Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 325 AM EDT Mon Sep 25 2017 Valid 12Z Mon Sep 25 2017 - 12Z Wed Sep 27 2017 ...Amplified weather pattern continues over the continental U.S. with Hurricane Maria near the East Coast... With a deep upper-level trough in place over the western states, below average temperatures are forecast to persist through midweek for much of this region before a moderating trend commences later in the week. With high pressure building in along with drier conditions, the coverage of snow showers over the Rockies will decrease. The eastern U.S. will continue to have warmer temperatures as the ridge remains anchored in place through midweek. Some locations could even achieve record high temperatures with readings breaking the 90-degree mark. A strong, slow moving cold front with multiple waves of low pressure developing along it will span from the Upper Great Lakes to Texas. Given the slow moving nature of this frontal boundary, episodes of heavy rainfall may lead to some flooding issues from Texas to the Upper Midwest. The greatest threat of flooding is expected across western Texas, where deep moisture streaming northward from Tropical Storm Pilar in the eastern Pacific will contribute to heavier rainfall amounts, with amounts possibly in excess of 5 inches between now and Wednesday night. Some severe thunderstorms will also be possible. Hurricane Maria is forecast to track near parts of the East Coast on Tuesday night and into Wednesday. Current indications suggest this storm may come within 200 miles of North Carolina's Outer Banks before heading out to sea on Thursday. It will be the front approaching from the west that causes the eastward turn for the hurricane later in the week. In the meantime, expect rough surf and high seas for the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic coasts, along with increasing cloudiness and gusty winds. The National Hurricane Center has the latest information and forecast track regarding this hurricane. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php