Several Inches of Rain Likely This Week

Drought-busting rainfall totals possible

After weeks of quiet weather, several inches of rain are likely from two major rounds of rain this week.

More clouds than sunshine are expected today and there will be a few passing showers. Temperatures will peak in the middle- and upper-70s.

Tomorrow, at least during the first part of the day, is similar to today in that it will be dry much of the time. However, there's more moisture available in the atmosphere. Scattered downpours are expected and they will become more numerous in the afternoon.

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A cold front will draw on southern moisture and result in a soaking rain for Connecticut.

The heart of round one occurs Tuesday night and Wednesday.

That's when a cold front will move across the state and there will also be a surge of southern moisture. Heavy rain will fall Tuesday night.

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Heavy rain is expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

The primary impact from round one will be flooding. Not river flooding, but flooding in areas where drains are susceptible to being clogged and overwhelmed.

1-3" of rainfall can be expected from round one, which tapers to showers by Wednesday afternoon.

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1-3" of rain is expected between now and Wednesday evening.

A massive, strong high pressure center sets up over eastern Canada by nightfall Wednesday and it will result in a strong pressure gradient over the region. Breezy conditions will stick around for the rest of the week.

While the impact on beaches will be far greater along the eastern shore of Massachusetts, some water will pile up in western Long Island Sound. Coupled with astronomically high tides, minor splash over can be expected late week.

In the grand scheme of things, Thursday is a lull in the action. Still, showers are possible and there will be more clouds than sunshine. Temperatures will be stuck in the 50s and 60s!

What will likely become Tropical Storm Joaquin heads north on Thursday over the Atlantic Ocean. The chances of a tropical system hitting Connecticut late week are low, but there's plenty of moisture to go around.

Blocking high pressure does mean that the storm won't be able to head out to sea. The range of solutions right now includes tracks as far south and west as the Carolinas while others bring the storm towards New England.

As such, another rainstorm is likely Friday into Saturday. The details are scant since it's so far away, but do know that the weather remains wet and turns windy as the month of October begins.

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Blocking high pressure means an Atlantic tropical system can't go out to sea.

Stay clear of bad information and hype that may circulate on social media, which is bound to happen given Joaquin's ominous-looking forecast track.

It's the busiest week of weather in some time, so be sure to stay with the NBC Connecticut First Alert weather team for the very latest information.

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