Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 213 PM EST Fri Nov 14 2014 Valid 00Z Sat Nov 15 2014 - 00Z Mon Nov 17 2014 ***Arctic blast continues across much of the country*** ***First major winter storm of the year for the Rockies*** ***Remaining pleasant for the Desert Southwest and Alaska*** A January-like weather pattern will continue across most of the country this weekend as another arctic surface high moves southward out of Canada, reinforcing the very cold air mass already in place. Although the magnitude of the cold weather will not be quite as extreme as the past few mornings over the western High Plains and Rockies, the areal coverage of sub-freezing temperatures is expected to expand in coverage by Monday morning. Highs will only make it into the 20s for many areas from the central Rockies to the Ohio Valley by the end of the short range period. The cold weather will even make its presence known across the Deep South, with sub-freezing overnight lows from eastern Texas to the southeast coast. The first significant winter storm for the central Rockies and intermountain West is underway and bringing heavy snow to the higher elevations and a wintry mix to the valley locations. Parts of Oregon and Idaho have already seen significant snow and ice accumulations from this event, and winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect from Oregon to the Colorado Rockies. This is the result of a surface low forming along the main arctic front over the Great Basin and moisture being lifted over the boundary. This weekend, widespread light snow is expected to develop over the central Plains where winter weather advisories are in effect. 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. Alaska will also continue to enjoy above-normal temperatures for this time of year, with much of the state being warmer than the northern continental U.S. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php