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[June 29, 2010] (AP) Two systems were forecast to bring active weather to the southeastern U.S. on Tuesday.

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Tropical Storm Alex had strengthened as it moved through the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The system was expected to reach Category 1 hurricane strength with winds ranging between 74-95 mph. It was expected to make landfall near the Rio Grande by Wednesday evening. Thus, the storm would bring strong winds and heavy rains to southern Texas. Gusts up to 25 mph were expected, with rainfall totals ranging from 5 to 10 inches over the next few days over southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Hurricane advisories had been issued for the regions surrounding the Rio Grande. Coastal flood watches had been issued along the coasts of Louisiana due to strong winds increasing tides by approximately 1-2 feet above tide table levels.

Additionally in the Southeast, a stationary front that was created by a low pressure system in the Northeast would hover over the Gulf states. As Alex continued pushing moisture onshore from the Gulf of Mexico, the stationary front would allow for scattered showers and thunderstorms to pop up throughout the day. These storms had a history of producing strong winds, heavy rain and hail.

In the North, high pressure building over the Plains and Midwest would allow for mostly sunny skies and pleasant weather. The region would remain warm, with the northern Plains reaching into the 80s again, while the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys would return to the 80s.

Meanwhile in the West, a trough of low pressure would move into the Pacific Northwest from the Pacific Ocean. As this system skirted across the Canadian border, it would try to trigger scattered showers throughout the day. Light rain was expected over Washington and the northern Rockies, with overcast skies stretching down the coast into northern California.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Monday ranged from a low of 31 degrees at Stanley, Idaho, to a high of 123 degrees at Death Valley, Calif.

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[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]