Tracking a windy Thursday and evening rain chances

Good morning and happy Thursday.

Temperatures are off to a much warmer start today compared to yesterday, with many areas already in the upper 50s and 60s, and even a few spots holding in the 70s early this morning.

We’ll warm quickly through the day, with highs climbing into the upper 80s to low 90s. That puts us within reach of the record high of 89 degrees, set in 1991.

It will also be breezy, with wind gusts between 35 and 40 mph. Combined with dry conditions and low humidity, this will create an elevated fire risk. Be sure to use caution and avoid outdoor burning if possible.

A cold front will move through late this afternoon into the evening, bringing in much cooler air for tonight and into Friday. There is also a chance for light, scattered rain beginning around the evening commute and continuing into early Friday morning. Rainfall is expected to be minimal.

By lunchtime Friday, temperatures will fall into the mid-50s, with decreasing cloud cover. Highs Friday will only reach the mid-50s, marking a significant drop from today.

Looking ahead, temperatures rebound into the upper 50s to near 60 on Saturday, then back into the 70s by Sunday.

An active weather pattern sets up starting Monday, with rain chances returning Monday evening and continuing through the middle of next week, along with above-average temperatures.