Apex Wx

Heavy Rain Threat Builds From Chicago to the Great Lakes Overnight
A round of thunderstorms moving from the northern Plains into Wisconsin and Michigan today will be followed by a potentially more dangerous round tonight. Storms may redevelop near Chicago as warm, moisture-rich air remains in place. Because these storms could move slowly or repeatedly cross the same areas, heavy rainfall and flash flooding may develop from the Chicago area along the Michigan-Indiana border into northwestern Ohio. The risk is greatest overnight, although widespread flooding is not expected at this time. Across the Southeast, humid conditions will fuel numerous afternoon thunderstorms, with locally intense rainfall possible from the Gulf Coast to the southern Appalachians. In the Southwest, fewer monsoon storms are expected, but isolated flash flooding remains possible, especially in southern Arizona.

Elevated Wildfire Risk Spans the West and Southern Plains Today
Dry, hot, and breezy conditions will create elevated wildfire danger across much of the West today, especially from northern California through the Great Basin and into Wyoming. Very low humidity and gusty winds could allow fires to spread quickly, particularly in parts of Nevada, eastern Wyoming, and California’s Central Valley. Farther east, temperatures above 100°F combined with strong winds will increase fire concerns across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles and into southwestern Kansas. Recent rain may limit fire danger farther east. Isolated dry thunderstorms are also possible across parts of the Great Basin and southern High Plains. These storms can produce lightning with little rainfall, potentially starting new fires in already-dry vegetation. Residents in affected areas should use extra caution with anything that could spark a fire.