Weather

Showers and thunderstorms will extend from the southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts to the southern Appalachians, lower Mississippi Valley, southern Plains, southern Rockies and parts of the deserts Friday. Storms in this swath can be heavy and gusty. The greatest concentration of storms with heavy rainfall is likely to be over portions of Texas, southern Oklahoma and eastern New Mexico. As downpours persist in the south-central region into early next week, there may be a risk of flooding. The rainfall is needed as much of this area is abnormally dry or experiencing long-term drought.

Showers and thunderstorms are forecast for parts of the Ohio Valley and lower Great Lakes to the central Appalachians. Areas from northern New England to the Upper Midwest and northern Plains may have low humidity and moderate temperatures.

In the West, most areas will remain dry, sunny and hot as wildfire season continues. Some cooler air will reach the Pacific Northwest and some of the California beaches. Only very spotty storms are likely in southeastern California and southern Nevada. Cooler air in the Northwest will be accompanied by gusty winds this weekend.

FOCUS: Widespread Smoke Across the West

Dozens of large wildfires continue to burn across the western third of the country. Smoke from these wildfires has become trapped close to the ground, and the result is poor air quality and low visibility.