The Nation's Weather 10.18.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND (AP)

A low pressure system off the Eastern seaboard is continuing to pump cold air into the eastern third of the nation. The storm may stay just far enough out in the Atlantic to spare the Northeast its most fierce weather, but significant precipitation is expected along the New England coast.

Some parts of coastal New England have issued flood watches in anticipation of heavy rain, while other areas posted advisories for strong winds. While most of the strong wind was expected near the coast, inland areas will be breezy.

Cold air also will plunge southward to the Gulf coast and dampen the region's daytime high temperatures. A large swath of the U.S. from eastern Kansas through western portions of Virginia has issued frost advisories or freeze warnings.

Meanwhile, a Pacific low pressure system will march across the Northwest and into the intermountain West. Moisture or precipitation associated with this low will diminish during the day.

The midsection of the country will remain dry, and warm air will push northward into the northern Plains.

The Northeast will rise into the 30s and 40s, while the Southeast will see temperatures in the 50s and 60s. The Plains will rise into the 60s, 70s, and some 80s, while the Southwest will see temperatures in the 80s, 90s, and some 100s.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states ranged Saturday from a low of 13 degrees at Berlin, N.H., to a high of 102 degrees at Mesa, Ariz.