The Nation's Weather

Published February 11, 2012 9:54AM (EST)

Weather Underground Forecast for Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012.

Precipitation was expected to spread across the East Coast on Saturday, while more rain and mountain snow showers were anticipated for parts of the West. A trough of low pressure and associated cold front continued moving eastward across the Eastern Valleys into the Eastern Seaboard. Cool temperatures to the north were expected to allow for snow showers to develop across the Northeast and New England, while rain showers were likely over the Mid-Atlantic states. Rain showers over the Southeastern states were expected to wind down in the early morning hours as the tail end of the system pushes offshore early in the day. The New York metropolitan area was expected to see 1 to 3 inches of snow, while the Washington D.C. area could see a messy combination of snow and freezing rain as high temperatures reach into the lower 40s.

Behind this system, a ridge of high pressure continued to build in from the Plains, pushing cold and dry air in from Canada. This allowed for plenty of sunshine to spread from the Plains over the Mississippi River Valley and into the Eastern Valleys. The Northern Plains and Upper Midwest were expected to see highs in the teens again, while the Midwest expected to see highs in the 20s. Strong winds were expected to accompany this system, pushing wind chill values below zero in these areas. The Southern Plains were expected to remain in the 40s on Saturday.

Out West, a trough of low pressure pushed a cold front over the Pacific Northwest and continued pulling moisture onshore with it. This was expected to kick up more rain showers with high elevation snow showers likely in the Cascades. The tail end of the frontal boundary was expected to sweep through California, bringing light rain showers to the coasts and interior valleys. Light snow showers were expected in the Sierra Nevadas by Saturday evening.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Friday ranged from a morning low of -18 degrees at Flag Island, Minn. to a high of 82 degrees at Opa Locka, Fla.


By Salon Staff

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