Memorial Day weekend is set to bring dangerous weather conditions across the United States, with forecasters warning of severe heat in the South, tornadoes and storms in the Midwest, fire conditions in the Southwest, and cooler temperatures in some areas. Meteorologists are predicting sweltering conditions in the South, with temperatures rising into the 90s and even exceeding 100 degrees in parts of central and south Texas. The heat index, which factors in humidity, could make it feel like 115 degrees in south Texas through Monday.
In addition to the extreme heat, severe thunderstorms are also a concern, particularly in Florida’s Panhandle, parts of Alabama and Georgia. The National Weather Service expects multiple rounds of severe storms to hit Indiana, southern Michigan, Illinois, and parts of Ohio over the weekend, bringing gusty winds, flooding, hail, and potential tornadoes. Storms are also expected in the central and southern Plains states, the Ozarks to Mississippi, and the Ohio River Valley, with the potential for strong tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.
While the East Coast may see some storms on Monday, areas along the West Coast and upper Midwest could experience unseasonably cool temperatures. AccuWeather predicts comfortable conditions in New England and mild weather in the upper Great Plains, with dry conditions on the West Coast. Despite the challenging weather conditions, gas prices have fallen in recent weeks, averaging around $3.60 per gallon. Analysts expect prices to remain in the mid-$3.50 range through Memorial Day, with the cheapest prices in states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
Despite the weather challenges and gas prices, nearly 44 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles over Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA. This is the highest number of travelers predicted in over 20 years, with the vast majority opting to travel by car rather than flying. As millions of Americans hit the road for the holiday weekend, it is important to stay informed about the weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
