US Weather Forecast: Flooding Rain to Hit Central States, Severe Weather in the Southern Plains [NWS]

Flooding rain in the central states and severe weather in the southern Great Plains are likely to occur this week, according to a recent United States weather forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS). In its local weather alert on Thursday, May 2, the weather service says that heavy rain and flash flooding are expected across parts of the Midwest region into the central and southern Plains.

Meanwhile, strong to severe thunderstorms are also possible on Thursday from parts of the Mississippi River Valley into the southern Plains. The main threats of the looming severe weather will be large hail and a few tornadoes, according to the NWS. These weather hazards may continue until the weekend, bringing potential power outages and disruptions to air or ground travel.

US Weather Forecast

In its short-range US weather forecast, the NWS' Weather Prediction Center (WPC) raised concerns for severe thunderstorms and flash flooding risks over parts of the central or southern Plains and Mississippi Valley starting Thursday. The forecast means that low-lying areas and communities near inland bodies of water such as rivers are at risk of fast-rising floodwaters due to torrential rain.

The WPC explains that the inclement weather will affect the central part of the continental US in the coming days. The prediction center adds that shortwave disturbances from the bottom of a mid-level trough will produce scattered to isolated thunderstorms throughout the Plains and the valley on Thursday. The trough is connected over the northern tier of the country.

Meanwhile, the US Government weather agency reported cool and snowy weather in parts of the Northwest US, as well as above-average and potentially record-breaking temperatures over the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic regions on Thursday. On the other hand, there will be below-average temperatures across the northern US caused by an upper trough stationed over the Northwest.

Summer Season is Approaching

The US is currently a month away from its meteorological summer season, wherein temperatures are projected to increase again. While the summer months of June to August are often attributed to scorching heat, the current spring season is associated with severe storms with the potential for tornado outbreaks. In recent years, casualties have been reported during the mentioned consecutive seasons.

In a media release on Wednesday, May 1, AccuWeather issued its Summer 2024 US Forecast which shows that temperatures could soar by 2 to 4 degrees above the historical average nationwide this upcoming summer season. The forecast adds this temperature increase could lead to a spike in electricity demand to run air conditions.

Particularly, more days with over 90 degrees Fahrenheit are expected for cities like Boston, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. this summer compared to last year. Experts warn that the intense heat or heat waves associated with the summer can lead to health hazards or even death, affecting both humans and animals.