During the second half of the week, a cold front currently crossing the northern Plains will put an end to tranquil weather in the Midwest and East.  By Wednesday, showers will develop across the upper Midwest, with rainfall becoming more widespread late in the week from the Mississippi River eastward.  Some of the heaviest rain will fall in the Northeast, where 5-day totals could reach 1 to 2 inches or more.  In the rain’s wake, a reinforcing surge of cool air will engulf the Midwest and Northeast. 

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