Heavy rain is expected to spread from the Southwest into the Southern Plains and Southeast.   

Some areas could get quite a bit of rain in a short period of time, which could lead to some flooding, although this will be beneficial rain for the region. 

The national forecast for Thursday, Jan. 21. (Fox News)

The national forecast for Thursday, Jan. 21. (Fox News)

A much larger storm system is set to move into California this weekend and bring heavy rain and snow to the mountains.  

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP   

Ultimately, this is a good news situation, as the moisture will help the ongoing drought across the West. 

Current drought conditions across the U.S. (Fox News)

Current drought conditions across the U.S. (Fox News)

Lake-effect snow also gets cranked up again Thursday and Friday with locally heavy snow for parts of New York and Michigan.