Soggy Memorial Day weather may not be a total washout in the Northeast and Midwest

The eastern half of the nation is set to experience a soggy weather pattern on Sunday, bringing wet and cool conditions. However, there is some good news for the Northeast and Midwest as the weather is expected to improve leading into Memorial Day.

Flood watches have been issued for several states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Heavy rain is expected in these areas, with some locations potentially receiving two to four-plus inches of rain. This could lead to flooding in some areas.

Some of the storms in these regions could also bring gusty winds and small hail. Flight delays are expected at airports like O’Hare International Airport in Chicago due to the inclement weather.

Thunderstorms are forecast for central Indiana, which could impact the Indianapolis 500 race. The National Weather Service in Indianapolis is predicting isolated showers and thunderstorms throughout the afternoon.

As for Memorial Day, scattered rain and thunderstorms will persist in the South. In the Northeast, warmer and drier conditions are expected to move in from west to east. Highs will be in the 80s in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, with temperatures in the 70s in Washington, D.C., and New York City.

The Midwest will see mostly dry and warm conditions, with temperatures in the 80s. The Plains will experience highs in the 90s in Montana and North Dakota. The Pacific Northwest will see rain moving in by Monday afternoon.

For post-holiday travel, the South will continue to see scattered rain and thunderstorms. The Northwest will experience clouds and showers spreading into the intermountain areas of the West. Temperatures in the West will cool down, with highs in the 60s and 70s. However, the Northeast will see a warming trend with temperatures near 80 degrees in cities like New York City and Boston.

Overall, the weather pattern is expected to be varied across the country, with some regions experiencing wet conditions while others see warmer and drier weather. Travelers should be prepared for possible delays and changing weather conditions as they make their way back home from the holiday weekend.