National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heat Persists in the South Central U.S. and California; Heavy Rain in the Ohio Valley

Sweltering heat remains across the South-Central Plains and Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley, as well as in the Southwest and California this week with limited nighttime relief. Heavy rainfall will lead to localized areas of flash flooding in parts of the Ohio Valley/Central Appalachians. Dry and breezy conditions will enhance fire weather concerns across the northern Rockies and High Plains. 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