Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 149 AM EST Fri Feb 9 2018 Valid 12Z Fri Feb 9 2018 - 12Z Sun Feb 11 2018 ...Heavy rain for the Southeast U.S. and snow from the Midwest to New England... An arctic front currently near the continental divide and extending across the central Plains will continue sagging farther to the south over the next couple of days. This will ensure a steady supply of very cold conditions across the northern tier of the nation from Montana to Wisconsin, with subzero lows and highs in the single digits and teens expected on Friday. A slow moderating trend in temperatures should ensue by Saturday and Sunday. Mild weather will continue across California and the southwestern U.S. with no rain or snow anticipated. It will also be mild for the Gulf Coast region and especially the Florida Peninsula with the front expected to stall and then lift back northward as a warm front. Widespread moderate to locally heavy rain is forecast to develop from Louisiana to the Mid-Atlantic region going into the weekend ahead of a slow moving cold front. Rainfall amounts on the order of 1 to 3 inches appear likely at this time. Snow will make weather headlines from the greater Chicago metro area to Detroit on Friday, with winter storm warnings in effect. This event will also make it to upstate New York and New England by Friday night and Saturday. Heavy snow is likely for the central and northern Rockies as the arctic front and the upper level forcing pass through the region. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php