Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 258 AM EST Sat Nov 29 2014 Valid 12Z Sat Nov 29 2014 - 12Z Mon Dec 1 2014 ***Bitterly cold weather for the northern Plains*** ***Welcomed rainfall and snow for California and Great Basin*** ***Brief warm-up for the eastern U.S. through Monday*** After a couple cold days across the eastern U.S., warmer temperatures are expected by Sunday and Monday as southerly flow ahead of the next frontal system brings temperatures back into the 50s and 60s for highs. At the same time, arctic air has been building up in western Canada. The arctic front is forecast to plunge southward across much of the northern Plains and northern Rockies on Saturday, bringing a drastic drop in temperatures across these areas along with light to moderate snow over much of the Intermountain Region. Arctic air will also filter into the Pacific Northwest with snow showers and subfreezing low temperatures. By Sunday, the arctic front should reach the central Rockies and into Oklahoma, as well as the Great Lakes. Some patchy freezing rain and drizzle can be expected over the Great Lakes on Saturday ahead of a warm front before the very cold air arrives on Sunday. For the West Coast, periods of rain and high mountain snow can be expected in northern and central California ahead of the cold front which is forecast to become quasi-stationary during the weekend. This is badly needed moisture for a drought-stricken region. Some of this moisture will make it inland to Nevada and the central Rockies, mainly in the form of snow showers. Elsewhere, expect dry and pleasantly warm weather this weekend across the Desert Southwest and the southern Plains. The weather in the Deep South should also be high quality with warmer than normal temperatures for this time of year. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php