The Nation's Weather 08.29.08

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND

Tropical Storm Gustav will continue to be the focus of potential serious weather for the next several days near the Gulf Coast, while a broadening ridge of high pressure will move through the heart of the country and bring dry conditions to many areas.

Showers and thunderstorms were expected to develop from the southern Plains to the Tennessee Valley. Scattered showers also were possible along the Northeast coast.

Rain will continue to creep into the Southwest and trigger scattered showers and thunderstorms in Arizona and New Mexico. The heaviest precipitation, however, will remain south of the border.

High pressure was to keep skies warm and clear from the interior West to the northern Plains. The Midwest was also to be sunny and pleasant.

The Southeast will rise into the 90s and some 100s, while the southern Plains will experience more widespread triple digit temperatures. The Northeast will rise into the 70s and 80s, while California will once again experience temperatures well into the 100s.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states on Thursday ranged from a low of 29 degrees at Stanley, Idaho, to a high of 122 degrees at Death Valley, Calif.