After days of intense flooding in Florida, the state and many others are now preparing for an upcoming heat wave. At the same time, the Pacific Northwest is bracing for unseasonably cold weather, with the potential for late-season snow in the Rocky Mountains early next week.
The current weather map shows a mix of chaotic conditions, including the possibility of severe thunderstorms forming between hot and cold fronts. Forecasters have warned that these colliding fronts may result in flash flooding in areas between eastern Nebraska and northern Wisconsin on Saturday night, as well as strong storms across parts of eastern Montana into North and South Dakota.
Additionally, a plume of tropical moisture is expected to reach the central Gulf Coast in the next few days, bringing heavy rain starting Monday morning, as per the National Weather Service.
While the threat of heavy rains in Florida is diminishing, the risk of local flooding remains due to the already saturated soil. Recent storms have left some areas between Miami and Fort Lauderdale underwater, with up to 20 inches of rainfall in southern parts of the state.
The recent storm system coincided with the beginning of hurricane season in early June, which is predicted to be particularly active this year, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on storm intensity.
As floodwaters recede in Florida, temperatures are on the rise across the southern U.S. Atlanta is expected to near 100 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend, prompting city officials to open cooling centers for residents. In El Paso, Texas, temperatures are forecasted to approach 105 degrees F, leading to a heat advisory being issued for the region.
Temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions are also expected to peak in the mid to upper 90s next week, with high humidity making it feel even hotter in many areas.
Last year, the U.S. experienced a high number of heat waves, with the South and Southwest regions facing record-breaking heat, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The upcoming heat wave is set to intensify in the central U.S. on Sunday before spreading eastward, potentially breaking daily temperature records in some areas.
While most of the country braces for hot weather, parts of Montana are under winter storm watches, with the possibility of wet snowfall on Monday night. Meteorologists note that the northwestern cold front is linked to the heat wave, as extremes in weather patterns often coincide with each other.
