Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 303 PM EST Thu Nov 13 2014 Valid 00Z Fri Nov 14 2014 - 00Z Sun Nov 16 2014 ***Arctic blast continues across much of the country*** ***First major winter storm 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 over the past couple of mornings. Today, temperatures are warmer in northern Alaska than they are for much of the central and northern Plains, which is a testament to how amplified the upper level pattern is! Through the end of the week, expect daytime highs to remain below freezing from the northern Rockies to the Great Lakes region, along with lake effect snow. Widespread teens and single digits are expected for overnight lows, with some subzero readings possible once again over parts of the western High Plains. The cold weather will even make its presence known across the Deep South, where a hard freeze is likely from eastern Texas to Georgia. The first significant winter storm for the Pacific Northwest is now unfolding and is forecast to last into Friday, and winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect, with Oregon likely seeing the greatest impacts. With plenty of moisture being lifted above the cold arctic airmass near the surface with a mid-level disturbance moving overhead, widespread 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 this weekend. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php