Weather

Western heat wave to build eastward

The 4th of July holiday will be dry for most of the country; however, showers and thunderstorms are possible in the Tennessee Valley, southern Atlantic States, mid-South, southeastern Plains, and western Corn Belt. Isolated rainfall totals in those regions could reach 1 to 3 inches. During next 5 days, totals of 2 to 4 inches may occur from the southeastern Plains to the southern Mid-Atlantic States, while amounts of 1 to 2 inches can be expected from the Midwest into the Northeast. Meanwhile, temperatures in the western U.S.—specifically the Pacific Northwest—will remain well above average with record-setting high temperatures. In contrast, slightly below-average temperatures can be expected in the Ohio Valley and environs.

Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for above-normal temperatures to continue in the West, with near record heat possible in the Pacific Northwest and northern High Plains. Slightly cooler-than-average weather is expected in the eastern third of the country. Meanwhile, wet weather will prevail along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts and develop across the Four Corners region, while dry conditions can be expected in the Pacific Northwest, extending eastward across the northern and central Plains and Corn Belt.

NOAA’s 6- to 10- Day Outlook

NOAA’s 8- to 14- Day Outlook