Day 1 – 5 Weather Forecast

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Sun Dec 22 2024
Valid 12Z Sun Dec 22 2024 – 12Z Tue Dec 24 2024

…Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall for the Pacific Northwest and
northern California as systems move in from the North Pacific…

…Record warmth possible across parts of the Southwest on Sunday…

…More winter weather from the northern Plains through the Great Lakes
and the Northeast from Sunday into Tuesday morning…

The general flow pattern becomes more zonal with time, with systems of
Pacific origin moving eastward and reforming downstream across the
Plains/Midwest. The consequence of this pattern will be rainfall/elevation
snows near the Pacific Northwest & northern California, decreasing warmth
across the West, and by Monday decreasing cold across portions of the
East. Starting out West, weakening fronts move eastward out of the
Pacific into the Great Basin, pushing batches of rainfall into and through
the Pacific Northwest, northern Intermountain West, and northern
California, with snowfall expected at higher elevations through Tuesday
morning. The heaviest precipitation is expected in and near northern
California Monday night and Tuesday, which carries some risk of excessive
rainfall/flash flooding, particularly in burn scars. Some periods of high
winds are expected on Sunday — wind advisories are in effect for areas of
northern California and southern Oregon. Across the Southwest, high
temperatures should rise 60s to 70s on Sunday, threatening daily record
high temperatures in and near southern Arizona and southern California.
As one of the Pacific disturbances aloft moves east of the Rockies, a low
pressure system develops across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Sunday
into early Monday, which is expected to bring freezing rain to portions of
northeast Montana and northwest North Dakota — winter weather advisories
are in effect — then snowfall which increases in coverage and intensity
with time from North Dakota eastward through Michigan into the Northeast.
This system should weaken as it moves through the Northeast.

A seasonably strong and cold high pressure system migrates through the
East into the Western Atlantic on Sunday and Monday, continuing the cold
in the eastern United States. Cold Weather Advisories are in effect
across portions of eastern Upstate New York and northeast Pennsylvania,
while freeze warnings and frost advisories are out for portions of
southeast Georgia and North Florida for Sunday morning. As the flow over
the Great Lakes becomes more anticyclonic with time, Lake Effect Snows
should continue to fade on Sunday. For some areas of the East, Sunday
should be the coldest day thus far this winter. Once the high moves
offshore on Monday, temperatures should begin to moderate closer to late
December averages.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Sat Dec 21 2024
Valid 12Z Sat Dec 21 2024 – 12Z Mon Dec 23 2024

…Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall near the Pacific Northwest and
northern California…

…Record warmth possible across parts of the West Saturday and Sunday…

The general flow pattern favors an upper level trough across the eastern
Pacific ocean, ridging aloft in the West, and troughing aloft in the
eastern United States. The consequence of this pattern will be some
rainfall along the West Coast, warmth across the Intermountain West, and
cold across portions of the East. Starting out West, skirmishes of rain
along the West Coast are expected Saturday as low pressure systems move
northward offshore the West Coast. On Saturday and Sunday, weakening
fronts move eastward, pushing a couple batches of rainfall into the
through the Pacific Northwest, northern Intermountain West, and northern
California, with snowfall expected at higher elevations. Some periods of
high winds are expected — high wind warnings are in effect for areas of
northern California and southern Oregon. High temperatures across
northern portions of the West will rise into the 40s and 50s, high enough
to threaten record high temperatures on Saturday. Across the Southwest,
high temperatures should rise into the 70s to 80s Saturday and 60s to 70s
on Sunday, threatening daily record high temperatures in and near southern
Arizona and southern California.

