I’ve decided that tonight is the night to commence grilling outside again! Maybe some BBQ chicken, potato wedges and veggies for dinner? I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! It’s hard not to think about the fact that the official start to spring is only 2 days away considering that afternoon highs will be in the 60s yet again today for the majority of New England (with the exception of the outer Cape/Islands and far northern New England who will run in the 50s). I mentioned in yesterday’s blog that I thought the first 70 degree reading of the year would be on Saturday, but it could actually happen sooner than that… like today!

A modestly strong westerly wind should keep the chilly ocean breezes at bay allowing the warm temperatures to reach all the way to our coastlines. I bet our own Tim Kelley could tell us the last time we reached 70 degrees here at NECN. I’m going to guess one of those really warm days back in the beginning of November. I’ll be watching the observations carefully today and will tweet if anyone reaches that magical number.

Meanwhile, the length of our days has grown to just over 12 hours with sunset right before 7 PM and we’re gaining approximately 3 more minutes of sunlight with each passing day. That’s great news because the sun will be shining for most of us these next few days. It also means great spring conditions for skiing, and I’m going to try and get out there one more time this weekend. Skies will become mostly cloudy in northern New England on Sunday though, with the chance of a few showers late in the day. Rain and wind moves in for all of us on Monday as a cold front slices through New England bringing cooler temperatures into the Northeast on Tuesday.

Enjoy this beautiful stretch of weather and have a great Thursday!