The past week or so has featured weather reminiscent of mid-summer. Hopefully it hasn't spoiled us too much. Over the next few days, the weather will return to seasonal averages, with highs in the mid to upper 70's for the  most part, and not much rain expected. This is thanks to a large upper level ridge, the one responsible for all the warmth, collapsing over the area and retreating to the south and west, back towards the Southern Plains. Initially, during the last few days of this week, it could be a bit blustery behind the cold front which crossed our region today (bringing with it some strong and severe thunderstorms, although our area was spared the worst of it..see the latest updated storm reports). However, by the weekend, the winds are expected to become less of a worry, and it should be mostly sunny and pleasant. Featured image: Latest temperature observations throughout the area courtesy of Rutgers Weather Net.

If you're looking for the heat and mid-summer weather to return, the timing of that is unclear. The ridge over the Central US is forecast to try and build back towards the region by next week, but currently there are indications that it may meet some resistance from an active pattern of low pressure systems over Canada. For now, enjoy the late Spring weather that we are, after all, meant to be having in the first place! Your short term forecast at a glance is below.

Today (Thursday): Sunny and breezy, with a high near 75. Northwest winds 10 to 20 miles per hour.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 53. Northwest winds 4 to 8 miles per hour.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Northwest winds 5 to 10 miles per hour.

Saturday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 78. Overnight low near 58. West-northwest winds 4 to 8 miles per hour.

Article by John Homenuk. Written June 2nd, 2011 at 1:18am. Looking for a forecast? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the end of the work 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.