Residents should prepare for a dramatic swing in temperatures over the next 48 hours as a surge of mild air moves into the region. After a seasonable Wednesday, temperatures are expected to trend well above average overnight. This warm start, aided by a persistent cloud cover and a light breeze, will provide the "headstart" needed to push Thursday’s highs into the upper 60s, with some areas potentially hitting the 70-degree mark.

However, this spring-like warmth comes with a caveat. While Thursday morning will only see spotty showers and even some midday clearing, rain chances will ramp up significantly after 4 p.m. These showers are expected to linger throughout the night, leading into a soggy Friday morning commute. Commuters should be wary of heavy downpours during the early rush hour before the rain begins to taper off later in the morning.

As the rain clears on Friday, the mild air will exit with it. Temperatures are forecasted to tumble throughout the day as breezy, colder winds take hold. By the time the weekend arrives, the region will be back to a winter-like chill. Expect a much drier but cooler Saturday and Sunday, with afternoon highs struggling to reach the typical average of 50 degrees.

ALMANAC:

Average High: 50 | Average Low: 33 Record High: 70 (2016) | Record Low: 16 (1956) Sunrise: 6:49 a.m. | Sunset: 7:12 p.m.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy with milder than average temps. Lows: Upper 30s to low 40s.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and clouds to mostly cloudy skies and spotty showers. The rain chance will increase late in the day/night. Highs: Upper 60s. Lows: Upper 40s to low 50s.

FRIDAY: Rain fades in the morning hours with drier and breezier winds moving in. Temperatures will trend colder as the day progresses. Highs: Upper 40s. Lows: Upper 20s.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and clouds with cooler temps. Highs: Low 40s. Lows: Upper 20s to low 30s.