After plenty of clouds and highs in the 50s to lower 60s, this evening will begin to clear with temperatures dropping into the 40s on the way to lows in the 30s.

Thursday will be clear in the morning and sunny in the afternoon. That will allow for both predawn cooling and afternoon heating.

Here are the temperature arcs for the day.

The dry weather continues into Friday morning. A cold front late Friday will bring isolated to scattered showers as it passes.

The rain will be helpful but likely not enough to douse the larger fires burning across the commonwealth. As of midday Wednesday, it is estimated that over 13,000 acres are ablaze. Low humidity and the continuing drought are aggravating the fire risk. Many counties and towns have burn bans in place.