A disruption in the jet stream is set to alter the weather across the US over the next week. Initially, severe thunderstorms and widespread flooding are expected in the eastern part of the country, particularly in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
As the jet stream pattern shifts, a heatwave is forecasted for the central and southern Plains, with temperatures soaring above 100°F (38°C) in Texas. This heat will also contribute to an increased risk of wildfires, particularly in the western US.
Later in the week, the leftover energy from a post-tropical storm will bring dry thunderstorms to the Southwest, further increasing the risk of wildfires.
As the jet stream pattern continues, a wall of dividing temperatures will form, separating the country into a colder and hotter zone. This will lead to extreme weather conditions, including record-high temperatures in the Pacific Northwest and potentially record-low temperatures in the Northern Plains.
A separate storm system is forecasted to bring heavy rain and strong storms to the eastern US early next week, potentially resulting in a severe weather outbreak.
1. A disruption in the jet stream is expected to cause severe thunderstorms, widespread flooding, and an increase in rapidly spreading wildfires.
2. The disruption will lead to a chain reaction, allowing for a lot of lift out ahead of the wave.
3. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and a pocket of cooler air from Canada will contribute to the perfect recipe for strong storms and heavy rain.
4. The Storm Prediction Center is highlighting parts of North Carolina and South Carolina in a slight risk of severe weather on Thursday.
5. The main threat on Thursday is strong damaging winds, but a tornado or two cannot be ruled out.
6. A significant tornado parameter on the NAM 3-kilometer model shows an area of interest in North Carolina.
7. Rainfall rates are expected to be high, leading to a flash flooding risk, especially along the spine of the Appalachians.
8. A nationwide temperature swing is expected, affecting millions of people.
9. On Friday, there's a chance for stronger storms in the Upper Midwest, but the majority of the country will experience quieter weather.
10. The heat will be confined to Texas and the central plains on Friday, but it may expand farther west as the jet stream pattern continues.
11. A flow of moisture and heat from the South will continue, leading to excessive heat.
12. Wichita Falls is expected to reach a high temperature of 111 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 92 degrees on Friday.
13. The entire state of Texas is likely to be over 100 degrees on Friday.
14. A slight risk of severe weather is also expected in the area close to Chicago.
15. Leftover energy from post-tropical Storm Eugene will bring thunderstorms to the Southwest late in the week.
16. The Southwest is expected to experience dry thunderstorms, which can ignite new wildfires without relief from heavy rain.
17. The storm system will be powerful enough to bring cooler temperatures to the Central and Eastern U.S.
18. As we go into next week, much of the Central and Eastern U.S. will start seeing below-average temperatures.
19. Temperatures are expected to get higher out west, continuing the pattern of a colder zone and a hotter zone in the country.
20. The jet stream is acting like a wall dividing the country into these two zones.
21. The Storm Prediction Center issued a 10% hatched risk for tornadoes on August 9th, 2023, in Missouri and Arkansas, with an enhanced risk all the way down into Tennessee.