Millions of people across the Central Plains are bracing for severe weather conditions on Sunday and Monday, including the potential for tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. The Storm Prediction Center has warned that wind gusts of 80-100 mph, and even extreme gusts exceeding 100 mph, could occur, posing a high risk to areas in western and central Kansas.

The storm system, which may include a derecho—a fast-moving group of severe thunderstorms associated with widespread, long-lived, straight-line winds—is expected to bring widespread destruction. The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a statement saying that the region should expect scattered severe storms capable of producing tennis ball-sized hail, wind gusts of up to 80 mph, and the possibility of tornadoes.

Parts of the east coast of Florida also face a slight risk for the occurrence of severe thunderstorms on Sunday. The Storm Prediction Center highlights the potential for large hail in this region. Meanwhile, residents of the Houston area are dealing with a different threat as they recover from Thursday's storms: a sweltering heatwave. With power still out for more than 351,000 homes and businesses in Harris County, residents will have to endure high heat indices, reaching the 90s on Sunday and Monday, and potentially surpassing 100 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The National Weather Service in Houston has issued a warning, reminding residents about the symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke, urging them to prioritize safety during the cleanup process. The restoration of power could take weeks, prolonging the discomfort for those without access to air conditioning.

Looking ahead, the Central US faces an increasing threat of severe weather and excessive rainfall in the following days, according to the National Weather Service. On Monday, the severe thunderstorm risk drops slightly for the Central Plains, while spreading east to encompass parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois, including the cities of Chicago and Detroit.

Authorities are preparing for the possibility of hail and strong wind gusts as primary threats, but isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out across the Central Plains and portions of the Midwest. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a statement cautioning that severe thunderstorms are also possible across the Middle Mississippi Valley to Lower Michigan on Monday afternoon.

Severe thunderstorm chances will continue on Tuesday across parts of the Mississippi Valley, with the primary concern being damaging winds, although large hail and tornadoes are also possible.

As the affected areas brace for further severe weather, the Houston area will battle extreme heat in the coming days. The aftermath of Thursday's storms has left many without power, making it challenging to escape the scorching temperatures. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions and monitor their health during this heatwave, which poses a considerable risk to public well-being.

The situation underscores the importance of preparedness and safety measures during extreme weather events, whether it's severe storms or oppressive heat. By staying informed, taking necessary precautions, and looking out for one another, communities can navigate these challenging conditions and minimize potential harm.