Forecast: Beautiful Day In The 70s Today Before Possible Record-Breaking Heat Tuesday

What a day ahead!

Last week there was only one day most of us would have considered a nice spring day, and while we certainly needed the rain, day after day of clouds and precipitation got old. On Sunday, the pattern finally broke with a stunning day of sunshine, mild air and generally light winds.

This trend continues today and Tuesday, but temperatures are actually now heading to the other extreme for mid-April — perhaps even breaking some records.

Today's record high of 85 in Boston was set back in 1922, and there's no chance we will come close to it. However, readings will reach the upper 60s to mid-70s with the warmest air west of the Boston-to-Providence line. Today is a great day to bring lunch outside.

Look for cooler air over southeastern Massachusetts, which is the result of the area's proximity to water, as well as the southwest flow.

Tuesday is even warmer than today. The record of 78 in Boston was set in 1955, and there's a chance this could be tied or broken. If winds stay more westerly rather than southerly Boston may hit 81, 82 or even 83 degrees and smash the old record. A more southerly component to the wind yields highs in the upper 70s.

The sun is now as strong as it would be in late August. It doesn't matter how warm it gets or how cold it is, the sun's ultraviolet light is only changed based on cloud cover. This means if you are going to be outside this time of year, wear sunscreen. If you move plants outside, it's a good idea to keep them in the shade for a couple of days.

A front crosses the region late Tuesday night, and Wednesday this brings somewhat more seasonable air with temperatures in the 60s. Temperatures fall back to the 50s for the rest of the week and into the upcoming weekend.

You can follow my updates here and on Twitter @growingwisdom.

Monday: Lots of sunshine. Highs 68-76, but cooler on the Cape and the Islands.

Monday Night: Mainly clear and very mild. Lows 48-56.

Tuesday: Sunny and warm. Highs 75-82. Chillier on the Cape and the Islands with highs in the 50s.

Wednesday: Partly sunny with possible showers. Highs in the upper 60s.

Thursday: Mainly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s.

Friday: Lots of clouds. A few showers. Highs in the mid-50s.