Expect a soggy Wednesday in Northeast Ohio, with afternoon thunderstorms possible ahead of a sharp cooldown that will see temperatures drop to 20 degrees below average by Thursday and Friday.

Memorial Day itself turns even nicer, with a partly sunny sky and highs near 70. An isolated shower or storm is possible, though it should be mostly dry. Highs will consistently be near 70 next week, with shower chances increasing once again towards Thursday and Friday.

The rainiest month of the year so far continued this week, with about an inch of rain falling. But a break is coming in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Rain spread across the region early Wednesday morning and with it came temperatures in the 50s, which is around 20 degrees below normal. The rain will gradually taper to scattered showers by Thursday morning as the storm pulls away. Skies will begin to clear just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

A Nor'easter brings periods of light rain Thursday morning and afternoon. Highs will be stuck in the low 50s. Rain becomes steadier and heavier during the evening (especially south), when a flip to wet snow is likely for mountain summits.

Rains may have been a factor in the death of a 36-year-old contract worker who fell into a river in South Jersey on Wednesday. T he man had lost his footing and fallen into the swiftly moving waters Big Timber Creek in Westville, shortly before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Any Alert Days Ahead? Thursday and Friday both will have a risk for severe weather. Aware: Flood watches may be needed today if we are on the high side of forecast rain totals. Rain returned to the area yesterday,