Major Moisture Maker on Deck for the South-Central U.S.

The south-central U.S. has been enjoying a stretch of dry weather. However, a new storm expected to take shape next week could put an end to the pleasant conditions. Here is a look at what forecasters are warning could evolve into a major rain event in the days ahead.

Major Change in the Weather Incoming for the South-Central U.S.

Heavy rain is in the future for much of the south-central U.S. While this moisture will do wonders to ease the drought, it will also come with the threat of localized flooding. The arrival of the rain and associated cloud cover will also break the unseasonable warmth that has been the major weather headline for the southern Plains and the lower Mississippi Valley over the last few days.

Widespread rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches will be the story by the middle of the week for the south-central portions of the country. The moisture is good news for the parts of the Mississippi River that have seen water levels fall to near-record lows over the last several weeks.

The storm system that was hovering over the northern Pacific Ocean to end the week is moving to the south along the West Coast. This system is expected to push inland next week, moving across central Texas and eastern Oklahoma before pushing to the northeast and toward Missouri. A large swath of interstates 20, 40, and 70 will be impacted by this system.

The most potent rain bands will set up over the zone from Austin, Texas, to the northeast into southern Illinois. This is the area that should be prepared for up to 4 inches of rain. Weaker rain bands will deliver about an inch of rain in the corridor along the Texas coastline to the north into Chicago.