Mid-continent, a seasonably strong and cold high pressure system migrates
from the Great Lakes into the East, bringing below average temperatures
near and to its east. For some areas of the East, it should be the
coldest temperatures thus far this winter. Freeze Watches and Cold
Advisories have been posted for sections of northern Florida and southeast
Georgia for the incoming cold. When combined with cyclonic flow around a
low moving offshore the East Coast, lake effect snowfall is expected near
the Great Lakes, portions of the Appalachians, northern Mid-Atlantic
States, and New England which slowly fades Saturday and Sunday. Winter
weather advisories are in effect in patches across the eastern Great
Lakes, Central/Southern Appalachians, northern Mid-Atlantic States, and
coastal New England with a very localized Winter Storm Warning is in place
for portions of Downeast Maine through midday Saturday to help advise on
the moderate to heavy snowfall expected. A low pressure system developing
across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Sunday into early Monday is
expected to lead to snowfall which increases in coverage and intensity
with time from North Dakota eastward into Michigan.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Thu Dec 19 2024
Valid 12Z Thu Dec 19 2024 – 12Z Sat Dec 21 2024

…Clipper system to bring periods of heavy snow to the Upper Midwest
Thursday with some light to moderate accumulations for the
Appalachians/Interior Northeast Friday…

…Well above average temperatures and mild conditions continue across the
West…

…Frontal passages will bring colder temperatures to much of the eastern
U.S. through the end of this week and into the weekend…

A clipper system dropping east-southeasterly through the northern Plains
and into the Upper Midwest/Great Lakes will bring periods of heavy snow
along a path from central Minnesota through northern Wisconsin and into
the UP/northern LP of Michigan today. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect
for snow totals generally between 3-6″, locally higher. Gusty winds may
lead to periods of blowing snow and hazardous travel conditions. Although
snow has come to an end to the west over the northern Plains, very gusty
winds will continue through this afternoon. The clipper system will
continue quickly southeastward across the Ohio Valley, Appalachians,
Northeast, and off the East Coast Friday, bringing wintry precipitation to
the interior and some rain showers to the coast. Some moderate snow
accumulations will be possible across the central Appalachians and
downwind of Lake Erie, with lighter amounts more broadly over the Interior
Northeast.

Elsewhere, a few lingering showers and storms may occur over South Florida
Thursday, with conditions drying out into Friday. An upper-level shortwave
dropping southeastward over the northern Plains may lead to some renewed
light snow chances Friday. An active storm track over the Pacific will
also bring some periods of lower elevation/coastal rain and perhaps some
mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest/northern California the next couple
of days, though totals should remain much lighter than earlier this week.

Temperatures across the West will remain well above average by 10-20
degrees for most locations to end the week as upper-level ridging remains
in place. Forecast highs generally range in the 40s and 50s across the
Interior West, Pacific Northwest, and northern California with 60s to low
80s for southern California and the Desert Southwest. A cooling trend is
expected for much of the eastern half of the country following a cold
frontal passage off the East Coast this morning and an additional cold
front dropping southward with the clipper system. Very cold temperatures
in the teens are forecast for the northern Plains/Upper Midwest today.
Highs will drop into the 20s and 30s in the Midwest, the 30s and 40s in
the Mid-South and central Plains, and the 50s and 60s in Texas by Friday.
Highs along the East Coast range from the 20s to 40s in New England, the
30s and 40s in the Mid-Atlantic, and the 50s and 60s in the Southeast.
Much colder temperatures are expected along the East Coast by this
weekend.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Wed Dec 18 2024
Valid 12Z Wed Dec 18 2024 – 12Z Fri Dec 20 2024

…Clipper system to bring periods of moderate to heavy snow and gusty
winds to the northern Plains and Upper Midwest/Great Lakes the next couple
of days…

…Showers and storms continue into the day Wednesday for the
Ohio/Tennessee Valleys with some locally heavy rainfall and isolated flash
flooding possible…

