A welcome warm-up is on its way for parts of the United States that faced frigid temperatures over the past weekend. However, as the warmer air moves in, it also brings the potential for ice and flooding in certain regions.

Last week, back-to-back winter storms wreaked havoc across the country, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 76 lives in 13 states. On Sunday, the death toll rose by six as Tennessee's emergency management agency reported additional weather-related fatalities.

This week, a series of fronts and low-pressure systems are set to combine, ushering in warmer air and tropical moisture to the eastern half of the nation. As a result, the arctic chill that has gripped many areas will finally come to an end, with cities experiencing a notable increase in daily high temperatures of nearly 30 degrees over the course of three to four days.

By the end of the week, temperatures are expected to soar significantly above average. Thursday will see highs in the upper 60s to low 70s throughout the Southeast, with even northern regions like New York reaching temperatures in the 50s.

Notably, overnight lows in some parts of the Southeast may soar into the 60s, potentially breaking over 100 records for warmest daily lows.

However, along with the relief from the bitter cold, the warmer air carries several potential hazards. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will collide with lingering cold air over central parts of the United States, resulting in the development of ice and freezing rain across a wide swath from Dallas to as far north as Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Furthermore, as the warm air continues its northward trajectory, the freezing rain and icy precipitation will transition to rain, increasing the risk of flooding. Approximately 37 million people are under threat of flash flooding and excessive rainfall from Monday to Thursday morning along the Gulf Coast and in the western portions of the Southeast.

The National Weather Service predicts that the majority of regions facing an icy forecast will likely receive less than a quarter of an inch of ice by Monday evening. However, northern Arkansas and southern Missouri may experience up to half an inch of ice.

Over the next five days, rainfall totals could reach 5 to 6 inches, with localized areas potentially experiencing higher amounts. This heavy rain, coupled with the potential for severe weather, places the most impacted regions at a slightly higher risk, as highlighted by the Lake Charles, Louisiana weather service office.

As the nation recuperates from the deadly winter storms, the arrival of warmer temperatures brings hope for relief. Nevertheless, residents in the affected regions must remain vigilant and prepared for the potential risks of ice and flooding in the coming days.