Forecast: Mild, Spring-Like Air With Possible Afternoon Downpours, Strong Gusts

Sometime last night temperatures rose enough at high levels of the atmosphere for the snow to change to sleet, freezing rain and then rain. Now we are just left with some drizzle and freezing drizzle to start the morning commute.

Although temperatures are rising above freezing, the roads are still very cold from the recent arctic blast. Sometimes, even when temperatures are several degrees above freezing, surfaces like streets and sidewalks can still have frozen precipitation on them.

We are now in a lull of weather and waiting for three things to occur today. The first is the mild air. Throughout the next several hours temperatures will rise into the 40s, and eventually, temperatures will reach the lower 50s by the day's end. The warmest air will be confined along the coastline for much of the day, but even inland areas will feel like spring this afternoon.

The second aspect of today’s weather is a batch of rain and even heavier embedded thunderstorms moving eastward. The timing of this is such that the evening commute is likely impacted with wet roads and possibly some pretty large puddles. There’s not much snow on the ground, so catch basins aren’t clogged and there’s no need to worry about the weight of the snow on your roof from the rain.

Lastly we are going to experience a few hours of strong winds later today. These winds could gust over 40 miles per hour, and this is strong enough to bring down some tree limbs and subsequently power lines. Power issues will be localized, but will occur.

The entire system moves out of the region tonight, and we are left with a mild and somewhat spring-like day Wednesday before it turns more seasonable at the end of the week.

You can follow my weather updates on Twitter at @growingwisdom.

Today: Becoming mild with a period of showers in the afternoon and evening. Some downpours possible. Highs in the lower to middle 50s.

Tonight: Early showers then clearing. Lows 32-39.

Wednesday: Partly sunny and mild, highs in the mid 40s.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37.

Friday: Sunny, the clouding up late with a high near 38.

Saturday: Early rain and snow showers, then partly sunny and milder. Highs in the 40s.