Today Through the Fourth Friday (22 to 28 days) Weather Outlook for the U.S. and a Six-Day Forecast for the World: posted August 21, 2024

This article focuses on what we are paying attention to in the next 48 to 72 hours. The article also includes weather maps for longer-term U.S. outlooks and a six-day World weather outlook which can be very useful for travelers.

First the NWS Short Range Forecast. The afternoon NWS text update can be found here after about 4 p.m. New York time but it is unlikely to have changed very much from the morning update. The images in this article automatically update.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Wed Aug 21 2024
Valid 12Z Wed Aug 21 2024 – 12Z Fri Aug 23 2024

…There is a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall over parts of the
Southwest and Great Basin on Wednesday and expanding into parts of the
Central/Southern Rockies on Thursday…

…There is a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms over parts of the
Northern High Plains on Wednesday…

…There are Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories over parts of the
Southern Plains…

A front over the Northern Rockies will move slowly eastward to the
Northern Plains by Friday. The boundary will produce showers and severe
thunderstorms over northeastern Montana and northwestern North Dakota.
Therefore, the SPC has issued a Slight Risk (level 2/5) of severe
thunderstorms over parts of the Northern High Plains through Thursday
morning. The hazards associated with these thunderstorms are frequent
lightning, severe thunderstorm wind gusts, hail, and a minimal threat of
tornadoes. However, there is an increased threat of severe thunderstorm
wind gusts 65 knots or greater.

In addition, an upper-level low over the Northeast will help create rain
with an embedded thunderstorm over parts of the Northeast through
Thursday. Moreover, upper-level energy over the Middle Mississippi Valley
will move southeastward to the Southeast, developing a weak upper-level
low by Thursday evening. With ample moisture over the area, showers and
thunderstorms will develop over parts of the Southeast through Friday.

Furthermore, monsoonal moisture and upper-level energy will aid in
producing showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain over parts of Arizona
and southern Utah. Therefore, the WPC has issued a Slight Risk (level
2/4) of excessive rainfall over parts of the Southwest and Great Basin
through Thursday morning. The associated heavy rain will create mainly
localized areas of flash flooding, with urban areas, roads, small streams,
low-lying areas, narrow canyons/gullies, and burn scars the most
vulnerable.

On Thursday, the monsoonal moisture will extend farther northward over the
area. Likewise, the upper-level energy and monsoonal moisture will produce
showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain over parts of southeastern Utah,
northern Arizona, southwestern Colorado, and northwestern New Mexico.
Therefore, the WPC has issued a Slight Risk (level 2/4) of excessive
rainfall over parts of the Southwest, Great Basin, and Central/Southern
Rockies from Thursday through Friday morning. The associated heavy rain
will create mainly localized areas of flash flooding, with urban areas,
roads, small streams, low-lying areas, narrow canyons/gullies, and burn
scars the most vulnerable.

Moreover, as the front over the Northern High Plains moves eastward on
Thursday, showers and strong to severe thunderstorms will develop over
parts of the Northern/Central Plains and the Central High Plains.
Therefore, the SPC has issued a Marginal Risk (level 1/5) of severe
thunderstorms over parts of the Northern/Central Plains and the Central
High Plains from Thursday into Friday morning. The hazards associated with
these thunderstorms are frequent lightning, severe thunderstorm wind
gusts, hail, and a minimal threat of tornadoes.

Elsewhere, as upper-level low moves southward along the Northwest Coast
will develop rain over parts of the Pacific Northwest through Friday.

Meanwhile, an upper-level high over the Southern Plains will allow high
temperatures to be in the upper 90s and low 100s, with dew points in the
upper 60s and low 70s, prompting Excessive Heat Warnings and Advisories
over parts of the Southern Plains. Additionally, with low temperatures in
the lower 80s and upper 70s, little relief from the heat will occur
overnight. Therefore, people spending more time or effort outdoors or in a
building without cooling in areas with heat warnings are still at an
increased risk of heat-related illness.

To get your local forecast plus active alerts and warnings click HERE and enter your city, state or zip code.

Learn about wave patterns HERE.

Then, looking at the world and of course, the U.S. shows here also. Today we are looking at precipitation.

Please click on “Read More” below to access the full Daily Report issued today.

