Isolated Strong Storms Possible in Southern Appalachians Today
A few strong thunderstorms may develop this afternoon and evening across the southern Appalachian region, including eastern Tennessee, southeast Kentucky, and western North Carolina. As temperatures warm into the upper 70s to near 80 degrees, the atmosphere will become just unstable enough to support isolated storm development, especially near the mountains. While storm coverage is expected to remain limited, any storms that do form could become briefly strong due to favorable winds aloft. The main threat will be hail, with some stones potentially reaching around one inch in diameter. Storms will gradually move southeast through the evening, weakening after sunset as daytime heating fades.

Critical Fire Danger Across Central Rockies and High Plains Today
Dangerous fire weather conditions are expected this afternoon across parts of Wyoming, northwest Colorado, southwest South Dakota, and the Nebraska Panhandle. Gusty winds of 20 to 25 mph combined with very low humidity as low as 10 to 15 percent will create an environment favorable for rapid fire spread. Additional areas from the Southwest into the central and southern Plains will also see elevated fire risk due to warm temperatures, dry air, and breezy conditions. While parts of Colorado have received recent precipitation, limiting the overall threat somewhat, localized critical conditions are still possible. A cold front moving south later today will shift winds but keep conditions hazardous into tonight.