Labor Day forecast: Severe storms to rattle Midwest; West to bake under record heat

The Labor Day holiday will be highlighted by tranquil and rain-free conditions for most of the country.

However, wet weather and severe thunderstorms may put a damper on the holiday across parts of the Midwest.

Meanwhile, thunderstorms will bubble up along the Gulf coast, possibly slowing the recession of waters in communities hit by Harvey’s disastrous flooding.

Rain to return to Gulf Coast as devastating flooding persists

Thunderstorms with localized downpours will stretch from Texas to Florida as moisture again flows northward from the Gulf of Mexico.

Any additional rainfall will only add insult to injury across southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana, slowing the recession of floodwaters from Harvey and making it even more difficult for communities to get back on their feet.

The stormy conditions will stem from a push of tropical moisture that will move back into the region.

Those spending the holiday at the beaches along the Gulf coast should be on the lookout for towering and darkening clouds. Head indoors or to a vehicle at the first rumble of thunder or stroke of lightning.

The interior South will enjoy a dry, sunny and warm holiday.

Storms to rattle Midwest

Those with outdoor plans from southeast Michigan to Missouri may have to run for cover at a moment’s notice as showers and thunderstorms blossom late Monday afternoon and evening.

The stormy conditions will erupt ahead of a push of cool air more reminiscent of late-September or early October.

"A surge of warmth and humidity will surge out ahead of the cold front and will provide the necessary fuel for severe thunderstorms later Monday," AccuWeather Meteorologist Jordan Root said.

Any storm that does erupt could bring brief heavy rain, hail, dangerous lightning strikes and damaging winds. Tents and other outdoor items should be properly secured to prevent them from blowing over.

Holiday gatherings in Detroit; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Springfield, Illinois, could be impacted by the stormy weather following a dry and sunny start to the day. Storms may hold off in Indianapolis, St. Louis and Cleveland until Monday evening.

Nuisance showers will dampen parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin as the cool air spills southward.

Dangerous heat, wildfires threat to persist out West

Unseasonably hot air will continue to be on the rise across the West, making it a necessity for those spending time outdoors to wear light-colored clothing and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

“With the hot and dry conditions, anyone who plans on setting off fireworks to celebrate the holiday will need to be very careful, as there will be a risk of starting a wildfire,” Adamson said.

Those with respiratory sensitivities may need to limit time outdoors due to poor air quality from nearby wildfires.

Northeast to dry out in time for the holiday

After dealing with damp and cool conditions from Harvey through Sunday, the Northeast will dry out and warm up on Monday.

Any lingering rain from Harvey will end early in the day across northern Maine.

Temperatures will recover to the 70s and 80s F on Monday afternoon after being stuck 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit below normal on Saturday and Sunday.

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