Central flood threat, T.S. Erin forms

The eastern half of the U.S. remains the top story today. While severe chances are low, some gusty winds can't be ruled out around the Great Lakes. Hot temperatures dominate the western half of the country. These details, along with our daily tropical outlook, are published every weekday at 5 a.m. ET.

The WeatherRadar shows showers and storms dotting much of the eastern half of the country as two slow-moving fronts push east. Scattered storms are possible in cities like Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta today.

While the severe threat is low, a few strong storms are possible in the Great Lakes. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, Marquette, Minn., and Green Bay, Wis., could see some damaging winds and hail. Dry conditions are expected for the West Coast and the Northeast today.

The TemperatureRadar shows heat building across the western half, with highs reaching 100 in Boise, Idaho, and the mid-90s in Salt Lake City. Phoenix remains hot, with highs reaching the 110s, and much of Texas will surge into the 90s. A hot day is expected in the Northeast and New England. Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C., are expected to see highs in the 90s today.

Tropical Storm Erin formed Monday morning, with sustained winds of 45 mph. Erin is moving west at a speed of 22 mph. Erin is expected to become the first hurricane of the season by Wednesday as it continues to head into favorable conditions for development.

We are also watching two areas of interest in the northern Gulf and the northern Atlantic that have low chances of development. The area in the northern Gulf is unlikely to develop, but it will bring locally heavy rain to the Florida Panhandle over the next couple of days.

Atlantic Hurricane Season starts to ramp up in August and September. Learn more about how our hurricane alerts work here.