A scorching heatwave sweeps across the US, while severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and poor air quality threaten several regions.
California is in the grip of a relentless heatwave, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue excessive heat warnings and advisories for several areas.
As scorching temperatures continue to soar, Californians, residents of the Southwest US, and those in the lower and mid-Mississippi Valley are urged to take precautions to stay safe.
In addition, air quality alerts have been issued for areas across the Midwest, Great Lakes, central Appalachians, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic.
A wavy front has become a focal point for the heatwave, with stifling conditions persisting and severe weather threats intensifying.
The NWS predicts more severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall as the heatwave pushes eastward from the central Plains to the Ohio Valley over the next few days.
The storms are expected to gradually move eastward, with the strongest activity anticipated in the mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valleys on Saturday, as indicated by the Storm Prediction Center.
Damaging wind gusts, heavy downpours, and hail are likely to accompany these severe thunderstorms.
The intensification of the heatwave can be attributed to upper-level impulses originating from the western US upper trough, which are slowly eroding the upper ridge responsible for the extreme heat in the South.
While northern parts of Missouri are projected to experience triple-digit temperatures today, areas closer to the Gulf Coast will suffer from high humidity, exacerbating the already oppressive heat.
As cooler air begins to infiltrate the central Plains in the next few days, the West Coast and northern Plains will face escalating temperatures.
Central and northern California's interior valleys are expected to swelter under the scorching sun, with temperatures surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit and peaking near 110 degrees in the hottest locations on Saturday.
The Southwest is also poised for a searing weekend, with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees. These extreme temperatures significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses in affected areas.
While the western regions bake in the blistering heat, the Northeast is forecasted to experience a temporary break from wet weather today.
However, residents should prepare for a shift in conditions as showers and thunderstorms originating from the Midwest advance into the central and southern Appalachians, gradually making their way into interior New England by Sunday morning.
These weather patterns herald the approach of a cold front.
In addition to the scorching heat and severe storms, residents in the northeastern quadrant of the US are grappling with another issue: smoke from Canadian wildfires.
The NWS expects the smoke to persist over the next few days, affecting air quality.
However, a gradual improvement in air quality is anticipated as thunderstorm activity and dispersion of the smoke occur throughout the weekend.
As the heatwave continues its onslaught, it is crucial for individuals in affected areas to take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, seeking shade, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun.
Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.
