Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
258 AM EST Mon Dec 08 2025

Valid 12Z Mon Dec 08 2025 - 12Z Wed Dec 10 2025

...Atmospheric river to usher in several days of heavy rain into the
Pacific Northwest...

...Heavy snowfall expected in south-central Virginia today...

The forecast remains on track for a prolonged atmospheric river to usher
in several days of heavy rainfall over the Pacific Northwest. Beginning
this morning, rainfall coverage and intensity is expected to increase
across coastal Washington and Oregon as a potent slug of sub-tropical
moisture begins to flow inland along a strong Pacific jet. Isolated to
scattered instances of flash flooding are possible with this activity
through midweek, where a slew of Flood Watches are in effect. Rainfall
aside, parts of the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, and Northern
Plains and can also expect a period of gusty winds today and Tuesday as
the same Pacific jet develops a strong clipper system in the Canadian
Rockies. As this clipper system ejects eastward into the Northern Plains
and Upper Midwest late Tuesday, wintry weather should develop along the
northern flank of the low center. While there remains uncertainty in
forecast amounts, at least a few inches of snowfall and freezing rain are
possible roughly along a Fargo to Grand Rapids line. A Winter Storm Watch
is now in effect over portions of eastern North Dakota and western
Minnesota, so stay tuned as the forecast evolves.     

Speaking of wintry weather, snowfall amounts over the central Appalachians
and southern Mid-Atlantic have notably trended upward compared to
yesterday's forecast. A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect over
portions of south-central Virginia (including the Richmond metro) for 3-5
inches of snowfall through this evening. Adjacent areas in the
Appalachians and southern Mid-Atlantic should see 1-2 inches of snowfall,
where Winter Weather Advisories are posted.

Asherman


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