Rain/snow coming & is this it for the cold?

Our next system coming in from the Rockies should catch most of Kansas up on rain for April. The first half of the month has been relatively warm, but we are erasing that quickly now that we've logged almost a week of cooler than normal temperatures. And it isn't over just yet as you'll see in a second. 

Snowfall forecast:

 

This isn't the latest measurable snow for Northwest Kansas, but it will be heavier than one might expect at this point in the season. Given the duration, track, moisture, and temperatures, we still feel confident on some 3-5 inch amounts for the far northwest. But as soon as you get about 60-80 miles east of Goodland or Colby, there won't be much snow at all. And if there is any snow, it will mainly be in a few grassy areas. 

Rainfall:

 

 

Should wind up close to an inch, but areas north of I-70 may end up closer to 1.50". The least amount of rain will probably fall in southwest Kansas where the totals will be around .50"

3rd week of April is looking like this:

End of April gets back to normal:

We are anticipating another pattern shift that will erase much of the cold and put us back to 70s and 80s. It will be interesting to see if severe weather chances return at this time too. Some of the longer range models are hinting at a west coast low pressure, which may send the Plains states back into a threat for hail and wind. Stay tuned.