The Nation's Weather 01.20.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND

Snow mixed with rain swirled over the mid-Atlantic states early Tuesday, while the Plains and West were to stay unseasonably warm.

A winter front was expected to dump as much as 4 inches of snow across the Carolinas, with only a dusting anticipated elsewhere. The cold front will move out to the Atlantic Ocean, but will extend southwestward, kicking up clouds and possibly some light rain showers over southern Florida.

To the north, lake-effect snow will persist as a trough of low pressure lingers over the Northeast. Total accumulations could be up to 3 inches across New England.

High pressure will build over the western Great Lakes, pulling in cool and dry air from Canada, though Michigan may see some lingering flurries.

High pressure over the Plains will allow for cool overnight lows and warm daytime highs with dry conditions. Gusts up to 20 mph were anticipated over the mid-Mississippi and Ohio River valleys.

The Southern Plains will continue to see warm and dry conditions with strong winds. Red flag warnings have been issued since these conditions are favorable for fires to threaten the region.

Mild weather will persist over the West as high pressure hovers over the coast. Expect seasonable temperatures and fair weather across the Pacific Northwest, California and the Southwest.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states on Monday ranged from a low of minus 16 degrees at Cook, Minn., to a high of 88 degrees at Edinburg, Texas.