…Well above average temperatures continue for much of the lower 48…

Lower elevation/coastal rain and higher elevation snow will linger into
the early morning hours Wednesday over the Pacific Northwest and northern
Great Basin/Rockies as an upper-level wave departs the region. The wave
will then pass over the northern High Plains, leading to lee cyclogenesis
and the organization of a clipper system that will drop east-southeastward
over the Plains and Midwest the next couple of days. Strengthening moist
southerly flow over colder air to the north will bring an intensifying
band of snow to the northern Plains Wednesday evening and into the
overnight hours. Winter Storm Watches have been issued for northern and
eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota where 3-6 inches of snow,
locally higher, can be expected. A wintry mix will be possible to the
south of the heaviest snow with some snow and light ice accretions
possible from eastern Montana southeastward through western North Dakota
and into eastern South Dakota. In addition, very strong, gusty winds are
expected across the northern Rockies and High Plains Wednesday into
Thursday. This will lead to blowing snow and low visibility where snow is
either falling or remains on the ground. The system will pass through the
Upper Midwest/Great Lakes Thursday, bringing some moderate to locally
heavy snowfall, particularly across portions of northern Wisconsin.

Showers and thunderstorms continue this morning ahead of a cold front
stretching from the Ohio Valley southwest through the Tennessee/Lower
Mississippi Valleys and into the southern Plains. Some locally heavy
rainfall is expected across the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys where storm
motions more parallel to the slow moving front will lead to a few repeated
rounds of storms. Isolated flash flooding will be possible particularly
across the Tennessee Valley where local soil conditions are more
saturated. The boundary will become more progressive by Wednesday
afternoon and sweep eastward across the Southeast and to the East Coast
into Wednesday evening, with some more isolated storms possible. Moist
flow along a warm front lifting northward ahead of the system will also
bring moderate rainfall to the coastal Northeast as well as the potential
for some accumulating snow for higher elevations of the interior Northeast
Wednesday afternoon through the early morning hours Thursday.
Precipitation should come to an end for all but Florida by Thursday
afternoon as the front pushes into the Atlantic.

Elsewhere, thunderstorms remain in the forecast for South Florida
Wednesday with some very heavy downpours and isolated flooding possible
for urban areas. Extreme to Critical Fire Weather conditions have also
been outlined by the Storm Prediction Center in the Los Angeles vicinity
as gusty winds and dry conditions remain in place. Precipitation chances
will return to the Pacific Northwest by Thursday evening as another
Pacific system approaches the region. Much of the lower 48 will continue
to see well above average temperatures over the next couple of days, with
highs running 10-20 degrees above average for the Southeast Wednesday
(60s-70s), the south-central U.S. Thursday (60s-70s), and the West through
Thursday (40s-50s interior, 60s-70s West Coast and Deserts). The Northeast
will be more seasonable with highs in the mid-30s (interior) to low 50s
(coast). One region that will see much colder temperatures will be the
Northern Plains/Upper Midwest, where highs will mainly be in the teens and
20s and gusty winds will lead to even colder wind chills. The northern
High Plains will see some relief Thursday as downsloping winds bring
warmer temperatures.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Tue Dec 17 2024
Valid 12Z Tue Dec 17 2024 – 12Z Thu Dec 19 2024

…Another Atmospheric River to bring heavy coastal rains and high
elevation mountain snow to the Northwest…

…Unsettled, wet weather expected for most of the eastern U.S.
Wednesday…

…Periods of snow for the Northern Plains through mid-week with heavier
accumulations most likely Wednesday night…

…Much above average temperatures expected for most of the lower 48 into
mid-week…

Yet another Pacific system will help to usher in a wave of Pacific
moisture/Atmospheric River into the Pacific Northwest and inland over the
northern Great Basin/Rockies Tuesday. A more northerly track will help to
focus the heaviest lower elevation rainfall along the coastal ranges of
northern Oregon and Washington State, with heavy high elevation mountain
snow for the northern Cascades. Some moderate snow accumulations will also
be possible into the northern Great Basin and northern/central Rockies,
aided in part by a leading wave departing the region early this morning.
Lower elevation inland locations can expect a wintry mix of rain and snow,
with some freezing rain possible to the east of the Cascades in
Washington. Precipitation chances should come down through the day
Wednesday for the Pacific Northwest while lingering longer in the northern
Rockies.

