Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 638 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2020 Valid 00Z Sun Aug 23 2020 - 00Z Tue Aug 25 2020 ...Numerous wildfires rage in the West, more record heat likely in the Southwest and Intermountain West... ...Above-normal temperatures expected across much of the U.S. through early next week... ...Laura and Marco set their sights on the Gulf of Mexico bringing heavy rains to the Gulf Coast as early as Monday... Apart from the scattered showers and thunderstorms that are expected to develop each day across California, the Southwest, and the central and southern Rockies, little relief is expected for the numerous ongoing wildfires across the West. Above-normal temperatures are expected to cover much of the U.S. through early next week, with record-breaking heat expected for portions of California, the Southwest, the central Rockies, and the Northeast. Excessive Heat Watches are in effect for Monday through midweek across portions of southern Arizona and interior Southern California, where temperature are expected to soar above 100 degrees each day. Marco is forecast to strengthen to and remain a hurricane as it moves from the southeastern through the central Gulf of Mexico Saturday night and Sunday. As the storm approaches the central Gulf Coast early next week, there is an increasing risk of impacts from storm surge, winds, and heavy rainfall from the upper Texas coast to Louisiana. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Laura is forecast to move across Hispaniola Saturday night into Sunday morning before reaching eastern Cuba by late Sunday. The longer-range forecast track for Laura remains uncertain. However, Laura is expected to emerge from eastern Cuba, west of the Florida Straits, potentially bringing rains and tropical storm force winds to the Keys and southern Florida peninsula early next week. Please refer to the National Hurricane Center for the latest advisories and forecast information regarding these systems. Pereira Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php