The Nation's Weather 10.10.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND (AP)

Active weather will persist Saturday over the Eastern U.S. as a strong cold front continues sweeping through the Great Lakes region and another front lingers over the Southeast.

Cool air flowing in from Canada will allow for freezing and below-normal temperatures in the north, with a dusting of snow expected over the Great Lakes.

Little to no snowfall accumulation is likely in most areas, with up to a half-inch in Iowa and Nebraska. Daytime highs will hover just above freezing, while overnight lows will dip into the 20s. The freezing line will extend from Ohio into Missouri on Saturday, so the region likely will see a sloppy combination of sleet and freezing rain.

Meanwhile, a small ridge of high pressure will push through the Northeast. This will bring a short period of mostly sunny skies before the cold front pushes cool, wintry conditions in from the Great Lakes.

In the South, the lingering cold front will stretch from the Mid-Atlantic states and over the Gulf and Lower Mississippi River. This will kick up another day of scattered showers and strong winds.

Cool Canadian air will remain well to the north, as warmth from the Gulf will allow for highs to reach into the 70s. Also expect strong winds over the region as this front has a history of producing wind gusts up to 62 mph.

A strong system will continue approaching the West Coast, which will allow for cooler temperatures. Highs will remain in the 50s across the Pacific Northwest and in the 70s down the coast.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Friday ranged from a low of 7 degrees at Logan, Mont., to a high of 95 degrees at Statesboro, Ga.