Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 250 AM EST Sat Dec 20 2014 Valid 12Z Sat Dec 20 2014 - 12Z Mon Dec 22 2014 ***Heavy rain and mountain snow for the Northwest U.S.*** ***Rain and a few thunderstorms for the Gulf Coast region*** ***Pleasant weather for Desert Southwest and Texas*** Strong deep-layer flow from the Pacific will keep the weather pattern active from the Pacific Northwest to the central and northern Rockies through the weekend. A couple of strong disturbances in this fast flow will pivot around a deep low pressure system over the Gulf of Alaska. These disturbances, along with their surface cold fronts, are forecast to bring heavy rain for the coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest, with some amounts in excess of 4 inches possible by Sunday morning. Very heavy snow in the higher mountain ranges could reach 1 to 3 feet with copious moisture being forced up the topography. For the Deep South and Gulf Coast region, a wave of low pressure developing along a frontal boundary over the northern Gulf of Mexico will keep the weather unsettled for much of the weekend. Based on the latest forecasts, it appears that the Mid-Atlantic region and the Northeast U.S. should avoid seeing any significant precipitation from this system since it will remain on a more southern track. Dry and pleasant weather can be expected from southern California to Texas. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php