Gulf of Mexico

Weather Underground Forecast for Friday, September 03, 2010.

Hurricane Earl has lost some of its strength, currently at category 2 strength with winds up to 105 mph, located about 115 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras North Carolina. On Friday, the system will continue moving northward, skirting along the shores of the East Coast. As it turns to the north, it is expected to accelerate and reach to the coasts of New England by Friday night. Hurricane Watches and Warnings are in effect for the coasts of North Carolina and extend to Maine. The main areas of concern on Friday will be North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. Expect strong winds up to tropical storm force ranging between 39-73 mph along the East Coast. Also, dangerous storm surge and surf are anticipated with water levels rising by 3-5 feet near Chesapeake Bay and by 1-3 feet elsewhere. Lastly, heavy rainfall with total accumulation between 2-4 inches and isolated amounts up to 6 inches is expected.

Elsewhere across the nation, a strong low pressure system tracking eastward across the Canadian and US border will continue pushing a cold front through the Eastern US. This will continue kicking up scattered showers and thunderstorms, with heaviest storms anticipated in the north across New England and the Northeast. The Plains will quickly dry out as this front passes. Expect mild temperatures across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest with highs in the 60s, while the Southern Plains remain in the 80s. Meanwhile, the Western US remains warm and quiet under a ridge of high pressure. A few clouds will start returning to the coasts, otherwise most areas will see plenty of sunshine. Expect another hot day across the deserts with highs reaching well above 100 degrees.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from a low of 20 degrees at Pleasant Valley, Mont. to a high of 115 degrees at Death Valley, Calif.