MNN - Mother Nature Network

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The continental United States was experiencing a clash of climates on Monday, with the West posting below average temperatures and a surge of heat and humidity creeping up from the South.

 

For the first time since a rash of tornadoes pummeled the South in late April, the colliding of the two fronts could bring more severe storms to parts of the country, especially the High Plains and Midwest.

 

"Another round of powerful thunderstorms is expected later today and tonight across the northern Plains as a strong storm system pushes slowly east," meteorologist Bill Deger from Accuweather.com said.

 

"Given strong winds in the upper part of the atmosphere, a few thunderstorms could begin to rotate and become capable of producing a tornado or two," Deger said.

 

The U.S. had a rash of tornadoes in seven southern states in late April putting the country on a record pace of storms so far this spring.

 

The Weather Channel's Chris Colce said that May has more tornadoes than any other month on average, giving only a little reprieve from last month's highly destructive storms that killed a record number of people in the South.

 

In Texas, several cities were forecast to hit more than 100 degrees. Laredo, Lubbock and San Antonio, were all expected to tie or break records.

 

Recent wild fires that have ravaged the state are expected to continue and worsen with the with additional strong wind and heat, according to the Weather Channel.

 

(Reporting by Wendell Marsh; Editing by Greg McCune)

 

Copyright 2011  Reuters US Online Report Domestic News