Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 305 AM EST Sun Jan 18 2015 Valid 12Z Sun Jan 18 2015 - 12Z Tue Jan 20 2015 ***Rain and mountain snow for the northwestern states*** ***Mild weather across the central U.S. to start the week*** ***Developing storm system across the Northeast U.S.*** The active weather pattern across the Pacific Northwest is forecast to gradually abate some as we head into the beginning of the work week. A cold front moving inland on Sunday will bring a round of steady precipitation with it, and this moisture should reach the northern Rockies by Sunday night. After the cold front moves through, the precipitation will likely be more scattered than widespread, with snow showers in the higher elevations, and rain showers in the valley locations. Across the central part of the country, upper level ridging and the lack of any serious arctic intrusions will allow relatively warm conditions to persist through Monday across the Great Plains states. Temperatures are expected to be on the order of 10 to 25 degrees above average for this time of year. Dry weather is expected for most of this region. However, a warm front moving across the northern Plains could bring a light wintry mix to the Dakotas and northern Minnesota late Sunday. Across the East Coast, temperatures are expected to rise quickly on Sunday after a frigid start to the weekend for New England. A frontal system is forecast to develop along the Mid-Atlantic coast Sunday morning, bringing warmer and wet weather northward into New England. Periods of moderate to heavy rain will be possible on Sunday from the northern Mid-Atlantic, across southern New York and southern New England before the storm develops further and wraps colder air down into the region. A changeover to snow is expected for northern New York into northern New England Sunday night. Storm total accumulations of 4 to 12 inches are anticipated over this area through Monday afternoon. Otto/Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php