The Nation's Weather

— Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected on Friday to again regale much of the United States.

The storm will begin in the Ohio and Tennessee valleys and move into the South and Mid-Atlantic states by evening. Large hail, damaging winds and possible tornadoes are expected to accompany short bursts of heavy rainfall.

Severe weather is also expected to hit the Lower Mississippi River Valley and the Southeast.

Cool, dry air will keep conditions mild in the Great Lakes and Northeast, and the Northern Plains will see comfortable temperatures. However, isolated showers and thunderstorms may form over the Dakotas and Minnesota.

The West Coast will see cool, cloudy conditions but not much rain. Light, scattered rain and thunderstorms may develop in the Cascades.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from 28 degrees at Mammoth, Calif., to 104 degrees at San Angelo, Texas.

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On the Net:

Weather Underground: http://www.wunderground.com

National Weather Service: http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov

Intellicast: http://www.intellicast.com