Severe storms are expected to make their way across the eastern half of the U.S. this Memorial Day weekend, affecting major cities from Saturday to Monday. The storms will begin in states such as Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, with Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Joplin, and Wichita being some of the cities in the path of the strongest storms. Discrete thunderstorms and supercells capable of producing intense tornadoes and giant hail are expected in these areas.
Moving into Sunday, the storms will continue into the Midwest and Ohio Valley, affecting cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, St. Louis, and Cincinnati. Damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, and large hail are possible across the Midwest. The storms will then move east to reach the East Coast on Monday, with cities like Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte at risk of experiencing strong to severe thunderstorms. Severe wind is the primary hazard to watch out for, but large hail or a tornado could also occur.
The active storm pattern also brings the risk of flash flooding, especially in the mid-Mississippi Valley. Cities such as Memphis and Tupelo are under flood alerts, with rainfall totals expected to range from 1-2.5 inches, possibly higher in areas where training storms develop. Meanwhile, the southern part of the country will be facing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring up to 10-20 degrees above average in states like Texas and along the Gulf Coast. Heat alerts are in effect for areas like Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, as temperatures climb to 100-115 degrees.
Record highs will be threatened across cities like Brownsville, Houston, Key West, and New Orleans on Saturday, with temperatures reaching into the 90s-100s. More record highs are expected on Sunday in places like Corpus Christi, Miami, Orlando, Baton Rouge, Dallas, and San Antonio. In addition to the severe storms and extreme heat, four million people are under alerts for critical fire weather conditions in the high and southern Plains, including areas in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and El Paso are some of the cities facing extreme fire risk.
Overall, this Memorial Day weekend will be marked by dangerous severe storms sweeping across the eastern half of the U.S., affecting millions of people in major cities from Saturday to Monday. From intense tornadoes and giant hail to extreme heat and critical fire weather conditions, the varied weather patterns will pose significant risks to people living in these regions. It is important for residents to stay informed, prepared, and vigilant in the face of these potentially dangerous weather events.
