Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 358 PM EDT Sun Aug 05 2018 Valid 00Z Mon Aug 06 2018 - 00Z Wed Aug 08 2018 ...Unsettled weather expected to shift into the Midwest and Great Lakes region as we head into the work-week.... ...Fire weather concerns continue across the portions of the western U.S.... ...Excessive heat to return to portions of the West, Southwest, and Northeast... Scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms will continue to shift eastward from the central U.S. to the Midwest as a series of low pressure systems and surface fronts traverse eastward through the region. Enough instability and a moisture will be present to raise concern for severe weather and flash flooding with this system. The main concerns for the remainder of today are across the Central Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley, and Upper Great Lakes, where the Storm Prediction Center has issued a slight risk for severe thunderstorms through tonight. A slight risk of excessive rainfall has also been outlined by the Weather Prediction Center across northern Iowa and portions of the surrounding states through the remainder of today and into overnight. This system will continue to shift eastward over the coming days, as will the risk for strong to severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall. A slight risk for severe storms and flash flooding is outlined across the southern extent of the Upper Great Lakes region and northern portions of the Middle Mississippi Valley for Monday. Persistent dry and windy conditions over the West will maintain an elevated risk for fire danger. Portions of the Southwest, along with southern California, southwest Wyoming, and northern Utah have ongoing Red Flag Warnings. Air Quality Alerts also remain in effect for portions of the western and southwestern U.S. as ongoing wildfires continue to infuse copious amounts of smoke into the air. Furthermore, as a strong ridge builds back across the Southwest and west over the coming days, expect the excessive heat to make a return. Excessive Heat Watches and warnings are in effect across large portions of the Southwest and southern California, as well as the Pacific Northwest through at least mid-week as temperatures are expected to climb to well over 100 degrees. On the opposite side of the U.S., strong southerly flow will pump hot and humid air into the Northeast, resulting in above normal temperatures and even higher index values. Heat Advisories are in effect across much of the Northeast for Monday ad Tuesday.A cold front will pass through after this point and help to cool things down. Wix Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php