Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 359 PM EDT Mon Aug 06 2018 Valid 00Z Tue Aug 07 2018 - 00Z Thu Aug 09 2018 ...Unsettled weather expected to shift across the south-central and eastern U.S. through the work-week... into the Central/Southern Plains, Middle Mississippi Valley, and Great Lakes region Midwest and Great Lakes region as we head into the work-week.... ...Excessive heat and Air Quality concerns across portions of the West, Southwest, and Northeast... ...Red Flag Warnings continue across southern California... A elongated cold front and a series of low pressure systems are currently stretching from the Southern/Central Rockies, northeast through the Mid-Mississippi Valley and into the Great Lakes region. This system is expected to continue to shift southeast over the coming days. Along and near this system, showers and thunderstorms are likely. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined a marginal risk of severe storms through tonight along this line. A slight risk is also possible mainly across the southern extent of the Upper Great Lakes and into north-central Illinois. The Weather Prediction Center has also outlined a slight risk of excessive rainfall and flash flooding across much of this same areas, as well as an area encompassing Southeast Nebraska, Northwest Missouri, and far Southwest Iowa. A marginal risk of excessive rainfall is in place elsewhere near the frontal zone. As the frontal zone continues to push southeast, so too will the areas of concern for severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall. A strong ridge of high pressure has settled over the Southwest and will remain in place for the next several days, extending northward across much of the western U.S. This is resulting in rising temperatures and excessive heat across much of this region. Excessive heat warnings are in effect for much of the Southwest and southern California. Excessive heat watches are also in effect for the Northern Great Basin. Afternoon high temperatures will exceed 100 degrees for many locations within these watches and warnings. The heat continues to fuel wildfire concerns across the western U.S. as well, with Red Flag Warnings still in place across southern California, and Air Quality Alerts for smoke in place across large portions of California and Oregon. Meanwhile, strong southerly flow will pump hot and humid air into the Northeast, resulting in above normal temperatures and even higher heat index values. Heat Advisories and Air Quality alerts for excessive ozone concentrations are in effect across much of the Northeast and the northern extent of the Mid-Atlantic region through 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