The south-central US is the focus of unsettled weather this weekend, with flash flooding and severe thunderstorms threatening much of the southern Plains.

Several periods of heavy rain will hit the region next Monday, increasing the threat of flash flooding. Flood Watches have been placed for parts of New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas, including cities such as Lubbock, Texas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Wichita, Kansas; and Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms can drench many of the same locations, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

Through Monday, 4 to 8 inches of rain could fall in some locations, with the highest totals likely falling across much of Oklahoma. There is a chance of widespread rain showers of more than a foot in Oklahoma over the next few days, including the Oklahoma City metro area.

There is a chance of scattered severe thunderstorms affecting parts of the southern Plains this weekend, including parts of the Texas Panhandle in southwestern Oklahoma through Saturday evening.

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 9:00 PM CT for portions of southeastern New Mexico and western Texas, including Carlsbad, New Mexico and Midland, Texas.

The main hazards over the next 24 hours will be from strong, potentially damaging winds and hail, but an occasional brief tornado or two cannot be ruled out.

On Sunday, the threat zone is concentrated across Abilene to Wichita Falls, Texas, and extends across much of Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma City area.

The severe weather threat shifts east Monday and extends from North Texas to Western Arkansas and Southern Missouri, including Dallas, Waco, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Springfield, Missouri.

Damaging winds and a few tornadoes are possible.

Temperature fluctuations in November

Seasonally cool conditions have developed across much of the East this weekend, following a summer-like start to November on Friday. Highs will be in the 50s and 60s, with abundant sunshine for much of the region.

However, another big warm-up is on the way next week, with more temperature swings expected for the eastern third of the country in the first week of November.

The weather looks great for the New York City Marathon on Sunday.

Warmer temperatures return to the Midwest and Northeast early next week, while widespread warmth returns in the East for Election Day on Tuesday.

Afternoon temperatures on Election Day will be in the 70s from the Ohio Valley to much of the Northeast, including cities like Cincinnati, Ohio; Pittsburg, PA; Buffalo, New York; Scranton, PA; New York City; Hartford, Connecticut; Philadelphia; and Washington DC

Daily record highs will be challenged in parts of the Ohio Valley on Tuesday and parts of the Northeast on Wednesday.