Heat is expected to intensify and spread further up the West Coast much
of the West through this weekend with record-breaking temperatures...

...Oppressive heat and humidity across the South today will shift east
into the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Friday and Saturday...

...Flash flooding and severe thunderstorms possible over parts of the
Midwest, and from the Southern Plains to the Ohio Valley through tonight...

...Beryl is forecast to re-intensify over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico
on Saturday and threaten southern Texas...

On this 4th of July, a significant and increasingly dangerous heatwave is
set to intensify along the West Coast as we head into the extended holiday
weekend. Widespread high temperatures well up into the 100s and 110s this
afternoon across the lower elevations in California will soar even higher
by Friday afternoon. Saturday will likely shape up to be the hottest day
in this heatwave when high temperatures into the 110s will be common
across California outside of the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean near
the coast and the naturally cooler higher elevations. Numerous
record-breaking temperatures can be expected through the next few days.
Locally higher temperatures into the 120s are possible in the typical hot
spots of the Desert Southwest. The triple-digit heat will expand
northward into the Pacific Northwest and parts of the central Great Basin,
with widespread highs rising into the 90s and low 100s. The duration of
this heat is also concerning as scorching above average temperatures are
forecast to linger into next week. Heat impacts can compound over time,
therefore it is important to remain weather aware and follow the advice of
local officials. This level of heat throughout parts of the Mojave Desert
and Sacramento/San Joaquin valleys of California could pose a risk to
anyone if proper heat safety is not followed. It is imperative to stay
hydrated, out of direct sunlight, and in buildings with sufficient
air-conditioning when possible. It is also equally as important to check
on the safety of vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors.

Meanwhile, oppressive heat and humidity across the southern Plains and
lower Mississippi Valley today will begin to shift eastward to the
Mid-Atlantic and Southeast for the end of the week. High temperatures
rising into the upper 90s and low 100s are expected, with heat indices
soaring into the 110s across the lower Mississippi Valley. Warm overnight
conditions in the upper 70s and low 80s will offer little relief, leading
to a dangerous situation for those without access to adequate cooling. A
cold front entering the southern Plains is anticipated to offer cooler and
below average temperatures to Oklahoma, much of northern/western Texas,
and the Mid-South by Friday. Above average temperatures are then
anticipated to confine to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic for the start of
the weekend, with afternoon highs into the mid-to-upper 90s. If planning
to spend an extended amount of time outdoors this Fourth of July, be sure
to use caution and act quickly if you see signs of heat-related illnesses.