D.C.-area forecast: Winds ease and warm air invades

A somewhat subjective rating of the day’s weather, on a scale of 0 to 10.

9/10: Winds die down as much warmer weather takes center stage under a sunny spotlight

Today: Sunny. Highs: 65 to 70.
Tonight: Few clouds. Lows: 39 to 47.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs: 67 to 73.

As our windy weathermaker departs out to sea, high pressure over the Southeastern U.S. pumps in much warmer conditions. The only real downside of dry, warm air is an increase in pollen. After we flirt with 70 today, this week’s warmest days look to be Thursday and Friday, with 70s to near 80 possible. The weekend brings shower chances early and late amid highs in the 60s.

Today (Tuesday): Sunshine and rising temperatures greet us. The thermometer should reach the 60s by lunch time and max out between 65 and 70 this afternoon. Winds aren’t as strong as the past two days, sustained from the west at 10 to 15 mph with some gusts up to 20 to 25 mph. Confidence: High

Tonight: A few clouds are possible but skies are mainly clear. Lows range from around 40 in our colder suburbs to the mid- to upper 40s in the city and eastern areas. Light winds from the west are around 5 mph. Confidence: High

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Tomorrow (Wednesday): It’s another “sun-tacular” day with bright sunshine and even warmer temperatures as highs push toward the upper 6os to low 70s by afternoon. Winds are again from the west at a lower 5 to 10 mph. Confidence: High

Tomorrow night: Clear and cool with lows in the 40s to around 50. Confidence: High

The warming trend continues Thursday as highs range through the 70s. Some spots could reach into the upper 70s, but far from the record high of 86. Thursday night should see partly cloudy skies with lows mostly in the 50s. Confidence: Medium-High

Friday features increasing clouds with shower chances by afternoon into the evening. Highs should at least reach the low to mid-70s but, if thicker clouds are slower to arrive, then mid- to upper 70s to near 80 are possible. Shower chances continue Friday night with lows from the mid-40s to low 50s. Confidence: Medium

It’s not as warm over the weekend but still mild. We’re in between storm systems on Saturday and should enjoy partly sunny skies with highs in the low to mid-60s. Clouds increase Saturday night with lows in the 40s. St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday looks mostly cloudy with a chance of showers, especially in the afternoon into the evening. Highs are again in the low to mid-60s. Confidence: Low-Medium.