Late-summer warmth will cover much of the country during the next several days, with weekend temperatures topping 90°F as far north as the Dakotas.  By early next week, temperatures near or above 90°F will cover the central and eastern U.S., except in portions of the Great Lakes and Northeastern States.  Meanwhile, occasional showers will occur nearly nationwide, although rainfall amounts will generally be light.  In the South, however, 5-day rainfall totals could reach 2 to 4 inches or more from the central Gulf Coast region to the southern Atlantic Coast. 

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