Apex Wx

Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Expected Across the Southeast
Periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across parts of the Southeast today and tonight, with the greatest concern centered from eastern Alabama into Georgia and coastal South Carolina. Very moist air and increasing instability will support slow moving storms capable of producing rainfall rates greater than two inches per hour in some locations. Localized flash flooding may develop, especially in low lying and poor drainage areas. Farther north and west, scattered thunderstorms with pockets of heavy rain are also possible from the Tennessee Valley into the middle Mississippi Valley through tonight. In the Northwest, parts of northeast Washington and northwest Montana could experience isolated heavy downpours as a weather system brings additional moisture into the region. Burn scar areas may be especially vulnerable to rapid runoff and localized flooding.

Gusty Winds and Dry Thunderstorms Produce Fire Weather Concerns in the Southwest
Warm, dry, and windy conditions will increase fire weather concerns across portions of the Southwest and Colorado Plateau this afternoon and evening. Strong daytime heating combined with an approaching weather system will produce gusty winds of 25 to 30 miles per hour in parts of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and nearby areas. Dry vegetation and very low humidity will make it easier for fires to spread quickly if new fires develop. Isolated thunderstorms are also expected across northern Arizona, eastern Utah, and western Colorado. Many of these storms may produce little rainfall, creating a risk for dry lightning that could ignite new fires. Storms will also be capable of generating sudden gusty winds, which may cause rapidly changing fire conditions across the region through tonight.