Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 357 PM EDT Sat Apr 08 2017 Valid 00Z Sun Apr 09 2017 - 00Z Tue Apr 11 2017 ...Low pressure system tracking eastward across the Rockies and the Plains will bring a variety of weather impacts through the rest of the weekend and into the start of the workweek... A pair of cold fronts will continue to track eastward across the western U.S. and then across the central and northern Plains as it evolves into one frontal system over the next couple of days. These frontal boundaries will interact with several shortwave disturbances aloft and a strong jet stream, advecting abundant moisture inland from the Pacific Ocean. Rain and snow is expected to continue, with highest snow totals expected for the central and northern Rockies, Blue Mountains, Wasatch range, and the Sierra Nevadas through Sunday. Winter Storm Warnings are currently in effect for the mountains of western Wyoming and western Montana, as well as for the Sierras. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect elsewhere across the affected areas. In addition to the valley rain and mountain snow, strong and gusty winds are forecast for much of the western U.S. Wind gusts in excess of 40 to 50 mph has prompted wind advisories from southern California eastward across the Four Corners region. Hazardous fire weather conditions can be expected ahead of the front across eastern Arizona and much of New Mexico through this evening, where very dry conditions along with gusty winds will be present. As the cold front continues eastward into the Plains on Sunday, expect rain and thunderstorm chances to develop, spreading eastward into the Mississippi Valley through Monday, while snow and rain across the west tapers off. Meanwhile, an arctic cold front is expected to drop southward from central Canada, impacting much of the north-central U.S. with much colder temperatures, windy conditions, and rain/snow chances to start out the workweek. Yet another area of low pressure is expected to move inland and across the Pacific Northwest during this time, bringing yet another round of coastal rain and inland snow to much of the Pacific Northwest and Northern Great Basin Monday into Tuesday. Across the eastern U.S., temperatures will continue to moderate after a cold start to the weekend. Some locations in the Mid-Atlantic may see temperatures drop down below freezing once again tonight, with light winds and a strong ridge in place overhead. Frost Advisories and Freeze Warnings are in effect due to possible impacts to growing vegetation. Otherwise, the eastern U.S. should enjoy a dry and mostly sunny weekend and start to the workweek. Wix/Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php