Temperatures generally above average SE of a line from NW Minnesota to Los Angeles; well above average over the Ohio Valley, E Texas and Louisiana. Near average elsewhere except below average over the Pacific NW.

This week features an "Omega block" circulation over the US, with a ridge centered over the Plains and troughs over both coasts. The pattern will sharpen through the week bringing quite cool and wet conditions to the Pacific NW, near record heat over the plains and TX, and cool, showery and unstable weather to the NE. The gulf coast states should remain relatively mild with near to above average temperatures. Tropical moisture will generate very heavy rain over Flordia later in the week. Fire weather danger will be extreme over the northern NV and California Sierra tomorrow as a strong cold front moves through the region, generating high winds and lightning.

Cooling demand was well above average for much of last week over much of the east and so the build to be reported this Thursday by EIA should again be below the 5 yr average