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[December 03, 2010]  (AP)  A trough of low pressure over the western U.S. was forecast to quickly move into the Plains on Friday, while the East remained cold and dry.

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The system in the West was expected to strengthen as it moved over the Rockies and into the northern Plains. It would have little moisture remaining; thus, snow showers over the Dakotas and Minnesota were expected to be light during the day, increasing later in the evening. Snowfall totals between 2-4 inches were expected across the region, and high temperatures would remain in the 20s. Moisture from this system was forecast to linger over the northern Rockies, allowing for a few light snow showers to persist Friday. Total snowfall accumulation was expected to range between 1-2 inches. Precipitation across northern California would decrease as a weak ridge of higher pressure built in. This would act to block off the moisture, causing the cold front to weaken. Scattered and light rain showers were expected to persist over the northern part of the state.

In the East, a wide area of high pressure would cover the eastern U.S. This system would continue bringing cool and dry air in from the North; thus, high temperatures in the Southeast were forecast to remain slightly below normal with highs in the mid-60s. Overnight lows were expected to dip below freezing again; thus, frost and freeze advisories were issued across most of the Southeast. New England and the Mid-Atlantic states were expected to remain chilly with highs in the 40s. Lingering moisture over the Northeast and Great Lakes would allow for precipitation to persist. Most of Maine was forecast to see another 1-2 inches of rain, while lake-effect snow would persist along the eastern shores of the Great Lakes. Snowfall totals were expected to range between 3 and 5 inches across upstate New York, as well as along the coast of Lake Erie.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from a low of minus 17 degrees at Minot, N.D., to a high of 82 degrees at Rialto, Calif.

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[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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