If there is any way you can budget in some outdoor time on Wednesday, please do so! It will be sunny with high temperatures in the low-60s east of the Hudson River and in the mid- to upper 60s west of the Hudson River. Pollen levels will stay high, but outside of that, it is a great day of weather.

We are only one full day away from the official start of spring on Thursday. The vernal equinox is at 5:01 a.m. Thursday. Meteorological spring started on March 1. Meteorological seasons relate to actual weather data and temperature averages versus equinoxes and solstices. For example, meteorological summer is the three warmest months of the year on average.

The start of spring on Thursday will begin with clouds and some hints of sun, along with a few spotty light showers. The bulk of any rain holds off until mid-evening when an area of steady moderate rain will move through. There is a good chance that the bulk of this wet weather is over with - in time for the work and school commutes on Friday. Some wet snowflakes cannot be ruled out in higher elevations, but no accumulation is anticipated.

The rest of Friday will be drying out with breaks of sun. It will be windy and chilly though, with wind gusts up to 40 mph and wind chills in the 30s in the afternoon.

The weekend looks great with a mix of sun and clouds and high temperatures in the 50s. You should have no issues weather-wise with any outdoor events both Saturday and Sunday.

TONIGHT: Clear and chilly with lows in the mid to upper 30s.

WEDNESDAY: PICK OF THE WEEK - Sunny most of the day with warmer temperatures. More clouds move in late in the day. Highs around 63 degrees. Places West of the Hudson River can hit the upper-60s to near 70 degrees. Lows near 42 degrees.

THURSDAY: VERNAL EQUINOX -- spring arrives at 5:01 a.m. Partly sunny to mostly cloudy with a spotty shower or patchy drizzle possible. A quick round of steadier rain showers moves in mid-evening. Rain may end as a few wet snowflakes in higher elevations. Rain totals by Friday morning will average around a half inch or so. Highs around 58 degrees. Lows near 36 degrees.

FRIDAY: Drying out, but colder - Early rain showers and possible mixing ends, likely before the morning commute. Breaks of sun, windy and chilly for the afternoon. Wind gusts may approach 40 mph. Highs around 47 degrees will feel like the 30s due to that stronger wind. Lows near 36 degrees.