Daily briefing: Summer storm chances increases

Summer is in full swing across the U.S., with one half of the U.S. seeing increased thunderstorm risk while the other half stays dry. The Weather & Radar daily briefing is published every weekday at 5 a.m. ET with the latest U.S. forecast and updated tropical information.

The Eastern half of the U.S. will see a mix of storms and hot weather today. Although not as hot as earlier this week, the TemperatureRadar still shows highs in the 90s throughout the southern Plains, lower and central Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, Midwest, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. The Northeast will get a break as clouds and a bit of rain showers bring cooler 70s and 80s.

Mixed in with the hot weather will be the chance for storms. The WeatherRadar shows scattered storms developing throughout the afternoon and evening, so check it often for the latest details.

On the western fringe of the hot air, more frequent thunderstorms will stretch from New Mexico and west Texas northeastward into the Upper Midwest and western Great Lakes. There will be a risk of flash flooding, so keep alerts active for the latest rainfall and storm notifications.

Except for a few showers in the Northwest, the U.S. western half will be sunny and summerlike. Today's highs will range from 90s and triple digits across the Desert South, Great Basin and southern Rockies to 80s elsewhere. Typical of late June, the immediate Pacific Coast will be cooler with highs in the 70s.

The Atlantic Hurricane basin is quiet and will remain so through the rest of the week. In the eastern Pacific, forecasters are watching for possible development well off Central America's coast. This system could move to the northwest and develop into the next tropical system today or Friday. It will remain offshore for the next several days.

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