Midwest and West Prepare for Storms and Flooding: Monsoonal Flow Forecast and Record-Breaking Temperatures
The Midwest and West are preparing for storms and potential flooding as a "monsoonal flow" is expected to move from Nevada to Texas and Oklahoma, according to the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms could develop in eastern California, Nevada, and Utah on August 24, with heavy rain and thunderstorms posing flooding risks in eastern Colorado through the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles into Kansas and Oklahoma. The storms may then move into eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas before dissipating on August 25.
A second flood threat is anticipated to start on August 27, with multiple rounds of rain targeting the same areas before moving east later in the week. The heavy rain combined with low soil moisture levels could lead to increased flash flooding risks. Despite the weather conditions, there is a possibility that Labor Day events can proceed as planned as the forecast improves across the region.
Temperatures in the Great Plains to the Midwest are expected to be in the 60s and 70s, significantly below average, with potential record-breaking low temperatures on Monday and Tuesday. Stormy monsoon conditions in the Southwest may help alleviate the heat wave in the region starting on Monday. Extreme heat warnings and watches are in effect in parts of the Desert Southwest, California, Washington, and Oregon, with little nighttime relief from the heat expected and numerous overnight temperature records likely to be broken.
Recent days have seen high temperature records broken in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, with heat warnings and advisories expected to continue until August 26. The weather service in Portland, Oregon, advised people to stay cool, hydrated, and check on others during the extreme heat.