3/16/12 Friday Update - 70's and maybe an 80 returns next week

A warm front with showers and a possible thunderstorm will slowly push through the Boston area between 2-6 PM today.  Ending by sunset. The showers are expected to be light, but could be heavier if a thunderstorm develops. Cold air at the surface should inhibit any wide spread thunderstorms.

A major warm up is in store as the weekend progresses. A cooler marine layer will keep coastal areas around 50 tomorrow, but as a west and southwest wind builds around high pressure moving off the Carolina coast into the week, expect high temperatures to soar into the 60's 70's and even an 80 is not out of the question by mid week next week.

More details to come on Saturday morning.

A strong area of high pressure (typically seen in the summer months) will position itself off the east coast, allowing for a southerly flow of air to build over the Plains. This warms, will then get funneled into the northeast as the flow of air around the high pressure which is clockwise gets stronger, boosting temperatures well above normal.

With cold water temperatures, the temperature spread across the area will be great especially Sunday into Wednesday with highs ranging from 58 on the Cape to 80 inland. Boston itself may not see 80 on Wednesday, but some areas will.