LDN - Weather

The nation's weather

[July 08, 2011] (AP) The nation will see another active weather day Friday as multiple weather features affect the country.

Across the central U.S., a trough of low pressure will continue moving eastward throughout the day, making its way over the Mississippi River Valley and up the Ohio River Valley. Expect scattered thunderstorms to develop, some of which may turn severe with strong winds, hail and periods of heavy rain. Rainfall totals along this system will range from 1 to 2 inches, and more in areas of severe thunderstorms. Thus, flooding will remain of concern across the Eastern Valleys. Just to the south, Gulf moisture will continue pouring into the Southeast. This warm and moist atmosphere will create favorable conditions for afternoon thunderstorm activity. Expect periods of heavy rainfall across Florida and the Gulf states, with rainfall totals up to 2 inches.

To the west, a ridge of high pressure over the Plains will allow for warm and sunny conditions. Expect high temperatures to reach the century mark in the South, while the northern Plains and upper Midwest will remain in the 80s.

Farther west, monsoon moisture advects into the deserts of the Southwest and allows for more thunderstorms to pop up. Higher elevations will supply additional energy; thus, stronger storms are anticipated in the mountains. Also, dry vegetation and strong surface winds will allow for rapid fire spread across Arizona and New Mexico.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from a morning low of 32 degrees at Pocatello, Idaho, to a high of 107 degrees at Hobart, Okla.

___

Online:

Weather Underground: http://www.wunderground.com/

National Weather Service:
http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/

Intellicast:
http://www.intellicast.com/

[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]