Flash Flood Threat for the Midwest and California Wildfires Continue to Grow
An unusually robust upper-level trough is pushing a cold front into the Upper Midwest, leading to clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms with very heavy rain.1 The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center is forecasting multiple rounds of storms, with some areas potentially seeing multi-day rain totals of up to 9 inches.2 This is expected to cause numerous flash floods, some with significant impacts, especially given the heavy rainfall in the region in recent weeks.3
Meanwhile, a heat wave continues across the Desert Southwest, though with lesser intensity than in recent days.4 This has prompted elevated fire weather concerns, particularly across the Four Corners region, due to dry and breezy conditions.5
In California, firefighters continue to battle multiple large blazes.6 The Gifford Fire has grown to become the state’s largest fire of the year, with over 131 square miles burned and only 9% containment. Rising temperatures and low humidity are expected to create extreme fire behavior. A new fire, the Mariposa Fire, was reported in San Bernardino County and has burned 30 acres with 0% containment.
For more information, you can read the Short Range Forecast Discussion from the NWS Weather Prediction Center: https://www.noaa.gov/weather-prediction-center
Tropical Storms Ivo and Henriette Active in the Pacific
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is tracking two active tropical storms in the Pacific. Tropical Storm Ivo, located off the coast of Southern Mexico, is weakening and is expected to become post-tropical by late Sunday.7 Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Henriette, located well east of the Hawaiian Islands, has regained tropical storm strength.8
In the Atlantic, there are currently no active tropical cyclones. However, the NHC is monitoring a new tropical wave, designated as Invest 97L, which has emerged off the western coast of Africa.9 Environmental conditions appear favorable for gradual development, and there is a medium chance (50%) that this system could form into a tropical depression or storm over the next week as it moves west-northwestward.
For the latest advisories and outlooks on tropical systems, visit the NHC website: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Disclaimer: This information was researched and curated with the assistance of AI, but reviewed and verified by a human.