atlantic the rain may be a welcome relief to short-term dry conditions.

Another zone of showers and storms is forecast farther southwest. Areas from parts of New Mexico to Texas and Louisiana may receive so much rain that the potential for urban flooding may outweigh the benefits to the dryness in the area. Rainfall in parts of the East and South Central states may top 5 inches. Storms will riddle the Southeast and Great Lakes regions.

Farther west and north, heat is forecast to extend from the Great Basin to the central Rockies and northern Plains. The vast majority of this region will be sunny and will experience some smoke and haze.

The Northwest can expect a break from the heat. Cooler air from the Pacific Ocean is forecast to sweep inland and may bring showers to some areas. Gusty winds may continue to keep the wildfire threat high.

FOCUS: Northeast Turns Wet Into Next Week

Showers and thunderstorms will increase across the Middle Atlantic and Northeast this weekend as a storm forms near Ohio. The storm will likely stall out early next week, which may keep the region unsettled, with more rounds of heavier rainfall.