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[March 09, 2010] (AP) Mixed precipitation was expected in the Plains, while another system would bring more snow to the Rocky Mountains on Tuesday.

A low pressure system was forecast to strengthen as it continued moving off the central Rockies and into the central and northern Plains. Flow around this system would create a warm front, while also pulling moisture in from the Gulf of Mexico. Thus, warm air associated with this system was expected to allow highs in the lower 40s from Nebraska to Minnesota and create scattered rain showers with total rainfall amounts less than an inch.

At the same time, flow behind this system was forecast to pull cool air in from Canada, which would allow for rain to turn to snow showers by evening. Less than half an inch of snow over the western Dakotas and high Plains was expected. The leading edge of this system was forecast to bring strong winds and breezy conditions to the mid-Mississippi River Valley. Gusts up to 20 mph in Illinois and Missouri were expected with highs in the upper 50s. Farther East, another mild day with warm temperatures was expected as highs pressure lingered over the Eastern third of the country. Highs were expected to hover around the 50s and 60s, with the Southeast reaching into the 70s.

Behind this system in the Rockies, another trough of low pressure was forecast to move from the Intermountain West, over the Great Basin, into the central Rockies. Light moisture associated with this system was expected to kick up another day with snowfall. Snowfall accumulations would range between 2-5 inches at higher elevations.

Farther West, a Pacific storm spinning off the West Coast was forecast to push another moist cold front onshore. This front would take a more northerly track and bring a half to an inch of rain to western Oregon and Washington. California was expected to see another partly cloudy day with light and scattered showers.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Monday ranged from a low of 7 degrees at Stanley, Idaho, to a high of 83 degrees at Laredo, Texas.

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[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]