Weather headlines: Winds increase fire threat in West

Low pressure in the High Plains will be the main weather maker today, bringing a threat for severe thunderstorms today from West Texas to the Dakotas and eastward into Iowa and Missouri tonight.Fire weather On the backside of the storm in the Plains, strong winds will develop across parts of the central and southern Rockies. Red flag fire warnings are in effect today for parts of western Colorado, northeastern Arizona, the far western Oklahoma Panhandle, and the northwestern portion of the North Texas Panhandle.In Southern California, strong west winds are expected to set up today, with a turn toward a northerly round of "sundowner" winds tonight. Sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph can be expected, with gusts to 45 through the mountains and canyons. The same scenario sets up for Wednesday, with slightly stronger sundowner winds expected by Wednesday night. Critical fire weather conditions will persist until at least Thursday for Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.Severe thunderstorm threat The developing low in the High Plains will draw Gulf air northward, setting the stage for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and this evening. There is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms for parts of West Texas, as well a separate area that includes much of Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, eastern Kansas, eastern and northern Nebraska, southeastern Montana, northeastern Wyoming and southern North Dakota. Primary threats from these storms will be damaging winds and large hail.As the storm system intensifies and moves eastward tonight and Wednesday, the severe thunderstorm threat will stretch from the southern Plains to the Great Lakes states. There will be a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms for eastern Missouri (including St. Louis) and central Illinois. An outbreak of tornadoes will be possible Wednesday afternoon and evening in the middle and upper Mississippi Valley.Showers for Sunshine State While not enough to break the ongoing drought, showers and thunderstorms will be possible across much of Florida today. Another round of afternoon showers and storms will be possible on Wednesday before generally dry weather settles in for the end of the week.Bookend highs Scattered rain and mountain snow will linger over the Northwest today. Winter weather advisories are in effect for the mountains of northern Idaho and western Montana. Likewise, a few showers and thunderstorms will be possible in southern New England. However, high pressure will build into the Northwest and Northeast on Wednesday.