Friday's forecast: High heat in the South
More rain and thunderstorms will continue to pelt much of the northern tier, ongoing heat will bake the southern U.S.
South: Scorching heat and humidity will continue its onslaught on the south-central and southeastern U.S. Heat index temperatures will soar above 100 degrees from Texas to the Carolinas.
Midwest, Ohio Valley: Thunderstorms are expected to drench much of the upper Midwest and Ohio Valley on Friday. The heaviest rain should fall in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
West: Afternoon thunderstorms will hit the Rockies. Most of the West Coast will be clear and dry.
Weather history for Aug. 22: In 1980, New Orleans hit an all-time high of 102 degrees. In 1992, the high temperature was only 33 degrees in Cut Bank, Mont., just three days after a temperature of 90 degrees.
In 1999, Hurricane Brett made landfall in south Texas, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.