Breakfast Brief: Tropical Atlantic awakens, storms continue

Strong thunderstorms target the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley today while heat escalates across the West and a large tropical wave eyes the southeast U.S.

A low pressure system will push east across the Midwest and Great Lakes today, sparking several rounds of showers and thunderstorms across the southern Great Lakes and Ohio Valley. Some of these storms could be strong to severe, bringing damaging gusts, frequent lightning, and locally heavy flooding. Use the WeatherRadar to pinpoint the thunderstorm focus areas.

Intense and widespread heat has set up across portions of the West as a high-pressure system firmly sets up across the region. Temperatures are expected to be 10 to 15 degrees above normal from the Northwest through the Northern High Plains, and multiple record-high temperatures are expected.

Hot and dry conditions will continue to maintain fire weather concerns across the West. Meanwhile, winds will also increase across the Intermountain West on Friday, exacerbating wildfire growth.

A large tropical wave, currently over the northeastern Caribbean, will move northwest into an area more favorable for development. A tropical depression or storm could form late this workweek or weekend near the Bahamas or Florida. We will continue to provide coverage of this system on these Breakfast Briefs and News Stream.

The WindRadar for Android Auto is under maintenance and will become operational next week. Please continue to enjoy the WindRadar on all other devices.