AccuWeather reports a series of storms more typical of spring will bring rounds of drenching rain to much of the eastern third of the nation during the week of Christmas.

The cold weather this weekend won't last long.AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams said, "Enough warmth will rebuild in the East to keep snow out of the picture next week."The storms will bring rounds of rain, drizzle and fog from part of the Mississippi Valley to the Atlantic Seaboard during the fourth week of December.If the weather was cold enough, the storms could bring 1-2 feet of snow next week. For this to happen, the temperature would have to be 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit lower in many cases. In fact, record warmth is possible, especially along the Atlantic Seaboard.Instead, enough rain can fall at times to raise the potential for flash and urban flooding in some communities and force motorists to slow down on the highways. The combination of rain and a low cloud ceiling may also induce airline delays at times.Portions of the Atlantic Seaboard and perhaps the Appalachians could receive several inches of rain next week, Abrams stated.The weather will be warm enough and the systems strong enough to bring rare December thunderstorms to parts of the East and South.There is also the chance of severe weather.AccuWeather Chief Long Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said that while confidence is high with the overall warm and wet pattern, trying to time each storm beyond a few days in advance is challenging in this case.One scenario favors one or two strong storms, which would increase the risk for a severe weather outbreak and flooding that could also threaten lives and property. This scenario would allow more of a gap between storms and the potential for a big storm on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.Another scenario favors multiple weak storms with no severe weather and more modest rainfall. This scenario would be more of a long-term inconvenience for travelers and last-minute shoppers.