Record-breaking, summer-like warm air flows in

With the warm front passing as we slept early this morning, our setup today shifts to a fairly strong southwesterly flow pulling warm air into the region that will dramatically increase temperatures in Boston and throughout most of New England into the next 48 degrees Boston can expect to reach the low 70s today, especially as clouds decrease throughout the day.

Some places in western New England could actually set a new daily record, including Springfield, North Adams, Pittsfield and Burlington, Vt. Boston has no chance today of reaching the record high, which was 78 degrees in 1918.

The only area where the warm-up may miss out today is Maine, where showers will continue until around midday and cloud cover will persist longer, limiting the thermometer.

The southwesterly flow will break up the recently dry air and dew points will rise to the mid 50s today, with the added moisture helping to combat dry skin.

Unfortunately, the rain won't do much to combat the region's increasing drought and bushfires. In fact, today's warming will be accompanied by wind speeds of 10 to 15 miles per hour, causing water to evaporate fairly quickly today and keeping the fire threat for today and tomorrow.

Here's a look at the fire danger for today and tomorrow as more dry, warm air moves through the region.

The warm-up will persist through Halloween, setting a record across the region. So far, it seems more plausible that Boston will reach 80 degrees, while areas in all six New England states will challenge daily high records. Halloween night should be great, except the warm temperatures may keep kids out longer than the normal trick-or-treating period.

Boston, Hartford, Springfield, Providence, Concord, NH and many areas in between could certainly come within a degree or two of their respective Halloween record highs. The red numbers below mark the areas expected to set new daily high records on Halloween.

Southern New England: Temperatures will be in the low to mid 50s to start the day. There will be a chance for a shower or rain early in the morning, but most will remain dry while clouds eventually clear as high pressure builds and the sun comes out. Temperatures should rise into the upper 60s and lower 70s. An afternoon breeze at around 10 mph or more is likely.

Western fair: Some patchy fog in the morning, while showers are likely to the east. Partly to mostly sunny skies throughout the day, with temperatures reaching the upper 60s in Berkshire County. The Pioneer Valley could probably break 70 degrees.

Cape and Islands: It will be mostly cloudy to start the day and temperatures will rise to the low to mid 60s this afternoon. There is a chance of a patchy shower or rain this morning, but this is unlikely due to dry air conditions just offshore. This afternoon a breeze is expected to be around 15 mph.

Northern New England: The front could likely slow as it pushes toward the northeast early this morning – meaning parts of Maine and New Hampshire could stay a little cooler as showers and clouds could linger a little longer today. At some point the sky will become partly cloudy, but the sun may be past the peak of the day. Highs in Maine may only reach the mid to upper 50s, while low 60s are likely across New Hampshire. Vermont is expected to see more sun early, pushing temperatures closer to 70°.

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