Spring weather swings into Boston ahead of schedule

Boston residents have a few days to say goodbye to winter before spring officially arrives. A brief cold snap lingers today with partly sunny skies and temperatures barely reaching the mid-40s. While most of the day stays dry, light snow or rain could sneak in overnight as a weak system approaches from the northwest. Overnight lows will dip just below freezing, making for a chilly evening. The calendar flips to spring Friday morning, and the weather will act like it’s already here. Strong southern winds will push temperatures toward the low 50s, a solid five degrees above Boston’s typical mid-March high. Those winds might gust up to 30 mph in spots, making it feel breezier than usual. Clouds will hang around much of the day, but by Friday night, a stronger weather front arrives with scattered rain showers.The rain should clear Greater Boston before dawn Saturday, leaving behind a mix of sun and clouds. Weekend temperatures stay mild, with highs in the low 50s both Saturday and Sunday. Another weather system arrives Sunday night, bringing more rain that could mix with a few snowflakes Monday morning as temperatures slide back toward freezing. The week ahead starts cooler, with highs only reaching the low 40s by Monday and Tuesday. Weather patterns like this aren’t unusual for early spring in New England. Sudden temperature jumps and quick changes from rain to snow are common as seasons shift. Residents might want to keep both rain gear and a light jacket handy.