Today Through the Fourth Friday (22 to 28 days) Weather Outlook for the U.S. and a Six-Day Forecast for the World: posted August 20, 2024

This article focuses on what we are paying attention to in the next 48 to 72 hours. The article also includes weather maps for longer-term U.S. outlooks and a six-day World weather outlook which can be very useful for travelers.

First the NWS Short Range Forecast. The afternoon NWS text update can be found here after about 4 p.m. New York time but it is unlikely to have changed very much from the morning update. The images in this article automatically update.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Tue Aug 20 2024
Valid 12Z Tue Aug 20 2024 – 12Z Thu Aug 22 2024

…Severe thunderstorms possible across the central to northern High
Plains through Wednesday with flash flood potential continuing over the
Southwest…

…Record breaking heat continues across Texas…

After several days of active and unsettled weather, the cold front across
the eastern U.S. has finally largely cleared the coast, aside from coastal
Maine where a few lingering showers will remain possible through this
morning. Otherwise, sprawling high pressure will encompass much of the
Great Lakes region through the East, bringing much drier conditions and
generally below normal temperatures for the next couple of days. High
temperature departures of 10 to nearly 20 degrees for mid-August are
expected for Great Lakes and Northeast. Plan on highs only in the 60s and
70s for many areas from the Midwest to northern Mid-Atlantic and
Northeast. This high pressure is expected to dominate the weather story
for the region through at least mid-week, from the Mississippi River to
the Appalachians.

A nearly stationary front will settle to its south across the Gulf Coast
region and then extending northward across the High Plains, along the
western periphery of the high pressure axis. This boundary, along with
interactions with another passing weather system passing through the
Northern Rockies, will bring threats for severe thunderstorms to much of
the central and northern High Plains through Wednesday. The Storm
Prediction Center is advertising a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe
weather including damaging winds and large hail.

Meanwhile, deep monsoonal moisture persistent over the Southwest U.S. will
bring a daily threat of localized and isolated flash flooding. Slow moving
but intense rainfall producing thunderstorms are possible across portions
of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. For today, the threat appears
to be fairly localized, a greater threat will exist for Wednesday across
northern Arizona where a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 4) of excessive rainfall
and flash flooding exists.

Finally, underneath a strong upper level ridge, record breaking heat will
continue for at least a couple more days across portions of Texas and
southern Oklahoma. Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories remain in
effect and many daily record high temperatures will be possible as
temperatures soar into the 90s and triple digits. Combined with the
oppressive humidity, daily maximum heat indices up to 110F will be
possible. This will create a dangerous situation for some groups,
particularly anyone spending large amounts of time outdoors. They will be
at a heightened risk of heat-related illness. Some of the heat is expected
to spread into eastern New Mexico by the middle/end of the week.

To get your local forecast plus active alerts and warnings click HERE and enter your city, state or zip code.

Learn about wave patterns HERE.

Then, looking at the world and of course, the U.S. shows here also. Today we are looking at precipitation.

Please click on “Read More” below to access the full Daily Report issued today.

Today Through the Fourth Friday (22 to 28 days) Weather Outlook for the U.S. and a Six-Day Forecast for the World: posted August 19, 2024

This article focuses on what we are paying attention to in the next 48 to 72 hours. The article also includes weather maps for longer-term U.S. outlooks and a six-day World weather outlook which can be very useful for travelers.

First the NWS Short Range Forecast. The afternoon NWS text update can be found here after about 4 p.m. New York time but it is unlikely to have changed very much from the morning update. The images in this article automatically update.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Mon Aug 19 2024
Valid 12Z Mon Aug 19 2024 – 12Z Wed Aug 21 2024

…There is a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall over parts of New England
on Monday…

…There is a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms over parts of the
Central High Plains on Monday…

…There are Excessive Heat Warnings over parts of the Southern Plains and
Heat Advisories over parts of the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi
Valley…

A front extending from the Northeast Coast across the
Mid-Atlantic/Southeast Coast and then across the Gulf Coast State will
move off most of the Eastern Seaboard while lingering over the Southeast
by Wednesday. The boundary will produce showers and thunderstorms with
heavy rain over parts of New England as a plume of moisture feds into the
area. Therefore, the WPC has issued a Slight Risk (level 2/4) of excessive
rainfall over parts of New England through Tuesday morning. The
associated heavy rain will create mainly localized areas of flash
flooding, with urban areas, roads, small streams, and low-lying areas the
most vulnerable.

