Thursday, December 19 forecast: Chilly weekend with rain early next week

Yesterday was a seasonally chilly day, but believe it or not, we were still above average! December has been leaning above average with occasional colder periods. Our next one arrives on Friday.

We begin the day below freezing but will warm quickly to the low 50s this afternoon. The warmup is thanks to breezy southwesterly winds today which could gust to 25 mph.

A stronger cold front will blow through late this evening and temperatures will begin the plunge tonight. Friday will begin cold in the teens and low 20s. Many spots will struggle to reach the freezing mark Friday afternoon where temperatures will rise only to the mid-30s.

The cold air is a one-day deal and we're back to seasonal conditions on Saturday and Sunday. Still chilly, but seasonal. Temperatures will be running in the low to mid-40s this weekend.

Milder weather returns on Monday with a chance for rain right behind. Rain is looking more likely late in the day Monday through the day Christmas Eve. The latest guidance suggests rain will wind down towards the end of the day on Tuesday and that Christmas Day should be dry! A cloudy Christmas is on the table with temperatures in the mid-50s.