Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 345 PM EST Sat Nov 15 2014 Valid 00Z Sun Nov 16 2014 - 00Z Tue Nov 18 2014 ***Arctic blast continues across much of the country*** ***Cold front to bring widespread precipitation to eastern U.S.*** ***Lake effect snow continues*** A January-like weather pattern will continue across most of the country through Monday as a secondary cold front reinforces the arctic air mass currently in place. With the passage of this front, 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 Tuesday afternoon. Record low temperatures are likely for some areas given the departures from normal expected. In terms of precipitation across the country, a complex frontal structure over the eastern U.S. will be the main weather maker in terms of precipitation. A wave of low pressure developing along the cold front near the Gulf of Mexico is expected to result in a surge of moisture over the Deep South and into the central Appalachians by Sunday night. Moderate to locally heavy rain with embedded thunderstorms will likely occur from southeast Texas to West Virginia, and mainly light snow on the backside of this system from Oklahoma to the Great Lakes. Lake effect snow continues to be in the forecast over the next few days, and some of these snow bands could be heavy at times. The southeast coast from Florida to Virginia should have one day of mild temperatures on Monday before it turns abruptly colder on Tuesday after the strong cold front passes. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php