Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 447 PM EDT Thu Jul 17 2014 Valid 00Z Fri Jul 18 2014 - 00Z Sun Jul 20 2014 ***Stormy weather for the central Plains and Deep South*** ***Very pleasant weather for the northern and eastern U.S.*** ***Scattered showers and storms over the Rocky Mountains*** An active weather pattern is ongoing over the central Plains and into the Deep South, and it is expected to continue through Friday. A plume of moisture over-running a cooler boundary layer airmass to the north, in conjunction with upper-level shortwave energy, will create a favorable environment for moderate to heavy rainfall. Some of this rainfall may be heavy enough to cause localized flooding issues. A quality airmass remains in place across the eastern U.S. through Friday, before a gradual moderation trend to slightly warmer and more humid conditions. Widespread lows in the 50s can be expected from the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast on Thursday night, especially away from major cities. Highs in the 70s to mid 80s will be commonplace. Out West, the hot weather over the Pacific Northwest is expected to abate by the weekend as a cold front brings in cooler air from the Pacific Ocean. Scattered showers and storms will continue to be possible each afternoon across the Rocky Mountains with the monsoonal moisture in place across the region. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php