The northeast and the Appalachians will see lower temps but more storms. (Credit: AddMeshCube / AdobeStock)
As summer gets closer, forecasters are predicting sweltering temperatures, intense wildfires and drought across much of the United States, according to a new report from AccuWeather.
Forecasters predict temperatures will be above historical averages in 45 states, with strong to extreme heat waves at times, especially in the western, central and northwestern United States.
“We expect a summer with more extremes, including extreme heat waves, expanding drought and the potential for big wildfires and major hurricanes later in the summer,” said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s lead long-range expert, in a statement.
Many areas have already started experiencing warm weather. Phoenix reached 100 degrees on April 10, the earliest it’s done so in the last seven years. Drought is expected to be widespread across the west this summer, boosting wildfire risks.
One exception: The northeast and the Appalachians will see temperatures that are closer to average but also more showers and thunderstorms, including severe ones.
Later in the summer, the east and southeast could see intense rainfall from tropical storms and hurricanes. AccuWeather is predicting 13 to 18 named storms, seven to 10 hurricanes and three to six direct U.S. impacts during the Atlantic hurricane season this year. Storms from the hurricanes could also increase tornado activity.
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