298 
FXUS01 KWBC 200706
PMDSPD

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
305 AM EDT Fri Mar 20 2026

Valid 12Z Fri Mar 20 2026 - 12Z Sun Mar 22 2026

...Record-breaking heat wave continues in the West while expanding
into the central U.S. this weekend...

...Elevated to Critical fire weather conditions in the
northern/central High Plains through Saturday...

...Periods of wintry weather expected in the northern Great Lakes
and New England...

A strong mid/upper level ridge will persist across the western and
central U.S. through the weekend, which will result in warm and
dry weather for much of the nation. The ongoing record-breaking
heat wave in the West will continue while expanding across the
Central U.S. as well. Temperatures are forecast to be 25-35
degrees above average for this time of year, and numerous daily
and monthly temperature records are expected to be broken. Highs
temperatures are forecast to reach the 90s and 100s across the
Southwest, 80s across the Intermountain West, and range from the
70s to the 90s across the Great Plains. Overnight low temperatures
will also be well above average, providing little relief from the
heat. The early time of year, prolonged nature of this heat wave,
and limited seasonal acclimation will increase the risk of heat
impacts especially among sensitive populations or those without
effective cooling. Adjust plans to limit strenuous outdoor
activities to early morning hours, drink plenty of fluids, and
seek air conditioned spaces.

In addition to well above average heat, portions of the northern
and central High Plains will also be dealing with Elevated to
Critical fire weather conditions today and Saturday. Dry weather
conditions with very low relative humidity values and strong
downsloping winds off the Rockies will lead to extreme fire
behavior and rapid fire spread. Conditions are expected to briefly
improve on Sunday, but poor conditions will return early next week.

Precipitation chances will be limited across the nation through
the weekend, but a couple low pressure systems are expected to
skirt around the northern edge of the upper level ridge. The first
system will bring wintry mixed precipitation to the northern Great
Lakes and snow to New England today into tonight. Freezing rain
may result in light ice accumulations in the northern Great Lakes
this morning, and accumulating snow will be possible through
tonight in the higher elevations of New England and downwind of
Lake Superior. On the southern side of the system, showers and
thunderstorms are forecast this afternoon and evening from the
Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic, with isolated strong to severe
thunderstorms possible in the Ohio Valley. The second system will
track across the same areas Saturday through Sunday morning, with
another round of wintry weather for the northern Great Lakes and
New England.

Precipitation is also expected across western Washington and
northwestern Oregon today as a weak cold front pushes onshore.
This cold front is expected to gradually push southeast across the
western U.S. this weekend, but the upper level ridge in place will
limit precipitation, resulting in a mainly dry frontal passage.
This front will bring some relief from the heat to the Northwest,
Great Basin, northern Rockies, and north-central U.S. by Sunday.
However, heat will hang on across the Southwest into early next
week.


Dolan


Graphics available at
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php




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