Heat will continue to intensify across the south-central U.S., with temperatures topping 100°F during the weekend and early next week in much of Texas and portions of neighboring states.  A few readings above 110°F may occur in southern Texas.  Meanwhile, mostly dry weather will prevail during the next 5 days from California to the western Gulf Coast region, as well as a broad area centered over the Great Lakes region.  A few Midwestern locations—mainly across the western and southern Corn Belt—will receive some weekend showers.  However, the axis of heaviest rain—accompanied by locally severe thunderstorms—will stretch from the central Plains into the Southeast.  Additional Southeastern rainfall could total 2 to 6 inches, especially in northern Florida and environs.

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