Moreover, showers and thunderstorms will develop along the front from the
Mid-Atlantic to the Southeast and the Gulf Coast State. Showers and
thunderstorms will also develop over parts of the Central Appalachians and
Ohio Valley on Monday.

In addition, on Monday, upper-level energy over the Central Rockies will
interact with ample amounts of moisture to produce showers and severe
thunderstorms over parts of eastern Colorado. Therefore, the SPC has
issued a Slight Risk (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms over parts of the
Central High Plains through Tuesday morning. The hazards associated with
these thunderstorms are frequent lightning, severe thunderstorm wind
gusts, hail, and a minimal threat of tornadoes.

Furthermore, monsoonal moisture and daytime heating will create showers
and thunderstorms over parts of the Southwest, Eastern Great Basin, and
Northern/Central Rockies from late afternoon into late evening on Monday.
On Tuesday, the showers and thunderstorms will be over a much smaller area
over the Southwest and adjacent regions. Additionally, disorganized
upper-level energy will aid in triggering showers and thunderstorms over
parts of the Northern/Central Plains. Further, on Tuesday, an upper-level
low will move over parts of the Northeast, creating rain over parts of the
area. Additionally, showers and thunderstorms will also develop over parts
of Florida.

As the quasi-stationary front moves southward over the Southern Plains and
Lower Mississippi Valley, the areas under Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat
Advisories have reduced to parts of the Southern Plains and Lower
Mississippi Valley. Moreover, people spending more time or effort outdoors
or in a building without cooling in the areas of heat warnings are still
at an increased risk of heat-related illness.

To get your local forecast plus active alerts and warnings click HERE and enter your city, state or zip code.

Learn about wave patterns HERE.

Then, looking at the world and of course, the U.S. shows here also. Today we are looking at precipitation.

Please click on “Read More” below to access the full Daily Report issued today.

Today Through the Fourth Friday (22 to 28 days) Weather Outlook for the U.S. and a Six-Day Forecast for the World: posted August 18, 2024

This article focuses on what we are paying attention to in the next 48 to 72 hours. The article also includes weather maps for longer-term U.S. outlooks and a six-day World weather outlook which can be very useful for travelers.

First the NWS Short Range Forecast. The afternoon NWS text update can be found here after about 4 p.m. New York time but it is unlikely to have changed very much from the morning update. The images in this article automatically update.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Sun Aug 18 2024
Valid 12Z Sun Aug 18 2024 – 12Z Tue Aug 20 2024

….There is a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall over parts of the
Mid-Atlantic on Sunday…

…There is a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms over parts of the
Mid-Atlantic to Southeast/Lower Mississippi Valley on Sunday…

…There are Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories over parts of the
Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley…

A front extending from the Lower Great Lakes/Ohio Valley across the
Tennessee/Lower Mississippi Valleys and then to the Central High Plains
will move off most of the Eastern Seaboard Atlantic while lingering over
the Southeast and southward off most of the Gulf Coast and then across
parts of the Southern Plains by Tuesday. The boundary will produce showers
and severe thunderstorms from the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Gulf Coast
States. Therefore, the SPC has issued a Slight Risk (level 2/5) of severe
thunderstorms over parts of the Mid-Atlantic to Southeast/Lower
Mississippi Valley through Monday morning. The hazards associated with
these thunderstorms are frequent lightning, severe thunderstorm wind
gusts, hail, and a few tornadoes.

Also, the showers and thunderstorms produced by the boundary will create
heavy rain over parts of the northern Mid-Atlantic. Therefore, through
Monday morning, the WPC has issued a Slight Risk (level 2/4) of excessive
rainfall over parts of the northern Mid-Atlantic. The associated heavy
rain will create mainly localized areas of flash flooding, with urban
areas, roads, small streams, and low-lying areas the most vulnerable.

Additionally, an upper-level low just off the Northwest Coast will produce
rain, with maybe an embedded thunderstorm over parts of the Pacific
Northwest on Sunday. Furthermore, upper-level energy moving over the top
of an upper-level ridge over the Central Plains will produce showers and
thunderstorms over parts of the Central/Southern Plains on Sunday.

Moreover, monsoonal moisture and daytime heating will create showers and
thunderstorms over parts of the Southwest, Eastern Great Basin, and
Northern/Central Rockies from late afternoon into late evening on Sunday
and Monday.

