Why a melt midweek may not be a good thing

Relief from the bitter cold comes Thursday afternoon. Temperatures start in the teens Tuesday morning then rise above freezing in the afternoon. There is a melt this week, with highs rising into the 40s, nearing 50 degrees, Thursday. However, that isn't a good thing. After rainfall Thursday, temperatures will drop sharply Thursday night into Friday morning, lows in the teens, and well below freezing eight hours after being in the 40s. This is the setup for a flash freeze, as whatever is wet will freeze creating icy road conditions. The hazard is short-lived, and temperatures warm above freezing and the forecast through Christmas Day looks uneventful with highs just above freezing. 

Tonight: Partly cloudy. Low 12.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High 34.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. High 40.

Thursday: Rainy. High 46.