Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 253 AM EST Fri Jan 15 2021 Valid 12Z Fri Jan 15 2021 - 12Z Sun Jan 17 2021 ...A powerful system will continue to impact much of the Plains and Mississippi valley with strong gusty winds on Friday... ...Blizzard conditions continue across portions of the Midwest on Friday... ...Record breaking warmth along with an elevated to critical fire weather threat is expected over Southern California on Friday... A powerful storm centered over eastern Iowa this morning will continue to produce widespread snows across the mid Mississippi valley and Upper Midwest and strong, gusty winds throughout much of the Plains and Mississippi valley. Blizzard Warnings remain in effect from eastern South Dakota and Nebraska into southern Minnesota, Iowa and northwestern Missouri, where blowing snow is expected to greatly reduce visibilities, making travel very dangerous across the region on Friday. High wind warnings remain in effect through at least early Friday across much of the northern and central Plains as damaging winds continue to impact the region. Farther to the south, wind advisories are in effect as far south as central Texas to northern Louisiana, where gusty winds are also expected on Friday. These winds along with falling humidities are expected to elevate fire weather concerns from eastern Colorado to central Texas. This system is forecast to gradually weaken and track to the east, with areas of rain and snow moving across the Ohio and Tennessee valleys into the eastern U.S. As the initial area of low pressure weakens, a second low is forecast to develop along the leading cold front and track north from along the northern Mid Atlantic coast into the Northeast on Saturday. This is expected to bring a period of heavier rain into southern New York and New England early Saturday and then along the northern New England coast later in the day. Snow is more likely farther to the north, with significant accumulations possible from the Adirondacks to the mountains of northern New England. Well above normal to record breaking temperatures are expected across much of Southern California into Nevada and Arizona on Friday. Gusty winds and low humidities are prompting Red Flag Warnings for portions of Southern California. Temperatures may drop off a few degrees, but will likely remain well above normal, with dry conditions persisting through the weekend. Pereira Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php