Severe weather is shifting into eastern Colorado and Kansas on Saturday, with threats of large hail and damaging winds — and a possible isolated tornado. Meanwhile, record heat will begin to wind down in the western U.S. but will continue in Florida.
Isolated severe storms will span across a larger area, from Colorado to western Kentucky.
The system bringing these isolated severe storms is also bringing heavy rain to the area.
Through the weekend, parts of Kansas and Missouri could pick up 3 inches of rain. A flood watch has been issued in Missouri through Sunday afternoon, where isolated amounts of up to 7 inches of rain are possible.
The rain will be beneficial in Kansas, where parts of the state are experiencing severe to moderate drought.
Southeast Missouri, where more heavy rain is possible this weekend, has seen twice the normal rainfall for the last 30 days.
There were more than 130 storm reports on Friday with most of them in Kansas and Nebraska.
Wind gusts up to 84 miles per hour in Kansas and hail — ranging from the size of tennis balls to basketballs — were reported in both Kansas and Nebraska.
Record heat
The very dangerous levels of heat in the west are beginning to wind down enough to allow most of the widespread excessive heat warnings and heat advisories to be discontinued.
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The excessive heat warning was extended through Saturday for Las Vegas and the surrounding area.
The record heat is unrelenting and will continue through the weekend in Florida. Heat indices will range from 105 to 110 degrees, with the potential to exceed 110 degrees in some interior spots.
Record high temperatures are possible across the state through Monday. A potential broad disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico could bring rain and increased cloud cover in the mid-week.
Friday was another day of record heat across the West and Florida.
Temperatures reached 110 degrees in Las Vegas; 109 degrees in Tucson; 105 degrees in Dalhart, Texas; 103 degrees in Palmdale, California; 102 degrees in Pueblo, Colorado; 99 degrees in Winnemucca, New Mexico, 95 degrees in West Palm Beach; 92 in Burns, Oregon; and 90 degrees in Challis, Idaho.
The United States has been experiencing extreme weather patterns in recent years, and the trend seems to be continuing with severe weather hitting the Plains region and record heat in Florida. The combination of heavy rainfall and scorching temperatures has created a dangerous situation for residents in these areas.
In the Plains region, states such as Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma have been hit hard by severe weather, including heavy rain, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. The excessive rainfall has led to widespread flooding, causing damage to homes, roads, and farmland. In some areas, rivers have overflowed their banks, leading to evacuations and rescues of stranded residents.
The severe weather in the Plains region can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a stalled weather pattern that has allowed for persistent storms to develop and linger over the area. Climate change may also be playing a role in the increased frequency and intensity of severe weather events in this region.
Meanwhile, Florida is experiencing record-breaking heat, with temperatures soaring well above normal for this time of year. The high temperatures have led to heat advisories and warnings being issued for much of the state, urging residents to take precautions to stay safe in the extreme heat.
The combination of severe weather in the Plains and record heat in Florida highlights the impact of climate change on weather patterns across the country. As global temperatures continue to rise, we can expect to see more frequent and intense weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall.
It is important for residents in these affected areas to stay informed about weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe during extreme weather events. This includes having a plan in place for evacuation in case of flooding or severe storms, staying hydrated and cool during heatwaves, and following advice from local authorities and meteorologists.
As we continue to see the effects of climate change on our weather patterns, it is crucial that we take action to reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of global warming. By working together to address climate change, we can help protect our communities from the devastating effects of severe weather events like those currently being experienced in the Plains and Florida.
