The Nation's Weather 12.17.08

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND

More wintry weather was forecast across the nation Wednesday, with rain, snow and sleet predicted along both coasts and cold temperatures expected there and in between.

Scattered showers were forecast for the Southwest, with the heaviest rain in Southern California. Thunderstorms were possible. Significant amounts of snow were expected across the southern mountain ranges.

To the north, temperatures were likely to plunge. A wintry mix of precipitation was predicted to accompany cold weather in the Northwest.

Snow showers were forecast for the Great Lakes and the Northeast. Sleet was expected across the Ohio Valley and the mid-Atlantic. Icy conditions in the morning could make travel hazardous.

The Northeast was forecast to see temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 50s, while the Southeast was to rise into the 60s, 70s and 80s. The Northwest was expected to range from zero to the 30s, while temperatures across the Southwest were to be in the 40s to the 70s.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states on Tuesday ranged from a low of minus 34 degrees at Longville, Minn., to a high of 84 degrees at Tampa, Fla.