Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 348 AM EDT Fri Sep 22 2017 Valid 12Z Fri Sep 22 2017 - 12Z Sun Sep 24 2017 ...Cold for the western U.S. and warm for the eastern states... A dichotomy of air masses will exist across the nation to end the week and into the weekend, with a deep trough over the Intermountain West and a large upper level ridge over the eastern U.S. This equates to below normal temperatures and snow for the higher elevations of the Rockies and Great Basin, and summer-like heat and noticeable levels of humidity from the Plains to the East Coast. Some locations across the Ohio Valley and Midwest could see highs reach 90 or higher, comparable to what was observed on Thursday. Given the pronounced difference in these air masses, a strong cold front will exist from the central Rockies to the northern Plains, with little in the way of eastward progression over the next couple of days. Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop along and ahead of the front on Friday across the western High Plains, and also for parts of the Upper Midwest. In addition, these storms will be capable of producing episodes of heavy rain that could result in flash flooding. Post Tropical Storm Jose will continue to weaken well off New England's coast through Friday and into the weekend, although it is not expected to move very much. Rainfall from it would primarily affect coastal portions of the Northeast U.S., along with elevated surf and hazardous marine conditions. It will also result in increased cloud cover east of the Appalachians on Friday. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php