Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
346 PM EDT Fri Oct 21 2022

Valid 00Z Sat Oct 22 2022 - 00Z Mon Oct 24 2022

...Early season winter storm will impact portions of Cascades,
Northern/Central Rockies, and eastern Great Basin...

...Critical Fire weather conditions for portions of the Great Basin and
Northern/Central Rockies...

...Below normal temperatures in the West and above normal temperatures in
the Central U.S. this weekend...

A low pressure system will move into the Pacific Northwest tonight, push a
cold front southeast across the western U.S. this weekend, then move into
the Central U.S. early next week. In the West, this system is expected to
bring rain to low and mid elevations, and mixed precipitation and snow to
higher elevations. Heavy mountain snow is expected as well across portions
of the Cascades, Northern and Central Rockies, and the eastern Great
Basin, and Winter Storm Watches and Warnings are in effect tonight through
Sunday.

Temperatures will cool to well below normal values behind the cold front,
many locations in the western U.S. will see highs drop 20-30 degrees from
today to Sunday. Widespread highs in the 40s and 50s are expected at mid
and high elevations, and highs in the 50s and 60s are expected at lower
elevations. While the west cools off this weekend, the central U.S. will
be heating up as southern winds push warm, moist air up from the Gulf of
Mexico. High temperatures across much of the central U.S. will reach 15-25
degrees above normal with widespread highs in the 70s and 80s on Sunday.

Dry weather and increasing winds ahead of the approaching frontal system
have created increased fire danger across portions on the Plains, Northern
and Central Rockies, and Great Basin. Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag
Warnings are currently in effect for these regions. The Storm Prediction
Center has highlighted two areas of Critical Fire Weather conditions in
southern Wyoming and northern Nevada where rapid fire spread will be
possible. Those affected should listen to local officials for fire safety
information. As the frontal system progresses, winds will also increase
across the Southwest Saturday and Sunday, and Wind Advisories and High
Wind Warnings have been issued for the weekend.

Milder conditions are expected across the eastern U.S. as high pressure
extends over the area. A low pressure center off the Southeast coast will
push moisture onshore, which will bring a chance of rain showers to
coastal areas each day through the weekend. Temperatures will be near
normal for this time of year, with slightly below normal temperatures
possible in areas that receive precipitation.

Dolan


Graphics are available at
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php