Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 300 PM EST Mon Feb 27 2017 Valid 00Z Tue Feb 28 2017 - 00Z Thu Mar 02 2017 ...Severe thunderstorms are likely from the Arklatex up through the Ozarks into the Ohio/Tennessee valleys and Mid-Atlantic region... ...Many daily temperature records may be broken from the Great Plains to the Eastern Seaboard... ...Enhanced wildfire danger across the Southern Rockies to the Southern Plains... A Spring-like pattern will be featured as the forecast moves toward the first day of March. Strong mid-level southwesterly flow coupled with ample moisture and instability will set the stages for a multi-day severe weather event. Initially, the activity should focus in the vicinity of the Arklatex with these thunderstorms expanding eastward during the following couple of days. Based on the latest outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center, all severe weather types are possible with much of the activity evolving into more of a squall line during the overnight hours. The strong area of convection is forecast to focus along and ahead of an advancing cold front which is expected to reach the I-95 corridor by late Wednesday. In addition to the potential for severe weather, flash flooding is possible within any of the more concentrated axes of heavy rainfall. Given the highly amplified flow and strong surge of Gulf moisture lifting into the Central/Eastern United States, very warm conditions will prevail in advance of the cold front. Tens of daily records may be broken for afternoon highs as well as mild overnight low temperatures. On Wednesday, highs across the Mid-Atlantic may approach the mid/upper 70s while many 60s will encompass New England. In terms of temperature anomalies, many readings should be anywhere from 15 to 25 degrees above climatology. On the converse, cooler weather will prevail from the immediate West Coast out to the Rockies. A series of systems traversing the region will maintain a threat for precipitation and abundant cloud cover. One such feature tracking across the Desert Southwest will keep wet conditions in the forecast, particularly across the Four Corners region where widespread rain and mountain snows are expected. Currently the San Juans of southwestern Colorado may see anywhere from 12 to 18 inches of snow. In response to the other system within the northern tier, the Washington Cascades and Bitterroots can expect similar snowfall amounts the next couple of days. Given the warm, dry, and breezy conditions expected ahead of the systems tracking through the Desert Southwest, there will be an enhanced threat for wildfires. Based on the latest fire weather outlook from the Storm Prediction Center, areas of the Southern Rockies to the Southern Plains are in the critical to extreme levels on their forecasts. Consequently, local forecast offices across the region have issued red flag warnings due to these adverse conditions. Rubin-Oster Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php