Daily briefing: Plains showers, storms persist

An autumn storm system will keep parts of the central U.S. locked in a stormy and soggy weather for a second straight day, while hot weather continues for many parts. This, and our tropical update, are available at 5 a.m. ET in our daily briefing.

An autumn storm system stationed over the central U.S., will bring a second day of showers and thunderstorms. Although a complete washout isn't expected, the WeatherRadar shows waves of showers and thunderstorms swirling from Oklahoma to the Dakotas. The rain showers can make it into the Midwest and the Great Lakes later today, too.

The East will dry out quickly this morning as yesterday's rain moves offshore, bringing plenty of sunshine. A few thunderstorms will also be possible across Florida, while southern and central California have a few shower chances, too.

The rest of the U.S. will be sunny and unseasonably warm. The TemperatureRadar shows highs in upper 80s as far north as Chicago, with low 80s in the Northeast, Mountain West and the Northwest. Hotter 90s will extend across the Southwest, Texas, Deep South, Southeast and into Florida. The only spots in the 60s and 70s will be the Rockies and the overcast northern and central Plains.

The tropics are trying to perk up. Tropical Storm Gabrielle has formed in the central Atlantic. This system will turn to the northwest away from the Greater Antilles as it slowly strengthens. It will remain far from land through the weekend into early next week.

A second tropical wave coming off western Africa could become better organized over the next several days. This will be far from land for the next several days.

Although it has been quiet recently, the Atlantic Hurricane Season peaks in September, and you will want to be ready. Learn more about how our hurricane alerts work here.