Warming Trend Begins

It's quite a chilly start to the day as temperatures are currently running in the low to mid 40s across the area. This morning's cool temperature can be directly attributed to the lingering effects of the deep Eastern U.S. trough. The trough is slowly moving eastward as a very high amplitude ridge will be building in its wake. We'll be in between these two upper level features today so that means we'll be warmer than the last two days. Skies should remain mostly sunny for most of the morning hours, but a few passing clouds may arrive just before noon and could linger into the early afternoon. Despite these clouds, I think we'll still top our near 78 this afternoon. Skies should be mostly clear tonight and southerly winds should be strong enough to keep temperatures around 55 tomorrow morning. The warm string begins in earnest tomorrow with highs in the 80s expected through at least Sunday. There will likely be a day or two with highs of at least 85 so it's possible you might be turning on the air conditioner for the first time this year.