front are heading toward california and the pacific northwest. storms and downpours hit florida's flood zone again. rain for parts of the northeast. >> 90s and triple digits from phoenix and dallas to washington, d.c. 80s in l.a., kansas city, chicago and boston. 79 in detroit. >>> most of the republican presidential candidates gathered on a stage in new hampshire last night in a preview of thursday's big debate. missing though was front-runner donald trump. he refused to attend. abc's serena marshall with the highlights. >> reporter: it's the kickoff to debate week. the largest gathering of the crowded republican field yet. 14 of the 17 presidential contenders participating in a debate-like event in new hampshire. but no one was throwing punches. >> i'm really impressed with the caliber of the people that are running for president. >> i'm not here to criticize my party. >> reporter: instead using the forum stage to take digs at president obama. >> this president's done an awful job.