Severe Thunderstorms in the Central Plains; Heavy Rainfall in the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys; Critical Fire Weather in the Southwest

Scattered severe storms capable of large to very large hail, severe wind gusts, and a few tornadoes will be possible across the central Plains. Heavy rain will pose a flash flood threat across portions of the Mississippi Valley into the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys. Hot, dry and windy conditions will continue to bring a critical fire weather threat from the Southwest into the Great Basin. Read More >

5-day Outlook

Summary of Meteorological Spring 2026

Dry conditions and seasonable warmth are expected to start off the work week. Hot and humid conditions along with daily showers and thunderstorms return to the forecast Wednesday through the end of the week. The hottest conditions are most likely Thursday and Friday when peak heat indices could reach between 100 to 105º F.

With May 2026 in the books, Meteorological Spring (March-May) has concluded. It was a very mild period with continued below average rainfall amounts. 6 of the 8 climate sites saw average temperatures reaching the top 10 mark within historical records. High temperatures were especially warm, averaging 3 to 5 degrees above climatology.

Severe Thunderstorms in the Central Plains; Heavy Rainfall in the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys; Critical Fire Weather in the Southwest

WFO Sterling, VA Weather Story