Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 359 PM EDT Sat Sep 23 2017 Valid 00Z Sun Sep 24 2017 - 00Z Tue Sep 26 2017 ...Cold for the western U.S. and warm for the eastern states... Much of the western U.S. will be quite cool into the beginning of the work week as a deep upper-level trough continues to dig in over the West. Below seasonal normal temperatures are forecast for much of the region. A few areas across the Intermountain West will have lingering snow at higher elevation into Sunday evening, otherwise, mostly dry conditions for the valleys and lower terrain. An extensive frontal zone will be present from the Upper Great Lakes through the Central Plains into the Desert Southwest/Southern Rockies. This boundary will have minimal eastward progression over the next few days due to a strong ridge anchored over the East. As a result summer-like heat and noticeable levels of humidity will be present from the Plains to the East Coast. Some locations could even achieve record high temperatures with readings breaking the 90-degree mark. Widespread areas will see temperatures running 10 to 20 degrees above normal for this time of year. Along this boundary, strong to potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Southern/Central High Plains - possibly as far north as central Minnesota. Periods of heavy rainfall that could result in flash flooding will also be possible - WPC has identified a slight risk for excessive rainfall along the front through Tuesday. Hurricane Maria is tracking North-Northwest and its future path, although is looking like it will stay far offshore, may bring some heavier rain and stronger winds to the Outer banks of North Carolina and Virginia. Refer to the National Hurricane Center for additional details on that storm. Campbell Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php