Collapse of Heat Dome Will Result in Rain and Storms for Central and Eastern U.S.

Record-breaking heat was the story for the Fourth of July weekend, forcing the cancellation of holiday parades and other events commemorating the nation's 250th birthday. While relief from the searing temperatures is finally on the way, the end of the heat wave will also usher in the threat of thunderstorms and flash flooding across portions of the Midwest and the eastern U.S. Read on for more information about when and where you can expect the storms to pop off in the coming days.

Storms Firing Up as Heat Breaks in the Midwest and the East

Forecasters are warning that the flip in the weather pattern will be a double-edged sword. While the extreme heat will abate, the risk of severe storms will accompany the cooldown. The onset of stormy conditions is a natural result of dramatic changes in temperatures.

Loads of moisture have been building up in the atmosphere in recent days. This moisture will be squeezed out once the heat dome fully collapses and cooler air comes in from the north.

Some areas of the central U.S. have already begun to experience the collapse of the heat dome and the resulting rain. Over 9 inches of rain fell in a period of just 24 hours to the northwest of Des Moines to bring the week to a close.

Looking ahead, a general 1 to 4 inches of rain is forecast to fall across Interstates 80 and 90 stretching from the Midwest to the Northeast by the time that the moisture is all wrung out. The bands of heavy rain may dive as far south as the Interstate 70 corridor as the week progresses.

Most of the rain will fall over a period of two or more days. However, that does not mean that some of the waves of rain will not be potent enough to trigger flash flooding.

Families extending their Fourth of July weekend camping plans may want to rethink plans to set up camp along small streams. These streams will be the first waterways to experience flooding.
 
The unsettled weather pattern will also come with the risk of locally gusty storms packing damaging winds. Frequent lightning strikes will also present risks to people spending time outside. A man lost his life in Florida when a lightning storm unfolded at Fort Myers Beach on Friday. Three others were injured by the bolt of lightning. The tragic event serves as a reminder about the dangers of lightning.