Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 315 PM EDT Wed Apr 2 2014 Valid 00Z Thu Apr 3 2014 - 00Z Sat Apr 5 2014 ***Late season snowstorm for the Upper Midwest*** ***Heavy rain and severe weather for the Central U.S.*** ***More rain and snow showers for the West Coast*** Although the calendar now says it's April, Old Man Winter is still present in the short-term forecast for the Upper Midwest. A developing surface low over the Central Plains is forecast to track northeastward towards the Great Lakes, and a deformation zone in the upper atmosphere is expected to develop on the northwest side of the low. This is where a late-season snow event will likely take place from eastern South Dakota to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Winter storm watches are already in effect for this area. Farther south over the Ohio Valley and into the Deep South, heavy rain and strong to severe thunderstorms will be in the forecast. Deep southerly return flow from the Gulf of Mexico around a retreating surface high over the western Atlantic, combined with strong ascent in the mid levels of the troposphere, will create an environment favorable for numerous showers and thunderstorms. Some organized thunderstorm complexes are likely to develop, and severe weather is a good possibility with the strongest storms. Rainfall amounts on the order of 2 to 4 inches is likely from Arkansas to Ohio through Friday. Elsewhere, expect another round of showers and mountain snow for the West Coast as a weakening cold front moves inland for the end of the week. A few snow showers are also possible for the northern Rockies. Across the southern U.S., warm temperatures are expected to continue through the end of the week for locations south of the stationary front across the Ohio Valley. Highs will be in the 70s and 80s ahead of the cold front that approaches this weekend. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php