Looking ahead, a significant warming trend is expected next week. Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and potentially reach the low 90s by midweek, with increasing humidity. Thunderstorm chances will return Tuesday through Thursday, with the possibility of heat indices approaching 100 degrees.

A sprawling area of storms infused with tropical moisture is dropping heavy rain along the Gulf Coast and could produce significant flash flooding into the weekend. The threat Friday is not as bad as previously expected,

A system that landed in Louisiana Thursday currently does not have any chance of forming, but it will still bring more heavy rains and potential flooding to southern Louisiana Friday and Saturday.  The region remains under a flood watch after much of the New Orleans area was left unscathed Thursday.

Eighteen-year-old Connor Zilisch scored his series-high fourth Xfinity win of the season when rain shortened Saturday’s race at Dover Motor Speedway. The race was stopped after 134 of 200 laps. Zilisch led 77 laps and won the second stage.

Authorities were conducting relief operations in several areas across Pakistan after this week's torrential rains appeared to largely subside, with the death toll from rain-related incidents nearing 200 since late June.

Showers and thunderstorms are possible Saturday and Sunday in the Lehigh Valley, with a “more pleasant” air mass moving in to start the new week.

Paul Douglas is a nationally-respected meteorologist, with 40 years of broadcast television and radio experience. He provides daily print and online weather services for the Star Tribune.