Southern Plains, Southeast Face Stormy Weekend

Rain and thunderstorms could put a damper on Memorial Day weekend outdoor activities in parts of the Southeast, West and Plains while hot and dry conditions truly make it feel like the unofficial start of summer in much of the Midwest.

A surge of tropical moisture associated with Subtropical Storm Alberto will lead to periods of rain and thunderstorms across Florida and other parts of the Gulf Coast and Southeast. Some of that moisture will also reach the mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley this weekend, bringing some wet periods to those regions, as well.

(MORE: Subtropical Storm Alberto Will Impact Your Plans on the Gulf Coast)

Meanwhile, a ridge of high pressure will be in place over the Midwest states, maintaining an impressive holiday heat wave, while a trough of low pressure over the Northwest and Great Basin is an indication that unsettled conditions are possible at times this holiday weekend.

As that next system in the West begins to slide eastward, severe thunderstorms will erupt in the Plains Monday.

(MORE: Plains Heat Wave to Last Through the Memorial Day Weekend)

AAA expects Memorial Day weekend travel to be the heaviest in more than a dozen years with nearly 42 million travelers. That's up almost 5 percent from last year.

With that in mind, here's what travelers can expect for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

(MORE: Tropics Have Been Active on Memorial Day Weekend in Recent Years)