Apex Wx

Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Threat Expands Across the South and Ohio Valley
An active and moisture-rich weather pattern will continue to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms across parts of the southern and eastern United States through tonight and Thursday. The greatest concern will be the potential for heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding from southeast Texas eastward along the central Gulf Coast into Louisiana and Mississippi. Repeated rounds of thunderstorms may produce intense downpours capable of overwhelming low-lying and poor drainage areas, especially where soils are already saturated from recent rainfall. Additional areas of heavy rain are expected from the Ohio Valley into the central Appalachians, where slow-moving thunderstorms developing along a stalled frontal boundary could lead to flooding concerns across portions of Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania. Some communities may experience rapid rises on creeks and streams after repeated storms. Farther west, scattered thunderstorms in the northern Rockies may also create isolated flooding concerns near recent burn scar areas in mountainous terrain.

Fire Weather Concerns Continue Across the West and Northern Plains
Dry, windy, and warm conditions will continue to create elevated fire weather concerns across portions of the Great Basin, Southwest, and northern High Plains today. A slow-moving storm system over California and the Great Basin will strengthen southerly winds across the region while very dry air spreads into parts of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. Gusty winds combined with low humidity and dry vegetation will increase the risk for rapid fire spread during the afternoon and evening hours. Farther north, strong southeasterly winds and dry conditions will also develop across northeastern Montana and parts of western North Dakota, adding to localized fire concerns despite some recent rainfall in nearby areas. Meanwhile, portions of the central and southern Plains may see scattered showers and thunderstorms that could provide beneficial rainfall to areas experiencing ongoing drought conditions.