Motorists traveling through the Midwest and Northeast this weekend may encounter reduced visibility, water ponding on roadways or slowdowns. (Photo taken in Scotland and submitted by AccuWeather.com Facebook fan Mark V.)

“…the steadiest rain will pour down heavily at times, triggering flash flooding.”

The gorgeous weather gracing the Midwest and Northeast today will not last through this weekend. Instead, rain and thunderstorms threaten to ruin outdoor plans.

Most of the Northeast will actually be able to sneak out another dry day Saturday for barbecues, sporting events or yard work before wet weather invades at night.

The Midwest, however, will not be as lucky.

The same system threatening the Plains with severe weather today will spread periods of rain and thunderstorms across the Midwest Saturday.

Saturday’s steadiest rain will likely track across the lower Midwest states. South of this zone, there is concern for severe thunderstorms in the vicinity of the Ohio and Tennessee valleys.

The steady rain is expected to invade the Northeast from southwest to northeast Saturday night into Sunday. AccuWeather.com meteorologists will be monitoring the possibility for severe weather in the mid-Atlantic and Carolinas.

The rain headed to the Midwest and Northeast could do more than force people to reschedule or move their outdoor activities inside.

It is possible that the steadiest rain will pour down heavily at times, triggering flash flooding.

The downpours would also reduce visibility for motorists and cause water to pond on roadways, which heightens the risk of vehicles hydroplaning.

Residents and visitors across the Midwest and Northeast should check back with AccuWeather.com as we pinpoint exactly where that heaviest rain will fall.

It is not just the rain that those at mid-Atlantic and Northeast beaches will have to endure later this weekend.

A stiff wind will also develop, making being outdoors even more unpleasant. In addition, winds will kick up rough seas and could lead to coastal flooding.