Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 358 AM EDT Wed Jul 22 2020 Valid 12Z Wed Jul 22 2020 - 12Z Fri Jul 24 2020 ...Severe weather and flash flooding possible from the Ohio Valley to the Northeast today; hot and humid in the Mid-Atlantic... ...Watching the Gulf of Mexico for potential tropical development this week, heavy showers and storms to reach the central Gulf Coast... ...Showers and thunderstorms in the Intermountain West and Northern Plains, critical risk for fire weather conditions in parts of the Southwest and Central Great Basin... A storm system over the Great Lakes this morning will advance east today that will promote a favorable environment for strong-to-severe thunderstorms. A Slight Risk for severe weather is in place from the eastern Ohio Valley to the Northeast. The cold frontal passage will take its time pushing through the Northeast allowing for more opportunities for severe storms on Wednesday. These thunderstorms are capable of producing excessive rainfall with localized flash flooding possible. Meanwhile, the Mid-Atlantic remains hot and humid today with Heat Advisories in effect from the Delaware Valley on south to the Carolinas. Farther south, all eyes are on a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico that could organize and strengthen over the next couple days. This tropical wave will be responsible for ushering heavy showers and thunderstorms across the central Gulf Coast mid-late week. For more information regarding the development of this tropical feature, visit the National Hurricane Center's website. Across the western U.S., abnormally hot conditions will continue over the northern Rockies and High Plains today. Meanwhile, a cold front sweeping through the Northwest delivers cooler weather to the Pacific Northwest today and lasting into Wednesday. In addition, the SPC's fire weather outlook includes a Critical Risk over parts of the Southwest and Central Great Basin through Thursday. The Southwest will trend slightly cooler as an upper-level trough swings through California and into the Great Basin on Thursday. Mullinax Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php