Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 345 PM EST Sun Feb 9 2014 Valid 00Z Mon Feb 10 2014 - 00Z Wed Feb 12 2014 ***Active weather pattern will continue for the Western U.S.*** ***Periods of light snow from the Midwest to the Northeast*** ***Snow and a wintry mix for the south-central U.S.*** The weather remains active across the western part of the country. Persistent flow from the Pacific Ocean interacting with shortwave energy aloft and a surface frontal boundary draped across the Inter-Mountain West has resulted in widespread precipitation over the past few days. For the beginning of the work week, 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 the region. 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. Over the south-central U.S. and into the Deep South, a cold front slowly sinking towards the south will bring in colder temperatures for the beginning of the week. A wave of low pressure along this front over the northern Gulf of Mexico, along with moisture transport northward and over the colder air at the surface, will allow for wintry precipitation to develop from northern Texas to the southern Appalachians, and rain closer to the Gulf Coast. Snow is likely north of the Interstate 40 corridor, and a wintry mix extending south to the Interstate 20 corridor. Winter storm watches are already in effect for these areas with significant snow, sleet, and ice accumulations expected. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php