Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 331 AM EDT Thu Oct 30 2014 Valid 12Z Thu Oct 30 2014 - 12Z Sat Nov 1 2014 ***Major trough setting up over the Eastern U.S.*** ***Drought relief on the way for California*** ***Arctic surface high settles southward into U.S.*** The cold front that has moved offshore from the East Coast has delivered a cooler and more fall-like airmass to the Eastern U.S., and this cooler weather is expected to continue through Halloween. Things will get more interesting as we head into the weekend as a Manitoba mauler (an upper level low coming from the Canadian province of Manitoba) dives southward towards the southern Appalachians by Saturday morning. This will result in the development of a highly amplified trough over the East Coast and a strong surface low developing offshore. In terms of sensible weather impacts, expect much colder weather by Saturday with numerous showers, and snow in the higher elevations of the Appalachians. Across the western U.S., good news is in the forecast for much of California as a more southern storm track brings badly needed rain to drought-stricken areas. The rain will come courtesy of a Pacific cold front. A period of steady rainfall along with isolated thunderstorms is likely for central and northern California on Friday. Snow is likely for the highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada, where winter storm watches are currently in effect. Showers are also expected over the Pacific Northwest. Elsewhere across the country, a large surface high from Canada will settle southward into the central U.S. to close out the week, with cold and dry conditions expected. Dry and pleasant weather is expected for the Desert Southwest. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php