Weather Thursday July 4 2024 T-storms for this evening , midwest showers and t-storms

Dangerous heatwave to impact much of the West, while oppressive heatand humidity also swelter areas from the Southern Plains to theMid-Atlantic......Flash flooding and severe thunderstorms possible over the next few daysacross portions of the Plains, Midwest, and Ohio Valley...Record-breaking and dangerous heat is forecast to make this Fourth of Julyweek a scorcher across much of the West and from the southern Plains tothe Mid-Atlantic. Nearly 150 million residents are currently underheat-related watches, warnings, and advisories throughout 21 states as ofthis afternoon. An upper-level high situated just off the West Coast todayis forecast to strengthen and reorient directly over the western U.S. bythe end of the week. This pattern will support well above averagetemperatures over California today before heat spreads further along theWest Coast by the end of the week. High temperatures are forecast to reachinto the 105-115F range throughout interior California away from theimmediate coastline, as well as into much of the Desert Southwest.Afternoon temperatures will also begin to increase across much of Oregonand Washington by Thursday and Friday, with widespread highs soaring intothe 90s. Dozens of record highs are possible, expressing the rarity ofthis early-July heatwave. The duration of this heat is also concerning asscorching above average temperatures are forecast to linger into nextweek. Heat impacts can compound over time, therefore it is important toremain weather aware and follow the advice of local officials. This levelof heat throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys of Californiacould pose a risk to anyone if proper heat safety is not followed. Thisincludes staying hydrated, out of direct sunlight, and in buildings withsufficient air-conditioning. It is also very important to check on thesafety of vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors.Oppressive heat and humidity will also be found throughout the southernPlains and lower Mississippi Valley into the Independence Day holidaywhile also expanding eastward to the Mid-Atlantic for the end of the week.High temperatures rising into the upper 90s and low 100s are expected,with heat indices soaring into the 110s across the lower MississippiValley. Warm overnight conditions in the upper 70s and low 80s will offerlittle relief, leading to a dangerous situation for those without accessto adequate cooling. A cold front entering the southern Plains isanticipated to offer cooler and below average temperatures to Oklahoma andmuch of northern/western Texas by Friday.An active and stormy weather pattern over the central U.S. is expected tocreate chances for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, which couldimpact holiday gatherings this week. A developing area of low pressureover the central High Plains forecast to progress into the upper Midwestby Thursday along with a lingering frontal boundary stretching from thelower Great Lakes to the central Plains are anticipated to be the triggersfor some meteorological fireworks. For this evening, the best chances forscattered flash flooding due to thunderstorms capable of producing intenserainfall rates is forecast between eastern Kansas and the Ohio Valleyalong the aforementioned frontal boundary. Instances of severe weather(mainly damaging wind gusts) are also possible, with chances for severestorms also located in parts of the northern/central High Plains closer tothe developing low pressure system. By Independence Day, thunderstormchances span from the southern Plains/Rockies to the middle/upperMississippi Valley and also eastward to the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic.However, the greatest threat for strong to severe thunderstorms will be