Weather pattern flip after a soggy weekend in New England

The calendar says spring is in full swing, but most of New England has felt more like late winter lately. After a weekend delivered wind and rain pushed in by an upper-level storm system, a noticeable weather shift is on the way beginning Monday. Earlier forecasts had predicted this week would start cool and cloudy with scattered showers, but the real story isn’t the light rain — it’s how quickly things are warming up. Behind the rain was a stubborn upper-level trough parked over the region, blocking sunshine and keeping temperatures down. But as that system pulls away, high pressure moves in, starting a slow temperature climb. First comes a cool northerly breeze, but by Tuesday night, winds will switch from the southwest, bringing milder air from the south. That gradual switch means Tuesday will still feel cool, but by Wednesday, readings could push well into the mid-70s. By Thursday, Friday, and into the weekend, highs could hit the upper 70s, with some spots even reaching near 90 degrees.Adding another layer to this week’s weather story is the start of meteorological summer. While many people associate summer heat with June, July, and August, meteorologists actually define it as the three warmest months on average — not necessarily the hottest days. Depending on the exact location, the peak warmth usually arrives closer to mid-June and lingers until mid-September. Looking closer at Massachusetts and its neighbors, the change becomes obvious. Greater Boston, for example, will see Monday clouds fade into sunshine and temperatures struggling to escape the 60s. By Tuesday, with clearer skies, readings may touch the low 70s. Inland areas like Central and Western Massachusetts follow a similar pattern: Monday starts cloudy but turns sunnier and warmer by Tuesday when highs reach the low 70s. Down toward Cape Cod, the contrast is even sharper. Monday brings mostly sun with highs around 60, a noticeable rebound from recent chilly days. By Tuesday, readings approach 70 under clear skies, a sign summer isn’t far behind. Rhode Island mirrors this trend, starting gloomy but shifting to sunshine and 60s on Monday, then pushing into the 70s by Tuesday. The only exception in early moisture comes from New Hampshire, where an early shower lingers before skies clear and temperatures rise.