Brittany Lockley

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NORTHERN PLAINS - Severe weather is in the forecast across the Northern Plains, headed into the middle to the end of the work week. A mid-level trough is moving into the area, which brings unsettled weather and thunderstorms over the next few days. On Tuesday, South Dakota had wind gusts over 70 mph. The primary threats from the severe thunderstorms that come in today will be severe wind gusts, large hail, and a few tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 025839-1783501134364.png">Thursday has also been upgraded to a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather across the Front Range.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 030441-1783501504263.png"><h2>Timing</h2>Storms that have formed along the frontal boundary and off the Front Range are expected to cluster together through Wednesday morning before reforming in the afternoon hours of Wednesday across these areas.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/2026-07-08 03-05-15-1783501555236.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>A few locations could get hit a couple of times by thunderstorms this week, which means that some areas may see some locally heavier rainfall totals. Keep an eye on flood alerts in your area. With repeated rounds of storms, you may be at risk for flash flooding.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-08 030608-1783501581506.png">For more on this active forecast, be sure to join us on WeatherNation!

Stormy Pattern Ahead for the Northern Plains

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Alana Cameron was born and raised in Canada in the city of Mississauga, just outside of Toronto. Alana is the oldest of 4 siblings, all close in age, and grew up playing outside with them in all types of weather. After graduating high school, Alana moved to study at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna for a year before transferring to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Upon completion, Alana moved back to Toronto where she completed a post-grad degree in Meteorology at York University. After her post-grad, she went on to complete another post-grad in Broadcast Journalism - TV News at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. During her final year of studies she had the privilege of interning with the best in the business in Canada at The Weather Network. Once she finished her internship, she got the call from small-town Denison, Texas where she accepted a job as an on-air meteorologist at KTEN-TV, right in tornado alley, covering severe weather from Sherman/Denison (North Texas) to Ada (Southern Oklahoma). After the most active tornado season Oklahoma had seen in May 2019 (105 tornadoes!) Alana is excited to join WeatherNation to cover weather all across the nation. If you're interested in following her on social media she can be found @alanacameronwx!

Alana Cameron

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NEW JERSEY - Heavy rainfall rates of around 2 inches per hour produced an intense burst of rain in a short period of time. These downpours caused a partial roof collapse Monday morning at a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, New Jersey. No injuries were reported.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-06 152920-1783374268634.png">In addition to the flooding risk, the front that's causing all of this rain will also bring a risk for severe thunderstorms. On Wednesday, the SPC has issued a MARGINAL (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe weather across the Middle Atlantic.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 191320-1783473243151.png">Storms fire up along the front that stalls out across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic tier of the country.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/07-07_rne-1783473321974.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>A MARGINAL risk for severe weather has already been added for Thursday as another front brings additional storms to the region.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 191356-1783473388826.png">For more details on the threats and timing of these storms, tune in to WeatherNation :10 past the hour for your Eastern Regional Forecast.

After Flooding in the NE, Strong Storms Stick Around

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Kevin Schneider

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A ridge of high pressure is building in our west, bringing the return of warm temperatures. Temperatures soaring past 115 could lead to heat illness toward the middle of the week. Temperatures, even in the Phoenix area, will stay above average for much of the week, peaking on Wednesday. An Extreme Heat Warning covers the area and extends into far southern California, where heat advisories are in place.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 162401-1783463049626.png">Forecast highs will be running upwards of 10 degrees above average, but no records are in jeopardy this week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 162421-1783463066786.png">Long-term models suggest this might be something to get used to, however. This ridge looks to linger in the area and could strengthen by next weekend. The Climate Prediction Center is highlighting much of the west with above-average temperatures into the middle of July.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 161953-1783462799142.png">Some of these forecast highs for cities like Billings, Montana could could close to beating their all-time record highs. If we get above 108 on Sunday, this would be an all time record. The current forecast for Sunday is 107.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 162046-1783462851930.png">This all comes on the heels of a warmer-than-normal June, which featured 18 days above average before a brief break heading into this month.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-06 112909-1783358964049.png">Heat safety will be a key concern going forward. Be sure to stay hydrated and keep looking in the back seat before locking the car.

Warm Weather Returns Out West

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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The Aspen Acres fire continues to burn in Southern Colorado. Evacuations remain in place but containment is increasing around Pueblo.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2074131250290257963" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2074131250290257963"></div>The Babylon and Cottonwood fires burning in Utah are now among some of the largest fires the state has ever seen.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 160819-1783462106419.png">Numerous additional wildfires continue to burn across Utah, Colorado, and Arizona, which have scorched tens of thousands of acres over the past week. Below is the most recent acreage of the larger fires in Utah and Colorado, along with their containment.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 105656-1783443426971.png"><h1>Fire Outlooks</h1>The fire weather outlooks are minimal as we head through the week, but there is a chance for some dry thunderstorms across the Front Range of the Rockies through Tuesday and Wednesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 160654-1783462045076.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-07 160657-1783462050312.png">This is especially important as we move past the 4th of July, especially as warmer temperatures build.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 043144-1782556311355.png">Residents are encouraged to stay informed, follow local evacuation orders, and do their part to help prevent the start and spread of wildfires this summer.

