Heat, Storms, and Arctic Front Across U.S.

Heat and humidity remain widespread this weekend, with parts of the South and Midwest seeing upper-90s to triple-digit heat indices. Meanwhile, the West Coast and Pacific Northwest are cooler and cloudier, with scattered showers and daily highs generally in the 70s to near 80s. Heavy rain, strong storms, and the potential for severe weather are forecast in several regions, including the Midwest and Northeast, with thunderstorms along the Great Lakes and heat indices climbing again. An Arctic front is expected to bring a temporary warm spell to Alaska followed by snow on the North Slope and a cooldown for Interior regions. Smoke and fire danger east of the Cascades are expected to remain elevated as winds carry wildfire smoke, with conditions gradually improving later next week as fronts move through. Overall, summer heat persists across much of the country, but fronts will trigger rain, storms, and periodic cooldowns in various areas.