Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 354 PM EST Sun Jan 12 2014 Valid 00Z Mon Jan 13 2014 - 00Z Wed Jan 15 2014 ***Active weather pattern the Northwest continues until Monday*** ***Light snow and a wintry mix over the Great Lakes and Northeast*** ***Rain and thunderstorms developing over the Southeast states*** The busy weather pattern that has been developing significant rain and mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies is expected to continue through tonight and into Monday before abating. Widespread heavy snow is expected for the higher elevations of the Cascades and Rocky Mountains, especially in the favored upslope regions. As a ridge of high pressure builds in along the West Coast by mid-week, most areas should be dry by late Tuesday across the Western U.S. Shortwave energy from the surface low crossing southern Canada will help generate periods of light snow and perhaps some freezing rain across parts of the Upper Midwest and into New England. Most of the steadier precipitation with this feature should remain north of the border in Canada. The best rainfall potential across the U.S. will be over the Gulf Coast and into the Southeast states by Monday and Tuesday as a surface low becomes organized over this region. Widespread light to moderate rain, along with a few thunderstorms, are likely as moisture surges northward from the Gulf of Mexico. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php