Two people died in flash flooding near Spring Hope, North Carolina, on Wednesday when their vehicle was swept away by rapidly rising waters. The area was under a significant flash flood warning, with 4 to 6 inches of rain falling during the afternoon and evening commute.

On Thursday, the risk of excessive rainfall extends from the Florida Panhandle to Southeast Virginia. However, the threat is expected to be lower than on Wednesday, with anticipated rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches and possible isolated higher amounts.

The ongoing wet weather has resulted in cooler-than-normal temperatures across the region. Richmond, Virginia, set a record for the coolest high temperature for the day, reaching only 70 degrees. Additional record low highs are possible on Thursday morning in Greensboro and Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as well as Roanoke, Virginia.

In contrast, fire weather alerts are in effect across seven Western states: Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota. These alerts indicate critical fire weather conditions that could lead to rapid fire spread for any new or existing wildfires. These conditions are expected to persist through at least Saturday and may continue into early next week.

Meanwhile, extreme heat warnings are active in parts of the Southwest, including Palm Springs, Phoenix, and Tucson. Heat advisories are also in place for other areas in the Four Corners region and the Plains, as temperatures are expected to rise between 108 and 118 degrees through Friday. Record high temperatures are possible in cities like Palm Springs, Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque.

Severe storms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and strong wind gusts are forecasted for parts of the Upper Midwest on Thursday and Friday. The highest threat on Thursday is focused on North Dakota, including Fargo and Bismarck, with additional severe storm potential in Grand Forks, Billings, and Aberdeen. The threat will remain high in North Dakota on Friday, particularly in Fargo.

Air quality alerts have been lifted in many areas of the Midwest and Northeast as smoke from Canadian wildfires begins to dissipate. However, Chicago remains under an air quality alert due to pollution and lingering wildfire smoke. Hazy skies may still be visible across the Midwest and Northeast, but this does not necessarily indicate unhealthy air quality.

In the tropics, activity is increasing as the Atlantic hurricane season approaches its peak. Tropical Storm Dexter is moving northeast in the North Atlantic but poses no threat to the U.S. An area of showers and thunderstorms off the Southeast coast may develop into a low-pressure system within the next 24 hours, although the potential for development is decreasing. This system could form a tropical depression over warm waters this weekend and is expected to move north and northeast out to sea, bringing showers to the Southeast through the weekend.