A large storm system moving northwest of the area over the Great Lakes has allowed temperatures to warm significantly into the mid to upper 50's today--but that will change quickly over the next day or so. A large cold front will approach the region overnight tonight with rains becoming heavy at times as it progresses southwest to northeast across the region. The real arctic air will wait until Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning to get into the area, and it will come in with a bang behind the current warmer airmass. Snow showers and squalls are a definite possibility as the front crosses the area. As far as the morning commute on Monday, stay alert for potentially slick roads as the cold front is forecast to pass the area overnight--but may leave puddles and wet areas. Temperatures should still approach the upper 30's to lower 40's Monday afternoon, but will quickly drop by Monday Night, into the lower 20's. Featured image: Infrared satellite imagery from 7:30pm Sunday December 12th, 2010 showing the well developed cyclone and associated cold front crossing the east coast.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with rain likely, mostly before 3 am. Low temperature near 39 degrees. Winds out of the south at 10 to 15 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Monday: Partly cloudy, with a slight chance of showers in the morning. High temperature near 40. Winds west at 10 to 15 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Article by John Homenuk. 7:30pm December 12th, 2010. Need more? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the upcoming work week, or view our Technical Forecast Discussion for the more serious weather enthusiasts. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.