Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 346 PM EDT Sat Sep 19 2020 Valid 00Z Sun Sep 20 2020 - 00Z Tue Sep 22 2020 ...Tropical Storm Beta is forecast to reach hurricane strength as it drifts toward the Texas coast... ...Frosts are likely from the Great Lakes into the Northeast and central Appalachians.... ...Above-normal temperatures to persist over the central and northern Plains... Over the next couple of days, Tropical Storm Beta is expected to gradually intensify as it drifts northwest across the northern Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to reach hurricane-force strength as it approaches the Texas Coastal Bend on Monday. Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane force winds are possible along portions of the northwestern Gulf Coast, with tropical storm conditions expected by late in the weekend. Storm Surge and Hurricane watches and Tropical Storm warnings are in effect. Residents in these areas should ensure that their hurricane plan is in place and follow advice given by local officials. Due to its slow motion, Beta has the potential to produce long-duration, heavy rains -- resulting in widespread significant flooding along the western Gulf Coast. Elsewhere, dry conditions are expected across much of the remainder of the U.S. into early next week. Strong high pressure will continue to support dry conditions and below-normal temperatures across much of the eastern U.S. through the remainder of the weekend. Frost and freeze warnings are in effect for Saturday night and Sunday morning from portions of the Great Lakes and Northeast to the central Appalachians. From southern New England to the Southeast, daytime temperatures along the East Coast on Sunday are expected to remain several degrees below normal in most places. A frontal system is expected to bring beneficial moisture and cooler temperatures as it moves across the northern Rockies into the Plains on Saturday. However, gusty winds and dry conditions ahead of the system have resulted in another day of Red Flag warnings for portions of the High Plains and Great Basin. This system is not expected to produce a lot of precipitation as it moves across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest on Sunday. Above normal temperatures are forecast to continue across the northern and central Plains on Sunday, before extending into the Upper Midwest on Monday. Pereira Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php