As Americans prepare to honor their fallen heroes, the weather across the nation is preparing its own salute with a patchwork of conditions that could affect Memorial Day weekend plans.
Central U.S.: Bracing for Impact (Photo : Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
The central United States is under the gun for a series of severe weather events that could dampen Memorial Day commemorations.
Meteorologists are tracking a volatile system that could spawn multiple rounds of severe storms, including a possible derecho-a widespread, long-lived wind storm-that could bring extreme wind gusts and baseball-size hail, particularly affecting areas from the Plains into the Midwest.
Cities like Denver, St. Louis, and Chicago are on high alert, with past Memorial Days in Chicagoland having experienced highs of 95 degrees in 2018 and 2012.
Tornado Alley on Alert
The threat of tornadoes is particularly concerning for the region known as Tornado Alley. Residents are advised to review their emergency plans and stay informed through local alerts and weather apps.
The National Weather Service has posted tornado watches in parts of northern and west-central Texas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, and severe thunderstorm watches extend from southeast Oklahoma to parts of western Tennessee and Kentucky.
Flooding: The Silent Threat
In addition to the wind and hail, flash flooding from heavy rainfall is also a significant threat.
Areas that have already been saturated by spring rains could see further inundation, leading to dangerous driving conditions and the potential for property damage.
Southern States: Heatwave Holds Sway
While the central U.S. prepares for storms, the South is gearing up for a heatwave that promises to turn Memorial Day weekend into a summer scorcher.
Beating the Heat
Temperatures soaring into the 90s and even hitting triple digits in some areas are expected, with public health officials issuing heat advisories.
Beaches and pools are preparing for an influx of visitors seeking relief from the heat, and event organizers are adjusting schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Hydration and Health
Health officials are emphasizing the importance of hydration and taking frequent breaks from the sun.
Cooling centers are on standby for those in need, and hydration stations are being set up at public events to help attendees stay cool and hydrated.
In contrast to the rest of the country, the Northeast could be graced with potentially perfect Memorial Day weekend weather.
With little to no rain expected and mild temperatures, outdoor plans in this region might be the big winner for the holiday weekend.
New York City: Cooler Than Usual
New York City is looking to be on the cooler side of the city's past Memorial Days, with temperatures forecast in the upper 60s and low 70s through the weekend.
West Coast: A Mixed Bag
The West Coast is set to experience a variety of conditions, with cooler-than-average highs in the 50s and 60s covering the Northwest and much of coastal California.
Pacific Northwest: Showers May Dampen Spirits
A few showers might dampen portions of the Rockies and Pacific Northwest, though not enough rain to muck up outdoor events