Extreme Heat Continues Across Central and Southeast US; Severe Weather and Flash Flooding Threats in the Plains and Upper Midwest
A significant heat dome remains a dominant weather feature, intensifying over the Mississippi Valley today and gradually expanding eastward towards the East Coast by the end of the week. This will result in mid-to-upper 90s for high temperatures and humid conditions, creating oppressive heat indices ranging from 100-115°F for many areas along and just east of the Mississippi River. Record low temperatures are also expected in these regions, with the bulk of the record warmth coming via the overnight/morning lows. By Thursday, the searing heat is expected to shift into the Great Lakes and Northeast. Numerous heat-related warnings and advisories are currently in place across the Mississippi Valley, with Heat Advisories also issued for Thursday in parts of the Great Lakes and Northeast.
As the heat ridge strengthens over the Mississippi Valley, ample moisture from the Southern Plains will stream northward into the Midwest, leading to widespread showers and storms along an approaching frontal boundary. This could trigger flash flooding from central Kansas to the western shores of Lake Michigan. Further south, a low-pressure system drifting westward along the Gulf Coast will utilize tropical moisture, producing torrential downpours across portions of the Southeast, with the heaviest rainfall likely along the central Gulf Coast and much of Florida through Thursday. A Marginal Risk for localized flash flooding has been issued for much of the Southeast. In the West, temperatures will largely remain unseasonably cool, with a Marginal Risk for localized flash flooding near burn scars and along complex terrain in the mountains of northern California.
Source: Weather Prediction Center (WPC) Home Page – NOAA Source: National Weather Service – Active Alerts Source: National Weather Service – Jackson, Mississippi (Local Forecast and Warnings)
Tropical Weather Outlook: No Active Tropical Cyclones, but a System in the Gulf is Being Monitored
As of today, July 23, 2025, there are no active tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Eastern North Pacific, or Central North Pacific.
However, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring a trough of low pressure on the southern end of a frontal boundary currently located just offshore of the Southeastern U.S. coast. Over the next few days, this system is forecast to move west-southwestward into the north-central portion of the Gulf of Mexico. Environmental conditions could allow for some slow development if the system remains far enough offshore. By this weekend, the system is likely to move inland, which would end its chances for further development. Regardless of formation, heavy rainfall could be possible for portions of the northern Gulf coast through this weekend. The formation chance through 48 hours and 7 days is currently low (10 percent).
Source: Tropical Weather Outlook – National Hurricane Center – NOAA Source: NHC Active Tropical Cyclones – National Hurricane Center – NOAA Source: Atlantic Tropical Weather Discussion – National Hurricane Center – NOAA
Space Weather: Geomagnetic Storm Activity and Forecasts
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center has issued alerts, watches, and warnings regarding geomagnetic activity. A G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm was observed today, July 23, 2025, with isolated periods of G1 predicted for July 24th. A G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm was observed yesterday, July 22, 2025. These events can lead to weak power grid fluctuations and potential impacts on satellite operations. Aurora may be visible at high latitudes.
Source: Alerts, Watches and Warnings | NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Source: 3-Day Forecast | NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
Disclaimer: This information was researched and curated with the assistance of AI, but reviewed and verified by a human.