Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 404 PM EST Sat Feb 8 2014 Valid 00Z Sun Feb 9 2014 - 00Z Tue Feb 11 2014 ***Active weather pattern will continue for the Western U.S.*** ***Periods of light snow from the Midwest to the Northeast*** ***Remaining very cold over the northern tier states*** A recent change in the weather pattern across the country has allowed for the persistent ridge over the West Coast to break down. As a result of this change, persistent flow from the Pacific Ocean interacting with shortwave energy aloft and a surface frontal boundary draped across the Inter-Mountain has resulted in widespread precipitation over the past few days. Through the remainder of the weekend and into Monday, expect additional rounds of rain and heavy mountain snow from central California to the Colorado Rockies, and extending northward to the Canadian border. Across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and the Northeast, periods of light snow will be possible with a series of weak systems quickly moving through this weekend. Limited moisture and the quick progression of these systems should keep snowfall amounts in check. It will continue to remain bitterly cold for the Northern Plains and eastward to the Great Lakes, which have much more ice cover than normal. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php