Forecast: Heavy Rain, Possible Downpours Begin Today, Ending Friday Morning

Later today, the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor will be released. While there might be some improvements to a few areas, the lack of rain is so big it's hard to see large moves on the drought scale in spite of the wet October.

Now we are about to have another October rainstorm with more significant rain, and perhaps even some heavy downpours. This could mean around another inch of rain for many areas. The rain will begin well after the morning commute.

It might be cold enough for a bit of snow to form as the rain moves into areas west of Route 495, but even there, any snow would be very quick.

The heaviest rain falls overnight, and at times there could be some street flooding. Leaves can clog storm drains and create big puddles. I suspect the evening commute will be much slower than usual — especially with the sun setting earlier, leaving more of the commute in the dark.

Winds will be gusty tonight. I can't rule out some power outages occurring.

Friday morning the storm will be moving north into northern New England and Canada. I expect the morning commute to still be wet, but the bulk of the rain will likely be complete. By evening it won't be raining so the evening commute will be unaffected by weather.

The weekend is looking pretty good. I don't expect much more than a stray shower Saturday, and Sunday is looking sunny with seasonable temperatures.

As we get into next week, temperatures will be returning to slightly above normal. This should allow you to clear up all the leaves that are no doubt going to be falling during the storm ahead.

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

Thursday: Clouding up. Rain developing but may be mixed with a bit of snow for an hour or two at the onset. Highs in the mid 40s.

Thursday night: Rain, could be heavy at times. Winds will be gusty at times. Lows in the lower 40s.

Friday: Early rain likely, showers possible in the afternoon. Highs in the mid- to high 50s.

Saturday: Partly sunny and not as cold. A few showers. Highs in the mid-50s.

Sunday: Plenty of sunshine. Highs in the upper 50s.