CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – We’re in for an unusually warm afternoon with near-record temperatures and strong southerly breezes setting the tone.

Southwest wind gusts in excess of 40 mph are expected this afternoon, with these stormy conditions continuing into Wednesday. While it’s a great day to enjoy the warmth, these gusty winds pose an increased risk of fires, so having an outdoor fire is strongly discouraged until conditions calm down. These winds are part of an active weather system moving into the region that will produce some widespread showers and storms throughout Wednesday. These storms are expected to bring about an inch or more of rain to most areas and will continue into the early hours of Thursday. It’s a welcome change for lawns and fields, which can benefit from the moisture after a few drier stretches.

With Halloween just around the corner, there’s good news for all the little ghosts and goblins looking to head out trick-or-treating. After the midweek showers subside, things will become drier for Thursday evening and Friday, allowing everyone to better enjoy the festivities without having to worry about umbrellas or rain jackets. This midweek system will see temperatures return to seasonal norms, providing a cool but pleasant backdrop for all fall activities.

This mild interlude will likely be short-lived, however, as a more active weather pattern is expected to resume shortly after Halloween. We can expect more rain starting this weekend, so now could be a good time to tackle any outdoor projects or cleanup that could be affected by the wetter conditions. The expected pattern of occasional showers could continue well into next week. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast when planning for dry conditions.

Whether you’re enjoying the season’s last touch of warmth or preparing for the next round of rain, this week’s weather promises to keep things interesting. Keep those fall layers close together because the changing temperatures will have us feeling truly fall-like by the weekend. For now, however, we can look forward to a few warm but windy days before the rain arrives and cools down our region.