Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 327 AM EDT Sat Apr 9 2016 Valid 12Z Sat Apr 9 2016 - 12Z Mon Apr 11 2016 ...Unseasonal late season cold and snow over the northeastern states... ...Numerous showers expected over the Desert Southwest and California... The highly amplified upper level pattern over the continental U.S. is forecast to continue going into this weekend, with an upper level ridge over the Intermountain West and a deep trough over the eastern U.S. This trough will allow the jet stream to take a southern dip with a strong cold front passing through the eastern U.S. on Saturday. With cold air aloft and shortwave disturbances passing overhead, expect numerous rain and snow showers from the Great Lakes to the Ohio Valley and the Northeast U.S. through Saturday night, with temperatures running 10 to 20 degrees below early April averages. Record lows will even be possible by early Sunday morning, and widespread freeze warnings are in effect from the central Plains to the North Carolina coast. Accumulating snow is likely for the central and northern Appalachians, where several inches will be possible. Across the western U.S., an upper level low situated near the California coastline will keep the atmosphere unsettled with numerous showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms over parts of the Desert Southwest and the southern Rockies. The heaviest precipitation is expected over the Sierra Nevada mountains, where snow is likely at the highest elevations. Much of this rain and mountain snow will be welcomed drought relief, especially as we are nearing the end of the rainy season. Farther to the north, dry conditions are expected to continue into this weekend for the Pacific Northwest. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php