Severe Storms Threaten Midwest, Plains, and Southwest with Damaging Winds
Severe thunderstorms are forecast to impact parts of the Midwest, Plains, and Southwest on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. According to the Storm Prediction Center, these storms could produce damaging wind gusts between 60 and 80 mph, hail, and heavy rainfall. Areas under a Marginal Risk for severe weather include the Mid-Mississippi Valley, southern High Plains, and southeastern Arizona. A stationary front across the central U.S. is expected to fuel storms in Missouri and Illinois, while monsoonal moisture in Arizona may lead to microbursts. Additionally, wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in the Pacific Northwest and Great Basin. (Source time: 2026-08-05T12:50:00 ET) 
