Apex Wx

Persistent Heavy Rain Raises Significant Flash Flood Threat Across the Southeast
A moderate risk of excessive rainfall continues across central and northeastern North Carolina into far southeastern Virginia, where repeated rounds of heavy rain may cause numerous flash floods through tonight. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and Tropical Storm Bertha is feeding slow-moving thunderstorms along a stalled front, increasing flooding concerns in urban areas, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth. A slight risk of flash flooding also extends across parts of the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, where repeated storms may overwhelm drainage systems. Additional flash flood risks are expected tonight across portions of Nebraska, Kansas, and eastern Colorado. In South Texas, Tropical Storm Bertha may bring beneficial rainfall with isolated flooding, while scattered monsoon storms could produce localized flooding across parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.

Dry Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Increase Wildfire Danger Across the Northwest
Dry and windy weather will increase the risk of new wildfires across parts of the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies today. Isolated thunderstorms are expected from the Columbia Basin into the Northern Rockies, but many storms may produce little rainfall while still generating lightning capable of igniting dry vegetation. Recent hot and dry conditions have left grasses and forests highly susceptible to fire, and gusty winds will make any new or existing fires spread more quickly. The greatest concern is where dry thunderstorms overlap with low humidity and strong winds. Meanwhile, parts of the Southern Plains, especially near the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles, will also experience elevated fire weather conditions. Dry air, warm temperatures, gusty winds, and cured grasses will create favorable conditions for wildfire starts and spread.