Thunderstorms Forecasted Across the Mississippi River Valley, Extreme Heat in the Southern US

Severe thunderstorms are expected to occur across the Mississippi River Valley in the coming hours and days, according to the latest US weather forecast.

Record-breaking heat has also been forecasted to hit the Southern US during the period.

Latest US Weather Forecast

In its latest weather advisory, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Weather Service (NWS), on Sunday, May 15, issued a short-range weather forecast for the US regarding the risks posed by severe weather and extreme heat in the said regions.

Under the current prediction, large hail and scattered wind gusts will be the main threats during the severe storms from the southern High Plains to the Ohio Valley.

Meanwhile, related natural hazards are also possible in some parts of the Interior Northwest.

The all-time high temperatures in the Southern US will come from the Southwest US through the Lower Mississippi Valley throughout the week due to an early-season heatwave.

Based on its Weather Prediction Center (WPC) in College Park, Maryland, the weather alert will be valid from Monday to Wednesday, May 16 to May 18.

In the past, these weather forecasts have either been updated or extended.

Severe Weather Alert

The US weather agency indicates the severe storms can be associated with potential flash flooding due to heavy rain across the Lower Mississippi Valley or Ohio Valley as early as Sunday evening and will shift to the Northeast on Monday.

The following states in the said regions may be affected:

• Arkansas
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin
• South Dakota
• Southwestern Pennsylvania
• Northwestern West Virginia

Based on past events, adverse weather is likely to bring life-threatening risks, especially from strong winds or a twister spawn.

According to the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) of the NOAA - NWS, there is a Slight Risk, the second-lowest out of a five-tier scale, across the said region, especially in northern Kansas, southern Nebraska, and some areas of Iowa and Missouri.

Last week in Minnesota, storm chaser Martha Llanos Rodriguez from Mexico City died in a multi-vehicular collision during severe weather that brought heavy rain and damaging winds, as well as a few tornadoes across the state, according to PennLive, a Pennsylvania-based media outlet

US Heatwave Alert

Meanwhile, the summer-like heatwave will continue across the Southwest US and southern Plains from Monday.

The NOAA - NWS emphasizes that the early-season heat can be dangerous if proper heat safety is not followed.

The US weather agency urged residents in the affected areas to stay hydrated and avoid stressful physical outdoor activities during peak heating hours.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat-related illnesses from extreme heat are killing more than 600 people across the US each year.

The organization placed emphasis that athletes, infants, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic medical conditions are some of the groups most vulnerable to a heatwave.

Furthermore, extreme heat also serves as one of the fire weather conditions that favor the growth and spread of wildfires, especially in the drought-stricken southwestern region.