Extraordinary Northwestern heat will gradually subside, but triple-digit temperatures (100°F) will affect portions of the northern Plains during the Independence Day weekend. In addition, temperatures will remain at above-normal levels throughout the drought-stricken western U.S. Meanwhile, favorably cooler conditions will briefly overspread the Northeast, followed by the return of hot weather early next week.

During the next several days, heavy showers will shift southward toward the Gulf Coast, leaving most of the country under a dry regime.

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