The Nation's Weather 06.20.08

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND

Severe storms packing heavy rain, strong winds and large hail were expected to sweep through the already-soaked Plains on Friday. Tornadoes were possible.

Scattered showers and cool temperatures were forecast for the Northeast, where highs were expected to reach only the 50s and 60s.

Most of the Southwest was expected to remain dry, though afternoon showers and thunderstorms were possible along the Gulf Coast. Hot and humid conditions, with highs approaching 100 degrees, were predicted across the region.

Partly cloudy skies and moderate to heavy rain were forecast for the Pacific Northwest, but temperatures were expected to remain mild.

The Southwest was likely to be hot and dry, with temperatures rising into the 90s and 100s across most of the region and some desert areas surpassing 110 degrees.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states on Thursday ranged from a low of 28 degrees at Stanley, Idaho, to a high of 114 degrees at Thermal, Calif.