Stormy Upper Midwest, Erin strengthens

Strong storms will fire up across the Upper Midwest later today. Erin continues to strengthen. These details, along with our daily tropical outlook, are published every weekday at 5 a.m. ET.

The WeatherRadar shows a stagnant pattern over the U.S. Warm and moist air continues to fuel storms across the Southeast. Strong storms will fire up across the Upper Midwest, while the Southwest and Rockies also see some action. A front will bring rain to the Pacific Northwest.

A few storms could bring localized flooding, damaging winds and hail to the upper Midwest, including cities like Minneapolis and Eau Claire, Wis. Heavy downpours may also lead to some flooding across the Southwest, along the Texas and Louisiana coastlines, and into coastal Georgia and the Carolinas.

The TemperatureRadar shows highs surging into the 90s across portions of the Rockies and into the central and northern Plains. Near-record highs will be possible in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the Texas Panhandle. Above-average temperatures also extend into the Great Lakes and Northeast this afternoon.

Rain will keep the Pacific Northwest cooler than average, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s in cities like Seattle and Spokane, Wash.

We continue to monitor Tropical Storm Erin as it moves west at 17 mph, with sustained winds of 60 mph. Erin is expected to reach hurricane strength today and become a major hurricane over the weekend. Tropical storm force winds may impact portions of the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as the core of the storm moves north of these areas.

We are also monitoring a low in the Bay of Campeche, which has a medium chance of development as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico. A tropical depression may form later today.

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