Forecasters say April-like showers are expected to accompany the spring-like temperatures on tap for the tri-state area Wednesday as the region continues to thaw following last week's deep freeze.
Temperatures will climb to near 60 degrees Wednesday with a spot shower or two during the day, meteorologists say. The warmest weather isn't expected to arrive until later in the afternoon, and a cluster of potentially intense thunderstorms is expected to sweep through the area overnight.
Strong winds and heavy downpours will likely be the biggest threat from Wednesday night's storm system, and forecasters say some spots could see up to 1.5 inches of rain by Thursday morning. Since the ground layer beneath the top soil remains frozen in many places, the rainwater will have nowhere to go and could end up pooling on roadways.
Meteorologists say wind gusts of up to 70 mph are possible during the most intense downpours, particularly along the coast.
Such powerful gusts could bring down trees and power lines, so residents are advised to take adequate precautions.
Meanwhile, any snow that accumulated during the weak winter weather Friday and Monday is expected to melt over the next two days, and that, combined with warmer temperatures, could make for a foggy commute Wednesday morning, particularly north and west of the city.
Temperatures Tuesday are about 10 degrees higher than Monday, reaching about 40 degrees by the afternoon, ahead of the big warm-up Wednesday.
Thursday is expected to cool back down to the 40s, and temperatures plunge into the 30s yet again on Friday. Meteorologists say it's not likely temperatures pass the freezing mark Friday, and the colder weather brings with it a chance for scattered snow flurries.
The chance for flurries returns for Super Bowl Sunday, with light snow in the morning and a high of 30 degrees. No significant accumulation is expected. Temperatures boost back above the freezing point -- but not by much -- early next week, forecasters say.
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