0931 ET - U.S. natural gas futures are higher in early trading with at least two weeks more of extremely hot weather, particularly across the southern U.S., expected to drive power-sector demand. "Overall, weather patterns are viewed as bullish the front 10 days, but then closer to seasonal for the 11-15 day period," NatGasWeather.com says in a note. "We expect a volatile week in the natural gas markets and partly due to approaching expiration of Sep'26 options and futures," the forecaster adds. Nymex natural gas is up 1.7% at $2.821/mmBtu.