The Nation's Weather

Published February 12, 2012 10:36AM (EST)

The East will dry out Sunday as wet weather moves across the West. A low pressure trough is advancing eastward over the central Rockies and will produce moderate snow showers over Utah and Colorado. Winter weather advisories have been issued for parts of western Colorado as snowfall accumulations may reach 6 to 8 inches by Sunday evening. Most of Utah, western Wyoming, and northern New Mexico should see lighter snow showers, accumulating about 1 to 2 inches.

The tail end of this trough will bring snow and freezing rain showers into northwestern Texas. Precipitation will move into the Texas Panhandle late Sunday into Monday morning. Winter storm warnings have been issued for the region as 3 to 5 inches of snow are possible, while ice accumulations by Sunday evening will make roads dangerous for travel.

Another low pressure trough and associated cold front is approaching the West Coast. This system will reach the coasts of the Pacific Northwest and northern California in the afternoon and evening hours Sunday, bringing more rain showers. Cool temperatures will prevail over most of the West Coast as this system pushes ashore.

In the East, a strong high pressure ridge will keep dry, sunny and cool weather around. This system will create a strong flow from the North, pushing cold air into the Plains and eastern valleys. Expect high temperatures to range in the 20s in the Midwest, while the Ohio River Valley and Tennessee Valleys will see highs in the 30s. Freeze advisories have been issued for the Gulf states as low temperatures will drop into the 20s Sunday night. Dangerous fire conditions have spread over the Southeastern states due to high pressure creating a very dry air mass with strong winds.

Temperatures in the lower 48 states ranged Saturday from a morning low of -15 degrees at Philip, S.D., to a high of 82 degrees at Phoenix, Ariz.

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Online:

Weather Underground: http://www.wunderground.com

National Weather Service: http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov

Intellicast: http://www.intellicast.com


By Salon Staff

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