The Nation's Weather 09.30.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND (AP)

Drier conditions were expected for the Eastern U.S., while a strong storm would continue tracking over the Rockies.

A high pressure system would continue building over the East Coast as a low pressure system slowly moved away from the Northeast. Flow around the back side of the low pressure system would continue picking up moisture from the Great Lakes and spread light and scattered showers over the Northeast. Thus, lake effect snow was expected again on the western shores along the Great Lakes. The high pressure system building in from the west would allow for mild weather over most of the Eastern U.S., but flow around the high would also allow for cool air to pour in from Canada.

Overnight lows were forecast to dip to near freezing temperatures again in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest with highs reaching into the mid-60s again Wednesday. High temperatures would also remain low with the Northeast remaining cool with highs in the 50s, while the Southeast would reach into mid-70s.

In the West, a strong low pressure system would sweep over the Great Basin and Northern and Central Rockies. Snow was expected again at higher elevations with snowfall accumulation between 4 to 8 inches. Lower elevations would see wet and dreary weather Wednesday. Farther west, a trough over the Pacific Northwest would allow for overcast skies, but precipitation was not anticipated. Slightly warmer temperatures would return to the West Coast as onshore decreases along the West Coast.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Tuesday ranged from a low of 19 degrees at Seneca, Ore., to a high of 108 degrees at Bullhead City, Ariz.