As we head into the end of the week, the forecast brings a familiar spring mix of passing showers, cooler-than-average temperatures, and glimpses of sunshine - setting the stage for a "50/50" kind of weekend across the region.

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Thursday brings a noticeable improvement. Early clouds and any leftover showers give way to breaks of sunshine by midday. Expect a cooler feel, with highs reaching the low 60s. Friday follows a similar pattern, though even a bit cooler, with temperatures again hovering in the low 60s under a mix of sun and clouds. While most areas stay dry, a stray shower cannot be ruled out, primarily north and west.

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Most of the morning commute on Wednesday should stay dry, with the possible exception of the far western suburbs, where a few early showers could sneak in. The best part of the day will be early, before rain spreads in late morning into midday. Once the rain arrives, expect showers on and off through the day, with a potential midafternoon lull before more scattered showers develop into the evening.

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A brief taste of summer is on the way, but it won't last long. Temperatures will surge on Tuesday as a warm, gusty wind pushes highs well into the 80s across interior locations. The best chance for more organized rainfall arrives Wednesday. Conditions should stay dry through the morning commute, but showers are expected to develop by midday and continue into Wednesday night.

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Friday brings a bright, sunny start, though clouds will mix in during the afternoon, especially north and west of New York City. Highs will top out in the mid60s, a few degrees below average but comfortably cool. A late-day shower is possible, mainly in the Poconos and Catskills, with a few showers drifting into the northwest suburbs during the evening. If you're heading out Friday night, it's not a bad idea to have an umbrella handy.

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While it will still feel damp for the Thursday morning commute, conditions will steadily improve. As we head through the day, skies will begin to brighten, and while an isolated shower can't be ruled out, especially if we get a bit of sunshine, much of the afternoon should trend drier.  As we turn the calendar to May, the weather will feel a bit more like early April. Friday looks cool but decent, setting the stage for the first weekend of May, which isn't all that bad overall.

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Wednesday begins with early brightness, but clouds will steadily increase as the day goes on. The main weather event arrives Wednesday night, when a period of steadier rain moves through. The best window for rain looks to be between 8 p.m. and roughly 2-4 a.m. Thursday.

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An AccuWeather Alert is in effect for Saturday. A few light showers may pop up overnight and early in the morning, but don't let that fool you.  Rain coverage will gradually expand during the morning hours. By midday into the afternoon, expect periods of steadier, heavier rain, continuing through the evening. Sunday starts cloudy and damp, with leftover drizzle possible and slow drying throughout the day. Skies gradually try to brighten late in the day, but it stays cool.

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After a gorgeous Thursday, Friday remains a decent, though slightly cooler, day to wrap up the workweek. Saturday is a different story, and it comes with an AccuWeather Alert. The weekend starts wet, with rain becoming steadier late Saturday morning and intensifying through the afternoon and early evening. While early risers may just encounter drizzle or scattered showers, conditions deteriorate as the day goes on.

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Thursday is shaping up to be the standout day of the next seven, and possibly the nicest weather we'll see for the rest of the month. Temperatures surge back into the mid-70s, making it the warmest day until May. Expect partly to mostly sunny skies, a pleasant breeze, and classic spring warmth that's perfect for getting outside or enjoying the ride.

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