MIDWEST AND NORTHEAST U.S. — A sprawling heat dome over the southern Plains and Southeast is setting the stage for a stormy stretch across a large portion of the northern United States.
As hot air dominates farther south, rounds of thunderstorms and torrential downpours are expected to develop along the northern edge of the heat dome, stretching from the Dakotas and Nebraska through the Midwest and into the Northeast.
The storms will not necessarily follow a single daily schedule. Most thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon and evening, but some communities could see severe weather at other times as large clusters of storms move through overnight.
That means residents and travelers may need to remain alert even after the traditional afternoon thunderstorm window has passed.
Nearly 1,500-Mile Zone Faces Severe Weather
Tuesday could bring one of the broadest severe-weather threats of the week.
The risk zone is expected to stretch nearly 1,500 miles, reaching from South Dakota and Nebraska toward central Massachusetts and extending near the coasts of Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.
Several major cities could experience storms capable of producing powerful wind gusts and flash flooding. Among the areas facing a heightened threat are Omaha, Minneapolis, Detroit, New York City and Buffalo.
The size of the storm zone means conditions could vary significantly from one location to another. Some communities may experience only heavy rain and thunderstorms, while others could face stronger storms capable of damaging winds and rapid flooding.
Wednesday Storm Threat Shifts East
The severe-weather threat is expected to shift eastward on Wednesday.
The greatest risk will extend from Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and southern Ontario to Delaware and New Jersey, putting several major population centers in the path of potentially strong thunderstorms.
Cities including Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Baltimore could see severe storms.
A broad area of moderate severe-weather risk is also expected from Lake Erie across much of western and central New York and into northern Pennsylvania.
Some of the strongest storms in this zone could produce damaging wind gusts and tornadoes, while torrential rainfall could create another serious hazard.
Thursday Brings Another Severe Storm Threat
By Thursday, the threat is forecast to shift farther south.
The area at risk could stretch from central Ohio into central and eastern Virginia, the Delmarva Peninsula and New Jersey.
Major cities potentially affected include Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Washington, D.C., Richmond and Baltimore.
Strong storms in this region could bring high winds and flash flooding, creating dangerous travel conditions and potentially disrupting outdoor activities.
The repeated nature of the storms is an important concern. When heavy rain falls over the same locations again and again, the ground has less opportunity to absorb additional water.
Repeated Downpours Raise Flooding Concerns
Even areas that avoid the strongest thunderstorms could still face significant rainfall problems.
A single intense downpour can quickly cause flash flooding on roads and streets, particularly in areas with poor drainage.
If thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same communities, flooding could spread to small streams and eventually cause rises in some rivers.
The threat could also affect transportation. Severe thunderstorms approaching major airport hubs may trigger ground stops, flight delays and cancellations, creating additional headaches for travelers.
Labor Day Weekend Could Stay Stormy
The unsettled weather pattern may not end after Thursday.
More rounds of torrential rain and severe thunderstorms are expected to remain possible across portions of the Midwest and Northeast later in the week before the storm threat gradually shifts farther south toward the Ohio Valley and Southeast during the weekend.
That could have implications for Labor Day plans, particularly for people planning outdoor activities or camping.
Anyone planning to camp near small streams or low-lying areas should closely monitor changing weather conditions and be prepared to move to safer ground if heavy rain develops nearby.
With severe storms, flooding and potentially dangerous winds all part of the forecast, residents across the affected regions should stay aware of weather alerts throughout the week.
Are severe storms expected in your area this week? Share your city and what the weather is looking like where you live in the comments below.