5+ inches of rain expected as new pattern settles in this week

A soggy and springlike pattern will develop across the eastern half of the country this week. Soaking rains are likely from Texas to the Mid-Atlantic, while record-setting temperatures are in the forecast across the southeast.

This week will see a ridge of high pressure build over the southeastern United States, which will help turn up the heat from Florida to the eastern Great Lakes. We'll see widespread highs in the 70s to lower 80s by Friday and into this upcoming weekend.

More than 200 record highs and record warm-lows are expected to tie or fall by next weekend as the warmth and humidity settle in for a lengthy stay.

This ridge will help to establish an active storm track through the center of the country, stretching from southern Texas through the Ohio Valley and into the Mid-Atlantic.

Forecasters expect persistent waves of showers and thunderstorms to ride along the boundaries that will set up over the region. Many of the affected areas will see several inches of rain through the end of the weekend. Portions of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas may see 4-5+ inches of rain from this event.

While a flooding potential will exist where too much heavy rain falls all at once, this is overall some pretty good news for areas that have seen growing drought over the past few months.

Much of the attention recently has focused on the worsening drought over Florida, but the southern Plains are feeling it hard as well.

Check out these paltry rainfall totals for meteorological winter, stretching from Dec. 1 through Feb. 28. 

Dallas, Tulsa, and San Antonio only picked up 25-30 percent of their normal winter rains this past season. 

This upcoming round of precipitation will help to put a dent in these deficits, kicking off the spring season on a strong note.

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