Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 304 AM EST Sun Jan 26 2014 Valid 12Z Sun Jan 26 2014 - 12Z Tue Jan 28 2014 ***Relentless cold weather continues for the East*** ***Light snow from the Upper Midwest to the Northeast*** ***Dry and warm across the Western third of the U.S.*** The overall weather pattern across the continental U.S. continues to be featured with a persistent ridge out West and a deep trough over the central and eastern part of the country. This is causing the upper flow pattern to be oriented in a northwest to southeast manner, with the storm track descending from central Canada to the East Coast. As a result, multiple clipper-type systems are bringing rounds of light snow shower activity with them, and the one of greatest consequence will be the one that passes through the Great Lakes on Sunday. Speaking of that same system, it will bring another unwelcomed Arctic blast to much of the central and eastern U.S. behind a strong cold front. The airmass and the associated surface high pressure with it is literally coming from the North Pole and heading nearly due south into the central U.S. by Tuesday morning! Widespread subzero lows are likely north of the Ohio River by this time, and subfreezing highs are expected well into the Deep South. For the West Coast and Inter-Mountain West, a much quieter weather pattern will prevail for the next few days as high pressure stays in charge. This is providing pleasant temperatures for this time of year. However, drought conditions are deteriorating and no rainfall is forecast through Monday. Signs of change may be arriving to the Pacific Northwest by Monday night with a few showers possible near the coast. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php