Fox Weather warns heavy rain Memorial Day

Fox Weather warned on May 17 that heavy rain, thunderstorms and cooler temperatures could disrupt Memorial Day weekend plans across much of the United States. The outlet said a high-pressure system off the Eastern Seaboard and a disturbance moving out of the West were expected to combine into a broad stretch of unsettled weather. The forecast pointed to impacts from the South to the Northeast, including beach destinations and major inland travel routes. Federal forecasters separately flagged severe storms, flash flooding, mountain snow and sharp regional temperature contrasts as the week began. ### Where is the heaviest holiday rain expected? Fox Weather said on May 17 that the most significant rain threat would extend from the South into the Northeast during the Memorial Day period. The outlet said widespread rain and thunderstorms were likely as Atlantic and Gulf moisture fed into the holiday setup, with multiple inches of rain possible in cities including Houston, Nashville and New York City. (foxweather.com) The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center said on May 17 that a multi-day severe weather and flash flood threat was continuing across the Plains and Midwest. The center said a slow-moving front, strong instability and Gulf moisture were expected to support repeated rounds of heavy rain. ### Which travel hubs could see disruptions? Fox Weather identified Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Atlanta as major airports worth watching ahead of the holiday weekend. (foxweather.com) The outlet said storms through the weekend could pose risks for millions of Americans traveling for the long weekend. The broader federal outlook on May 18 added to that risk picture. (wpc.ncep.noaa.gov) The National Weather Service said severe storms, including very large hail, strong tornadoes and damaging winds, were expected from the Great Lakes into the central and southern Plains, while heavy late-season snow and cold temperatures were forecast in parts of the Rockies. ### Why are some places turning cooler while others stay hot? (foxweather.com) Fox Weather said the early-week summerlike warmth in parts of the East would not last. The outlet said temperatures in parts of the Northeast could fall into the upper 60s as early as Thursday, adding a cool and wet backdrop to the holiday weekend. (weather.gov) The National Weather Service on May 18 described a split national pattern. The agency said heat was spreading across the eastern United States even as heavy wet snow and cold temperatures were expected in the northern to central Rockies, underscoring how sharply conditions could vary by region before the holiday. ### What does this mean for beach plans and outdoor events? Fox Weather said coastal destinations were also in the risk zone, with wet and chilly conditions threatening plans tied to the unofficial start of summer. (foxweather.com) The outlet framed the forecast as a possible setback for outdoor gatherings, beach trips and other holiday events across a majority of the country. (weather.gov) The forecast did not point to one uniform outcome nationwide. Federal forecasters said on May 18 that heat would continue in parts of the East while severe weather remained focused farther west, meaning local conditions will depend on the timing and track of individual systems. ### What about the Indianapolis 500 forecast? The Indianapolis Star reported on May 17 that May 24, Race Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was shaping up as a warm and humid day with only a slight chance of showers. (foxweather.com) The report said the National Weather Service had not yet issued a Race Day forecast, but AccuWeather’s 10-day outlook called for a high near 78 degrees with a 30% chance of rain. (wpc.ncep.noaa.gov) May 24 remains several days away, and the National Weather Service forecast for Indianapolis is expected to sharpen closer to the event. Travelers and race fans can monitor updated federal forecasts through weather.gov and local Indianapolis advisories as Memorial Day weekend approaches. (weather.gov) (indystar.com)