The Nation's Weather

Light snow was forecast Friday across much of the Northeast as a low-pressure system moves up the eastern seaboard, while an Arctic blast was anticipated in the Northern Plains and Midwest.

Snow was possible in New England, though it was expected to turn to rain in the afternoon in areas south of New York City and along the coast up to Massachusetts' Cape Cod.

A second low-pressure system was expected to move through the Great Lakes in the afternoon, bringing another shot of light snow to the region. A few inches could fall throughout the central Appalachians and into New Hampshire and Maine.

Temperatures in North Dakota and Minnesota were expected to struggle to top zero. Highs in the low 30s were forecast as far south as Texas.

Rain in the Southeast was expected to taper off by the morning commute and temperatures were expected to rise. Highs along the coast could reach into the 60s. The West was also expected to be warm, with highs in the upper 50s and 60s forecast.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from a low of minus 18 degrees at Kremmling, Colo., to a high of 83 degrees at Melbourne, Fla.

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On the Net:

Weather Underground: http://www.wunderground.com

National Weather Service: http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov

Intellicast: http://www.intellicast.com