The Nation's Weather

Published January 14, 2012 10:45AM (EST)

Weather Underground Forecast for Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012.

Wintry weather persisted over the Great Lakes and Northeast on Saturday as a strong winter storm slowly pulled northeastward and away from the region. Flow around this system was expected to continue pulling moisture onshore from the Atlantic Ocean, while cold air continued pouring into the Great Lakes. Snow showers were expected to do diminish across the Northeast early in the day, though lake effect snow showers were expected to persist along the downwind shores of the Great Lakes. Parts of western New York, northwestern Pennsylvania, and northern Ohio could see another 3 to 6 inches of new snow. Elsewhere, expect only 1 to 2 inches of light snow to develop across the higher elevations of the Northern Appalachians.

Behind the system, high pressure was expected to quickly build in from the Central Plains and Mississippi River Valley. This rapid change from low to high pressure was expected to cause some windy conditions across the Great Lakes, Midwest, and Ohio River Valley. Wind gusts were expected from 20 to 30 mph, which would be even stronger at higher elevations of the Northern and Central Appalachians.

In the north, a weak trough of low pressure moving through Canada was expected to continue pushing a front through the northern U.S. This system had little moisture associated with it, but it was expected to bring a few scattered snow showers to the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.

Out west, a strong and cold winter storm will drop in from the Gulf of Alaska. This system was expected to move over British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, triggering heavy rain and snow showers. Most areas of the Cascades were expected to see 3 to 8 inches of new snow on Saturday. Cold temperatures were expected to accompany this system, with highs ranging 10 to 15 degrees below seasonable. Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Friday ranged from a morning low of -14 degrees at Hallock, Minn. to a high of 80 degrees at Fort Lauderdale, Fla.


By Salon Staff

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