The Nation's Weather 04.19.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND

Widespread rain is predicted Sunday through the Great Lakes region as well as the Ohio Valley and parts of the Mississippi Valley. Heavy rain is predicted in the Southeast where thunderstorms are forecast along with a slight chance of severe weather.

A ridge of high pressure should bring a warming trend to the West that is expected to last the rest of the weekend. Record high temperatures could be broken for several cities on Sunday and Monday.

Northeast temperatures are forecast to rise into the 40s-60s, while the Southeast is expected to see temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The Southern Plains should rise into the 80s and 90s, while the Northwest is forecast to reach 60s and 70s. The Southwest is expected to rise into the 80s and 90s.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Saturday ranged from a low of 12 degrees at Wolf Creek Pass, Colo., to a high of 96 degrees at Weslaco, Texas.