Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 332 AM EST Sun Nov 24 2013 Valid 12Z Sun Nov 24 2013 - 12Z Tue Nov 26 2013 ***Very cold through Monday for the East Coast*** ***Sleet and freezing rain for the Southern Plains*** ***Lake effect snow expected through Sunday*** An Arctic airmass has invaded the eastern half of the country this weekend, and this is bringing the coldest weather so far this season. An impressive surface high has settled southward out of Canada, and this is expected to bring widespread sub-freezing high temperatures from the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic and locations northward. The presence of gusty winds will only make it feel colder, with wind chills falling below 10 degrees during the nighttime hours. These conditions would even be considered cold by January standards! Over the Southern Plains, a widespread sleet and freezing rain event is ongoing and is forecast to continue through Sunday night as a shallow layer of cold air surges under a warmer layer aloft. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect for much of New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma for significant sleet and ice accumulations, along with some snow on the northern edge of the precipitation. A cold rain is expected for southern Texas and into Louisiana. Elsewhere, lake effect snow showers are expected downwind of the Great Lakes through Sunday as the Arctic air flows over the warmer lake waters. Some of these areas are under lake effect snow warnings, with amounts in excess of six inches possible. The only warm weather across the country will be in California, the lower elevations of Arizona, and Florida. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php