Jet stream dip keeps Eastern U.S. cool as flooding dots areas west

Much of the Lower 48 remains under fall preview today and into the upcoming holiday weekend. Between the cool air and heat over the Southwest, zones of flooding potential will again dot the land.

Weather watch

Daily flood risk. Isolated flooding was widespread again across the western into central U.S. on Wednesday, including in drought-stricken Utah and Nevada. The focus shifts eastward somewhat in days to come. Thursday features a broad Level 2 of 4 risk from eastern Oklahoma to western Mississippi, with another zone of heightened potential in eastern Colorado.

Tropical moisture. Previously Tropical Storm Juliette, it has largely fallen apart over increasingly cool waters of the eastern Pacific to the southwest of California, but the storm is sending moisture to the region. The most persistent rainfall — mainly light — has been south of the international border. Areas in and around San Diego will continue to see a shower and storm chance Thursday.

Cool spell. Much of the Lower 48 is feeling fall-like heading into and through the holiday weekend. In Canaan Valley, West Virginia., it dipped to 28 on Wednesday morning, which was the coldest temperature recorded in the Lower 48 for the day. After a high around 60, it fell below freezing there again Wednesday night.

Lightning links

Lytton, Canada, reached 40 C or higher for a 4th straight day, tying a record for any month. (Extremetemps, Bluesky)

Weather conditions leading to deadly wildfires in Türkiye, Cyprus and Greece made 10 times more likely due to climate change. (World Weather Attribution)

20 years ago, Katrina was a Category 5 on final approach to the northern Gulf Coast. (Brian McNoldy, Bluesky)

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Weekday morning newsletter by a journalist/forecaster. Connecting weather and climate change dots while occasionally stirring the pot.

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