A lingering frontal boundary will help to trigger some showers and
thunderstorms over portions of the Southern Plains east into the Lower
Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Valleys through the day Tuesday. An
approaching upper-level wave will help to reinforce the boundary overnight
Tuesday and enhance moist, southerly flow from the Gulf, leading to
increasing storm coverage and locally heavy rainfall. The boundary will
push eastward as a cold front towards the East Coast through the day
Wednesday spreading showers and storms into the Southeast and coastal
Northeast. Colder air in place to the north over the interior Northeast
will lead to snow showers with some light to moderate accumulations for
higher mountain elevations.

A quick moving upper-level wave will bring some snow showers to portions
of the Northern Plains/Upper Midwest today with some light accumulations
possible, especially from central South Dakota east through southern
Minnesota. These light snow showers will spread eastward into the Great
Lakes Wednesday. Then, another more potent wave will approach from the
west during the day Wednesday leading to lee cyclogenesis over the
northern High Plains and helping to consolidate/strengthen a surface
frontal system. This will lead to enhanced lift over the Northern Plains
and a quick developing and potentially intense band of snowfall by
Wednesday evening. Snow totals of 2-4″ can be expected with locally
heavier amounts possible through Thursday morning. Some mixed
precipitation with light ice accumulations will be possible as well.

Elsewhere, persistent shower and thunderstorm chances will continue for
Florida, particularly along the Atlantic Coast. Some intense downpours
will be possible Tuesday with an isolated threat of some flooding in the
urban areas of South Florida. Most of the country will continue to see
well above average temperatures through at least mid-week. Forecast highs
Tuesday range from the 40s and 50s in the interior West and New England;
the 50s and 60s for the West Coast, central Plains, Ohio Valley, and
Mid-Atlantic; and 60s and 70s for the Southwest, southern Plains, and
Southeast. A cold front will bring some cooler, more seasonable
temperatures to the Plains Wednesday as highs fall into the 40s and 50s.
One region that will remain much colder will be the Northern Plains/Upper
Midwest, with most highs only into the teens and 20s.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Mon Dec 16 2024
Valid 12Z Mon Dec 16 2024 – 12Z Wed Dec 18 2024

…Modest atmospheric river activity to bring unsettled weather to the
Northwest, including heavy rains for the coastal ranges and accumulating
snow for the higher elevations…

…Wet conditions expected for much of the eastern half of the country the
next couple of days…

…Above average temperatures, mild conditions expected for much of the
country to start the week…

A pair of Pacific systems will help to focus a flow of moisture over the
Northwest in an active Atmospheric River pattern the next couple of days.
Precipitation continues this morning as moisture flows inland from the
first system bringing moderate to heavy coastal rain, an inland wintry
mix, and heavy higher elevation mountain snow across the Pacific
Northwest, northern California, and the northern Great Basin/Rockies. The
heaviest precipitation will be focused southward today across
Oregon/northern California and inland through central Idaho into northwest
Wyoming. The focus will shift northward on Tuesday bringing heavier rain
to coastal Washington state as well as heavy snow to the northern
Cascades. Snow totals of 4-8″ will be common with locally higher totals
over a foot for the highest peaks expected, particularly for the southern
Cascades in Oregon Monday.

To the east, light to moderate rainfall continues this morning over the
Mid-Atlantic with some wintry precipitation over the Interior Northeast,
which should taper off through early afternoon. A more focused corridor of
showers and thunderstorms will redevelop through the day ahead of a cold
front over the Ohio Valley southwestward through the Lower Mississippi
Valley/Southern Plains. Some moderate to locally heavy rainfall will be
possible, particularly for the Ohio Valley. This system will bring another
wave of rain through the Mid-Atlantic Monday evening and New England
Tuesday morning, with a wintry mix possible for interior locations. An
approaching upper-level wave will help to kick off another round of
showers and storms along the frontal boundary from the Ohio Valley
southwest through the Southern Plains Tuesday.

