Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 456 PM EDT Fri Apr 25 2014 Valid 00Z Sat Apr 26 2014 - 00Z Mon Apr 28 2014 ***Remaining colder than average across the northern tier states*** ***Active weather pattern for the Western U.S.*** ***Widespread severe weather possible this weekend*** After the departure of the frontal system currently affecting the East Coast, it will become increasingly warmer and more humid for the southern and central Plains for the weekend. Strong southerly flow ahead of another storm system currently moving into the western United States will make it feel more like early summer with widespread 80s and even low 90s. Farther to the north, a cold front sinking south from Canada will keep cool temperatures around through the weekend. An upper level trough will amplify across the West on Friday night while a cold front slowly moves through the Intermountain region. Scattered rain showers will change to snow showers, mostly across the higher elevations of the Rockies where locally significant accumulations of snow are possible. Rain is expected for the valley locations, with a rain/snow mix possible in some areas as snow levels get lower. As the upper level disturbance continues east on Saturday, severe weather is expected for parts of the Great Plains, and additional severe weather and heavy rainfall is likely for the south-central U.S. for Sunday. The Storm Prediction Center will have more information regarding the severe weather threat this weekend. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php