Warm and windy Thursday, ahead of cooler temperatures into the weekend

A mix of sun and clouds will take us through the day as the warm front presses further northeast through the state. South and southwest winds will become rather strong at 20-25 mph with gusts up to or over 40 mph not being ruled out. This will allow for one more mild day as temperatures climb 25 degrees above average in the mid to upper 60s, with even a reading or two up around 70 possible in our far southern counties! Gusty winds have prompted the national weather service to issue a wind advisory for most of the viewing area valid until 7 pm tonight. Make sure that if you have any holiday decorations outside that they are secured. Also, take note that wind gusts of 40 mph are capable of causing minor damage to trees and make driving difficult, particularly for high profile vehicles.

Gusty winds have prompted the NWS to issue a wind advisory for most of the viewing area. — Gusty winds have prompted the NWS to issue a wind advisory for most of the viewing area.(WEAU)

By this evening, we’ll be saying goodbye to the warmer weather as a cold front passes through with northwest flow returning. Strong northwesterly winds will prevail at night as our temperatures dip to the upper 20s and low 30s with occasional breezes by tomorrow afternoon as temperatures become more seasonable in the low 40s with a mostly to partly sunny sky.

A cold front moves in as our stretch of mild weather comes to an end — A cold front moves in as our stretch of mild weather comes to an end(WEAU)

For those heading out to the woods for the gun deer season opener this weekend, expect beautiful weather. Surface high pressure will be drifting to the south, allowing for plentiful sunshine both Saturday and Sunday. It will be a cold start each morning with temperatures in the upper 20s, so you’ll likely need the insulated gear if you’re going out early. That said, we’ll warm nicely each day with highs forecast to top out around 50. Changes will head our way early next week, however, as a low pressure system becomes vertically stacked well to our south, while a cold front approaches from the west. Clouds will fill in with temperatures in the mid-40s on Monday. The front will push through Monday night with chances for a few snow snow showers. On Tuesday, an upper trough will build across the region with more chances at rain and a few snow showers as winds turn breezy with highs in the upper 30s. Forecast guidance continues to point at even colder weather closer to Thanksgiving Day as readings may only reach the freezing mark on Wednesday.

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