Is this week's mild weather in the northeastern US a sign winter is gone?
More than a hundred ice fishermen were rescued off being stranded off Catawba Island State Park in Ohio on March 9. No injuries were reported.
After a cold start to March, mild air will finally break loose in the northeastern United States late this week.
Following a little burst of chillier air into Tuesday night, the warming trend will begin on Wednesday.
Wednesday is shaping up to be the Northeast's nicest day in recent weeks with some sunshine, light winds and temperatures right around seasonable levels, in the 40s and 50s.
"A strong southerly flow of air from the Gulf of Mexico will pump in even milder air across the Northeast later this week, making it feel more like spring," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun said.
Highs can be as much as 20 degrees above mid-March normals on the warmest days.
Clouds and areas of rain could put a cap on how high temperatures reach on Thursday and Friday, according to Rathbun.
Areas where the warmup may not reach its full potential due to such conditions include portions of the upper Ohio Valley, central Appalachians, eastern Great Lakes and New England.
"South-facing communities along the colder ocean, bays and lakes may also stay cooler than inland locations," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.
Areas of fog will develop as the mild air moves in, which can slow motorists and airline passengers.
"The milder air will aid in melting some of the snowpack across the region," Rathbun said.
Muddy fields and lawns are expected during the thaw, according to AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok.
There may be a risk of low-lying and poor drainage flooding if the late-week rain is heavy enough or stalls over the Northeast for a time.
The Tennessee Valley is expected to face another round of flooding downpours with this event.
While the mild conditions may give hope to those tired of the cold and looking ahead to warmer weather, Pastelok said it's not yet time to call it quits on winter.
A fresh wave of cold will spread through the north-central Plains and into the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes late this week and into next weekend.
The cold will be preceded by yet another snowstorm in the North Central states.
This fresh wave of chilly conditions is expected to reach the Northeast this weekend.
