Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
227 PM EST Thu Dec 07 2023

Valid 00Z Fri Dec 08 2023 - 00Z Sun Dec 10 2023

...Excessive Rainfall threat winding down across the Pacific Northwest for
now...

...Cold, unsettled weather to shift into the Intermountain West and Plains
through this weekend...

...Well above average and potentially record-breaking warmth forecast
across the central United States over the next few days...

A brief break in the Pacific flow thanks to an amplifying upper-level
pattern briefly cuts off much of the moist Pacific flow into the
Northwest, however the presence of a lingering frontal system off the
coast will ensure light to locally moderate rainfall and elevation snow
remains through today across the Pacific Northwest. As this system
advances eastward cold air will filter in behind resulting in dropping
snow levels. Locally heavy mountain snowfall beginning today atop portions
of the Cascades, Northern Rockies, and Sierra Madre, where scattered
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect. Portions of the Northern-High
Plains could also see moderately impactful winter weather beginning later
today into tomorrow, owing primarily to blowing snowfall (with 1-3 inches
expected) behind a deepening low-pressure center lifting out of the
Canadian Rockies. Below average temperatures will become more widespread
west of the Continental Divide as the low pressure and strong cold front
track south and east.

A large portion of the central U.S. will be warmer and drier through
Friday, with daily maximums in the 60s and 70s. A few locations across the
Great Plains and Upper Midwest are on track to reach or exceed daily
temperature records for early December. However, gusty winds and unsettled
weather are set to return as the cold air sweeps down the Plains, with
moderate to locally heavy snow possible across the mountainous terrain of
the Rockies, and strong westerly winds also forecast across parts of the
High Plains. As the front sweeps even further east, SPC is also monitoring
an area of possible severe weather this Saturday across the Lower MS
Valley as unstable Gulf of Mexico air returns north ahead of the cold
front.

Campbell/Asherman


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