We are really beginning to see impact of such a prolonged mostly dry stretch of weather over the past couple of months in the form of our recent enhanced risks of fire spread. The lower Hudson Valley saw several brush fires since Friday.

Today's fire spread risk is actually a bit lower than recent days due to lighter wind, but it remains incredibly dry. Today otherwise will be nice and seasonable with highs in the 50s under a mostly sunny to partly cloudy sky. Heading to Yankee Stadium this evening? Have a coat but expect nice October baseball weather with temperatures in the low 50s and just a light breeze.

A major, but short-lived warm-up arrived mid-week. Highs will be in the 60s tomorrow, but soar to the 70s for Wednesday and Thursday. Diwali and Halloween both occur on Thursday this year. If you are planning on trick-or-treating for Halloween, I would suggest lighter weighted costumes if possible. It will still be in the mid to upper 70s mid to late afternoon and evening temperatures will still be around 70 degrees.

The streak without measurable rain for much of the lower Hudson Valley now stands at 21 days. Measurable rain is defined as 0.01 inches of rain. That streak likely ends on Friday with a period of light rain Friday morning. This will likely be measurable, but fairly insignificant and only amount to one-quarter of one inch or less.

If you are taking an early look at the weekend, both Saturday and Sunday look nice with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s.

REMINDER: Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday. This means one hour is gained this weekend, but sunrise and sunset times will be earlier starting on Sunday.

Have a great Monday!

FIRE SPREAD RISK: There is a lower risk today than recent days with lighter wind today, but very dry conditions still remain.

DROUGHT MONITOR: Abnormally dry conditions continue with minimal rain chances this week. Other than a brief light shower tomorrow into early Wednesday, there can be light showers Friday morning. This would likely only amount to 0.25" or less and not drastically help our rain deficit. This will likely end the streak of no measurable rain across most of the lower Hudson Valley, which for most areas is up to 21 days.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS: This Sunday, November 3 at 2 a.m. An hour will be gained this weekend. SUNDAY SUNRISE: 6:28 a.m. SUNDAY SUNSET: 4:47 p.m.

WESTCHESTER: Mostly Moderate Color

ROCKLAND: Mostly High Color

ORANGE: High Color

PUTNAM: High Color

DUTCHESS: High Color

Ulster: High Color (East), Peak Color (West)

TROPICS: There are no storms in the tropics at this time.

FORECAST: TODAY: Mainly sunny, cool and dry. Highs around 58 degrees. Normal Average High: 59 degrees.

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy with lows around 43 degrees. Lows will be in the 30s in Orange, Putnam, Dutchess and Ulster counties.

TUESDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray light rain shower cannot be ruled out, especially in the afternoon and evening. Highs around 64 degrees. Lows near 52 degrees.

WEDNESDAY: Sun and clouds. Much warmer with highs near 75 degrees.

RECORD: 78 (1961). Lows around 55 degrees.

THURSDAY: DIWALI AND HALLOWEEN - RECORD WARMTH LIKELY - Forecast highs are in the mid to upper 70s with a mix of sun and clouds.

RECORD: 73 (1999). Breezy. Light-weight costumes for trick-or-treating will be most comfortable due to very warm weather for this time of year. Lows near 60 degrees.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with a period of light rain during the morning. Rain totals likely around or less than 0.25". SATURDAY: Mostly sunny with highs around 58 degrees. Lows near 42 degrees.

SUNDAY: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS - "FALL BACK" ONE HOUR AT 2 a.m. Mostly sunny with highs around 62 degrees. Lows near 48 degrees.