Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 357 AM EDT Tue Apr 14 2015 Valid 12Z Tue Apr 14 2015 - 12Z Thu Apr 16 2015 ***Periods of rain across the southern U.S.*** ***Strong cold front to pass through the western U.S.*** The most active weather pattern is expected to continue over the southern Plains and the Deep South. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico is forecast to surge northward ahead of a strong storm system approaching from the northwest. A stationary front is forecast to remained stalled out across the Deep South through mid-week, keeping moisture and rainy conditions around. There will likely be widespread 1 to 3 inch rainfall amounts by Wednesday afternoon in these areas, with locally higher amounts possible that could cause some flooding issues. Elsewhere across the continental U.S., much colder weather is expected for the Intermountain West and the Rocky Mountains on Tuesday and Wednesday after the passage of a strong cold front. There will be enough cold air behind the front to support accumulating spring snow from Utah to Montana, especially in the higher elevations. There will also be a large pressure gradient with this frontal system, and the likely result will be strong and gusty winds over the Intermountain West. High wind warnings are already in effect for some areas. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php