After a chilly start to the morning with outside temperatures in the 50s, expect temperatures in the 70s across the city by lunchtime, with a few degrees warmer from I-95 to I-91 in the western mass .

A handful of record highs are in question today, with Springfield, Manchester, N.H., and Burlington, Vt., all expected to reach daily highs or set new ones today.

As the afternoon progresses, the front will eventually move close enough to New England to bring clouds to the region later in the day.

Wind speeds will reach 10 to 15 miles per hour in the afternoon, which could lead to wildfires. The above-average heat, relatively low humidity and windy conditions can increase the risk of fires starting and spreading.

The cold front is expected to arrive while we sleep, bringing a few scattered, light showers across New England by Thursday morning. There’s a chance you’ll see wet pavement and a few splashes on your way to work on Thursday. However, the rain we see will not be heavy enough to stem the unusually dry and arid conditions New England has experienced over the past two months.

Although this cold front will bring much cooler air that will bring temperatures back to normal by mid-fall, it will actually do New Englanders a favor. The building trough of strong high pressure will push the remnants of Tropical Storm Oscar away from New England, sparing the area from potentially heavy rainfall.

High surf and choppy seas are expected along the Cape and Islands on Thursday and Friday.

Southern New England: Mostly sunny and warm with temperatures in the low 70s along the coast and temperatures in the mid 70s inland. Windy conditions will develop with afternoon clouds. Wind speeds may reach 15 mph, with some gusts up to 20 mph or more.

Western fair: Lots of sunshine, some clouds moving in later in the day. Highs are expected to reach the mid-70s in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. At times there are noticeable gusts of wind, but nothing too disturbing. Maybe a spotty shower or a late drizzle.

Cape and Islands: Mostly sunny skies with high clouds later in the afternoon. Highs will be in the mid to upper 60s with a strong breeze developing in the afternoon. Some wind gusts may reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour at times. Stay dry throughout the evening.

Northern New England: Mostly sunny skies at the beginning, clouds forming as the day progresses. Highs will be in the low to mid 70s with a steady breeze around 10 mph. A few isolated showers may develop this afternoon, particularly in the northwest portion of the region near Burlington, Vt. There will be a few more showers in Vermont and New Hampshire later this evening.

Marianne Mizera of the Globe staff contributed to this report.

Ken Mahan can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram @kenmahantheweatherman.