Babylon Fire Surpasses 100,000 Acres

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SOUTHEAST - It's been muggy and stormy in the southeast and as we wrap up the holiday-long weekend, that trend will continue. Forecast highs and heat index values through Monday will likely reach the triple digits all across the southeast. Cities like Charleston, SC, will be feeling like 110 through Monday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-05 144142-1783284197832.png">This heat and humidity will also help to drive diurnal thunderstorms (storms that are driven by daytime heating). There is a marginal risk across the southeast for severe weather through Monday morning but as we head into the day on Monday thunderstorms will continue to pop through the southeastern U.S.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/07-05 rse bams-1783284239258.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Muggy and Stormy in the South

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An expansive ridge of high pressure will continue to dominate the weather pattern across much of the eastern United States through the Fourth of July weekend, producing another round of dangerous heat and humidity for millions of people. The stagnant weather pattern has allowed temperatures to climb well above average for several days, with little overnight relief in many locations.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-04 094536-1783179947834.png">The heat is being driven by a strong upper-level ridge, often referred to as a heat dome. As air slowly sinks beneath the ridge, it compresses and warms, leading to widespread sunshine and hotter temperatures at the surface. With the ridge remaining firmly in place, daytime highs will climb into the 90s and lower 100s across portions of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-04 094647-1783180021101.png">Humidity will make conditions even more dangerous. Dew points well into the 70s will push heat index values into the triple digits across many communities, making it feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature. Warm overnight lows, with some locations struggling to fall below the upper 70s, will provide little opportunity for the body to recover from the daytime heat, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-04 093025-1783180256172.png">Several locations could challenge or break daily temperature records as the prolonged stretch of excessive heat continues. The combination of July sunshine, light winds, and persistent subsidence beneath the ridge will allow temperatures to rise quickly each afternoon.We spoke with the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mt. Holly to get some perspective on just how unusual this heat is for the northeast.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PlvJoWIawEw" start="0"></iframe></div>Records could be going down when the official highs come in this afternoon. Cities like Roanoke and Raleigh have a good chance at breaking a record high for the 4th of July.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/PIC 2-1783174506669.jpg">A gradual pattern change is expected later this weekend as a cold front begins to press southward into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The front will usher in slightly cooler and less humid air behind it, offering relief to some communities early next week. However, areas farther south are expected to remain under the influence of summer heat as the ridge weakens but does not disappear entirely.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-07-04 100037-1783180846117.png">With millions expected to spend time outdoors for Independence Day celebrations, meteorologists urge residents to take the heat seriously. Staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces and limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day can help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.&nbsp;Heat waves become deadly when they are extended in duration, and complicated by overnight lows struggling to cool off enough. Be sure to mix in plenty of water this holiday weekend. Know the signs to look out for in friends and family.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 043943-1782556806519.png">

Persistent Heat Dome to Keep Much of the Eastern U.S. Sweltering Through the Holiday Weekend

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Early in the season, we watch closer to the coasts here at home for development in the Hurricane Season. Until the waves coming off the coast of Africa start to fly and quit losing the battle to Saharan Dust, old fronts are the leading source of development.Currently, a frontal boundary moving through the southeastern U.S. has prompted a marginal risk for severe weather across portions of the Southeast. Main threat will be damaging winds. Earlier this week, the National Hurricane Center was monitoring an area of potential tropical interest. That area is no longer expected to form into a tropical system. For now, the only name we have crossed off for the Atlantic season is Arthur.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-27 063531-1782563982336.jpg">In the Eastern Pacific, on the other hand, Tropical Storm Douglas formed on Wednesday. This system is set to strengthen a little bit before weakening over open waters, with no impacts to land.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/07/douglassssss-1782952012931.png">

Jackie Brown

Slow-Moving Front No Longer Expected to Develop Tropically, Monitoring Eastern Pacific

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Saturday brings a chance for severe storms to the Rockies and areas east. A trough of low pressure churns up moisture, feeding up from the Gulf, bringing chances for strong storms and hail to the front range and eventually to the central U.S. this weekend.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95639 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/1-16-728x408.jpg" alt="Severe Storm Chances, More Hail Likely for the Rockies" width="728" height="408" />

Storms fire up along the trough of low pressure starting early in the afternoon. Damaging hail, gusty winds and heavy rain are all threats Saturday in the highlighted area below.

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Low pressure pushes east for the tail end of the weekend and so does the threat for severe storms. The best chance for strong storms will be over Oklahoma and Arkansas.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-95640 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/2-15-728x408.jpg" alt="Severe Storm Chances, More Hail Likely for the Rockies" width="728" height="408" /> <img class="alignnone wp-image-95642 size-large" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/08/4-14-728x408.jpg" alt="Severe Storm Chances, More Hail Likely for the Rockies" width="728" height="408" />

For Weather Nation: Meteorologist <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/emily-roehler/">Emily Roehler</a>