On Monday, showers and thunderstorms will develop over parts of the
Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast. While, upper-level energy will
trigger showers and thunderstorms over parts of the Central/Southern
Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley. Further, disorganized upper-level
energy over the Northern Rockies into the Northern Plains will produce
showers and thunderstorms over the region.

Meanwhile, upper-level ridging over parts of the Southern Plains and Lower
Mississippi Valley will produce high temperatures in the low-100s with dew
points in the low to mid-70s, which have prompted Excessive Heat Warnings
and Heat Advisories over parts of the Southern Plains and Lower
Mississippi Valley. The sweltering summer heat will continue over the
south as the prolonged stretch of high temperatures in the triple digits
will focus on portions of the Southern Plains and Gulf Coast through
Tuesday. Low temperatures in the low-80s/upper-70s are also forecast along
the Gulf Coast, providing little relief from the heat overnight. Moreover,
the combination of summer heat and high humidity will support daily
maximum heat indices near 110F. Therefore, people spending more time or
effort outdoors or in a building without cooling are at an increased risk
of heat-related illness.

To get your local forecast plus active alerts and warnings click HERE and enter your city, state or zip code.

Learn about wave patterns HERE.

Then, looking at the world and of course, the U.S. shows here also. Today we are looking at precipitation.

Please click on “Read More” below to access the full Daily Report issued today.

Looking Back at July 2024 for the U.S.. and the World – Published August 17, 2024

Much of the information in this report comes from the monthly emails I receive from John Bateman. He does public outreach for NOAA and in particular NCEI. I could find the same information and more on the NCEI website but John Bateman produces a good summary so I use it or most of it. I also add additional information from NCEI or other NOAA websites. At the end of the article, I provide links that will get you to the full reports and much additional information.

I do not yet have John Bateman’s report for July so I extracted the information directly from the NOAA sources.

 My comments if any are in boxes like this one.

I start with the trends of July, 2024 Temperature looking at North America and then the World both land and water. There is a graphic for just CONUS but the format is different and it is not as easy to read.

This is the temperature trend for North America. It covers a larger geographical area than just CONUS but I find it easier to read. It almost looks like the temperature has plateaued.

The temperature for the world, land and ocean hit a new record.

The temperature for the world, (land only) hit a new record. Notice that land temperatures increase faster than land and ocean as water takes more energy.

To read the rest of this article some will have to click on “Read More”.

Today Through the Fourth Friday (22 to 28 days) Weather Outlook for the U.S. and a Six-Day Forecast for the World: posted August 17, 2024

This article focuses on what we are paying attention to in the next 48 to 72 hours. The article also includes weather maps for longer-term U.S. outlooks and a six-day World weather outlook which can be very useful for travelers.

First the NWS Short Range Forecast. The afternoon NWS text update can be found here after about 4 p.m. New York time but it is unlikely to have changed very much from the morning update. The images in this article automatically update.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Sat Aug 17 2024
Valid 12Z Sat Aug 17 2024 – 12Z Mon Aug 19 2024

…There is a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall over parts of the
Mid-Atlantic on Saturday/Sunday and Southwest/Eastern Great Basin on
Saturday…

…There is a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms over parts of the
Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, and Ohio Valley on Saturday and southern
Mid-Atlantic to Southeast/Lower Mississippi Valley on Sunday…

…There are Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories over parts of the
Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley…

A front extending from the Great Lakes/Ohio Valley across the Middle
Mississippi Valley and then to the Central High Plains will move eastward
to the Mid-Atlantic/Southeast Coast and southward to the Southern Plains
by Monday. On Saturday, showers and thunderstorms will develop along and
ahead of the boundary from the Great Lakes/Ohio Valley to the
Tennessee/Lower Mississippi Valleys.

Additionally, upper-level energy will intersect a pool of tropical
moisture over the northern Mid-Atlantic, producing heavy rain. Therefore,
the WPC has issued a Slight Risk (level 2/4) of excessive rainfall over
parts of the northern Mid-Atlantic through Sunday morning. The associated
heavy rain will create mainly localized areas of flash flooding, with
urban areas, roads, small streams, and low-lying areas the most
vulnerable.

