Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 351 PM EDT Fri Oct 18 2024 Valid 00Z Sat Oct 19 2024 - 00Z Mon Oct 21 2024 ...Heavy mountain snow continues for portions of the central Rockies through Sunday morning... ...Heavy rain expected for the west-central High Plains and portions of the Pacific Northwest this weekend... ...A large and sprawling area of high pressure persists across the Eastern U.S. with pleasant weather on tap through the weekend... A strong autumn storm will continue to spin across the Great Basin, Four Corners, and Intermountain West through Sunday morning and will remain the focus for heavy mountain snow across the higher elevations of the Four Corners states. Snowfall amounts of 1 to 2 feet are likely for portions of the central Rockies above 9000 feet before all is said and done, with locally higher amounts up to 3 feet possible above timberline in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. In addition to the snow, temperatures will also feel much colder than recent weeks with highs only topping out in the 40s and 50s in the valleys, and in the 20s and 30s in the high country. At night, temperatures will dip well below freezing, marking an end to the growing season for many locations. The same storm that is bringing a significant pattern change with mountain snow and much colder temperatures to the Intermountain West will also be responsible for possible flooding concerns across the west-central High Plains this weekend. A plume of enhanced moisture will stream northward into the region and set the stage for heavy rainfall for portions of southeast Colorado, southwest Kansas, northeast New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and the northwest Texas Panhandle Saturday into Sunday. Given the potential for 2 to 4 inches of rain with locally higher amounts, The Weather Prediction Center continues to maintain a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall to highlight the threat of heavy rain and possible instances of flash flooding. Another area of enhanced rainfall will be across northwest Washington, where an atmospheric river event will likely affect Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula, producing a few inches of rainfall across the windward terrain. Farther east, dry and pleasant weather will be the story across the Eastern U.S. through the weekend as a large and sprawling area of surface high pressure remains anchored in place. Sunny skies and light winds combined with daytime temperatures moderating into the 60s, 70s, and even nearing 80 in spots will make for spectacular fall weather and perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. At night, clear skies, light winds, and dry air will allow temperatures to cool back into the 30s and 40s for most, so remember to bring a jacket if venturing out later on in the evening or early in the morning the next couple of days. Miller Graphics available at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php