The Nation's Weather 09.10.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND (AP)

Wet weather was forecast to persist across much of the Eastern U.S. on Thursday as a stationary frontal boundary lingered over the Southeast.

The system would pull ample moisture in from the Gulf of Mexico allowing for wet and humid conditions. Thus, the front would continue triggering scattered showers and thunderstorms across the Gulf States, some of which may turn severe with the possibility of hail, strong winds, and heavy downpours. Total rainfall amounts were expected to remain between a quarter and a half of an inch in most areas. Additionally, an area of low pressure off the coast of Virginia would continue pushing moisture onshore, allowing for scattered showers over the Mid-Atlantic and New England states. New England and the eastern Great Lakes would remain in the mid-60s with rainy weather.

Behind this system in the Plains, a trough of low pressure extending in from Canada was expected to create a weak frontal boundary that would track through the Northern Plains. Forecasters said the front may be sufficient to kick up scattered showers and thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a quarter of an inch over the Dakotas. Highs would remain in the 70s in the Northern Plains, while the South would see highs in the 80s and 90s again.

In the West, while high pressure would allow for warm and pleasant weather to persist in the south, the Pacific Northwest was expected to see light showers as a front pushed in from the west. Heavier showers were anticipated over the Cascades on Thursday. The north would remain near 70, while California would approach the 90s.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Wednesday ranged from a low of 18 degrees at Wisdom, Mont., to a high of 112 degrees at Death Valley, Calif.