Furthermore, the boundary will trigger showers and severe thunderstorms
over parts of southwestern Ohio, eastern Kentucky, and extreme
north-central Tennessee. Therefore, the SPC has issued a Slight Risk
(level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms over parts of the Ohio/Tennessee
Valleys through Sunday morning. The hazards associated with these
thunderstorms are frequent lightning, severe thunderstorm wind gusts,
hail, and a few tornadoes.

Moreover, upper-level energy and a plume of monsoonal moisture will aid in
creating showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain over parts of southern
Utah and northwestern Arizona. Therefore, the WPC has issued a Slight Risk
(level 2/4) of excessive rainfall over parts of the Great Basin/Southwest
through Sunday morning. The associated heavy rain will create mainly
localized areas of flash flooding, with urban areas, roads, small streams,
and low-lying areas the most vulnerable.

In addition, the energy will produce showers and severe thunderstorms over
parts of the Great Basin. Therefore, the SPC has issued a Slight Risk
(level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms over parts of the Great Basin through
Sunday morning. The hazards associated with these thunderstorms are
frequent lightning, severe thunderstorm wind gusts, and a minimal threat
of hail and tornadoes.

Also, an upper-level low over the Pacific Northwest Coast and associated
energy will develop showers and severe thunderstorms over parts of Oregon
and Washington State on Saturday. Therefore, the SPC has issued a Slight
Risk (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms over parts of the Pacific
Northwest through Sunday morning. The hazards associated with these
thunderstorms are frequent lightning, severe thunderstorm wind gusts,
hail, and a minimal threat of tornadoes.

On Sunday, as the front moves into the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Lower
Mississippi Valley, showers and severe thunderstorms will develop along
and ahead of the boundary. Therefore, the SPC has issued a Slight Risk
(level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms over parts of the southern
Mid-Atlantic to Southeast/Lower Mississippi Valley from Sunday through
Monday morning. The hazards associated with these thunderstorms are
frequent lightning, severe thunderstorm wind gusts, hail, and a minimal
threat of tornadoes.

Further, a strong pool of moisture will be over the Mid-Atlantic on
Sunday, aiding in producing showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain over
parts of the northern Mid-Atlantic. Therefore, the WPC has issued a Slight
Risk (level 2/4) of excessive rainfall over parts of the northern
Mid-Atlantic from Sunday through Monday morning. The associated heavy
rain will create mainly localized areas of flash flooding, with urban
areas, roads, small streams, and low-lying areas the most vulnerable.

Moreover, monsoonal moisture and daytime heating will create showers and
thunderstorms over parts of the Southwest, Eastern Great Basin, and
Central Rockies from late afternoon into late evening on Sunday.
Additionally, the upper-level low over the Northwest will produce rain,
with maybe an embedded thunderstorm over the region on Sunday.

Meanwhile, upper-level ridging over parts of the Southern Plains and
Lower Mississippi Valley will produce high temperatures in the upper-90s
to low-100s with dew points in the low to mid-70s have prompted Excessive
Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories over parts of the Southern Plains and
Lower Mississippi Valley. The sweltering summer heat will continue over
the south. A prolonged stretch of high temperatures in the upper 90s and
triple digits will be focused over portions of the Southern Plains and
Gulf Coast through Monday. Low temperatures in the low-80s/upper-70s are
also forecast along the Gulf Coast, providing little relief from the heat
overnight. Moreover, the combination of summer heat and high humidity will
support daily maximum heat indices near 110F. People spending more time or
effort outdoors or in a building without cooling are at an increased risk
of heat-related illness.

To get your local forecast plus active alerts and warnings click HERE and enter your city, state or zip code.

Learn about wave patterns HERE.

Then, looking at the world and of course, the U.S. shows here also. Today we are looking at precipitation.

Please click on “Read More” below to access the full Daily Report issued today.

NOAA Updates its Seasonal Outlook on August 15, 2024 – Similar to the Outlook Issued last Month but Shifted Out a Month or Two – Posted on August 16, 2024

On the third Thursday of the month right on schedule NOAA issued their updated Seasonal Outlook which I describe as their Four-Season Outlook because it extends a bit more than one year into the future. The information released also included the Mid-Month Outlook for the following month plus the weather and drought outlook for the next three months.  I present the information issued by NOAA and try to add context to it. It is quite a challenge for NOAA to address the subsequent month, the subsequent three-month period as well as the twelve successive three-month periods for a year or a bit more.

