Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 544 PM EDT Mon Aug 24 2020 Valid 00Z Tue Aug 25 2020 - 00Z Thu Aug 27 2020 ...As Marco continues to weaken, Laura to expected to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico and pose a significant threat to the Gulf Coast by midweek... ...Raging wildfires continue in the West, increased risk for more dry thunderstorms and additional fires through early week... ...Late season heat wave in the Midwest, showers and severe storms storms to develop over the Great Lakes and Northeast... Marco is expected to continue weakening as it moves east across southern Louisiana overnight and on Tuesday. However, gusty winds, heavy rainfall and lingering coastal flooding are expected along portions of the Gulf Coast through this evening. Meanwhile, Laura is forecast to intensify as it tracks northeast across the Gulf of Mexico. There is an increasing risk of dangerous storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts from the upper Texas coast through the north-central Gulf Coast beginning on Wednesday. Interests in these areas should continue to monitor the progress of Laura and follow the advice of local officials. Supported in part by a pair of weak frontal boundaries, isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected through midweek from the Pacific Northwest and Northern California to northern Rockies. Unfortunately, many of the these storms are expected to be fast moving and are not forecast to produce significant rainfall amounts. This along, with frequent lightning strikes may only worsen the ongoing wildfire situation in the West. Persistent heat will also be a concern across much of the West, with temperatures remaining above normal through midweek. Excessive Heat Warnings for dangerously hot conditions, remain in effect along the southern Colorado River Basin and across much of southern Arizona - where temperatures are expected to soar well above 100 degrees once again Tuesday. Well-above normal temperatures are also expected to continue across the northern Plains eastward across the Upper Midwest into the Northeast on Tuesday. Strong to severe storms are forecast to develop ahead of a cold front pushing east from eastern Canada into the Northeast. The Storm Prediction Center is highlighting the potential for these storms to produce severe winds, with scattered wind damage probable for portions of the Mid-Atlantic states. Pereira Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php