Thunderstorms, tornado risk follow record-breaking heat wave
The heat wave that broke daily record high temperatures across the eastern half of the United States has given way to storms and showers, with a chance for some severe thunderstorms and dangerous winds in the upper Midwest and parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic over the weekend, forecasters said.
The storms will feed on the lingering hot and humid air in the central and eastern parts of the country after a dayslong heat wave that saw temperatures in the upper 90s and triple digits in many major cities, AccuWeather reported.
On June 28, "all severe hazards" are possible across southern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota as scattered severe thunderstorms settle over the region, the Storm Prediction Center said. Later in the afternoon and evening, storms are expected to develop in parts of Pennsylvania and New York. Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph are possible, according to the center.
Just over 9 million people in these regions are at risk for storm impacts, with major cities including Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Albany, New York, in the path of possible severe thunderstorms.
On June 27, storms generated preliminary reports of tornadoes, hail and strong winds that downed trees in North Dakota. Some preliminary reports said hail was golf ball- to tennis ball-sized.
On June 28, severe storms are expected over the upper Mississippi Valley and the Northern and Central Plains. The storms are expected to bring frequent lightning, severe wind gusts, hail and even a few tornadoes. The hail that falls over Minnesota could be 2 inches or more in diameter, the National Weather Service said.
New York's Hudson Valley could be a likely spot for brief tornadoes to form on June 28, AccuWeather reported.
By June 29, showers and thunderstorms are expected to form in parts of the Ohio Valley and the Mid-Atlantic, according to the National Weather Service. In some parts of the Mid-Atlantic region, the storms could be strong or severe.
Also later in the weekend, frequent lightning, wind gusts and a small threat or tornadoes and hail will move to the upper Great Lakes and upper and mid-Mississippi Valley, the weather service said.
More than 2,800 temperature records were broken as much of the eastern half of the country endured the heat wave over the last week, AccuWeather reported. The records included 955 daily high temperature records and 1,899 high minimum temperatures.
The heat on June 24 was especially potent, reaching temperatures not felt for over a decade for many East Coast residents. That day, Newark, New Jersey, reached 103 degrees, breaking the 1966 daily high record of 97. Queens, New York, hit 102 degrees, beating the 2010 record of 97 for that date. Philadelphia got to 101 degrees, breaking the 1923 record of 99 degrees for June 24. In many places, temperatures felt even hotter due to humidity.
At least one person died amid the heat wave. A woman in St. Ann, Missouri, died in her home due to the dangerous heat after having no water or air conditioning for at least three days, KDSK-TV reported.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Thunderstorms, tornado risk follow US heat wave
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