With respect to the long-term part of the Outlook which I call the Four-Season Outlook, the timing of the transition from Neutral to LaNina is challenging to predict.  We are now in ENSO Neutral. La Nina is the likely scenario soon through winter and into Spring next year.

From the NOAA discussion:

“The major climate driver during the winter and early spring 2024-2025 is expected to be La Niña and the outlooks from DJF 2024-2025 through FMA 2025 reflect this with above-normal temperatures favored for the Southern Great Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, and Southeast.”

“Later in the fall and into the 2024-2025 winter, the three-month precipitation outlooks are based largely on La Niña composites. The spatial coverage for below-normal precipitation probabilities exceeding 50 percent is largest during DJF and JFM across southeastern New Mexico, Texas, and parts of the Southeast where the dry signal is the strongest and occurs most frequently according to La Niña composites. Based on the same reasoning, above-normal precipitation probabilities are at their largest during DJF for the Pacific Northwest. Typically during La Niña, a tight gradient of dry to wet from the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys becomes established during the winter and early spring.”

I personally would not have total confidence in this outlook given the uncertainty about there actually being a La Nina and its strength if it does happen.  I  do not have the JAMSTEC outlook yet but for sure they will lean towards a weak La Nina with Modoki characteristics. I do not have a lot of confidence that NOAA knows how to deal with a La Nina Modoki. But they may have it exactly correct.

Let’s Take a Look at the (mid-month) Outlook for September

It will be updated on the last day of August.

Then we look at a graphic that shows both the next month and the next three months.

The top row is what is now called the Mid-Month Outlook for next month which will be updated at the end of this month. There is a temperature map and a precipitation map. The second row is a three-month outlook that includes next month.  I think the outlook maps are self-explanatory. What is important to remember is that they show deviations from the current definition of normal which is the period 1991 through 2020.  So this is not a forecast of the absolute value of temperature or precipitation but the change from what is defined as normal or to use the technical term “climatology”.

Notice that the Outlook for next month and the three-month Outlook are fairly similar. This tells us that October and November will be fairly similar to September.

The full NOAA Seasonal Outlook extends through September/October/November of 2025 (yes that is more than a year out). All of these maps are in the body of the article. Large maps are provided for September and the three-month period September/October/November.  Small maps are provided beyond that through September/October/November of 2025 with a link to get larger versions of these maps.

NOAA provides a discussion to support the maps. It is included in the body of this article. In some cases, one will need to click on “read more” to read the full article. For those on my email list where I have sent the url of the article, that will not be necessary.

Today Through the Fourth Friday (22 to 28 days) Weather Outlook for the U.S. and a Six-Day Forecast for the World: posted August 16, 2024

This article focuses on what we are paying attention to in the next 48 to 72 hours. The article also includes weather maps for longer-term U.S. outlooks and a six-day World weather outlook which can be very useful for travelers.

First the NWS Short Range Forecast. The afternoon NWS text update can be found here after about 4 p.m. New York time but it is unlikely to have changed very much from the morning update. The images in this article automatically update.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Fri Aug 16 2024
Valid 12Z Fri Aug 16 2024 – 12Z Sun Aug 18 2024

…There is a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall over parts of the
Tennessee Valley and Southern Appalachians on Friday…

…There is a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms over parts of the
Central/Southern Plains on Friday…

…There are Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories over parts of the
Central/Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi/Tennessee Valleys…

A front extending from the Upper Great Lakes/Upper Mississippi Valley
across the Middle Mississippi Valley and then to the Central High Plains
will move eastward to the Lower Great Lakes/Mid-Atlantic, then westward to
the Southern Plains by Sunday. Showers and thunderstorms will develop
along and ahead of the boundary from the Great Lakes/Ohio Valley to the
Tennessee/Lower Mississippi Valleys into the Central/Southern Plains.

Additionally, the front will intersect a pool of tropical moisture over
the Tennessee Valley, producing heavy rain. Therefore, the WPC has issued
a Slight Risk (level 2/4) of excessive rainfall over parts of the
Tennessee Valley/Southern Appalachians through Saturday morning. The
associated heavy rain will create mainly localized areas of flash
flooding, with urban areas, roads, small streams, and low-lying areas the
most vulnerable.

