…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
