Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 459 PM EDT Sun Aug 23 2015 Valid 00Z Mon Aug 24 2015 - 00Z Wed Aug 26 2015 ***Strong cold front crossing the central and eastern U.S.*** ***Pristine airmass behind front across much of northern U.S.*** ***Smoky skies for the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies*** A strong cold front will continue crossing the central and eastern U.S. through Monday, just several days after a similar front moved through. Showers and storms are expected ahead of the front from the Deep South to New England, and a few severe storms are also possible from the Ohio Valley to New York state through Sunday night. The main surface low associated with this front has now moved into Ontario. Much cooler weather will settle in behind the front for the north-central U.S. through Tuesday as a pristine airmass settles southward from Canada. Crisp mornings and mild, sunny afternoons will give a fall-like feel to the air. The airmass will not be as cool or dry by the time it reaches the Gulf Coast. For the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Intermountain West, and northern Rockies, widespread haze and smoke from ongoing wildfires will continue to be an issue for the beginning of the week. Air quality alerts are out for elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the lower atmosphere as a result of the smoke pollution. Visibilities will also be reduced in some areas. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php