Watching a the potential for a significant shift in the pattern to close out October. For now, rain showers across the Upper Midwest/Great Lakes today, snow showers for the Northern Rockies, and well above-average temperatures continue over the Central and Eastern U.S, including dozens of record highs to be set.

HEADLINERS:

• A powerful storm will continue to move across Alaska's western and interior portions through Wednesday morning. Coastal flooding, high winds, heavy snow, and blizzard conditions are possible. This system will be one to watch for the Lower 48 and much of Canada for next week.

• Heavy precipitation including snow for parts of the Western U.S. and parts of Western and Eastern Canada for next week.

• Significant wind for much of the U.S. and Canadian Prairies next week.

• Potential first freeze/frost for remaining areas across the West for next week.

• Slight risk of heavy precipitation for parts of the Mississippi Valley and Central and Southern Plains, Tue-Thu, Oct 29-31.

ON THE RADAR:

IN THE GAUGES:

Progressing through the next three, seven, and ten days. Note the increased precipitation for parts of the Midwest toward Eastern Canada and the expansion of heavy precipitation across the West.

GRAB A RULER:

Heavy snowfall for Western Canada through the Cascades and into the Northern and Central Rockies.

RECORDS MADE TO BE BROKEN:

Dozens of record-high temperatures to be set this week. Record cold is not likely at this time.

TROPICAL TIDINGS:

Oscar continues churning in the tropical waters and headed through the open Atlantic until nearing Bermuda.

ARE YOU CIRRUS?!

On this day in weather history:
1996  19.19 inches of rain fell at Camp Ellis, Maine, setting the state's all-time record.
2005  Isla Mujeres, Mexico set the Northern Hemisphere's and Western Hemisphere's 24-hour rainfall record with 64.30 inches.
1965  A heat wave of record duration hit southern California. Los Angeles had 100 degree readings each day from the 20th to the 29th. San Diego hit 104.
1997  The World Series game in Cleveland between the Indians and Florida Marlins featured snow showers and the coldest temperatures in World Series history.