Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 255 AM EST Wed Jan 25 2017 Valid 12Z Wed Jan 25 2017 - 12Z Fri Jan 27 2017 ...Active weather over the eastern U.S. through Thursday before transitioning to a quiet pattern nationwide by the weekend... A low pressure system lifting through the Midwest, Ohio valley, Great Lakes and the Northeast will spread rain, snow and some sleet with it today and Thursday. Snow will linger over portions of the Northeast once the system moves offshore Thursday night and into Friday. Numerous winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect across South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, southern Minnesota and Wisconsin - where snowfall amounts on the order of 8 to 12 inches may set up. Windy conditions south of the surface low will increase wildfire potential across parts of Oklahoma and northern Texas with very dry conditions in place. High pressure will steadily build over the West, expanding into the adjacent Plains by Friday. Approaching Pacific systems will weaken upon reaching the West coast; however light coastal rain and mountain snow may be possible for portions of California, Oregon and Washington. Campbell Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php