The forecast comes days after an expansive storm similarly trekked across the U.S. last week, unloading snow in the northern Plains and bringing tornadoes and wildfires to the South. At least five storm-related deaths in Nebraska and Mississippi were tied to that storm.

But there is a greater, widespread threat for severe storms later this weekend. Severe storms are likely Saturday, and the significant severe weather risk will be increasing into the night for damaging winds, large hail and the potential for some strong tornadoes.

As near temperatures climbed to near records in parts of the central United States, a potent storm system was setting up to wallop the nation later

Parts of Mississippi are at risk of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour later this week.

Another powerful system is expected to produce severe weather for millions from coast to coast this week, forecasters say.