Cloud cover and rain were expected in the Northeast on Friday. Heavy rain was anticipated across the Mid-Atlantic interior. Flood watches were posted from northern Virginia through Long Island.

The southern Appalachians were also expected to see more intense thunderstorms, but a widespread outbreak of damaging weather was called unlikely.

In the Northern Rockies, wet weather was anticipated. Rain was expected across Idaho, Montana and Wyoming early in the day, with precipitation spreading into the Dakotas by evening. Snow was possible in the higher elevations.

Clouds were expected to remain in place along the West Coast, and temperatures several miles inland were to remain cool.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from a low of 21 degrees at International Falls, Minn., to a high of 104 degrees at Laredo, 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