Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 403 PM EDT Sun Aug 23 2020 Valid 00Z Mon Aug 24 2020 - 00Z Wed Aug 26 2020 ...Marco is forecast to bring hurricane conditions, life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall to portions of the Gulf Coast coast beginning Monday ... ...Raging wildfires continue in the West, increased risk for more dry thunderstorms and additional fires through early week... ...Above-normal temperatures expected across much of the U.S. through early next week, showers and storms to develop over the Great Lakes and Northeast... Marco, which has now reached hurricane strength, is expected to maintain hurricane force intensity as it moves from the central to the northern Gulf of Mexico overnight. Hurricane conditions, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall are expected along portions of the Gulf Coast beginning Monday. Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings are now in effect along the central Gulf Coast, which includes southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. Meanwhile, Laura is forecast to move across Cuba Sunday night and Monday before reaching the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday. Laura may produce tropical storm conditions over the Florida Keys on Monday. While the details of its track and intensity remain uncertain, Laura is still expected to strengthen as it moves into the central Gulf of Mexico by midweek. Interests along the Gulf Coast should continue to monitor the progress of both Marco and Laura and heed any advice given by local government officials. Little relief appears to be in store for the widespread wildfires plaguing the West. While moisture will be sufficient for isolated to scattered thunderstorm development each day, these storms are expected to produce little significant rainfall, while lightning strikes may further worsen wildfire conditions. Above normal temperatures are expected to continue across much of the U.S. through midweek. Excessive Heat Warnings go into effect beginning tomorrow along the southern Colorado River Basin and across much of southern Arizona, where daytime temperatures are expected to soar well into the 100s each day. This will include near record to record breaking temperatures in the Phoenix and Tuscon metro areas on both Monday and Tuesday. Near record to record-breaking heat is also expected along and east of the Rockies on Monday, including the Colorado Springs, Denver, Cheyenne and Billings areas. In addition to the widespread heat across the West, well above-normal temperature are also expected across the northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest and Northeast through the early part of the week. A cold front sliding southeast into the northern Plans and Upper Midwest is expected to produce showers and thunderstorms across portions of the region this evening and overnight, with more storms expected further east into the upper Great Lakes region on Monday. Some of these storms may become strong to severe - producing damaging winds and large hail. As the leading edge of the front continues to push east, the potential for strong to severe storms is expected to increase across the Northeast and northern Mid-Atlantic states on Tuesday. Pereira Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php