Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 404 AM EDT Tue Aug 25 2020 Valid 12Z Tue Aug 25 2020 - 12Z Thu Aug 27 2020 ...Laura to intensify in the Gulf of Mexico and threaten the west-central Gulf Coast as a dangerous hurricane mid-week... ...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 weakening along the central Gulf Coast this morning while its associated showers and thunderstorms persist across parts of the Southeast. Laura will soon take center stage as it enters the Gulf of Mexico this morning. The storm is forecast to intensify and threaten the western Gulf Coast mid-week where it is forecast to make landfall as a hurricane Wednesday night. Impacts to the parts of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana would be significant with hazards that could include life threatening storm surge, hurricane force winds, torrential rainfall, and inland flooding. Note that these hazards will extend well away from Laura's center, so residents within the storm's reach should continue to monitor Laura's progress and follow the advice of local officials. Farther west, 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 beneficial rainfall amounts. In addition, frequent lightning strikes may only worsen the ongoing wildfire situation in the West through mid-week. Abnormally hot conditions 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. A late season heat wave engulfs the northern High Plains eastward across the Midwest and into the lower Great Lakes. Some daily record high temperatures could be broken in parts of the Plains, Midwest, and Northeast this afternoon. 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 damaging wind gusts possible for portions of the Mid-Atlantic states. A series of frontal boundaries will keep severe storms in the forecast on Wednesday from the northern Rockies and Midwest to the northern Mid-Atlantic. Nearly a carbon-copy repeat of severe weather is anticipated in these same northern regions on Thursday. Mullinax Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php