Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 428 PM EDT Tue Jul 01 2014 Valid 00Z Wed Jul 02 2014 - 00Z Fri Jul 04 2014 ...All Eyes Turn to Arthur and Its Potential Effects on the United States East Coast... A highly unusual weather pattern for early July is unfolding over the eastern United States. In early autumn, when Canadian air begins to make regular surges southward, there is sometimes an opportunity for tropical cyclones--which are quite common at that time of year--to be drawn northward ahead of the cold fronts. Both vigorous cold fronts AND tropical cyclones are at a premium around the Fourth of July, and their vigorous interaction is a downright rarity. The National Hurricane Center will be issuing the latest information on the tropical component of this expected atmospheric interaction--i.e. Tropical Storm Arthur, currently just east of the Florida peninsula. The Canadian outbreak has been reinforced by the remarkably deep cyclone that passed north of the Dakotas yesterday. The leading edge of the cold air will slow as it approaches the Appalachians Thursday, setting the stage for Arthur to pull northward. Heavy rains are expected to skirt the Southeast coast during the next two days, with showers and thunderstorms focusing along the slow-moving cold front in the Midwest. In the far West, cool, maritime air should stop short of passing the Cascade ranges. The Southwest looks seasonably hot and dry. Cisco Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php