Stormy and cooler in the Southeast

Cooler conditions work their way into the Southeast as showers and storms impact the region. Heat builds in the Southwest, while much of the West Coast stays dry. These details, along with our daily tropical outlook, are published every weekday at 5 a.m. ET.

The WeatherRadar shows showers and storms firing up across the Southeast along a stationary front. Heavy rain could lead to some flash flooding along the northern Gulf Coast into central Georgia. Those in cities like Mobile, Ala., Macon and Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S.C. should stay alert this afternoon and evening.

A front will bring showers and a few thunderstorms to the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies. A few storms will also spread into the northern Plains and upper Midwest this afternoon. You'll want the rain gear on hand in Bismarck, N.D., and Minneapolis.

Highs today will be cooler-than-average across the Southeast, where rain will hold highs down into the 70s and 80s. The Northwest will also be cooler due to clouds and rain, with highs in the 70s.

The TemperatureRadar shows temperatures running above average across the Northeast and the Southwest. Highs in cities like Boston and New York will reach the mid-80s, above average but still comfortable. In the Southwest, cities like Phoenix will warm to the 110s.

The Atlantic hurricane basin is showing signs of tropical life this first week of August. Tropical Storm Dexter will meander further and further away from the East Coast, moving north of Bermuda, this week. There are two areas to be watched over the next week for possible development. A stalled front in the Southeast could create a potent environment for organization, similar to Tropical Storm Chantal's situation earlier this season.

Additionally, a tropical wave rolling off of northwest Africa will move into a favorable environment this week, possibly becoming more organized. At this time, there is a 50 percent chance of organization.

Thinking about the weekend and even next week? Use our 14-day forecast to make your plans. Click here for more details.