Severe Thunderstorm Outlook Brings Tornado and Flood Risks to the US Midwest and Plains

The National Weather Service has issued an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms across the Northern Plains and the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley for the coming days. Hazards highlighted include frequent lightning, strong wind gusts, large hail and a tornado threat, with the potential for localized flash flooding from excessive rainfall. The risk extends to the Central Plains, Central High Plains and parts of the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley on Wednesday, while a slight risk of heavy rain persists in the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.

A cold front moving across the Midwest on Thursday may spark additional thunderstorms, and the Pacific Northwest is expected to receive rain and higher‑elevation snow as a front moves onshore. Meanwhile, an upper‑level ridge over the Eastern United States is set to bring temperatures 10‑15 °F above average, with record highs possible in the Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast on Friday.