More than 240 million people across the United States will get some relief from the recent blast of harsh Arctic air, but for those who live and work in the Northeast, rising temperatures and heavy rains will be the norm this week. Forecasters are concerned about flooding from the rapid melting snow as it is expected to pass through the region.
After a cold start to December, temperatures reversed for millions of people on Sunday and Monday, with highs now 10 to 15 degrees above average instead of below recent averages. It is expected to rise.
By Monday, about 245 million people around the world will experience milder temperatures, but the warmer temperatures will be short-lived.
It's definitely not summer temperatures, so don't go running to the beach just yet.
High temperatures in Chicago on Sunday will be in the low 50s and in the New York City metropolitan area in the mid 50s.
As we approach the start of a new week, temperatures will rise into the 40s and 50s in the Northeast, while northern New England will remain cool.
But warmer temperatures will increase snowmelt, which could lead to localized flooding and runoff, especially in areas that just received several feet of snow from the season's first significant lake-effect snowstorm.
However, the rise in temperatures will be short-lived as another strong cold front will move through the region on Wednesday. This front will cause temperatures to plummet once again, reminding millions of people that we don't just jump from winter to spring.
A much-needed rain has arrived on the way, but there may be problems
Millions of people in the Northeast and New England are enjoying temporarily warmer temperatures, which will benefit the entire region, including Interstate 95, which runs from New York City to Providence, Rhode Island and Boston. Heavy rain is also expected.
Several inches of rain could fall in some areas this week, which will no doubt help ease the months-long drought that has sparked wildfires across the region, but it won't completely end it.
The first rain is expected Monday afternoon, but it won't last as long as expected later this week.
The FOX Prediction Center said an area of low pressure moving along the U.S.-Canada border in the Midwest, combined with a surge of moisture, will also increase the threat of flooding in the South.
Rain Monday morning will primarily impact areas west of the I-95 corridor.
In cities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, West Virginia, you're likely to need an umbrella to start your day.
By the afternoon, more heavy rain will move onto the I-95 corridor in time for the Monday night rush.
And in areas to the west near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, rising temperatures and rapid snowmelt due to rainfall could cause flooding.
A second round of rain is expected by midweek and will have an even bigger impact across the Northeast.
Flooding is expected to occur Wednesday, with NOAA's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) putting millions of people from Connecticut to Maine, including Boston, at a level 2 out of 4 flood risk. It is said that
Rain could mix or turn to snow in parts of the interior Northeast by Wednesday night as cold air re-enters areas behind the cold front driving Wednesday's rain. But before winter weather arrives, wetter ground and rising temperatures make it too early to predict where snow will fall or how much it will accumulate.
