Friday's forecast: Stormy Florida, Plains, Southwest
Much of the nation will see clear skies on Friday, with only a few pockets of rain expected.
Southeast: Afternoon downpours are forecast to dampen much of Florida and the Gulf Coast Friday. Lightning and thunder will accompany the rain.
Northeast: Interior sections of the Northeast will see some showers and a few thunderstorms.
Plains: Some thunderstorms are possible through the Plains, all the way from the Dakotas to Texas.
West: Most of the West will be hot and dry Friday, though some afternoon storms are likely in portions of the Southwest and northern Rockies.
Weather history for Aug. 15: In 1979, a cold snap hit the Midwest and East, as temperatures dipped to 46 degrees in Detroit and 45 degrees in Indianapolis. in 1988, Washington, D.C., hit a record high of 103 degrees, followed by storms with 70 mph wind gusts.
In 2002, almost a foot of rain fell in Galveston, Texas.