Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 413 PM EDT Tue Aug 25 2020 Valid 00Z Wed Aug 26 2020 - 00Z Fri Aug 28 2020 ...Laura to intensify in the Gulf of Mexico and threaten the west-central Gulf Coast as a major hurricane... ...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 to develop over the Northern Plains, Great Lakes and Northeast... Showers and thunderstorms associated with the remnants of Marco will persist across parts of the Southeast and Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley tonight. Laura has now taken center stage as it enters the central Gulf of Mexico. The storm is forecast to intensify and threaten the western Gulf Coast mid-week where it is likely to make landfall as a major hurricane Wednesday night. Impacts to 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 the Northern Rockies. Unfortunately, many of 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 High Plains and West with temperatures remaining above normal through Thursday. 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 through Thursday. Red Flag warnings are in effect for central and eastern Oregon and into southern Idaho. 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 Midwest, Rockies and Southwest on Wednesday. A series of frontal boundaries will keep severe storms in the forecast on Wednesday and Thursday from the Northern Plains and Midwest to the northern Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Kebede/Mullinax Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php