A large and powerful upper level storm system will be pulling out of the plains and into our area by later today. Ahead of this system a strong south wind will continue to pump the unseasonably warm and moist conditions into our area. This will allow temperatures to near the 70 degree mark once again by this afternoon.

Meanwhile, just a short distance to our north and west, temperatures are not expected to escape the 30’s in places like Chicago and Kansas City today where a mixture of rain, sleet and freezing rain is forecasted. The large temperature gradient is due to a slow moving cold front that will give us a big drop in temperatures here tomorrow.

To the south, a major outbreak of severe weather is anticipated today for much of the Southern Mississippi River Valley, the Gulf Coast and into the Tennessee Valley where strong tornadoes will be possible. Although some severe weather can’t be ruled out here in Kentuckiana, the bigger threat will be some very heavy rainfall by later on tonight.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of this system by this afternoon, especially for areas along and to the north of the Ohio River. Rain and storms will become more widespread tonight with a few strong storms possible. Rainfall could be excessive with more than two inches in parts of the area. This could lead to the potential of some flooding issues.

Tomorrow will bring a gradual end to the rainfall. But as much colder air filters into the area, precipitation could end as a few snow showers or flurries by the end of the day. As for the rest of the week, it looks like winter will be making another comeback. Another shot of cold air is expected to arrive by Thursday and Friday with a chance of snow. Stay tuned.