949 FXUS01 KWBC 020552 PMDSPD Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 150 AM EDT Thu Jul 02 2026 Valid 12Z Thu Jul 02 2026 - 12Z Sat Jul 04 2026 ...Dangerous heatwave continues across the central and eastern U.S. through the end of the week... ...Severe weather and heavy rain threats continue across the Plains, Upper Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast the next few days... ...Critical fire weather conditions continue over parts of the Four Corners through Friday... A strong upper-level ridge will remain anchored across the central and eastern U.S. through the weekend, supporting a prolongs and dangerous heatwave from the Midwest into the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. Widespread highs within the mid 90s to low to mid 100s, combined with dewpoints int he 70s, will produce peak heat indices between 100-115 degrees. Numerous daily temperature records are possible, while warm overnight lows in the 70s to 80s will provide little relief, bringing Major to Extreme HeatRisk conditions across the Midwest into the East Coast. These conditions can bring an increased risk for heat-related illness, especially for vulnerable populations and those without adequate cooling. Several areas across the Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Northeast have issued Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories through Friday. Otherwise, much of western U.S. will remain cooler as the upper-level trough continues to bring below normal temperatures. Along the northern periphery of the ridge, a quasi-stationary frontal boundary extending from the northern Plains into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes will act as a focus for multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms. A moist and unstable mass, combined with passing shortwave disturbances, will support organized convection capable of damaging winds, large hail, and excessive rainfall. A Slight Risk of excessive rainfall remains in effect across portions of the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes for Thursday into Friday, where repeated thunderstorms may lead to scattered instances of flash flooding. In addition, there is a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms across the northern Plains into the Midwest and Great Lakes, where strong to severe storms may be possible. In addition, some shortwave disturbances may bring isolated strong to severe thunderstorms across the Northeast and parts of the Tennessee Valley, with a chance for damaging gusty winds associated with the storm. The severe weather threat expands into the Mid-Atlantic on Friday, as the shortwave trough and unstable air may support organize convection with chances for damaging winds and large hail. Farther south, deep tropical moisture will sustain scattered to numerous diurnal thunderstorms from the Gulf Coast into parts of Southeast and Florida. With high rainfall rates and slow-moving storms, isolated flash flooding may be possible, particularly in urban an poor drainage locations. Critical fire weather conditions will persist in parts of the Southwest, where low relative humidity, gusty winds, and critically dry fuels will continue to support rapid wildfire growth and extreme fire behavior. Oudit Graphics available at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php $$