The Nation's Weather

Heavy rain was forecast throughout Friday in parts of the Midwest already saddled with flooding. Some of the heaviest rainfall accumulations were expected over northern Illinois, with more than 4 inches possible around Chicago.

Wet weather was also expected in the Plains as the same storm system tracks through the region. Rainfall in excess of 2 inches was possible in a region extending from northeastern Nebraska through the Great Lakes.

Periods of heavy rain were also forecast for the Northeast as the remnant of tropical storm Erin moves into the Canadian Maritimes.

Hot weather was expected to continue in the South and West.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from a low of 30 degrees at Stanley, Idaho, to a high of 109 degrees at Gila Bend, Ariz.

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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