098 FXUS01 KWBC 060723 PMDSPD Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 322 AM EDT Wed May 06 2026 Valid 12Z Wed May 06 2026 - 12Z Fri May 08 2026 ...Heavy snowfall to continue in the Rockies through Wednesday night... ...Strong to severe thunderstorms to impact the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley today as a cold front continues southeastward... ...A frontal system is expected to form in the Northern Plains and Rockies, bringing increased precipitation chances to end the week... A significant late-season winter storm is underway in the Rockies, with heavy snowfall expected to continue through tonight. Chances of at least minor impacts remain very high, at over 90%, per the latest Probabilistic Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI-P). Snowfall total accumulations in the range of 4 to 10 inches are expected across much of the I-25 corridor, while mountainous regions, including the northern Front Range and foothills, could see as much as 24 to 30 inches. Snowfall is expected to remain very wet, dense, and heavy, which could lead to tree and power line damage. Beginning tonight, a widespread and hard freeze is expected as the snowfall begins to wind down. Travel impacts are likely across much of the area, especially in higher elevations where snowy and slushy roads are possible. Additionally, exercise caution while shoveling; the wet, heavy nature of the snow may increase the risk of overexertion and injury. Further east, thunderstorms will continue throughout the day for much of the Lower Mississippi Valley and Southern Plains, with coverage expanding into the Southeast today. An amplified upper-level trough will support a strong upper-level jet extending through the region. An associated surface cold front will continue moving southward, stretching from the Southern Plains into the Gulf Coast and Mid-Atlantic. Ongoing thunderstorms will persist through the morning across the Lower Mississippi Valley, with more intense development expected in the afternoon. Thunderstorms have the potential to be strong to severe, bringing risks of strong winds, large hail, and an increased possibility of tornadoes. As such, the Storm Prediction Center has outlined an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) of severe weather for this region today. In addition, storms will have the potential to bring heavy rainfall with rates of 12 inches per hour. Consequently, there is a Slight Risk (level 2/4) of excessive rainfall today for the same region. On Thursday, the front will continue sagging further into the Southeast. While moisture availability and low-level flow will weaken, strong thunderstorms with damaging winds and a brief tornado remain possible in parts of the Southeast. On Thursday, a new surface low-pressure system is forecast to develop over the Northern Plains and Rockies as a mid-level shortwave trough enters the region. This will bring chances for showers and thunderstorms to the Northern Plains beginning Thursday morning and continuing into the evening. High-elevation locations in the Northern Rockies could see precipitation in the form of snow or a wintry mix during this time. Below-average temperatures will continue expanding into the South as the cold front progresses. Highs in parts of the Central Rockies may struggle to leave the 40s today, while much of the Plains and the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Valleys will dip into the 60s. Following a brief warm-up in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, another cooldown is expected behind the cold front, with temperatures returning to the upper 50s and mid-60s. Above-average temperatures will resume in the Southwest today and continue for the next few days, while the Northwest remains unseasonably warm through the remainder of the period. Blanco-Alcala Graphics available at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php $$