Weekend forecast: Wet, wild for holiday travelers in the East

Much of the eastern half of the country will experience some wet weather over the weekend. Travel home on Sunday could be especially problematic along the Eastern Seaboard (due to heavy rain) and in the Midwest and Great Lakes (because of snow).

Sopping Southeast - Moderate-to-heavy rain is expected Saturday and Sunday throughout most of the southeastern USA from an intensifying area of low pressure. Some severe thunderstorms are also possible Saturday along the northern Gulf Coast. The wet weather will spread into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast by late in the day on Sunday, remaining as rain along the coast and changing to snow in inland areas. As much as 3 inches of rain is possible in parts of Georgia and the Carolinas. Other than the travel headaches that might ensue, most of the parched region should welcome the rain.

Midwest mess -- After some light snow on Saturday around the Great Lakes and in the upper Midwest, heavier snow is forecast Sunday from Missouri to Michigan, with several inches likely. Airport delays are possible in Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland.

The West is the best -- Most of the West will be dry and mild Saturday and Sunday, with only some light snow forecast at higher elevations of the Rockies and Cascades, especially on Saturday. The recent rainfall in southern California has eased the wildfire threat in that area.

(Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper; click to enlarge)