Dangerous severe storms are set to sweep across the eastern half of the United States over the Memorial Day weekend, impacting major cities and endangering millions of people. The storms will begin on Saturday, with around 18 million residents from Texas to Iowa facing a high threat of severe weather.

The most intense storms are expected to hit Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, putting cities such as Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Joplin, and Wichita at risk. Discrete thunderstorms are predicted to form over Oklahoma and Texas in the early evening hours and then move eastward into Missouri and Iowa overnight. During this time, a few long-lived supercells could develop, capable of producing intense tornadoes, large hail, and destructive wind gusts.

On Sunday, these severe storms will continue their eastward movement, reaching the Midwest and Ohio Valley. Approximately 42 million people residing in cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, St. Louis, and Cincinnati will be affected. Damaging wind gusts are expected to be the primary hazard across the Midwest, but tornadoes and large hail could also occur.

The storm system will culminate on the East Coast on Monday, with approximately 27 million people in the mid-Atlantic region, including Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, at risk of experiencing strong to severe thunderstorms. While the primary concern in this area will be severe winds, there is also a possibility of large hail or even tornadoes.

Moreover, the active storm pattern poses a risk of flash flooding, particularly in the mid-Mississippi Valley. Approximately 3 million people, including those in cities like Memphis, Tennessee, and Tupelo, Mississippi, are currently under flood alerts. Rainfall is expected to range from 1-2.5 inches, with localized areas experiencing higher amounts up to 3 inches or more in locations where training storms develop.

While the South will not be experiencing thunderstorms during the Memorial Day weekend, extreme heat will be a major concern. Summer-like temperatures will impact the southern Plains and the Gulf Coast, with highs reaching 10-20 degrees above average. Heat alerts have been issued for around 7 million people across southern Texas on Saturday, including cities like Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Brownsville. Temperatures in these areas could soar as high as 100-115 degrees, potentially threatening nearly two dozen record highs.

On Sunday, the heat will persist in the South, with over 20 record highs threatened in cities like Corpus Christi, Miami, Orlando, Baton Rouge, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Additionally, approximately 4 million people are under alerts for critical fire weather conditions across the high and southern Plains – from Colorado to Texas. Cities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and El Paso are included in this warning. Dry vegetation, strong winds of 30-45 mph, and low relative humidity create a dangerous combination, increasing the risk of rapidly spreading fires.

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, it is crucial for residents in the affected regions to stay informed about the severe storms and extreme heat conditions. Taking necessary precautions and staying updated with weather forecasts can help ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and their communities.