Weather

The risk of flooding will continue over the eastern third of the nation Tuesday. The easterly movement of the weather systems will pause, and instead, an influx of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean will push into the region on Thursday. This pattern will lead to showers and thunderstorms. There is the potential for 10 inches of rain to fall in some communities, which may cause flooding. While high temperatures will be suppressed in the pattern, high humidity levels are in store, along with muggy nights.

Most areas from the Mississippi River Valley to the Pacific Coast will be dry. Cool air will dominate the north-central states, while excessive heat will subside over the south-central states. Excessive heat will continue to build over the Southwest. Temperatures may approach 120 in some of the deserts of Arizona, Nevada and Southern California. Heat and dryness will increase the risk of wildfires, especially west of the Rockies. Parts of the High Plains and eastern slopes of the Rockies can expect spotty thunderstorms.

FOCUS: High Fire Danger in Southern California

Strong northerly winds in Southern California will increase the fire danger across the area through the end of the week. This includes areas that were hit hard by the Thomas Fire last year. These winds will gust 40-50 mph in the mountains.