Elsewhere, an upper-level wave passing over the Northern Plains/Upper
Midwest will bring some snow showers on Tuesday with some light
accumulations possible. Some lake effect snow showers are also expected to
continue downwind of the Great Lakes, particularly Lakes Erie and Ontario.
Daily shower and thunderstorm chances are forecast for the Florida
Peninsula with coverage and intensity increasing on Tuesday along the
Atlantic Coast. Much of the country will see high temperatures above
average with generally mild conditions. Some of the greatest anomalies
will be over the Midwest Monday as highs climb into the 50s, and over the
Northeast Tuesday with highs into the 50s and 60s. Frontal passages will
lead to more temperature fluctuation along the northern tier of the
country while the southern tier will remain more stable, with daily highs
generally in the 60s and 70s.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Sun Dec 15 2024
Valid 12Z Sun Dec 15 2024 – 12Z Tue Dec 17 2024

…Wintry mix expected for the Appalachians Sunday with the potential for
significant icing in the central Appalachians…

…Showers and storms with locally heavy rainfall possible across the
Lower Ohio Valley through Monday…

…Pacific system to bring a renewed round of lower elevation/coastal rain
and heavy mountain snow to the Northwest late Sunday into Monday…

An upper-level wave has helped trigger a broad area of wintry
precipitation this morning which will pass through the interior
Northeast/Appalachians through the day Sunday. Some light snow
accumulations will be possible for the central/northern Appalachians with
some ice accretions expected for the southern/central Appalachians. More
significant ice accretions of 0.1-0.3″ are forecast for a smaller region
of eastern West Virginia north through western Maryland and into southwest
Pennsylvania which could cause tree and power line damage. Some lighter
rain showers will be possible along the Eastern Seaboard. The wintry
precipitation will lift northward into New England bringing some lighter
accumulations into the day Monday.

Further West, another upper-level wave/accompanying surface frontal system
will better organize along the High Plains and push eastward into the
Plains Sunday. Some light snow/ice accumulations will be possible
northwest of the system over portions of the northern Plains through
Sunday evening before shifting into the Upper Midwest Monday. To the
south, moist return flow form the Gulf reaching the eastward moving
frontal system will lead to increasing coverage of showers and
thunderstorms across the Lower Ohio Valley southwest into the Southern
Plains by late Sunday. Coverage and intensity should increase through the
day Monday as the front pushes southeastward into the Tennessee Valley and
Lower Mississippi Valley through Monday evening. Some locally heavy
rainfall will be possible, particularly across the Lower Ohio Valley
Monday. Showers are also expected to spread eastward into the Northeast
Monday.

Some moderate to locally heavy snow will continue through Sunday morning
for higher mountain elevations of the northern Rockies/Great Basin as well
as for the Cascades as an upper-level trough departs the region.
Precipitation should generally tend to taper off through the afternoon.
However, another Pacific system approaching the Pacific Northwest/northern
California will bring a renewed round of precipitation spreading inland
through the Northwest by Sunday night. Moderate to heavy lower
elevation/coastal rain, a wintry mix for inland valleys, and moderate to
heavy mountain snow can all be expected through Monday. The heaviest snow
totals of 8-12″, locally higher, are most likely from the southern
Cascades/northern California east through Oregon into central Idaho and
northwest Wyoming. Some gusty winds can also be expected along the Pacific
Coast.

