The Nation's Weather 10.24.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND (AP)

Wintry weather is expected to continue in the Eastern United States on Saturday due to a strong low pressure system.

Flow around this low is predicted to create a cold front that will push from the Mississippi River Valley and hover along the East Coast. In the North, flow from the south should create a mild warm front that will stretch over the Northeast and New England. With temperatures over the region remaining above freezing, between a half and 1 inch of rain is likely over the region. Highs are predicted in the 50s and 60s, while the South should see lighter rainfall totals with no more than a half of an inch, and highs remaining in the mid-70s.

Cold air is forecast to pour in from Canada and continue spreading a light mixture of sleet and rain over the northern regions of the Great Lakes. Expect highs in the 40s in most areas, and in addition to these brisk conditions, some of these areas may also be breezy with winds gusting up to 25-30 mph.

High pressure building over the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley should bring another cool night with freeze advisories in effect as overnight lows will dip to near freezing again.

In the West, expect a Pacific front to continue pushing eastward over the Pacific Northwest and into the Northern Rockies on Sunday. That should bring light and scattered showers with up to 3 inches of snow at higher elevations. Precipitation is not expected over California.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Friday ranged from a low of 18 degrees at Limon, Colo. to a high of 98 degrees at Indio, Calif.