Daily briefing: Northeast's heat; heavy rains for Gulf Coastorms move thru

Wet, stormy weather remains confined across the eastern Great Lakes and onto the Northeast, while a tropical disturbance brings heavy tropical downpours to the Central Gulf Coast. All of this, along with today's tropical outlook, is included in the daily briefing, published every weekday at 5 a.m. ET.

The storms move out of the Great Lakes but onto the already soiled Ohio River Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. There is a marginal risk, level 1 of 5, extending from the Ozarks through the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Rainfall totals range between 1 and 3 inches from Kentucky through the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday. Before the front makes it to the Northeast, temperatures will soar! There are heat advisories in place as the heat indices could reach 103 in some spots between Virginia and Massachusetts. Stay hydrated!

There will also be scattered showers and thunderstorms across New Mexico and Colorado. Not much in terms of rainfall, but remember that the ground is already well-saturated in New Mexico. Certain areas, particularly those with burn scars, are prone to flooding. Creeks and Arroyos could increase their levels rapidly. Please keep your weather alerts turned on.

The tropical disturbance continues to travel over the northern Gulf Coast. The chances for this system to acquire a name have lowered, now down to 30 percent. Regardless of whether it becomes a depression or not, a high rainfall forecast is in effect for the Central Gulf Coast. New Orleans and its surrounding areas, which are potentially vulnerable to flash floods, are expected to experience heavy rainfall through Saturday, with some areas potentially receiving over 10 inches and isolated spots receiving up to 15 inches. Today is your chance to prepare and gather sandbags, and have a plan in case the high amounts fall at your location.

Our Weather & Radar meteorologist will closely monitor the weather and send you personalized alerts to your phone, keeping you informed. Please avoid flooded roads.