Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 435 PM EDT Fri Jun 28 2013 Valid 00Z Sat Jun 29 2013 - 00Z Mon Jul 01 2013 ...Scorching heat to continue this weekend out west... ...Storms remain in the forecast for the Eastern U.S.... A heat wave is building across much of the Western U.S. as this region remains parked under an expansive upper ridge this weekend. Daytime temperatures rocketing well into the triple digits could approach or exceed records, while overnight lows struggle to dip into the 70s or even the 80s. Excessive heat watches and warnings are in effect for much of the Southwestern states throughout the entire weekend and into early next week. In regards to precipitation, some isolated thunderstorms are possible over the higher terrain in the Rockies, but this will do very little to suppress the hot and dry atmosphere which could also lead to a fire weather threat. Downstream, an amplifying upper trough over the eastern half of the U.S will keep the stormy weather around through the forecast period. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible ahead of a stalled surface front stretching along the east coast and into the Gulf states. Moisture streaming onshore thanks to a stubborn high pressure ridge out in the Atlantic Ocean, combined with an already unstable atmosphere, will allow for some of these showers and storms to become more organized in nature leading to the possibility for severe weather, heavy downpours, and flash flooding. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are also possible across the Midwest as the upper low continues to swirl overhead. Monarski Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php