Thursday's forecast: Soggy, stormy South; high heat West

A soggy, stormy Thursday is on tap for the southeastern U.S. while high heat continues to bake the West.

South: Severe thunderstorms are forecast to lash the Deep South and Southeast on Thursday. Some of the heaviest rain is likely in Tennessee and Kentucky. Most of the region will be typically muggy and warm.

Central U.S.: The central Plains will also see some rainy weather, especially in Missouri. Afternoon storms are also likely in the northern Plains. The Upper Midwest and Great Lakes will be sunny and pleasant.

West: Blistering heat will continue in much of the west, especially away from the coast. Highs will approach or surpass 100 degrees. A few light showers will provide some relief in the central Rockies and the Southwest.

Weather history for July 2: In 1843, an alligator reportedly fell from the sky during a thunderstorm in Charleston, S.C. In 1980, the intense heat wave in Texas continued; Dallas soared to a record high of 110 degrees, the city's 10th straight record high.

In 1995, Marquette, Mich., dropped to 40 degrees, a record low.