Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 304 AM EST Mon Dec 1 2014 Valid 12Z Mon Dec 1 2014 - 12Z Wed Dec 3 2014 ***Continued cold weather for the north central U.S.*** ***Welcomed rainfall and snow for California and Great Basin*** ***Cold front arriving for the East Coast Monday night*** The overall weather pattern features a large and sprawling Canadian surface high over much of the northern U.S. that will push a strong cold front towards the southeast. It is this cold front that will put an end to the recent mild weather for the Mid-Atlantic region and the Northeast states. After seeing widespread highs in the 50s and 60s on Monday, expect temperatures a good 20 degrees colder on Tuesday with cold northerly winds and perhaps some light sleet and patchy freezing rain from West Virginia to New Jersey. A cold air damming situation east of the Appalachians will allow a shallow layer of colder air to slide under warmer air aloft, which is favorable for mixed wintry precipitation. For the West Coast, periods of rain and high mountain snow can be expected in California and Oregon as a couple of Pacific disturbances affect this region. This is badly needed moisture for a drought-stricken region. Heavy rain is likely at times, with some areas receiving over two inches of rain by Wednesday morning. Some of this moisture will make it inland to Nevada and the central Rockies, mainly in the form of mountain snow showers and valley rain. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php