National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Dangerous Heat Wave Continues; Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain from the Central Plains to the Midwest

A prolonged, dangerous heat wave will continue today in the Midwest and Mississippi Valley, and persist through the Independence Day weekend across the Ohio Valley, Mid-South, and East Coast. Severe thunderstorm are expected from the northern/central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic. Isolated slash flooding is possible from the central Plains to the Upper Midwest. Read More >

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Last Map Update: Fri, Jul 3, 2026 at 7:04:23 pm PDT

Friday, July 3, 2026 @ 11:50 AM PDT: A 10-15 percent chance for thunderstorms exists along the Sierra Nevada crest, mainly Yosemite to Fresno County, until early this evening. When thunder roars, go indoors!
The Fourth of July falls during the driest part of the year. Grasses and brush are fully cured, and low humidity dries them out even further. Under these conditions, a single spark can grow into a fast-moving fire within minutes. Wind is the multiplier. Gusts push flames into fresh fuel and carry embers ahead of the fire, starting new spot fires downwind. 🎆 Fireworks rules vary by city, county, and agency, and many areas ban them entirely. Check with your local fire department or county authorities. 🔗 weather.gov/hanford
We have extended the Lake Wind Advisory for the San Luis Reservoir and along Highway 152 through 11 PM on July 4. Sustained winds of up to 10-15 mph and gusts up to 30 mph are expected. Gusts this high are capable of producing whitecap waves dangerous to small watercraft and are dangerous to drivers, particularly those in high-profile vehicles. Exercise caution if recreating at San Luis Reservoir or driving in the area.
50 to 60 percent chance of the hottest temperatures of the summer July 10th through the 16th for the entire area.

 

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