Overview
- A short warm spell is in place Tuesday and Wednesday with widespread above‑normal highs and mostly dry skies across many regions.
- Weather models and local offices now center on a coastal low and a cold front expected Thursday–Friday that will bring rain and gusty to strong winds to large swaths of the country.
- Gusts could reach 20–35+ mph in many areas with stronger 50–60 mph gusts possible near mountain fronts, raising localized risk for downed branches and power outages.
- Higher elevations and far northern or western spots may see rain mix with a few wet snowflakes late in the week but no significant accumulation is expected.
- A pronounced cooldown will follow the system, with overnight lows dipping toward or below freezing this weekend in some inland and rural areas, creating a real risk of patchy frost or the season's first freeze and prompting travel and gardening impacts.