Storms in the South were to stretch from central Texas through Georgia and Florida, where some very heavy -- and much needed -- rains were expected.

More showers and storms were possible in the Northeast as a weak area of low pressure scoots past Maine into southern Canada.

The entire East Coast was forecast to continue experiencing cool temperatures, with highs in the 70s for the mid-Atlantic and New England. In the Southeast, highs could creep into the lower 90s, except along the coastline where cooler temperatures should prevail.

In the West, a heat wave was beginning to take hold as high pressure builds over the Desert Southwest. Temperatures were expected to soar upward through the week, culminating in near record highs for the region by the middle of the long holiday weekend.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states on Sunday ranged from a low of 31 degrees at Stanley, Idaho, to a high of 119 degrees at Death Valley, Calif.