Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 305 AM EST Sun Nov 30 2014 Valid 12Z Sun Nov 30 2014 - 12Z Tue Dec 2 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 for 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 plunging southward from Canada over the north-central U.S. The arctic front is forecast to plunge southward across much of the central Plains and Great Lakes on Sunday, bringing a big drop in temperatures across these areas. Arctic air will also filter into the interior Pacific Northwest with snow showers and subfreezing low temperatures. For the West Coast, periods of rain and high mountain snow can be expected in northern and central California in the vicinity of a stationary front 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 before the cold front arrives on Tuesday. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php