Scattered Thunderstorms Expected Across US, Finland This Week

A widespread pattern of warm to hot weather with intermittent thunderstorms is affecting many parts of the U.S. and Finland. In the central U.S., including Nebraska, Iowa, and Virginia, temperatures are cooling slightly with a passing cold front bringing showers and isolated thunderstorms, followed by more comfortable and less humid conditions into the weekend. Northcentral Washington is experiencing highs near 100 degrees with a risk of dry and wet thunderstorms, raising wildfire concerns, but cooler and sunnier weather is expected over the weekend. New England is seeing a mix of hot, humid days and scattered showers or thunderstorms, especially south of the Mass Pike, with heavy rain possible into Friday before a sunnier, pleasant weekend. Meanwhile, Finland is enduring a record-breaking heatwave with inland waters reaching unprecedented temperatures and ongoing wildfire risks, although thunderstorms and rain are forecasted, particularly in Lapland and western regions, which may ease some drought conditions. Overall, many regions are balancing heat and humidity with intermittent storm activity and gradual cooling trends.