The Nation's Weather 10.03.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND (AP)

Cold air was expected to bring rain Saturday to the Northeast and an autumn chill to the Northwest and Northern Midwest.

In the East, a strong low pressure system hovering over the Great Lakes was expected to push a strong cold front over New England, and down the East Coast while wrapping back westward into the Southern Plains.

This system was expected to kick up 1 to 2 inches of rain in North, with lighter rainfall over New England and the Mid-Atlantic States.

In the South, scattered thunderstorms were expected to develop again as warm and moist flow from the Gulf of Mexico aids in the strength of the system. Some storms may turn severe. Nearly half an inch of rain was forecast over the region, with up to 3 inches in areas of strong thunderstorms. Flooding was expected to remain a threat over much of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.

High pressure was to build over the Plains, allowing cool air to pour in from Canada. Overnight freezing will remain an issue as lows are expected to drop into the 30s again. The first chilly fall feeling will overcome most of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest as daytime highs will only reach into the 50s.

In the West, a low pressure system and cold front were forecast through the Pacific Northwest and into the Northern Rockies. A winter storm warning has been issued as snowfall with accumulation up to 4 inches is expected at higher elevations. This will also push moisture over most of the West Coast, bringing low level clouds and cooler temperatures.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Friday ranged from a low of 10 degrees at Gunnison, Colo. to a high of 97 degrees at McAllen, Texas.