Forecast: Gorgeous early-Spring Saturday en route

With the absence of a stiff northwest wind and a chance of showers, Saturday’s forecast is already a winner when compared to the past few days. However, the warmer airmass in place will make it even better as temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 50’s on Saturday afternoon and possibly approach 60 degrees in some locations. High pressure will remain in control of the weather, and drier air will likely preclude any showers or widespread clouds. The airmass aloft will only be slightly warmer, but the lack of instability will give the temperatures at the surface a bit more room to rise during the afternoon.

The forecast takes a bit of an unsettled turn by Easter Sunday. After a warm and probably sunny start, clouds will rapidly increase and showers will become likely during the day. Temperatures will remain somewhat warm, but the conditions will be rather raw and the rain could be steady for a period of time as a weak surface low forms just southeast of Long Island on a warm front. After the front pushes through, however, temperatures are expected to warm up by Monday morning. Just barely ahead of a surface cold front, we could see temperatures exceed 60 degrees for a period of time on Monday afternoon. The front will usher in another cooler than normal airmass by the middle of next week.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with highs in the mid to upper 50′s. West winds around 10 miles per hour. A beautiful early spring day.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy and remaining chilly, with lows in the 30’s. Light west winds.

Sunday: Partly sunny early, with highs in the mid to upper 50′s. Then increasing clouds and showers likely.

Monday: Partly cloudy with a high in the upper 50′s to lower 60′s. A chance of showers in the afternoon and evening, with falling temperatures after sunset.