Thunderstorms, possible fires in the central US, heat wave moves to Northeast; Friday weather forecast
Warmth will spread across parts of the Midwest and Northeast on Friday, with high temperatures in the 70s and 80s in some areas and a handful of communities forecast to approach 90 degrees.
But while those parts of the country get an early taste of summer, a cold front moving through the Plains will spawn a line of thunderstorms that could turn severe.
Meanwhile, South Florida residents who have coped with flooding from historic storms could get a reprieve Friday, when storms are expected to be scattered and rainfall totals relatively low – but any heavy rainfall that develops could lead to additional flooding.
And winter weather is still in the mix in parts of the West and the Rockies.
Just another day of spring weather around the United States. Here's what you need to know.
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Severe storms, possible fires in central U.S.
A low-pressure system developed over the Plains Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service, and the system's associated cold front was forecast to push through the Plains and upper Midwest on Friday.
Showers and thunderstorms are likely on Friday across the area, according to forecasters, and there's a slight risk of severe weather in the central Plains, where storms could produce large hail and damaging winds.
Elsewhere, residents of New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma will also have to contend with dry and windy conditions on Friday, leading to an increased risk of wildfires.
A red flag warning, which is in effect in those states as well as portions of Wisconsin and Michigan, “means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now ... or are expected to develop,” the weather service explained, citing a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and other factors.
The conditions are taxing fire departments in areas including Wisconsin, where 21 wildfires were reported on Wednesday and nearly 80 have occurred in the past week.
In Wisconsin: 100-acre fire in town of Necedah was one of many wildfires in Wisconsin
Record highs possible in Northeast
It will feel like summer in parts of the Northeast on Friday.
Temperatures are expected to be 25 to 35 degrees above the average for this time of year, with record-breaking highs possible from parts of the Great Lakes through southern New England, according to the weather service.
High temperatures in the mid-Atlantic and southern New England areas could get close to 90 degrees on Friday, forecasters said.
By Saturday, those temperatures should drop but will likely be well above average, the weather service said.
Snow, heat in west
Snow showers are expected in parts of the Rockies Friday, with heavy accumulations possible in Colorado's central Rockies, forecasters said.
The snow should taper off by Friday afternoon or evening.
Aside from some light showers in the forecast for the Pacific Northwest, the rest of the West should remain dry, according to the weather service. A warmup is possible in part of the region on Saturday.