Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 326 AM EDT Sun Sep 29 2019 Valid 12Z Sun Sep 29 2019 - 12Z Tue Oct 01 2019 ...Major winter storm to bring heavy snow and high winds to parts of the Northern Rockies... ...There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms over parts of the Northern Plains/Upper Mississippi Valley... ...Much below average temperatures across the Northwest, with much above average temperatures east of the Rockies... A strong storm over Northern High Plains will move eastward to the U.S./Canadian border in the Upper Mississippi Valley by Monday evening. The system will produce an early season winter storm over parts of the Northern Intermountain Region eastward to parts of the Northern High Plains. The storm will produce heavy snow, strong winds, and potential blizzard conditions to the region through Sunday night/Monday morning. Winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect from the interior Pacific Northwest through to parts of the Northern High Plains. As much as 1 to 3 feet (locally more) of snow is possible, especially across Western Montana which would create dangerous to impossible travel conditions across the region. This system will also usher in a very cold airmass, with temperatures 15 to 30 degrees below average across much of the Northwest. Many daily record low maximum temperature records are possible through Monday, especially across the Northern Great Basin/Rockies, and Northern California. Meanwhile east of the Rockies, strong upper-level ridging will continue to promote much above average temperatures from the Plains to the East Coast. The core of the heat will be from the Southeast/Central Gulf Coast States to the Ohio Valley where widespread daytime highs could approach or exceed record values. Also, warm, dry, and gusty conditions across Eastern Colorado will also bring critical fire weather conditions where red flag warnings are currently in effect. A front forecast to move across the Northern/Central Plains will intersect moisture funneling into the central U.S.. Showers and thunderstorms will develop along and ahead of the boundary with some severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of the Northern Plains into parts of the Upper Mississippi Valley. The major hazards associated with these storms are frequent lightening, damaging wind, and hail. Ziegenfelder Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php