The late-summer heat wave that has impacted much of the West this Labor Day weekend is forecast to continue today and last through at least Thursday.
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High temperatures are forecast to peak today in California and very gradually decrease throughout the week as the dominant upper-level ridge in place begins to dismantle.
Highs to start the shortened workweek will likely reach into the 110s over interior portions of the Golden State, potentially setting numerous daily and monthly high temperature records.
While not quite as hot, a majority of the Intermountain West will also contend with dangerous heat as highs soar to around the century mark.
Well above normal temperatures are also anticipated to stretch eastward to the northern and central Plains until a strong cold front enters Montana on Thursday.
Highs into the upper 90s and low 100s are possible throughout the central and northern Plains, which equates to around 20 to 30 degrees above average in some locations.
Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories have been issued for much of California and Nevada, as well as parts of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Arizona.
Residents and visitors are urged to follow proper heat safety and check in on individuals who may be more vulnerable to heat related illnesses.
Additionally, the consistent heat combined with gusty winds and low relative humidity may produce elevated to critical fire weather over the next few days from the northern Great Basin to the northern High Plains.
The greatest risk is currently expected to occur on Wednesday across northern Montana ahead of the approaching cold front, which has prompted SPC to issue a Critical Fire Weather area.
Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches have been issued throughout the northern Great Basin/High Plains to further highlight the potential.
While much of the central U.S. enjoys tranquil weather during the next few days, unsettled and stormy conditions are expected to linger across the East and Gulf Coast.
An elongated upper-level trough extending from the Northeast to the southern Plains is currently promoting a deep fetch of tropical moisture stretching all the way to the eastern Pacific.
With ample moisture in place, a sinking frontal boundary and developing area of low pressure off the Mid-Atlantic will provide a focus for more organized thunderstorm activity through this evening.
Heavy rainfall rates within the relatively slow-moving thunderstorms may lead to scattered instances of flash flooding from southern New England to the Delmarva Peninsula, including major I-95 cities from Boston to Philadelphia.
Flash flooding is also possible underneath an upper-level low over West Virginia and the central Appalachians as well, where a Slight Risk (level 2/4) has been issued.
Elsewhere, isolated heavy rainfall is also possible along and ahead of the aforementioned frontal boundary as it extends to the Lower Mississippi Valley and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday. ■
Modified arctic air combined with a moisture-laden area of low pressure along the Gulf Coast will continue to allow for a broad area of winter weather impacts from the Lower Mississippi Valley to the Southeast today into early Saturday morning.