Wednesday's Weather Outlook

A one-two punch of weather systems wreaks havoc on both coasts for the middle of the week, while a drier forecast is in store for the nation’s midsection.

A low pressure system just off the coast of New England will drift to the east-northeast towards Atlantic Canada. However, there will be plenty of moisture squeezed out over the Northeast as this low pressure moves away. If that wasn't enough, persistent northwesterly winds will set up in its wake, allowing for lake-effect snow to develop.

Flurries or light snow showers will be found throughout the day across the Great Lakes, central Appalachia and the Northeast. Though, some moderate to briefly heavy snow cannot be ruled out in eastern Maine in the morning as well as areas immediately downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

The cold front associated with this low pressure will be dropping south across the southeastern U.S. throughout the day. Rain showers will soak the Tennessee Valley, Gulf Coast and Southeast. The best chance for rain will occur in the morning and afternoon.

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the nation, an upper-level low pressure system will come barreling into California. Ahead of the low pressure, there will be an influx of moisture into California, the Great Basin and most of the Rocky Mountains. Precipitation type will be elevation dependent. Much of California and the lower elevations of the Mountain West will see rain. The middle elevations will see wet snow or a rain/snow mix, while snow piling up in the mountains and highest elevations.

Most locations that see snow should pick up minimal accumulations. The Sierra Nevada and the tallest peaks in the Rockies will see moderate to heavy snow. If traveling through the highest mountain passes, be prepared for slick, snowy roadways, blowing snow and poor visibility, especially over Donner Pass on I-80.

Strong winds will also accompany the rain and mountain snow, with peak wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

High pressure will control the weather across the Plains and Midwest, fostering dry and quiet weather. The Northwest and northern Rockies will also likely be free of weather concerns.

The coldest temperatures will be found in the Upper Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes, central Appalachia and the interior Northeast. Here, highs will only be in the 20s and 30s. Twenties and 30s will also be in the forecast for the highest elevations of the Mountain West. Otherwise, expect 40s and 50s for the Pacific Northwest, the rest of the Mountain West, the northern and central Plains, the Tennessee Valley, northern Mid-Atlantic and southern New England.

Most of California will report temperatures in the 50s and 60s, though southern California into the Desert Southwest will see the mercury climb into the 70s. Temperatures will also vary greatly across Texas, with 50s and 60s for northern/western Texas and 70s for southern/eastern areas. The southern Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas will have highs in the 50s and 60s, while 70s will occur along the Gulf Coast and Florida.