Furthermore, upper-level energy moving over the Central Plains will
trigger showers and severe thunderstorms. Therefore, the SPC has issued a
Slight Risk (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms over parts of the
Central/Southern Plains and adjacent areas through Saturday morning. The
hazards associated with these thunderstorms are frequent lightning, severe
thunderstorm wind gusts, hail, and a minimal threat of tornadoes.

On Saturday, as the front moves eastward, showers and thunderstorms will
develop over parts of the Lower Great Lakes/Eastern Ohio Valley, Central
Appalachians, Tennessee Valley, and Middle/Lower Mississippi Valley.

Elsewhere, monsoonal moisture and diurnal heating will produce showers and
thunderstorms over parts of the Southwest, Eastern Great Basin, and
Southern Rockies from late afternoon into late evening on Friday and
Saturday.

Moreover, upper-level energy and moisture moving over parts of the Pacific
Northwest will create rain with embedded thunderstorms over parts of the
Northwest on Saturday.

Meanwhile, upper-level ridging over parts of the Southern Plains and Lower
Mississippi Valley with high temperatures in the upper-90s to low-100s
with dew points in the low to mid-70s have prompted Excessive Heat
Warnings and Heat Advisories over parts of the Central/Southern Plains and
Lower Mississippi/Tennessee Valleys. The sweltering summer heat will
continue over the south. A prolonged stretch of high temperatures in the
upper 90s and triple digits will be focused over portions of the Southern
Plains and Gulf Coast through Sunday. Low temperatures around 80 degrees
are also forecast along the Gulf Coast. Moreover, the combination of
summer heat and high humidity will support daily maximum heat indices near
110F. People spending greater time or effort outdoors or in a building
without cooling is at an increased risk of heat-related illness.

To get your local forecast plus active alerts and warnings click HERE and enter your city, state or zip code.

Learn about wave patterns HERE.

Then, looking at the world and of course, the U.S. shows here also. Today we are looking at precipitation.

Please click on “Read More” below to access the full Daily Report issued today.

Today Through the Fourth Friday (22 to 28 days) Weather Outlook for the U.S. and a Six-Day Forecast for the World: posted August 15, 2024

This article focuses on what we are paying attention to in the next 48 to 72 hours. The article also includes weather maps for longer-term U.S. outlooks and a six-day World weather outlook which can be very useful for travelers.

First the NWS Short Range Forecast. The afternoon NWS text update can be found here after about 4 p.m. New York time but it is unlikely to have changed very much from the morning update. The images in this article automatically update.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Thu Aug 15 2024
Valid 12Z Thu Aug 15 2024 – 12Z Sat Aug 17 2024

…Flash flooding and severe weather threat continues over the Midwest the
next couple of days…

…Potentially dangerous heat anticipated across the southern Plains,
lower Mississippi Valley, and Gulf Coast…

A low pressure/frontal system traversing the center of the country
continues to help trigger rounds of showers and thunderstorms leading to
the threat of some flash flooding and severe weather. The low pressure
center is forecast to gradually push eastward through the Upper Midwest
today and reach the Great Lakes by the end of the week. A broad warm
sector supported by plentiful moisture, instability, and deep-layer shear
will allow for storms to potentially turn severe and contain heavy
rainfall throughout Missouri, Illinois, and into the lower Ohio Valley.
Storms should redevelop during the afternoon, increasing in coverage into
the evening, with a Slight Risk (level 2/4) of Excessive Rainfall in
effect given the threat for some intense downpours and potential training
convection leading to instances of flash flooding. A Slight Risk (level
2/5) of severe weather similarly covers the chance for some instances of
large hail and damaging winds. The system will push into the Lower Great
Lakes and Ohio/Tennessee Valleys by Friday and Saturday, with storms
likely to spread as far east as the Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic. Some
chances of isolated flash flooding and severe weather are forecast.

Heat will remain the major weather story throughout much of the
south-central U.S. into the beginning of this weekend and likely beyond.
Widespread highs into the upper 90s and triple digits are forecast to span
from the Southwest to the central Gulf Coast. Elevated humidity levels
will soar heat indices up to around 110 degrees for areas outside of the
Southwest and southern High Plains. However, actual high temperatures in
these more arid regions will be higher and well into the triple digits for
some locations. Low temperatures are anticipated to only drop into the
upper 70s and 80s for many locations, which could break several daily
records. This level of heat can affect anyone without effective cooling
and/or adequate hydration. Therefore, it is imperative to follow proper
heat safety and check on vulnerable individuals.

