Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 353 PM EST Fri Nov 15 2013 Valid 00Z Sat Nov 16 2013 - 00Z Mon Nov 18 2013 ***Wintry weather expected for the Rockies and Cascades*** ***Severe weather possible on Sunday ahead of cold front*** ***Turning warmer in the East and colder in the West*** An active weather pattern is expected to continue into the weekend for the Pacific Northwest and Central/Northern Rockies. A very strong upper level jet stream oriented along the west coast of Canada, along with mid-level shortwave energy, will help develop an upper level trough over the Western U.S. through Sunday. Colder temperatures and plenty of mountain snow can be expected, and winter storm warnings are in effect for some of these mountainous areas. A strong cold front over the Plains is forecast to move eastward by Sunday, and this will likely result in the development of strong and severe thunderstorms from the Deep South to the Lower Great Lakes region. Increasing dewpoints and a strong low level jet will interact with increasing shear in the atmosphere, and these are favorable conditions for severe weather. Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall are also a good possibility. In the temperature department, expect colder than average conditions from the Rockies westward, and warmer conditions east of the Mississippi River. The mild weather for the East Coast will be a welcomed relief after the recent visit from old-man winter. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php