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[March 31, 2010] (AP) Snowy weather with near-blizzard conditions was forecast to persist over the Rocky Mountains on Wednesday.

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A trough of low pressure moved from the Pacific Ocean, where it picked up ample moisture, and was expected to continue tracking over the western U.S. The system was expected to continue spreading snow over the higher elevations of the Great Basin and northern and central Rockies, with lower elevation rain. The region would remain under high wind watches as strong winds with gusts up to 30 mph would continue. This would allow for near-blizzard conditions and low visibility due to strong winds blowing snow over high-elevation passes. Another 1-2 inches was expected over the Sierras on Wednesday morning, while the Great Basin would see 2-4 inches and only 1-2 inches in Colorado.

Meanwhile, the other side of this system would push warm and dry air into the Plains. As this system quickly approaches, it was expected to create strong winds over the central U.S. Sustained winds near 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph were expected. Above normal temperatures with highs reaching into the 80s and 90s were expected over the southern Plains. Red flag warnings were issued over most of the Plains due to hot, dry and windy conditions increasing the fire threat over the region.

Farther east, a low pressure system lingering off the coast of the northeastern U.S. would continue pushing light moisture onshore. This would allow for light and scattered rain to continue over the Northeast and coasts of northern New England. The rest of the East, however, would see warm and sunny weather as high pressure builds over the Eastern third of the country. The Ohio Valley and Midwest would see highs in the 60s, while the Southeast would reach into the 70s and 80s again Wednesday.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Tuesday ranged from a low of 17 degrees at Big Rapids, Mich., to a high of 93 degrees at Pecos, Texas.

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On the Net:

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

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

Intellicast:
http://www.intellicast.com/

[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]