Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 355 PM EST Wed Nov 12 2014 Valid 00Z Thu Nov 13 2014 - 00Z Sat Nov 15 2014 ***Arctic blast over much of the United States this week*** ***First major snowstorm of the year for the Pacific Northwest*** ***Remaining pleasant for the Desert Southwest and Florida*** Winter-like weather is covering most of the central and eastern U.S. this week as a massive arctic high pressure area has settled over the country. Of particular interest are the extreme temperature anomalies over the western High Plains and the Dakotas, where numerous subzero morning lows were observed Wednesday morning. Today, temperatures are warmer in northern Alaska than they are for much of the central and northern Plains! Over the next couple of days, expect daytime highs to remain well below freezing from the northern Rockies to the Upper Midwest. Subzero lows are expected once again from eastern Colorado to Montana. The first significant winter storm for the Pacific Northwest is expected on Thursday and lasting into Friday, and winter storm watches and warnings are in effect for southern Washington, Oregon, and western Idaho. With plenty of moisture being lifted above the cold arctic airmass near the surface, widespread moderate to locally heavy snow is likely, with some areas receiving in excess of eight inches of snow before the event is over. Some sleet and freezing rain is a good possibility for the lower elevations near the Cascades and western Oregon. On a more positive note, mostly sunny skies and pleasant temperatures can be expected for the southwestern corner of the country. The continental divide should keep the bitterly cold weather away from the Desert Southwest and southern California. Nice weather is also expected for the Florida peninsula, despite some cooler temperatures arriving from the northwest late this week. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php