Wednesday's forecast: Heat, humidity East, dry West

Rain, heat and humidity will be common in the East and South Wednesday, and dry, hot weather continues in the West.

East: Typical July heat, humidity and a few thunderstorms are forecast for much of the eastern U.S. on Wednesday. The main threats for rain will be in the Mid-Atlantic and Florida.

South: In the lower Mississippi Valley and along the Gulf Coast, numerous showers and thunderstorms are forecast Wednesday.

Central U.S.: Thunderstorms could fire up in the central and northern Plains on Wednesday, though widespread severe storms aren't likely. Mild temperatures will make for a pleasant day in the northern Plains.

West: Hot and dry conditions will persist over the next few days in the West, as afternoon high temperatures are expected to range 5 to 15 degrees above average for late July.

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Weather history for July 27: In 1939, Lewiston, Idaho, hit 117 degrees, an all-time record high temperature. In 1943, the first intentional airplane flight into a hurricane occurred on this day in the Gulf of Mexico.