Track near average highs with a wetter weekend ahead

TODAY: Afternoon highs climb into the mid-50s as winds remain out of the northeast at 10-15 mph. Tree pollen remains at higher levels due to the increased wind. Skies remain mostly sunny.

TONIGHT: Overnight lows cool to the mid-30s with partly cloudy skies as winds continue out of the northwest at 5-10 mph.

EXTENDED: Thursday will start cloudy, with a spotty chance for a shower or two, but the afternoon looks partly cloudy with a high in the 50s and winds from the southeast sustained around 5-10 mph. We'll pick up south winds ahead of a cold front, pushing temperatures into the low 60s before the front brings a chance for light showers and sprinkles areawide in the early afternoon. Only a trace of rain is likely from this, and the day will be mostly dry. More sunshine through some partly cloudy skies returns Saturday, when temperatures settle back in the 50s. We'll start to warm on Sunday, into the 60s, ahead of a large low pressure system to our west. Rain chances are beginning to look like they may hold off until at least the afternoon, but maybe the evening. So stay tuned for details on exactly how much dry time to expect through the end of the weekend. Either way, rain likely overspreads the region on Monday, and wraps up by Tuesday. Some thunder will be possible Monday, but severe weather is not expected.