Flood threat expands in Northeast as soaking rain, warmer temperatures lead to rapid snowmelt is week

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Flood threat increases in Northeast this week

Millions of people in the Northeast are seeing an increased risk of flooding later this week as rounds of rain drench the region.

Millions of people across the U.S. will be getting some relief from the recent bitter blast of arctic air, but for those living and working in the Northeast, that increase in temperatures coupled with rounds of heavy rain expected to push through the region this week has forecasters concerned about flooding due to rapid snowmelt.

It’s been a cold start to December, but for millions of people, the temperatures have started to flip. These are by no means summer temperatures, so don't go running to the beach just yet.

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The high temperatures in cities like Chicago and New York City are expected to be in the lower 50s on Monday, while areas farther north like Minneapolis and Boston are expected to remain in the 40s.

By Wednesday, temperatures along the Interstate 95 corridor from Boston through the Big Apple, Philadelphia and Washington could reach the 60s. But for millions on the East Coast, frigid temperatures will be making a comeback as we get ready to close out the current workweek.

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This graphic shows rounds of heavy rain pushing into the Northeast and along the Interstate 95 corridor by Wednesday, putting millions at risk of seeing flooding.

(FOX Weather)

But as temperatures rise at the start of this week, snow will begin to melt, which could lead to some localized flooding and runoff, especially in areas that have just picked up feet of snow from the first significant lake-effect snowstorms of the season.

Warmer temperatures won’t last, however, as another strong cold front pushes through the region on Wednesday. That front will send temperatures plunging once again, reminding millions of people that we haven’t jumped from winter to spring.

Much-needed rain on the way, but it could be problematic

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Watch: Exclusive FOX Model Futuretrack shows heavy rain moving into the Northeast

The exclusive FOX Model Futuretrack shows rounds of heavy rain moving into the Northeast this week leading to concerns of flooding.

As millions of people in the Northeast and New England enjoy the briefly warmer temperatures, rounds of beneficial rain are also expected across the region. That could impact travel along the busy I-95 corridor from New York City through Providence, Rhode Island, and Boston.

Some areas could receive several inches of rain this week, which will undoubtedly help alleviate the months-long drought fueling wildfires across the region. However, it won't entirely erase the drought.

The first round of rain is expected Monday afternoon, but it will be short-lived compared to what’s expected later this week.

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The FOX Forecast Center said an area of low pressure moving along the U.S.-Canada border in the Midwest will combine with a surge of moisture that’s also fueling a flood threat in the South.

Rain on Monday morning mainly affected areas to the west of the I-95 corridor. But by the afternoon, heavier rain will move into the I-95 corridor just in time for the Monday evening rush. 

To the west, in communities near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, rapid snowmelt from the warmer temperatures and rain could lead to flooding.

The second round of rain is expected by midweek and will have a much larger impact across the Northeast.

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Wednesday is expected to be a washout, and NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has placed millions of people from Connecticut to Maine, including Boston, in a Level 2 out of 4 risk for flooding.

As colder air rushes back into the region behind the cold front fueling Wednesday's rainfall, rain could mix with or change over to snow over parts of the interior Northeast by Wednesday night. 

However, due to the wet ground and warmer temperatures before the winter weather arrives, it's too soon to predict where snow will fall and how much could accumulate.