Thunderstorms and Intense Heat Threaten the U.S. as July Begins

A sluggish cold front crawling down the Eastern Seaboard is helping to trigger a round of heavy rain and thunderstorms, while other regions in the West brace for intense heat as July begins.

Severe weather and dangerous heat are hitting the U.S. from coast to coast. The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast face the threat of strong thunderstorms and flooding, while the West endures another day of intense heat.

A slow-moving cold front is setting the stage for heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding, especially around the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

Severe Weather Threat

In the East, thunderstorms are expected to redevelop over a stalled boundary from Virginia’s Tidewater region through coastal North Carolina on Wednesday, capable of dropping multiple inches of rain. The threat may persist into Thursday, with some storms likely to “train” over the same areas, whichs means repeated downpours that increase the chance of flash flooding.

Florida is also bracing for soaking storms. Tropical moisture concentrated over the state is set to interact with the same frontal boundary, leading to efficient rainfall production on Wednesday and Thursday.
Accumulated Rain (in). From Tampa Bay southward along the Gulf Coast, totals could reach 5 to 7 inches
A Moderate Risk of Excessive Rainfall has been issued by the Weather Prediction Center for northern portions of the Mid-Atlantic, where rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to flash flooding today. Urban flooding and dangerous driving conditions are expected.

Across the Midwest and Great Lakes, a developing trough is bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts and large hail. By Thursday, strong storm systems are expected to push through the Dakotas, while a separate cold front moving into the Northeast could trigger another round of gusty storms.

Meanwhile, the Southwest remains active as monsoonal moisture fuels storms from Arizona through the Four Corners region. A Slight Risk for flash flooding is in effect for parts of Arizona and New Mexico, especially near sensitive burn scars and mountainous terrain.

The flash flood threat will continue into Thursday with widespread showers and thunderstorms.

Severe weather concerns are also emerging in the Northern Rockies and the Midwest. In the Rockies, dry thunderstorms with strong winds could heighten fire risks due to low humidity.

Heat Wave Buils

Temperatures across much of the Southeast are forecast to trend slightly below normal due to increased cloud cover and rain. In contrast, northern parts of the country, particularly from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest, will feel a heat wave build.

Temperatures could rise 10 to 15 degrees above average, with highs in the upper 90s to near 100°F in the Dakotas, Iowa, and Minnesota.

Heat-related risks may reach the “major” category by the end of the week, requiring people to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if outdoors. From intense heat to tropical downpours and storm threats, much of the U.S. will experience volatile weather conditions heading into the first week of July.

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