An upper level high pressure system is expected to continue aiding well above average and potentially dangerous temperatures throughout the West into the first full weekend of September.
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Highs today are forecast to soar into the triple digits for much of the Southwest and interior California, with 110s in the typically hottest locations of the Desert Southwest.
Meanwhile, daily high temperature records are possible in the Northwest where mid-to-upper 90s are in the forecast.
A minimal relaxing of the extreme heat should be felt throughout much of the West and Southwest on Saturday, but with temperatures remaining above average.
The core of the anomalous heat will shift to the northern Great Basin and northern Rockies as parts of eastern Oregon and Washington experience another day with highs well into the 90s.
Poor air quality will also remain an issue throughout parts of the northern Great Basin as wildfire smoke continues to plague the region.
Residents and visors are advised to follow proper heat safety, which includes checking on vulnerable individuals.
Not much heavy precipitation to speak of throughout the Nation over the next few days besides along the Gulf Coast and parts of the Southeast.
A lingering stationary front and a couple waves of low pressure will provide a focus for tropical downpours over already saturated soils.
The greatest threat for heavy rainfall turning into flash flooding impacts are forecast across southeast Louisiana today, where a Moderate Risk (level 3/4) of Excessive Rainfall has been issued.
Several inches of rain occurring within a very short period of time could lead to numerous flash floods here.
A scattered flash flood threat also extends eastward along and just north of the stationary front into northern Florida and southern Georgia.
This frontal boundary is expected to gradually sink southward by Saturday as an area of low pressure exits off the Southeast coastline, with a persisting isolated flash flood potential extending from the central Gulf Coast and northern Florida to the coastal Carolinas.
Remember, most flood fatalities occur within vehicles... turn around, don't drown.
Elsewhere, a cold front sweeping across the Ohio Valley and Lower Great Lakes will usher in below average temperatures throughout the Great Lakes, Midwest, before reaching the East Coast by this weekend, while also producing areas of showers and thunderstorms.
A few storms could produce locally gusty winds and hail today in the Ohio Valley and nearby Lake Erie region.
Scattered showers are expected to progress eastward along the cold front on Saturday and dampen weekend plans throughout the Interior Northeast and sections of New England by Saturday evening. ■
Predominant upper-level ridging stretching from the Southwest to the southern High Plains will allow for another day of record-breaking heat across parts of Nevada and Arizona today.