Thunderstorms and tornadoes may occur across the central US, posing a severe weather hazard to 40 million people

According to experts, Thursday could bring severe weather to over 40 million Americans, making it the second day in a row that tornado and storm watches are in effect for the central United States.

The Plains region has been the focus of extreme weather all week, and Wednesday was no exception: during the day, tornado watches were issued throughout the region, and during the evening on Wednesday, a severe storm reportedly spawned tornadoes in central Oklahoma, causing multiple injuries and at least one fatality, according to the Associated Press.

The risk of flooding, rapidly spreading wildfires, and heavy snow still exists for some people in the central United States who are not at risk from severe weather on Thursday.

Unseasonably warm temperatures should be experienced by people in the East and South.

What to know about Thursday’s national weather prediction is provided below:

tornado watch and severe weather
According to the National Weather Service, there is a chance for severe weather to occur throughout the eastern Plains through Thursday night.

The NWS predicted that “strong thunderstorms” will form once more, with a high probability of excessive rain rates and severe weather potential.

According to AccuWeather, the potential for severe thunderstorms—which can produce hail, heavy rain, and tornadoes—will extend from southern Wisconsin to central Texas. A moderate risk exists, nonetheless, for

Western Missouri
The majority of Arkansas, Little Rock, Eastern Oklahoma, Northeast Texas, Dallas, and parts of Little Rock; by late Thursday night, severe thunderstorms might approach Houston.

The NWS warned that the area might experience severe gusts, hail, sporadic tornadoes, and flash flooding through Thursday night into Friday early.

Possible flash floods in eastern Texas and Louisiana
Flash flooding may occur starting Thursday night in the following locations, in addition to those in the central U.S. under moderate risk of severe weather:

• Central Texas
• Louisiana
• Arkansas
• Northwest Mississippi
• Tennessee’s west
• South-central Arkansas
• Middle Kentucky
• Midwest Illinois Midwest Indiana
• From Thursday night through Friday night, “Localized flash flooding is also a possibility in urban areas and in poor drainage locations,” according to AccuWeather.

New Mexico and other states are still experiencing “critical” fire conditions.
Throughout the week, red flag warnings have been in effect for New Mexico and the neighboring states, but there may be some good news soon: According to the NWS, Thursday is the last day “critical” fire weather conditions are anticipated in the area.

According to the (Storm Prediction Center), strong winds and dry/hot weather continue to pose a critical fire weather risk across much of New Mexico, the Texas/Oklahoma Panhandles, and adjacent regions of Colorado, southwest Kansas, and western Oklahoma behind the dryline across the Southern High Plains. The majority of this area is under red flag warnings because of the dry, windy conditions. Any fires might spread quickly.

Map of red-flag alerts

a lot of snow in Minnesota and North Dakota
Since the NWS has issued a winter storm watch through Friday morning, there is a chance for significant snowfall in northern North Dakota and Minnesota starting Thursday morning into the afternoon.

According to the NWS, Thursday will start out with rain and snow before turning largely to snow Thursday night. The accumulating snow will be moist and heavy.

the winter storm map

It gets hotter on the East Coast.
As the East saw a “major cooldown” in less than a week after experiencing warm weather, the region’s roller-coaster temperature swings will continue. The southeast has seen an increase in temperatures, and now the heat is moving north. On Thursday, temperatures in some areas of Virginia are predicted to exceed 90 degrees.