Weather Gone Wild: Severe Storms, Mountain Snow, and Record Heat Ahead

From frosty mornings in the West to dangerous heat building in the East, and a mess of storms and flooding in between—this weekend’s weather has just about everything.

If it feels like the weather can’t make up its mind lately—you’re not wrong. This weekend is bringing a little bit of everything across the country, from powerful storms and flooding to record heat and even some frosty temps in the West. Here’s what you need to know!

Storms Firing Up from the Great Lakes to New England

An upper ridge sitting over the eastern half of the country is helping fuel scattered to isolated thunderstorms today across the Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, and Northeast. Some of these storms could turn strong to severe, especially in parts of northeastern Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and later tonight into upstate New York and New England.

These storms are part of a system that got going in North Dakota Friday night and is now marching east. Expect downpours, gusty winds, and the potential for localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas or spots that drain poorly.

Flash Flooding a Concern in the Southwest

Over in eastern New Mexico and western Texas, storms triggered along the dryline could lead to scattered flash flooding Sunday into early next week. There’s already a Slight Risk (which means a good 15% chance) of heavy rain that could overwhelm local drainage and cause problems in flood-prone areas.

Late-June Frost and Snow Out West?

While much of the East bakes, parts of the West are shivering. A trough (that’s a dip in the jet stream) is dragging chilly air across the region. So chilly, in fact, that frost advisories and freeze warnings are up tonight for spots in northern California and northeastern Nevada.

And if you're heading to the mountains this weekend, be prepared—there’s light to moderate snowfall expected in the higher elevations of the Northern Rockies through Sunday. Not exactly summer vibes, right?

Fire Weather Warnings in the Southwest

It’s a different kind of threat for parts of the Great Basin and Four Corners region. Dry air and gusty winds are combining to create dangerous fire weather, and Red Flag Warnings are in effect today. If you’re outdoors, avoid anything that could start a fire—conditions are ripe for things to get out of control quickly.

Heat Wave Spreading East

And then there’s the heat dome building over the eastern U.S. That’s going to be a big story heading into next week.

Temperatures are expected to break records, not just during the day but also at night. From the Midwest to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, the heat will really start cranking up on Sunday, and it won’t let up anytime soon. The worst part? There’ll be little to no relief overnight, which makes it harder for your body to cool down and increases the risk of heat-related illness.

temperatures
Temperatures are expected to break or tie records, both for daytime highs and warm overnight lows, from the Mississippi Valley to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic through early next week.

If you don’t have AC or a cool place to go, this heat could be dangerous. Be sure to stay hydrated, limit time outside during the hottest hours, and check on family or neighbors who might need help staying cool.

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