The Nation's Weather 10.04.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND (AP)

A large October storm was expected to bring widespread rain Sunday in much of the West, while the Southeast looked for showers and thunderstorms.

A trough of low pressure was drifting down the West Coast, bringing rain to the Northwest, Intermountain West, and into the mountains of California. Early season snow was likely in the higher elevations, but the ground is still warm enough to melt most of it before any accumulation occurs. Cold air will dampen daytime high temperatures in the Northwest and much of California. It will also provide breezy conditions for many locations. Wind advisories are in effect for part of the Southwest and Great Basin.

Meanwhile, a substantial amount of moisture will push into the Southeast, allowing widespread showers and thunderstorms to develop.

And some showers will persist in Wisconsin and Michigan as another low pressure system moves slowly northward into Canada from the Great Lakes. Cool conditions are anticipated from the Northern plains through the Northeast.

The Northeast will rise into the 60s and 70s, while the Southeast will see temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The Southern plains will rise into the 70s and 80s, while the Northern plains will see temperatures in the 40s and 50s. The Northwest will rise into the 40s, 50s, and 60s.

Temperatures Saturday in the lower 48 states ranged from a low of 9 degrees at Daniel, Wyo. to a high of 97 degrees at Laredo, Texas.