Forecast: Rainy Monday Gives Way To Colder Temperatures

There is a freezing rain advisory in effect for the northeastern third of Massachusetts including metro Boston Monday morning. There is also a lot of fog, and until this burns away driving will be impacted.

The icing situation isn't major. Temperatures are marginally cold enough for any rain to freeze. The most likely areas to see freezing rain will be along the New Hampshire border. There will be periods of just plain rain much of the day, with the heaviest concentrated around the afternoon and evening hours.

By the time we get to the evening commute temperatures will be warm enough so there won't be any ice forming. However, the rain could still slow down the ride this evening especially around malls and shopping areas which will have heavier than normal Monday traffic.

Dry weather returns for much of the week with cold temperatures especially Christmas Day. Highs Tuesday will reach near freezing, but stay in the 20s for Christmas. On Wednesday, it will still be dry and less cold. A few rain or snow showers arrive later Thursday, while the weekend is looking seasonable and dry.

A small storm will move past southern New England Monday. High pressure builds into the region for Tuesday and Wednesday before a pair of frontal systems bring a bit of precipitation Thursday. High pressure returns for the end of the week and the weekend.

Monday: Periods of rain or freezing rain this morning become all rain between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Highs 35-40.

Overnight: Clearing and colder. Lows 22-30.

Tuesday: Sunny and breezy. Highs 30-38.

Tuesday night: Clear and cold temperatures in the lower 20s around midnight and teens by morning.

Wednesday: Sunny and cold. Highs 20-26 and 26-32 on the Cape and Islands.

Thursday: Partly sunny with a shower of rain or snow later in the day. Highs 34-40.

Friday: Mostly sunny and chilly. Highs 33-38.

Follow updates from David Epstein on Twitter @growingwisdom.