Southwest Near-Record Heat, Severe Storms Threaten Texas Plains

This week’s weather across various U.S. regions features a mix of high temperatures, humidity, and storm chances. In New Mexico and Texas, strong high pressure is causing near-record heat with dry air and breezy conditions, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s and possibly hitting 100 degrees, accompanied by severe thunderstorm watches for some Texas counties due to risks of damaging winds and hail. The Midwest and northern states will experience a more summer-like pattern with increasing humidity and scattered thunderstorms, especially from Tuesday through Wednesday, with potential for severe storms including heavy rain, strong winds, and hail. The Northeast and Great Lakes areas are seeing pleasant early week weather with highs in the 70s and 80s, though wildfire smoke causes hazy skies; rain chances increase midweek with thunderstorms expected. Overall, the week combines hot and dry conditions in the Southwest with more humid, storm-prone weather in the central and northern U.S., while the Northeast moves from dry and mild to wetter conditions by midweek. Residents are advised to stay updated on storm watches and heat advisories due to rapidly changing conditions.