Thursday's forecast: Another helping of snow
Most of the nation will have a rather tranquil weather day Thursday, with only a few areas of storminess, mostly across the northern tier..
Snow is likely in the northern Rockies and northern Plains, with the heaviest snow forecast in Utah and Montana. High temperatures will only be in the chilly teens and 20s.
Another storm is likely in the upper Midwest and western Great Lakes, with a few rain and snow showers expected.
Some showers will dampen drought-plagued California and along the western Gulf Coast. Most of the southern Plains and Southeast will be mild and dry.
Weather history for Dec. 19: In 1777, the Continental Army endured a day of "stormy winds and piercing cold" at Valley Forge, Pa. In 1924, the temperature dipped to a December record low of -59 degrees in Yellowstone Park, Wyo.
In 1999, a record high temperature of 73 degrees was measured in San Francisco.