Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 254 AM EST Thu Nov 7 2013 Valid 12Z Thu Nov 7 2013 - 12Z Sat Nov 9 2013 ***Widespread rain with cold front over Eastern U.S. on Thursday*** ***Rain and snow for the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies*** ***Relatively quiet weather for the Central U.S.*** There are two primary weather systems that are noteworthy over the next couple of days. The first one is a large upper level trough along with a surface cold front that will move steadily eastward towards the coast on Thursday. Ahead of the cold front, moisture will surge northward from the Gulf of Mexico and allow for widespread light to moderate rain. Given limited instability with this system, thunderstorms should be isolated at best. After the front exits the coast, colder and drier conditions are expected for Friday and into the weekend. The other system will be affecting the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, and entering the Northern Rockies by Friday morning. A surface low is forecast to intensify as the system approaches the coast, bringing moderate to locally heavy rainfall to Washington and Oregon, and snow to the higher elevations of the Cascades. Gusty winds are also likely with this system. Rain and higher elevation snow is also expected to develop over parts of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming as the system moves inland. Elsewhere, the central states remain quiet through the work week, but should see a rise in temperatures as the Pacific front makes its way toward the region. Across the great lakes, some light lake effect rain and snow showers are likely as northwesterly winds blow across the lakes. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php