Rifle, CO

Weather Underground Forecast for Sunday, February 12, 2012.

The East dries out on Sunday, but wet weather continues moving through the West. A trough of low pressure advances eastward over the Great Basin and Central Rockies, producing moderate snow showers over Utah and Colorado. Winter weather advisories have been issued for parts of western Colorado as snowfall accumulations may reach from 6 to 8 inches by Sunday evening. Most of Utah, western Wyoming, and northern New Mexico should see lighter snow showers with accumulation around 1 to 2 inches. The tail end of this trough will extend into western Texas, bringing snow and freezing rain showers into northwestern Texas. Precipitation from this system will move into the Texas Panhandle late Sunday into Monday morning. Winter storm warnings have been issued for the region as 3 to 5 inches of snow are possible, with ice accumulations from 0.10 to 0.30 inches by Sunday evening. This will cause dangerous roads and travel conditions.

Meanwhile, another trough of low pressure and associated cold front approach the West Coast on Sunday. This system will reach the coasts of the Pacific Northwest and northern California in the afternoon and evening hours, bringing more rain showers. Temperatures will remain cool over most of the West Coast as this system pushes clouds and moisture onshore.

In the East, a strong ridge of high pressure allows for dry, sunny, and cool weather to persist. This system creates strong flow from the north, pushing cold air into the Plains and Eastern Valleys. Expect highs to range in the 20s in the Midwest, while the Ohio River Valley and Tennessee Valleys will see highs in the 30s. Freeze advisories have been issued for the Gulf states as low temperatures will drop into the 20s Sunday night. Dangerous fire conditions spread over the Southeastern states due to high pressure creating a very dry airmas with strong winds.