• Related article: Dense fog advisory issued for AnnArbor area

Heavy rains in the forecast have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch for part of southeast Michigan, including Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County.

The watch takes effect Tuesday evening and runs through Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said.

Forecasters expect heavy rains Tuesday night, the advisory said. Snowmelt will add .5 to .75 inch to the rainfall total of more than 1 inch.

The flooding risk likely will be compounded by frozen ground, which will prevent the ground from absorbing the water, the weather service said.

The flood watch comes on the heels of a night of snow, sleet and freezing rain that closed schools in Washtenaw County and resulted in multiple crashes on area freeways.

A couple of days of warm and soggy weather are on tap before colder weather moves in again Wednesday night.

Widespread fog is expected Monday night, and showers are likely after 3 a.m. Tuesday, forecasters said.

Showers are also expected Tuesday, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. A high near 57 is expected. New rainfall of up to a quarter of an inch is expected, although more is possible if thunderstorms develop.

The heavy rain sets in Tuesday night, when the flood watch takes effect. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain are expected.

Rain and snow showers are likely Wednesday, mainly before 1 p.m. Some thunder is also possible. The high will be near 49. It will be windy, with a west-southwest wind 18 to 23 mph increasing to 24 to 29 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Snow showers are possible Wednesday night with a low around 20. Thursday, the chance of snow showers continues. It will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 22. Expect a cold night Thursday, with a low around 12 degrees.

Residents are advised to monitor forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should prepare to take action should flooding develop.

For updated forecasts and conditions anytime, check AnnArbor.com's weather page.