Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 339 PM EST Sun Dec 13 2015 Valid 00Z Mon Dec 14 2015 - 00Z Wed Dec 16 2015 ...Strong storm system moving across the Midwest states... ...Pacific storm system crossing the Intermountain West... ...Near record warmth for much of the eastern U.S. this weekend... An area of low pressure over the central Plains Saturday evening is forecast to lift towards the Great Lakes by Monday afternoon. Ahead of the trailing cold front will be a deep surge of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, and this will lead to favorable conditions for heavy rain and some strong thunderstorms across parts of the Deep South. On the back side of the surface low, expect a band of snow to develop from western Kansas to Minnesota. For the western U.S., another low pressure system and cold front will be making its presence known through Monday night. Widespread snow is in the forecast for the Intermountain West and Rocky Mountains, and showers for the Desert Southwest. Numerous winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect, especially for the higher elevations. Another day of near record warmth is expected for the East Coast on Monday before the cold fronts clears the coast by early Tuesday. Sustained southerly flow around the Bermuda high offshore, combined with plenty of warm air aloft and an upper level ridge, will allow for temperatures to reach well into the 60s and 70s for daytime highs. Even behind the front, temperatures are still expected to be above normal for mid-week since there is no source of arctic air from Canada. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php