This Spring has certainly been one of variance, marked by several wild swings in sensible weather over short periods of time. We've already seen two bouts with oppressive heat (one officially noted as a heat wave per the National Weather Service), and two periods of below average temperatures directly afterwards. The general idea seems to continue in the short term. With the last few days settling below average in the temperature department, forecast models are beginning to show the first hints of a return to a warmer pattern. Today, thus far, has been above normal at some stations, with temperature readings in the low to mid 80's (averages in the upper 70's to 80). Thursday should feature much of the same, and may even be a hint warmer. However, Friday will feature more unsettled weather with a storm system rounding the base of an ejecting upper level trough over the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. The good news? This feature moves northeast fairly quickly, setting the stage for a warming weekend with temperatures in the mid 80's--and only widely scattered chances of thunderstorms. Looking deeper into the future,  forecast models try to bring 90 degree readings back into the forecast by the middle of next week (yeah, we're excited too). Featured image: Current temperatures throughout the Mid-Atlantic states courtesy of Rutgers Weather Net.

Lunar eclipse to avert North America: One of the longest lunar eclipses in recent memory will take place today, with a viewing time of near 100 minutes. Unfortunately, the eclipse won't be viewable from North America, with the eclipse starting at 1:24pm, and totality occurring at 3:22pm (smack in the middle of the afternoon). The eclipse will be the longest since 2000, thanks to a great alignment of the earths shadow and the moon, meeting where the earths shadow is the widest, hence the longer totality time (3:22 pm to 5:02pm EDT). So stoked for the eclipse, but live in North America? You can still check it out. Thank goodness for the internet! Check out a live stream here, courtesy of NASA and Huffington Post Online. Happy viewing! Featured Image: NASA/AP photo of the projected eclipse view.

Article by John Homenuk. Written June 15th, 2011 at 2:02pm. Looking for a forecast? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the end of the week into the weekend, or view our Technical Forecast Discussion for the more serious weather enthusiasts. Also, check out our new Forecast Overview tab. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.