The Nation's Weather 10.08.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND (AP)

Strong storms with heavy rainfall are expected to sweep through the Central and Eastern US on Thursday.

A strong ridge of high pressure is predicted to push a large cold air mass from Canada over the Rockies and Plains, triggering a few light snow showers over the Northern and Central Rockies with accumulations of 3-4 inches at higher elevations.

Expect cool temperatures over most of the Northern Plains and Great Lakes regions. Daytime highs are likely to remain lower than usual, only reaching into the 40s, while overnight lows are expected to dip well below freezing.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely to pop up anywhere along a front stretching through the Southern Plains, over the Lower and Mid-Mississippi River Valley, and into the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys. Rainfall could total up to 2 inches in some areas. Though most of the region should see less than a half inch of rain, major flooding could occur in the Lower Mississippi Valley.

The Northeast should see overcast skies with a few sprinkles and highs in the upper 50s.

In the West, expect mostly sunny skies and pleasant fall conditions to persist on Friday. The Pacific Northwest should remain in the 60s, while most of California is expected to see highs in the 70s.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Wednesday ranged from a low of 11 degrees at Big Piney, Wyo. to a high of 99 degrees at Laredo, Texas.