The nation's weather

(AP) — Another wet day was expected over the Pacific Northwest on Saturday as a strong and moist low pressure system continued spinning in the North Pacific.

The system was forecast to pick up abundant moisture and spread moderate to heavy precipitation over Washington and Oregon, which was expected to start to stretch into the Northern Rockies and Intermountain West.

Another one to two inches of rain at lower elevations were forecast, with snowfall accumulation ranging from six to 12 inches in the Cascades. Winds will likely strengthen over the region, with gusts up to 20 mph and coastal regions seeing gusts up to 30 mph and dangerous surf with wave heights near seven feet. Another cool day is anticipated as highs remain in the 50s.

Meanwhile, the Northern Rockies were not expected to see significant precipitation from this event. Clouds and cool weather were forecast for Northern California, but rain was not anticipated.

Elsewhere, dry and mild weather was expected over the Plains and Mississippi River Valley as a strong ridge of high pressure continued building over the region. This will allow for highs to approach 60 in the Upper Midwest, while the Southern Plains will reach into the lower 80s. The ridge will extend to the East Coast on Saturday and will bring cool air in from the north over most of the coast. Daytime conditions will be warm and sunny, while overnight lows will dip into the 30s, allowing for frost and freeze advisories to remain in effect over the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Friday ranged from a low of 14 degrees at West Yellowstone, Mont. to a high of 91 degrees at Canadian, Texas.