Places like California, the Desert Southwest, and the Four Corners should expect an unsettled weather pattern heading into the weekend.  For many, this will be a welcome change.  In this drought-stricken and fire-ravaged area, appreciable rainfall and significant mountain snow is in the forecast.

Beginning in the Pacific Northwest, a cold front will dive southward and eastward by Friday.  Rain showers will be on the increase in northern California and Nevada, especially after dark.

Throughout the weekend, rounds of showers and high-elevation snow will expand from the coastal states to the interior West.  This means the desert cities of Las Vegas and Phoenix should see some rain!

Generally speaking, rainfall totals are expected to be on the lighter side.  Many areas will pick up less than one inch.  Nonetheless, this is beneficial moisture to an already moisture-starved region.  Snow totals in the mountains, on the other hand, could be quite impressive!

In fact, the first snow of the season is likely in the northern Sierra Nevada.  Winter Storm Watches have been posted for the widespread potential of 3 to 8 inches of snow, with 12 inches possible in a few spots.

A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for elevations above 4,000 feet in Trinity County, California.  Snow totals are expected to range between 2 to 5 inches there.

Further east in the Rockies, heavy snow is looking more likely later on Saturday and Sunday.  The highest peaks of the Wasatch and Uintas in Utah, and the San Juans in Colorado can expect perhaps a foot or more of snow.  Snow will also be possible in northern sections of Arizona and New Mexico.

A dip in the jet stream will usher in colder temperatures to the Southwestern U.S. as well.  Warmer-than-average temperatures will take a tumble through the weekend and into next week.

Keep it tuned to WeatherNation as we follow this developing weather story and its impacts on your weekend plans.