The Nation's Weather 09.04.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND (AP)

The Western U.S. was forecast to see some big changes Friday as an early season Pacific storm slammed into the Northwest.

Precipitation would begin to push ashore along the coastline of Washington and Oregon early in the morning, and by evening, the wet weather was to make it to the crest of the Cascades and possibly spill over into the interior valleys. Rain was expected to push as far southward as northern California by the end of the day. In addition to soaking the region, this approaching storm was expected to cool temperatures in the West considerably, knocking highs down from their recent stretch of well above normal values to a more seasonable temperature.

In the Southwest, temperatures weren't expected to be affected and monsoon flow would continue to spark thunderstorms throughout the region. Even more moisture was expected to make its way into the region Friday, so thunderstorms would produce more rain and flooding would be more likely.

Wet weather was also anticipated throughout the Gulf Coast states as a weak front continued to push through the region. Forecasters expected afternoon thunderstorms with some heavy downpours and frequent lightning. Temperatures were to remain seasonably warm.

The Northeast would continue to see pleasant weather Friday as high pressure sat over the Great Lakes. Temperatures were expected to be in the 70s for most locations and skies would be generally clear.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from a low of 35 degrees at Kremmling, Colo., to a high of 108 degrees at Imperial, Calif.