Weather

Much of the eastern United States can expect dry weather Thursday, with at least partial sunshine. High pressure is projected to settle over eastern Virginia. Arctic air will linger over northern New England.

In the South, clouds and rain will persist along the Gulf Coast. The heaviest rain will affect the upper Texas coast to southern Louisiana, where storms may develop. Mild air will continue to prevail from the lower Mississippi Valley to the southern Plains.

Snow will extend from parts of the Intermountain West to the upper Great Lakes. The heaviest snowfall, with more than 6 inches of accumulation, is expected over the mountains of Utah, Colorado and southern Wyoming. Some snow will blanket the mountains of northeastern Arizona and northern New Mexico. Enough snow may fall to make roads slippery from the central Plains to parts of the Upper Midwest.

Much of the rest of the West can expect dry weather and some sunshine. High pressure will build inland over the Northwest. Strong winds will increase in parts of California. The combination of dry air, dry brush and strong winds will increase the risk of rapid wildfire spread and new wildfire ignition.

FOCUS: Holiday Travel Conditions on Sunday

Snow may cause slippery travel conditions across parts of the Midwest on Sunday. Farther east, some rain and fog may slow travel in the Southeast and the Middle Atlantic. Much of the West will be dry, with good travel conditions.