And you thought this week would never come...
And yet, here we are, with the forecasters putting the persistent cold and threat of the dreaded "wintry mix" behind them. There is a warm front passing through the region today (Sunday) and skies will begin to clear up. High temperatures are expected to reach into the low 50s Sunday and the upper 50s Monday.
Our winds will pick up on Monday as a cold front tied to a low passing well to our north goes by. Winds will gust to 35 or 40 mph.
That, low humidities and the relative lack of precipitation and diminishing snow cover will add up to an enhanced danger of wildfires Monday. Forecasters say they may need to issue a Fire Weather Watch later Sunday, most likely in Southern Maryland where moisture levels are lowest.
So crush those smokes and be careful with outdoor burning.
With high pressure dominating all week, by mid-week we will fall under the mild, return flow. Sunshine will prevail, with highs creeping into the 60s Thursday and Friday. That's about 20 degrees above the average for this time of year. A cold front due by the weekend may turn things around again, with more seasonable weather.
(SUN PHOTO: David Hobby, 2004)