CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – We are entering an unseasonably warm afternoon with near-record temperatures and strong south breezes setting the tone.

Southwest wind gusts are expected to reach 40 mph this afternoon, with these windy conditions persisting through Wednesday. While this is a great day to enjoy the warmth, these gusty winds come with a high fire risk, so burning outdoors is strongly discouraged until conditions clear. stabilize. These winds are part of an active weather system moving through the region that will trigger widespread showers and storms beginning Wednesday. These storms are expected to bring at least an inch of rain to most areas, and last through early Thursday. It’s a welcome arrival for lawns and fields, which can benefit from moisture after a few drier periods.

With Halloween just around the corner, there’s some good news for all the little ghosts and goblins planning to head out for some treats. After the midweek showers fade, the outlook turns dry Thursday night and Friday, giving everyone a better chance to enjoy the festivities without having to worry about umbrellas or rain jackets. Behind this midweek system, temperatures will return to seasonal norms, providing a cool but comfortable backdrop for all fall activities.

This mild interlude will likely be brief, however, as a more active weather pattern is expected to resume shortly after Halloween. We can expect some additional rain starting this weekend, so it may be a good time to take on any outdoor projects or cleaning that might be affected by wetter conditions. The expected pattern of intermittent showers could extend into next week, making it essential to keep an eye on the forecast if you have plans requiring dry conditions.

Whether you’re enjoying the last few moments of warmth of the season or preparing for the next rain, this week’s weather promises to keep things interesting. Keep those fall layers close by, because the changing temperatures will have us feeling real fall by the weekend. For now, however, we can expect a few warm but windy days before rain arrives to cool our area.