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[July 02, 2010] (AP) Tropical Storm Alex had lost most of its strength but would continue spreading scattered showers over the South on Friday.

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The storm would persist on its westward track through northern Mexico but maintain some energy as it pulled moisture in from the Gulf of Mexico. Moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms were expected over the Gulf states, with rainfall totals around an inch, and up to 2 inches in areas of severe storm development. A frontal boundary hovering over the northern Gulf Coast would allow the storms to persist eastward, stretching from Louisiana to Florida. Most of the southern U.S. was expected to remain in the 80s to near 90 Friday.

Meanwhile, to the north, a low pressure system over the northern Rockies would strengthen as it moved into the northern Plains. Scattered showers and thunderstorms were expected to develop along a front associated with this system. The front was expected to track through the Dakotas throughout the day. Some of these storms were expected to turn severe, as the system has a history of producing large hail, strong winds and heavy rainfall. A hot and humid day with highs reaching into the 90s was expected.

High pressure over the Midwest, Great Lakes, New England and Northeast would allow for mild weather with plenty of sunshine.

In the West, a mild trough of low pressure over the Pacific Northwest would spread a few scattered showers. Otherwise, the rest of the West Coast remained sunny and warm, with the deserts reaching over 100 degrees.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from a low of 30 degrees at Truckee, Calif., to a high of 114 degrees at Goodyear, Ariz.

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[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]