Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 355 PM EDT Fri Jul 22 2016 Valid 00Z Sat Jul 23 2016 - 00Z Mon Jul 25 2016 ...Dangerously hot temperatures expected across portions of the central U.S... ...Severe thunderstorms possible across portions of the northern plains, Upper Midwest, and Northeast... ...Heavy rain possible today across portions of the northern plains... Showers and thunderstorms will be possible across the northern Plains, the Upper and Middle Mississippi valley and the Great Lakes region this weekend as a low pressure system advances through the northern tier states. A series of embedded disturbances in the flow aloft, combined with strong daytime heating and available moisture east of the front range, will help generate and maintain strong to severe convection. The Storm Prediction Center has a slight risk for eastern Montana and the Dakotas, with an enhanced area primarily along and south of I-94 in North Dakota. Please refer to products issued by the Storm Prediction Center for further details on the severe weather threat. Periods of heavy rainfall may result in flash flooding across this region through Saturday. Showers and thunderstorms are also forecast from the Great Lakes region to the Northeast this weekend as a cold front moves southeast toward the Atlantic Ocean. The front will push offshore on Sunday and surface high pressure will expand into the Northeast. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible across the Four Corners region into the weekend, primarily across the higher terrain. Scattered thunderstorms are also forecast for the afternoon and evening hours across the Southeast this weekend. An extensive area of high pressure at the mid and upper-levels of the atmosphere will be the dominant feature over the southern and central U.S. Numerous locations, especially across the Midwest and central/northern Plains, will continue to have temperatures well over 100 degrees. High humidity combined with the high temperatures will result in oppressive heat. Widespread heat advisories and warnings are in effect across the Gulf states, Plains, Upper Midwest, Mississippi and Ohio valleys. Campbell Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php