Elsewhere, some showers and thunderstorms will be possible along the east
coast of Florida north through the Carolinas the next couple of days.
Temperature-wise, conditions will generally be at or above average for
most of the country. Some of the most anomalous temperatures will be over
central portions of the country, with highs in the 60s and 70s for the
Southern Plains Sunday and highs into the 50s for many in the Midwest on
Monday. One of the cooler spots will be along the East Coast as cold air
remains in place along the Appalachians Sunday, with highs in the 30s and
40s as far south as the western Carolinas and northern Georgia.
Temperatures will warm above average here as well on Monday with highs
reaching into the 40s and 50s.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Sat Dec 14 2024
Valid 12Z Sat Dec 14 2024 – 12Z Mon Dec 16 2024

…Atmospheric River continues to bring very heavy rain with the potential
for flooding, heavy mountain snow, and gusty winds to central/northern
California Saturday…

…Heavy mountain snow forecast for portions of the Great Basin and
northern Rockies Saturday…

…Wintry mix including accumulating freezing rain continues for portions
of the Upper Midwest Saturday, spreading into the central Appalachians
Sunday…

A Pacific storm system and accompanying strong flow of
moisture/Atmospheric River continues inland over the West this morning
(Saturday) bringing heavy rainfall, mountain snow, and gusty winds to
central/northern California and the Pacific Northwest. The heaviest
rainfall will continue to focus on portions of central/northern California
through Saturday morning where rainfall rates of 0.5″ to 1″ per hour will
lead to an additional few inches of rainfall over already saturated
ground. The greatest potential for flooding will be around the greater Bay
Area where a Slight Risk of Excessive Rainfall (level 2/4) is in effect.
Heavy snowfall will also continue for higher mountain elevations of the
Coastal Ranges and Sierra Nevada, generally over 5000 feet, where Winter
Storm Warnings have been issued for storm total snowfall of 1-3 feet.
Winter Weather Advisories are also in effect further north into the
Cascades where storm total snowfall of 8-12″, locally 18″, can be
expected. Gusty winds also continue this morning, particularly along the
coast, but all hazardous impacts from the system should begin to taper off
through Saturday afternoon.

The system will push further inland through the day Saturday, spreading
moisture and precipitation chances across the Great Basin and Northern
Rockies. A mix of rain and snow can be expected at lower elevations,
though any snow accumulations should remain limited. Heavier snow is
forecast in the mountains, particularly from central Idaho into western
Wyoming, where Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for snowfall of 5-10″,
locally 12″+. Precipitation chances will spread eastward into the northern
High Plains by Saturday night with a wintry mix expected. Some light ice
accretions will be possible through the day Sunday. Some gusty winds are
also likely along the Front Range of the Rockies as the system pushes out
onto the Plains.

Further east, an upper-level shortwave/accompanying surface frontal system
will help to trigger showers and thunderstorms across the Ohio, Middle
Missouri, and Lower Mississippi Valleys Saturday, with some moderate to
locally heavy rainfall possible. Storms will likely linger into Sunday
along a trailing frontal boundary, though with lighter amounts expected.
More impactful weather will continue further north as warmer, moist air
overrides colder air at the surface leading to a wintry mix across the
Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. Snow/sleet accumulations should remain
light, but freezing rain is also expected, particularly over eastern Iowa.
An Ice Storm Warning remains in effect through Saturday afternoon for
totals potentially exceeding 0.25″ and leading to tree and power line
damage. The system will continue east on Sunday bringing a wintry mix into
the Southern Appalachians. Similar to Saturday, snow/sleet accumulations
should generally remain light, but some ice accretions over 0.1″ will be
possible.

Elsewhere, some showers and thunderstorms can be expected this weekend
along the Atlantic Coast of the Southeast and Florida with a
quasi-stationary frontal boundary in place. Additionally, after a brief
break late Saturday/early Sunday, another system over the Pacific will
bring increasing precipitation chances back to the Pacific Northwest by
Sunday evening. Most of the country will see high temperatures at or above
average this weekend as conditions moderate following a cold frontal
passage across the South and with an upper-level ridge passing over the
central/western U.S. ahead of the next Pacific system. Some of the warmest
temperatures will be in the Southern Plains/Texas with highs in the 60s,
70s, and even some low 80s. Otherwise, temperatures generally range from
the 30s and 40s from the Pacific Northwest and Great Basin east through
the northern Plains, Great Lakes, and Northeast; the 50s and 60s for
California, the central Plains, Ohio Valley, and the South; and 70s for
the Desert Southwest and Florida.

Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
Fri Dec 13 2024
Valid 12Z Fri Dec 13 2024 – 12Z Sun Dec 15 2024

…Atmospheric River to bring very heavy rainfall and possible flooding as
well as high elevation mountain snow to the West Coast…

…Heavy mountain snow forecast for portions of the Great Basin and
northern Rockies Saturday…

…Potentially impactful wintry mix with freezing rain expected across the
Middle Missouri Valley and Upper Midwest Saturday…

An Atmospheric River event will bring very heavy rain, mountain snow, and
gusty winds to portions of southern Oregon and northern/central California
Friday into Saturday. A Slight Risk of Excessive Rainfall (level 2/4) has
been issued along portions of the Coastal Ranges of northern California
where locally heavy rainfall rates of 0.5″ per hour and rainfall totals of
3-5″, with isolated higher amounts upwards of 7″, may lead to some
instances of flooding during the height of the event Friday
evening/overnight into Saturday morning. Very heavy mountain snow is
expected at higher elevations (generally over 5000-6000 feet) of the
Coastal Ranges and for the Sierra Nevada. Winter Storm Warnings have been
issued for forecast snowfall totals of 1-2 feet, locally higher. In
addition to the heavy precipitation, strong, gusty winds are also
expected, particularly for coastal locations. A broader area of more
moderate rainfall stretches across the Pacific Northwest and south along
coastal California. Some Moderate to heavy snow is also forecast further
north through the Cascades where 4-8″, locally higher, can be expected.
The system will continue eastward late Friday and into the day Saturday,
spreading moisture and precipitation chances further inland over the Great
Basin and northern Rockies. A mix of rain and snow can be expected at
lower elevations with snow, heavy at times, for higher mountain
elevations. Winter storm Watches have been issued for the mountains of
central Idaho where the heaviest snow is expected with forecast totals of
6-12″.

To the east, an upper-level wave passing from the Rockies and over the
Plains will help to organize a surface frontal system and encourage moist,
southerly return flow from the Gulf of Mexico. Showers and thunderstorms
are forecast ahead of an eastward moving cold front across eastern
portions of the central/southern Plains on Friday. More widespread storms
with moderate to locally heavy rainfall are expected on Saturday as the
system continues into the Middle Mississippi/Lower Ohio Valley. Some
potentially impactful winter weather is forecast further north across the
Middle Missouri Valley and into portions of the Upper Midwest where warm,
moist air overriding colder temperatures will lead to a wintry mix Friday
afternoon through Saturday. Snow/sleet accumulations should remain light,
but some freezing rain accretions are also expected. These accretions may
be greater than 0.1″ over eastern Iowa which could lead to some tree
damage and power outages. Regardless, the wintry mix will at least likely
lead to some travel troubles across the region.

Elsewhere, most lake effect snow will be tapering off Friday morning for
the Great Lakes except downwind of Lake Ontario where an additional 6-12″
can be expected through the day Friday. Some light to moderate snow
showers will also continue through the day Friday for the central Rockies
as a cold front moves through the region. High temperatures will remain
cold and below average for much of the north-central and eastern U.S.
following a frontal passage. Forecast highs range from the teens and 20s
for the northern Plains, Great Lakes, and interior Northeast; the 30s and
40s for the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic/coastal Northeast; and the 50s
across the Southeast. Conditions will moderate closer to average Saturday
with highs generally running 5-15 degrees warmer. Forecast highs are
generally at or above average across the West, with 40s and 50s in the
Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, and Rockies; the 50s and 60s in
California; and the 70s in the Desert Southwest. Conditions in the
Southern Plains/Texas will be some of the warmest and most above average
compared to the rest of the country with highs into the 60s and 70s.