Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 342 PM EST Tue Dec 9 2014 Valid 00Z Wed Dec 10 2014 - 00Z Fri Dec 12 2014 ***Nor'easter continuing for the Northeast U.S.*** ***Active weather pattern for the West Coast*** ***Relatively quiet weather elsewhere*** There are two significant weather features through the middle of the week, with the first being the nor'easter currently affecting New England and New York. After widespread 1 to 3 inch rainfall amounts from New Jersey to Maine, the main axis of heavy precipitation is forecast to slowly lift northward into central and northern New England by Wednesday, with most of this falling in the form of rain near the coast and for the big cities. A wintry mix is expected for inland locations and the higher elevations. As the upper level low moves overhead, snow will become likely from upstate New York to Maine, and winter storm warnings are in effect for these areas. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are also likely for the Northeast U.S. Out West, a strong Pacific storm system is forecast to bring some drought relief to California and Oregon through Thursday. An atmospheric river of moisture, or pineapple express, is expected ahead of this system and is tapping moisture from the tropics. This will lead to a swath of heavy rainfall with amounts of 2 to 4 inches by Thursday night. Significant snowfall can be expected for the highest mountains of the Sierra Nevada and the northern California mountains. Some of this moisture should make it into the Intermountain West in the form of rain showers and mountain snow showers. Elsewhere across the continental U.S., the overall weather pattern should be rather uneventful with a high pressure ridge over much of the central and eastern U.S., except for the Northeast. The absence of any major arctic cold air intrusions will keep temperatures close to normal for this time of year. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php