Severe flooding leads to evacuations in the Upper Midwest, coinciding with a prolonged heatwave that sets new records in the Western and mid-Atlantic regions.
• Scorching Heat Sweeps Mid-Atlantic: As the region swelters under excessive heat alerts affecting over 100 million people over the course of the weekend, the impending heatwave is set to push from the Ohio Valley on Saturday to the Mid-Atlantic on Sunday. Temperatures in the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic have soared by 10 to 15 degrees above the average, with the National Weather Service predicting a prolonged heatwave in the Mid-Atlantic, where record-breaking high temperatures are likely. The forecast declares numerous record-tying or record-breaking highs to be possible. In the western regions, potential temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit are anticipated in central and southern California, Arizona, and Utah.
• Temperatures Climb to All-Time Highs: The scorching triple-digit heat engulfed Baltimore and Washington, D.C., on Saturday, with the nation's capital hitting 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time since 2016. This also marks the first time that Washington, D.C., has recorded such heat this early in the summer since 2012. Baltimore, too, reached 101 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking the daily record of 100 degrees set back in 1988. The weather service warns that the early arrival and prolonged duration of the heatwave can significantly increase heat stress for individuals without access to reliable air conditioning.
• Floods Demand Evacuations in Iowa: The small town of Rock Valley, Iowa, issued mandatory evacuations for homes located north of Highway 18 due to high floodwaters on Saturday. Resident Daniel Heitritter, who evacuated his neighborhood in Spencer on Saturday, described the situation as unbelievable as water reached mid-thigh in his home. He needed to flag down a boat to help him, his wife, and their cat escape. The Upper Midwest is expected to receive up to 5 inches of rain through Sunday, following approximately 10 inches of rain over the previous 48 hours. On Saturday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for 21 affected counties in northwest Iowa, directing all available state resources to assist Rock Valley and other impacted communities.
• South Dakota Experiences Rescues Amid Flooding: Nine individuals were successfully rescued from rising water in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as a result of heavy rainfall, according to the City Emergency Manager Regan Smith. The emergency response team faced five stranded drivers, 30 vehicles stuck in water, 10 calls concerning water problems, and 75 traffic accidents, as reported by Smith. On Saturday, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken declared a state of emergency in response to the flooding. The past 72 hours have seen rainfall amounts of 6.5 to 8 inches across the Sioux Falls region, according to Mayor TenHaken.
• Minnesota Readies Flood Operations Amid Emergency: Flood warnings were in effect for parts of Minnesota on Saturday night, leading Governor Tim Walz to declare a state of emergency. This authorizes the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance for emergency flood operations as various areas experience severe flooding conditions. Some regions have reported rainfall totals of 14 to 18 inches, causing water levels to reach uncontrollable heights. Residents have been evacuated, and properties and numerous road closures have resulted from the flooding. Governor Walz stated that the intense rainfall has had catastrophic effects, leaving communities submerged under several feet of water and causing extensive property damage.
• New Mexico Wildfire Evacuations Lifted: The Salt and South Fork Fires in New Mexico have collectively torched more than 24,200 acres. As of Saturday night, the South Fork Fire was 26% contained, while the Salt Fire was 7% contained. Starting Monday, Ruidoso residents will be allowed to return to their homes, with officials advising them to pack at least a week's worth of food and drinking water, as grocery stores operate at reduced capacity. Though rainfall in the area might aid in suppressing the fires, it could also lead to flooding, mudslides, and debris flows in the burn zones. Meanwhile, the FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information that helps determine the cause of the wildfires.
• Flooding Threat looms over Northern New England: Showers and thunderstorms are expected to persist this weekend in New England, the Great Lakes, and the Upper Mississippi Valley according to the National Weather Service. The Great Lakes and Mississippi Valley regions may experience heavy rainfall on Saturday night, with a level 2 of 4 risk of excessive rainfall placed over the region. A level 2 of 5 risk of severe weather has also been issued, as some damaging winds and several tornadoes will be possible. On Sunday, thunderstorms are expected across New England and southward through the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, and Tennessee Valley, according to the weather service. Rainfall in northern New England brings a slight risk of heavy downpours and scattered flash flooding. Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are likely across parts of the Northeast, with damaging winds and numerous tornadoes predicted, particularly on Sunday afternoon in central New England, including much of New Hampshire and Vermont. Monsoon-like conditions might also produce isolated flash flooding in the Four Corners region. CNN's Paradise Afshar, Taylor Galgano, Elisa Raffa, Rebekah Riess, Alex Medeiros, Sara Tonks, and Kara Devlin contributed to this report.
