Forecast: Dry Weather to Start and End the Week

Damp stretch possible Wednesday through Friday

* Later: Climate Controversy, and Cherry Blossom Photos *

EXPRESS FORECAST

Today: Mostly sunny, windy. 55-60 | Tonight: Clear and cold. 30-37. Tomorrow: Mostly sunny. Mid-60s. | A Look Ahead

FORECAST IN DETAIL

Although it rained less than we thought over the weekend (especially Saturday afternoon and night), since last Wednesday, most of the area picked up between 1-1.5". The week ahead looks promising for more rainfall, once again during the Wednesday-Friday period. Both before and after that, we should enjoy some nice sunny days -- though today will be on the windy side.

Today (Monday): Don't let the forecast high of 60 fool you...it will not be a warm day. In fact, when you get up and head out, temperatures will be near 40 in many spots, and when you factor in the wind from the northwest at 15-25 mph, it will feel like the 30s. Yes, by later in the afternoon, the late March sun will help temperatures along well into the 50s -- but it will still be a day to dress more for winter than for spring.Confidence: High

Tonight: The wind will start to die down, but it will be downright chilly under clear skies. Many suburban locations will experience a freeze, whereas locations downtown will probably bottom out in the mid-to-upper 30s. Confidence: Medium-High

Keep reading for the forecast through the weekend....

Tomorrow (Tuesday): Temperatures will only be about 5-8 degrees warmer than today, but may feel 10-15 degrees warmer thanks to the lack of wind. High temperatures will reach the mid-60s under brilliant sunshine. Confidence: High

Tomorrow Night: High pressure will retreat to the north giving us moist flow off the ocean. So clouds will increase with lows 39-44. Confidence: Medium-High

A LOOK AHEAD

Rain is likely to develop Wednesday -- sometime between the morning and early afternoon as a wave of low pressure approaches from the south. The clouds and rain should hold high temperatures between 55 and 60. The rain may continue into Wednesday night, with lows 45-50. Confidence: Medium-High

While steady rain is not likely Thursday, it may be a little bit like this past Saturday -- where we're south of a warm front and socked in with moist flow from the east, spelling low clouds and drizzle. High should be in the 50s. Cloudy skies and drizzle may continue Thursday night, with lows 45-50. Confidence: Medium

On Friday, the warm front will lift northward, presenting a chance of rain. Note though, we had a similar situation yesterday, and the "rain" we received generally amounted to just 0.10". After the warm front passes, we may see temperatures rise into the 60s. Overnight, a cold front will follow the warm front, giving us a chance of more showers, with lows in the 40s. Confidence: Medium

On Saturday, the cold front should have passed to our east, but it will be close enough that we shouldn't totally rule out the chance (20%) of showers. The air behind the front won't be much of a match for the March sun (assuming we clear out), so highs should climb into the 60s. Saturday night looks clear, with lows in the 40s. Confidence: Low-Medium

At the moment, Sunday's weather has really nice potential. It should be dry and pleasant, with highs in the 60s. Confidence: Medium