Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 249 AM EDT Thu Aug 2 2018 Valid 12Z Thu Aug 2 2018 - 12Z Sat Aug 4 2018 ...Unsettled weather pattern continues across the eastern U.S.... ...The heat wave is gradually abating across the West, though fire weather concerns remain... Unsettled weather will continue to be the case for much of the eastern U.S. through the end of the workweek, owing to a stalled out frontal boundary extending from Texas to the Lower Great Lakes that should eventually dissipate by Friday. This is coupled with a large scale upper level trough extending from the Great Lakes to the Mid South. The response to this in the low levels will be deep moisture surging northward over the eastern U.S., aided by southerly flow on the western edge of the Bermuda high. It will be warm and quite humid, with daily chances for rain from the Gulf Coast to New England. Episodes of heavy rain are expected to materialize in this type of weather pattern, leading to the potential for flash flooding. Flash flood watches are in effect from the Florida Panhandle to central Pennsylvania. In addition to the rainfall concerns, some strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible. The persistent upper level ridge that has been in place across much of the western U.S. is forecast to break down as an upper level trough begins impinging on the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures are not expected to be quite as warm as recent days, but the continued combination of winds and dry air has led to red flag warnings across portions of the Intermountain West, the northern Rockies, and much of Montana through at least Thursday. Poor air quality will also be an issue for some of these areas, including the southern Plains, especially near any active wildfires. Hamrick/Wix Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php