Elsewhere, some showers and storms will continue over New England as an
upper-level low churns over Nova Scotia. To the south, portions of
central/south Florida will also see scattered storm chances the next
couple of days as a cold front slowly pushes through. Some thunderstorms
will also be possible with a shortwave passing over portions of the
northern Great Basin today and into the northern Rockies by tonight.
Monsoonal moisture and storm chances are set to return to the Southwest
and central Great Basin by Saturday, where isolated flash flooding is the
greatest concern. Forecast high temperatures are expected to generally be
around average along the East Coast with mid- to upper 80s expected. Areas
of the Great Lakes/Upper Midwest behind the passing storm system will be
cooler with highs in the 70s. More temperatures near or above average are
expected over the northern/central Plains with highs in the 80s and 90s.
Highs across the northern tier of the West will remain below average, with
70s for the Pacific Northwest and low 80s into the northern Great Basin,
warming closer to average into the central Great Basin with mid-80s to low
90s.

To get your local forecast plus active alerts and warnings click HERE and enter your city, state or zip code.

Learn about wave patterns HERE.

Then, looking at the world and of course, the U.S. shows here also. Today we are looking at precipitation.

Please click on “Read More” below to access the full Daily Report issued today.

Today Through the Fourth Friday (22 to 28 days) Weather Outlook for the U.S. and a Six-Day Forecast for the World: posted August 14, 2024

This article focuses on what we are paying attention to in the next 48 to 72 hours. The article also includes weather maps for longer-term U.S. outlooks and a six-day World weather outlook which can be very useful for travelers.

First the NWS Short Range Forecast. The afternoon NWS text update can be found here after about 4 p.m. New York time but it is unlikely to have changed very much from the morning update. The images in this article automatically update.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Wed Aug 14 2024
Valid 12Z Wed Aug 14 2024 – 12Z Fri Aug 16 2024

…Flash flooding and severe weather threat forecast to stretch from the
central/northern Plains to the Midwest over the next few days…

…Potentially dangerous heat anticipated across the southern Plains,
lower Mississippi Valley, and Gulf Coast…

A developing storm system progressing from the central U.S. to the Great
Lakes by the end of the week is expected to spark numerous showers and
thunderstorms that could produce areas of hazardous weather conditions. As
the area of low pressure begins to organize and consolidate over the
northern Plains today, slow-moving thunderstorms may form across parts of
central North Dakota while also containing intense rainfall rates.
Additionally, a gradually lifting warm front extending from the central
Plains to the Ozarks may produce another focus for heavy rainfall through
tonight before the flash flooding threat centers over the mid-Mississippi
and lower Ohio valleys on Thursday. Scattered flash flooding will be
possible where the heaviest rainfall occurs, with urban areas and poor
drainage locations most at risk. Severe weather will also remain possible
today and extend into Thursday as developing thunderstorms grow upscale
and potentially contain damaging wind gusts and large hail. The most
likely regions at risk for severe weather include the mid-Missouri Valley
region today and much of Missouri and Illinois on Thursday. A couple of
tornadoes can’t be ruled out as well.

Elsewhere, an upper-level low displaced to the east of New England will
aid in scattered thunderstorm activity throughout the region over the next
couple of days. Further south, a cold front progressing over the Florida
Peninsula and lingering near the central Gulf Coast will also produce
areas of scattered summer convection. Be sure to remain weather aware if
spending time outdoors and seek shelter should storms begin to produce
lightning.

Heat will remain and major weather story throughout much of the
south-central U.S. through the end of this week and likely beyond.
Widespread highs into the upper 90s and triple digits are forecast to span
from the Southwest to the central Gulf Coast. Elevated humidity levels
will soar heat indices up to around 110 degrees in the southern Plains,
lower Mississippi Valley, and central Gulf Coast. Low temperatures are
anticipated to only drop into the upper 70s and 80s for many locations,
which could break several daily records. This level of heat can affect
anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Therefore, it
is imperative to follow proper heat safety and check on vulnerable
individuals.

To get your local forecast plus active alerts and warnings click HERE and enter your city, state or zip code.

Learn about wave patterns HERE.

Then, looking at the world and of course, the U.S. shows here also. Today we are looking at precipitation.

Please click on “Read More” below to access the full Daily Report issued today.