Apex Wx

Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding Threat Develops Across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest
A renewed threat of heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding is expected today across parts of the northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Warm, humid air combined with a nearly stationary weather front will fuel repeated rounds of thunderstorms from the Dakotas into Minnesota and Wisconsin. Some storms may move over the same locations, producing rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour and storm totals of 3 to 5 inches. These amounts could quickly overwhelm drainage systems and lead to scattered flash flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Farther south, thunderstorms are also expected across parts of the southern High Plains, including west Texas. While these storms may not last as long, they could still produce intense downpours and isolated flooding before weakening.

Critical Fire Weather Continues Across the Four Corners Region
Critical fire weather conditions will continue today across western and southern Colorado, eastern Utah, and northern New Mexico as hot, dry, and breezy weather persists. Southwest winds of 12 to 20 miles per hour, with higher gusts, combined with extremely low humidity between 3 and 12 percent, will create conditions that allow fires to start easily and spread rapidly. Dry vegetation and unusually parched fuels will further increase the wildfire danger, while poor overnight humidity recovery will provide little relief and allow elevated fire conditions to continue well into the night. Residents should avoid any activities that could spark a wildfire. Farther north, a few isolated dry thunderstorms are possible in parts of Nevada and Idaho, but widespread lightning activity is not expected.