Tropical Rainstorm Threatens Gulf Coast, Flood Watches Across Northeast and Midwest, Heat Advisories Nationwide

Tone & Political Bias: Center

Why: The article provides straightforward weather reporting sourced from official meteorological agencies without political framing or partisan language.

Gulf Coast Faces Tropical Rainstorm With Flood Risk

A tropical disturbance near the Gulf Coast has a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression within 48 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center.

• This system is expected to bring heavy, prolonged rainfall to parts of the central Gulf Coast, particularly Louisiana and Mississippi.

• If it becomes a named storm, it will be called Dexter.

  
  

The disturbance may remain close to shore, limiting its potential development due to reduced time over warm waters. However, a shift to a more southerly track could allow it to strengthen. A flood watch is in effect from 1 p.m. local time today through at least Friday night for parts of Louisiana and Mississippi, with some eastern areas under watch until Saturday evening.

Forecast models suggest general rainfall between 2 to 6 inches, with some isolated areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Midwest and Northeast Brace for Intense Storms

Heavy thunderstorms and flash flooding are forecast across parts of the Midwest and Northeast through Wednesday and Thursday.

• Affected states include Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey.

• Rainfall could exceed 2 inches per hour, especially in localized areas.

  
  

In Ohio, storms are expected to begin around 2 p.m. and move eastward in a scattered pattern. Central and northern New Jersey already have a flood watch, with 1 to 2 inches of rain anticipated in short bursts between late evening and early Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Midwest is facing the added threat of severe storms, including the potential for damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.

• Areas at risk include Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan — notably cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Peoria.

• Green Bay is under a flood watch with 2 to 3 inches of rain possible, while storms are forecast to hit Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay around 4 p.m. local time.

  
  

Further west, thunderstorms are expected tonight from Kansas to northern Missouri, where rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible.

Nationwide Heat Wave Places 70 Million Under Advisories

The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for 70 million Americans from coast to coast, with dangerously high temperatures expected.

• The Northwest is seeing extreme temperatures, with Portland, Oregon forecasted to reach 100°F and Seattle likely hitting the low to mid 90s. These figures are 10–15°F above seasonal averages.

• A heat advisory stretches across the South from Louisiana to Illinois. Cities including New Orleans, Memphis, Little Rock, and Shreveport could experience heat indices between 105–109°F.

  
  

Climatologically, this is the hottest period of the year for the U.S., and current patterns indicate above-average temperatures are likely to persist into next week.

• The Midwest, South, and East are forecast to reach upper 90s to low 100s, with high humidity increasing the danger of heat-related illnesses.

  
  

Key Outlooks

• Tropical system near Gulf may evolve into Tropical Storm Dexter but already poses flood risk.

• Flash flooding and severe storms are expected from the Midwest to the Northeast.

• Widespread heat advisories are in place with no immediate relief expected.

  
  

Readers are advised to follow updates from the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service for local alerts and safety guidance.