Another cool day before a final round of summer-like heat – Chris

Another cool day before a final round of summer-like heat – Chris By KSTP Good Wednesday evening!We’re heading toward a dramatic October weekend, with temperatures surging well above normal before a much cooler pattern arrives early next week.Tonight stays partly cloudy and seasonably mild, with lows falling into the upper 40s.Thursday will be variably cloudy and comfortable, with highs in the upper 60s. Friday turns noticeably warmer, with mostly sunny skies and highs reaching the mid-70s.Then comes the weekend.SATURDAY: Mostly sunny, windy, and hot. Highs could reach the mid-80s, while wind gusts may exceed 40 mph at times.That wind will be the biggest lifestyle impact Saturday. If you’re heading to a pumpkin patch, apple orchard, football game, fall festival, or spending time outdoors, expect a very windy day. Secure lightweight decorations, tents, patio furniture, and anything else that could blow around.The combination of strong wind, warmth, and dry weather may also knock more leaves off trees, so if you’re hoping to catch peak fall color, Saturday’s wind could accelerate leaf drop in some areas.SUNDAY: Still unusually hot, but less windy. Mostly sunny skies continue with highs in the low 80s, making Sunday the more comfortable outdoor day of the weekend.Then the bottom drops out.Monday cools sharply into the low 60s with a chance of showers. Tuesday may only reach the upper 50s, with another shower chance returning Wednesday.Overall, enjoy the summer-like weekend while it lasts. Saturday will be hot and very windy, Sunday stays hot but calmer, then much more typical October weather arrives next week.Enjoy the evening, and take care!– Meteorologist Chris Reece