Weather Woes: Thunderstorms and Heatwaves Sweep the Nation
By
Amy Freeze
From thunderstorms across the Midwest to scorching heat in Phoenix, explore how varying weather patterns are affecting the U.S.
Dive into today’s severe weather trends: thunderstorms in the Midwest, intense heat in the Southwest, and how these conditions are affecting local lifestyles.
A swath of severe thunderstorms drives from Oklahoma City to Kansas City, delivering a wallop with heavy rain and potential floods. The Midwest faces dark clouds and challenging rains into Chicago, while the Southwest scorches, especially in Phoenix with temperatures soaring to 108 degrees. In the Northeast, lighter conditions prevail with scattered showers. With this mixed bag of weather, get insights on preparing and understanding the impacts on day-to-day activities, plus a forecast of what’s to come in the next 48 hours.
A line of severe thunderstorms is stretching from Oklahoma City towards Kansas City, delivering heavy rain and potential flooding. This system is impacting areas farther northeast into Chicago, where significant rain is making for a challenging day. Washington D.C. and New York City are seeing scattered rain showers, while Seattle and San Francisco are under clear skies, enjoying dry conditions. Down south, Dallas and Houston are expecting warm and sunny weather for the most part.
Today, the Southwest is feeling the heat with Phoenix heating up to an intense 108 degrees, the hottest spot across the country. Dallas is experiencing a warm 91 degrees, while Houston remains slightly cooler at 88. In the Southeast, Atlanta is toasty at 92 degrees, markedly warmer than Nashville, which hits a low 78. In the Northeast, Washington, D.C. enjoys a pleasant 90 degrees, while New York is at 82.
Now for the low temperatures tomorrow morning across the U.S. The Midwest will feel the chill with Minneapolis dropping to 67 degrees, and Chicago following closely at 67 as well. In the Southeast, Atlanta will start the day at 74 degrees, while down in the Gulf, Houston remains warm at 78 degrees. Out West, Los Angeles will cool to 62 degrees, while San Francisco wakes up to a brisk 54 degrees.
Tomorrow, a significant warm-up is expected across the region, with many cities experiencing above-average temperatures. Houston will reach a high of 91 degrees, while Dallas is set to hit 86 degrees, indicating a comfortable day. In the Southeast, Atlanta will experience a balmy 94 degrees, and Tampa isn’t far behind at 93 degrees. Denver will also see warm conditions with a high of 93 degrees, contributing to the overall trend of rising temperatures.
Over the next 48 hours, the central U.S. will witness substantial storm activity as a cold front sweeps through, bringing severe thunderstorms from Dallas to Kansas City with risks of damaging winds and hail. The Midwest, covering areas like Chicago, can expect heavy rain and cooler air following the front’s passage. In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle will encounter rain, potentially mixing with snow in higher elevations towards the Rockies. Meanwhile, in the Southeast, cities like Atlanta and Tampa should brace for scattered thunderstorms, with the potential for some storms reaching severe levels.