Severe Storm Threat Across the South and Ohio Valley
Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected today across parts of Texas into the Lower Mississippi Valley and Mid-South, as well as portions of the Ohio Valley into western Pennsylvania and New York. Damaging wind gusts will be the most common hazard, though large hail may occur in parts of Texas and a few tornadoes are possible in the upper Ohio Valley. Storms will develop along and ahead of a cold front moving east through the region. Thunderstorms may strengthen during the afternoon as warmer, more humid air fuels storm development. Storms in the Ohio Valley are expected to move quickly eastward before weakening this evening, while storms across the South may persist into the early evening hours.

Cold Front Brings Cooler Weather and Spotty Fire Concerns
A strong cold front is moving east across the Midwest and southeast through the Plains today, bringing cooler temperatures and increasing high pressure behind it. Showers and recent rainfall from the Ohio Valley into the Lower Mississippi Valley will help limit fire weather concerns across much of the central and eastern United States. However, parts of the northern High Plains could see elevated fire risk this afternoon as gusty winds and dry air develop, particularly across eastern Wyoming and nearby areas of Nebraska and South Dakota. Meanwhile, southern California will experience gusty offshore winds through early Sunday, with occasional stronger gusts possible. Despite the wind, vegetation conditions are not currently favorable for significant wildfire spread.