Breakfast Brief: Record heat for the West

While a few showers may interrupt Hurricane Helene cleanup, the weather remains relatively tranquil for the eastern half of the U.S. The western half, on the other hand, will bake as an autumn heat wave takes hold.

The WeatherRadar shows a mostly quiet day for the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. However, a few showers may impact Helene cleanup. A low-pressure system moving offshore could bring a few showers across the Mid-Atlantic. Rain is also possible across the Big Bend of Florida into Jacksonville. Temperatures will warm into the 70s and 80s across the Southeast today.

A front will also spark off a few showers today from the Great Lakes down through the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. The WeatherRadar shows mostly light rain from this system. However, it doesn't hurt to grab the rain gear before heading out.

The western half of the country will be plagued by building heat through much of the week. The TempeartureRadar shows highs surging into the 90s and 100s across the Southwest. Today, record highs are possible in Stockton and Fresno, Calif., Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., and Grand Junction, Colo. Stay hydrated and prepare for the heat to linger into much of the week.

The tropics are very active, but our eyes are on a disturbance in the western Caribbean that has a medium chance of development. This area may become a tropical depression by mid-week. However, if it does develop, it will have wind shear to contend with, which will damper its ability to strengthen. We're also keeping an eye on the remnants of Joyce in the Atlantic. Tropical storm Kirk is expected to become a major hurricane by the end of the week but poses no immediate threat to any land. A tropical wave on the heels of Kirk has a high chance of development.

Hurricane season in the Atlantic doesn't end until Nov. 30. Are your hurricane alerts on? Check here.