Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 350 PM EDT Thu Oct 3 2013 Valid 00Z Fri Oct 4 2013 - 00Z Sun Oct 6 2013 ***Heavy snow and wind for the Northern Rockies and Dakotas*** ***Tropical Storm Karen is heading for the Central Gulf Coast*** ***Unseasonably warm and humid for the East Coast states*** The first significant winter storm of the season is now beginning to materialize over northern Colorado and into Wyoming. An anomalously deep upper level trough and strong jet stream aloft will allow for the development of a strong surface low in eastern Colorado that will eventually track towards the northeast into the Upper Midwest. A plentiful supply of cold air on the northwest side of this system, interacting with the moisture advancing in from the east, will allow for widespread moderate to heavy snow from most of Wyoming to the western Dakotas. Gusty northeasterly winds will also be a factor with this system. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are currently in effect. Over the Deep South states, attention is turning to the newly formed Tropical Storm Karen and its track towards the Central Gulf Coast. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely close to where this system makes landfall. Given that Karen is forecast to be close to hurricane intensity near the time of landfall, hurricane watches are in effect for the Central Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center has additional information and recommended preparedness actions. Elsewhere, borderline hot conditions remain in the forecast for much of the Eastern U.S. through the end of the week and into the weekend, especially by October standards. Highs in the middle to upper 80s are likely for many areas along the East Coast before relief arrives early next week. Humidity levels will also be elevated, but are not expected to become oppressive. In the Pacific Northwest, a few showers may approach the Washington coastline on Saturday, with the vast majority of the rainfall remaining over British Columbia. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php