The Nation's Weather 12.25.08

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND

Much of the West was forecast to be wet, white or both on Christmas, while showers were expected in the Southeast and possible in the Plains.

Two storms were taking aim at the West Coast on Thursday. A strong system was projected to bring several inches of snow and gusty winds to the Northwest, where temperatures were only expected to reach the 20s and 30s.

A weaker storm was forecast to crash into Southern California's coast and move across the Southwest. A few inches of snow was possible in higher elevations, but most of the Southwest was likely to see rain, as well as high winds.

Sunny skies dawning over the Plains were likely to give way to clouds because of the storm approaching from the Northwest. Rain or snow was possible in the central and northern Plains late in the day.

Partly clear skies were predicted across the Northeast for most of the day, though clouds were expected to move into the region during the evening. Cloudy skies and showers were forecast for the Southeast.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states on Wednesday ranged from a low of minus 27 degrees at Grand Forks, N.D., to a high of 84 degrees at Sarasota, Fla.