The Nation's Weather 08.15.08

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND

Showers and thunderstorms were forecast for the central and southern Plains on Friday. The storms could be severe, packing strong winds, moderate rain and large hail.

Rain was forecast for most of the East Coast on Friday as a low pressure system hangs over the Northeast. Severe storms, including possible tornadoes, were expected across the region, and flooding was also possible.

To the West, monsoon storms were forecast to persist over the Southwest. Temperatures were expected to rise throughout the West. A red flag fire warning and a heat advisory were issued for northern Oregon and Washington. California was also expected to see warm conditions.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states on Thursday ranged from a low of 32 degrees at Wisdom, Mont., to a high of 122 degrees at Death Valley, Calif.