Temperatures across the region will remain cooler than normal through today and tonight, but a noticeable warming trend is expected to build steadily through the rest of the week and into the upcoming weekend.

Forecasters say dry weather will continue across the area through at least Sunday, with no meaningful rain chances expected in the short term. For today, a mix of mid and high-level clouds will move overhead as a weak weather disturbance passes through the broader northwest flow pattern aloft. Even with those passing clouds, no precipitation is expected because very dry air remains locked in place near the surface.

Afternoon high temperatures today will recover by around ten degrees compared to yesterday, but readings will still stay roughly 8 to 12 degrees below what is typical for mid-March. Tonight will remain chilly once again, although conditions by Thursday morning should not be quite as cold, with most communities expected to bottom out in the mid to upper 30s.

Another dry disturbance is forecast to move through on Thursday, but once again, the atmosphere is expected to remain too dry to produce rainfall. Temperatures will continue their steady climb, with highs reaching the mid 60s to lower 70s by Thursday afternoon, which is much closer to normal for this time of year.

The warming trend becomes even more pronounced heading into Friday and the weekend. A strong ridge of high pressure developing over the Southwest United States is expected to gradually expand eastward, helping boost temperatures well above average while also keeping conditions dry. Highs are forecast to return to the 70s on Friday before surging into the 80s over the weekend.

At this point, Sunday appears likely to be the warmest day in the next seven-day forecast period. Some locations could reach the mid to upper 80s, putting parts of the area close to daily record highs for the date. Morning low temperatures will also trend milder, climbing into the 40s by Friday and into the 50s over the weekend.

Rain chances are expected to remain below 10 percent through at least Sunday. Beyond that, forecast confidence begins to drop off for early next week. Some forecast models keep the warmer, drier pattern in place, while others suggest the ridge may weaken enough to allow a more unsettled pattern to develop. If that happens, rain and even a few thunderstorms could begin to return to the area, along with somewhat cooler temperatures.

For now, the main message is clear: a cool midweek pattern will quickly give way to springlike warmth, with a dry and unusually warm weekend ahead.