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[July 03, 2010] (AP) Wet weather persisted in the southern and central Plains on Saturday, as the remnants of Hurricane Alex continued pulling moisture in from the Gulf of Mexico.

(Click on map for larger image.)

The system was expected to greatly diminish as it hovered over northern Mexico. But flow around the system also was expected to push ample moisture over the southern Plains and into the central Plains throughout the day.

At the same time, a trough of low pressure was forecast to develop as it moved off the northern Rockies and into the northern Plains. The system was expected to create a strong front that would stretch down the Plains, and with the ample available moisture, would trigger moderate to heavy rain with periods of thunderstorms.

Some of the storms had the potential to turn severe given their history of producing strong and damaging winds, large hail and periods of heavy downpours.

The Plains were expected to reach into the 90s again Saturday.

In the South, a stalled stationary front hovered over the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. It created an area of low pressure that had a low chance of tropical storm development. But the system was expected to continue spreading scattered showers and thunderstorms over the Gulf states.

Another hot and humid day was expected over the Southeast.

In the North, a ridge of high pressure was forecast to bring another warm and pleasant day to the Northeast, New England, Great Lakes, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic States. Plenty of sunshine was expected with highs ranging in the 70s and 80s over the eastern half of the country.

In the West, a ridge of high pressure built over the West Coast and allowed for a pleasant start to the holiday weekend. Mostly sunny skies were forecast with highs in the 70s, reaching into the 100s in the deserts.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Friday ranged from a low of 33 degrees at Mount Washington, N.H., to a high of 116 degrees at Goodyear, Ariz.

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[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]