Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 353 PM EDT Thu Aug 02 2018 Valid 00Z Fri Aug 03 2018 - 00Z Sun Aug 05 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 frontal boundary extending from Texas to the Lower Great Lakes. This front will continue to weaken and eventually dissipate by Friday. In the meantime, the boundary will couple with a large scale upper level trough extending from the Great Lakes to the Mid South, as well as deep southerly flow off the western edge of the Bermuda High in the Atlantic Ocean, leading to a strong surge of moisture across the eastern U.S.. Sensible weather will feature warm and humid conditions, with continued chances for rain and thunderstorms from the Gulf Coast to New England. Some of these rain showers and thunderstorms could be quite heavy, and track over many of the same locations, leading to the potential for flash flooding. Flash flood watches are in effect across much of the Appalachian region. 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 today were not quite as warm as recent days, but the continued combination of winds and dry air has led to Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches across portions of the western U.S., including portions of the Intermountain West, northern California, and much of Montana through Friday. Poor air quality will also be an issue for some of these areas, as well as portions of the Southwest and Southern Plains, especially near any active wildfires. Hamrick/Wix Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php