A Pacific storm will impact the Southwest over the next couple of days, bringing fall-like temperatures, rain and even snow to the higher elevations.
The storm will mark the first measurable rain in months for parts of Southern California.
Slow travel, airport delays and surprised residents are all possible over the next couple of days as the storm pushes inland toward the Four Corners region and eventually the drought-stricken Plains.
Showers and even thunderstorms will continue to impact central and southern California through the day today.
Downtown L.A. recorded its first measurable rain since July 12th on Wednesday when 0.05 of an inch fell.
Thunderstorms will also erupt across the interior Great Basin region, including around Las Vegas.
San Diego and even desert cities such as Palm Springs will be in line for some rain and rumbles of thunder, as well.
No rain has been measured in San Diego rain gauges since May 25.
Of course with the threat of rain, comes an increase in clouds, which will not only ruin sunbathing in the California sun, but hold temperatures down as much as 10 to 20 degrees below seasonal norms.
The chillier air found in the mountains of Souther California and Arizona will even support the season's first accumulating snow above 7,000 feet.
Such high snow levels will keep I-5 clear of icy travel through the Grapevine, but rain mixed with months of accumulated oils on Southern California highways will mean a dangerous mix. Slow travel is advised during and after any rain.
As Meteorologist Anthony Sagliani pointed out over the weekend, "Odds for any widespread soaking rain are very low." However, any thunderstorm could contain brief downpours, and perhaps even some small hail due to the very cold air aloft.
An increase in moisture from northern Mexico, will feed more widespread and heavier showers and storms, as well as high-elevation snow come Friday from the eastern Great Basin into the southern Rockies.
From there, it's on to the Plains, where the rain is sorely needed, but severe thunderstorms are not.
Warmth is forecast to build over much of the eastern half of the nation by July, with Alaska of all places helping out.
The storms could affect cities from St. Louis to Evansville, Ind., Louisville, Ky., Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio to Huntington, W.Va.
Join us on Thursday for AccuWeather LIVE, we will discuss the debate of climate change and hurricane frequency and the top five things you need to know about summer weather.
A slow-moving tropical depression will continue to bring torrential rainfall and the risk of flooding to parts of southeastern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala into midweek.
Some of the warmest weather of the year will continue across Alaska over the next few days, challenging more records.
The threat of flash flooding will focus along part of the Atlantic Seaboard Tuesday evening.
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | N/A | |
| Low | N/A | |
| Precip | N/A |
Indianapolis, IN (1992)
The control tower at the airport was evacuated
early in the morning during a severe thunderstorm.
One-inch hailstones fell, a 62 mph wind gust
occurred, and a tornado was spotted two miles
northwest of the airport.
West Salem, WI (1998)
High winds downed a circus tent, injuring many
people.
Elizabeth City, NC (1991)
2.83" of rain in 2.5 hours.
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