Expect more severe weather to pop up across the Central US on
Friday. A low pressure system strengthens as it continues moving
eastward, through the Central Plains. Counter-clockwise flow around
this system will pull moisture northward from the Gulf of Mexico,
which will produce a strong warm front that stretches over the
Upper Mississippi River Valley and moves eastward up the Ohio River
Valley. This strong system is expected to produce periods of heavy
rainfall across most of the Midwest.

At the same time, just to the south, a wave of energy that
brought severe storms to the Lower Mississippi River Valley will
advance northeastward due to strong flow from the south. This will
push warm and moist air into the Kentucky and Tennessee Valleys,
allowing for severe thunderstorms to develop in the afternoon and
evening hours. This system has a history of producing heavy rain,
strong and damaging winds, and large hail. Rainfall totals across
the Eastern third of the country will range from 1 to 2 inches in
most areas, with up to 3 inches likely in areas of severe
thunderstorm development.

Meanwhile, Out West, a ridge of high pressure builds over the
West Coast and brings dry and pleasant weather to the Pacific
Northwest and California. Warmer Spring temperatures will accompany
this high pressure ridge.

THURSDAY'S WEATHER EXTREMES:

HIGHEST TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F).........................101
Laredo, Texas

HIGHEST HEAT INDEX (DEGREES F)..........................104
Laredo, Texas

LOWEST TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F)..........................10 Mt.
Washington, N.H.

LOWEST WIND CHILL (DEGREES F)...........................-30
Deadhorse Alpine Airstrip, Alaska

HIGHEST WIND GUST (MPH).................................106 Mt.
Washington, N.H.

HIGHEST PRECIPITATION (INCHES)..........................3.50
Monroe, La.

ON THIS DATE

The central United States was gripped in a heat wave on this
date in 1989. A record April high temperature was set at 96 degrees
for Omaha, NE, while Lubbock, TX tied a record at 100 degrees. The
national high was shared by Hill City, KS and Liberal, KS at 103
degrees.