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 A strong low pressure system lingers over the Southwest, advancing from Arizona and into northern Texas by evening. This system will continue pulling moisture in from the Pacific Ocean, allowing for scattered rain and high-elevation snow showers to develop. A mix of rain and freezing rain will reach into northern Texas in the afternoon and evening hours. Snowfall accumulations will range from 2 to 3 inches, with low-level rainfall totals less than an inch.
Meanwhile, a cold front will extend northeastward from this system, stretching from the
southern Plains into the Great Lakes. Expect more light snow showers to develop along this frontal boundary.
Behind this system, cold air will continue pouring in from western Canada. High temperatures will range in the 20s and 30s in the
northern Rockies and northern Plains, while the central Rockies and central Plains will remain in the 30s and 40s.
Farther west, strong winds will continue across the West Coast on Friday as the low pressure system sits over the Southwest and high pressure builds off the coast. This change in pressure will create more strong winds for most of California. For
Southern California, this will produce a Santa Ana wind event due strong flow from the northeast. Maximum winds will range from 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph at higher elevations.
Meanwhile, in the East, a ridge of high pressure continues to build from the Mississippi River Valley to the East Coast. This allows for more sunny skies and warming temperatures. The Northeast will see highs in the 40s and 50s, while the Southeast will reach into the 60s and 70s.
Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from a morning low of
minus 7 degrees at West Yellowstone, Mont., to a high of 84 degrees at Falfurrias, Texas
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