Daily briefing: Thursday rain & snow

Each corner of the U.S. has something going on today. Rain & snow are in the forecast with some areas seeing more moderate temperatures. The daily briefing is published every weekday at 5 a.m. ET.

While snowy activity stays across the northern tier, scattered rain showers are in the forecast for the Deep South, Gulf Coast and the Southeast. Gusty winds are expected in the Northeast quadrant as well today.

As a pattern shift starts in the West, rain showers are expected from two separate systems: one in the Pacific Northwest and one across the Southwest.

The low pressure slowly making its way into the West Coast today will bring scattered showers and mountain snow in California and the Desert Southwest. This will eventually be part of the energy used to create this weekend's major winter storm.

Scattered rain and mountain snow showers are expected in the Pacific Northwest today, too. A welcome shift to those who'd like to break out a new umbrella.

The northern tier will be cold from the high Plains through the Great Lakes. Sub-freezing temps in the 20s and teens will keep many under extra layers here today. More tolerable 30s and 40s stretch from the Pacific Northwest through the central Plains and the Tennessee and lower Ohio valleys. Highs in the 50s and 60s are expected from San Francisco and New Mexico to the Southeast and the Mid-Atlantic.

The warmest weather will be found in southern Texas and Florida, with highs in the 70s.

Have you used the WindRadar? Track gusty winds throughout the winter season to know when to add a couple of layers.