The extreme heat wave that brought record high temperatures to much of the country is finally giving way to a more typical summer weather pattern. For the most part, 80s and 90s are replacing triple-digit readings with the exception of the Desert Southwest which is continuing to see temperatures that meet or exceed excessive heat warning criteria.
Fire danger is slowly beginning to wane in Colorado as increasing moisture is supporting more in the way of daily convective activity. This may lead to the threat of flash flooding in and around the areas affected by recent wildfire activity. Area residents should keep an eye on changing weather conditions and be alert for sudden storms that will have the potential to create rapid runoff, especially in mountainous terrain.
East of the Mississippi, humid conditions are setting the stage for isolated to scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Some of this activity will likely produce heavy rain and some small hail during the afternoon and early evening hours. Look for things to quiet down after sunset with just a few stay showers and storms lasting into the nighttime hours.
Unfortunately, the relief from the heat is expected to be short lived with high pressure expanding across the Great Basin and Upper Midwest as we approach the weekend. Some areas of the West may see slight relief from the extreme drought conditions as a stream of monsoon moisture begins to wrap around the area of high pressure. Otherwise, look for hot and humid conditions to gradually return to most parts of the country by the end of the work week.
