Severe weather conditions affecting much of the Midwest and parts of the Southeast are raising concerns as more than 50 million individuals from Kansas to the Carolinas are placed under heat alerts. A wave of extreme temperatures, compounded by high humidity, is making it feel as hot as 110 degrees in cities like St. Louis and Little Rock this weekend.
In addition to the oppressive heat, flash flooding threats loom across various states. Heavy rains and thunderstorms are forecasted to hit parts of the Midwest, leading to flood watches from Missouri to West Virginia. Areas such as Indianapolis and Cincinnati are included in these warnings as slow-moving storms are expected to bring torrential rainfall.
Earlier flooding incidents have already struck Iowa, leading to flash flood warnings in regions like Des Moines, which have since been lifted. On Saturday, Maryland also faced significant downpours that overwhelmed areas like Chevy Chase and Silver Springs, with reports of 1 to 2 inches of rain falling within just half an hour.
Looking ahead, the flash flood threat will extend from places like Davenport, Iowa, all the way down to northern Georgia. Residents in northeast Missouri and central Illinois should brace for potentially dangerous flash flooding conditions throughout Sunday afternoon and into the evening.
The forecast also predicts scattered severe thunderstorms across the Midwest and Northeast, raising the risk of strong wind gusts, large hail, and even tornadoes in some areas, particularly across the Dakotas, Ohio River Valley, and New York City.
As the situation unfolds, it’s vital for residents to stay informed and prepared for both the intense heat and potential flash floods. Authorities are closely monitoring weather developments, and being proactive can help mitigate the impact of these severe weather events in the coming days.