National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Severe Thunderstorms for mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valley; Record Warmth and Fire Weather Concerns

Severe thunderstorms are expected later this afternoon and evening across the mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valley's. Large hail, damaging winds and a few tornadoes are all possible. Meanwhile, record warmth across the southern tier of the country continues; This will enhance fire weather conditions for the Plains. The cold front will head south on Friday with cooler temperatures east of the Rockies. Read More >

This is a loop of 3.9 micron satellite imagery. This is a near-infrared channel that is sensitive to temperatures.

The image at 0130Z (530 pm PST) shows a black spot at Mt St Helens, indicating very warm temperatures. The subsequent images show the cooling of the volcano, as well as the drifting ash cloud to the east.

Ash plume on satellite image loop