Mild weather is on the way. Temperatures are near average today and then in the 50s for Friday and the weekend. there will be some rain Friday night and Sunday afternoon.

New this afternoon: This week's drought monitor has just been released and the "moderate drought" has been completely removed in Connecticut. The state is no longer officially in drought status, although nearly 40% of the state remains drier than normal .

Light winds and a mix of sun and clouds is expected today with high temperatures in the mid-40s this afternoon, which is about average for this time of the year. A stray shower is possible overnight tonight, but otherwise it is mostly cloudy this evening clearing out by Friday morning.

Spring officially arrives tomorrow, March 20 at 10:46 a.m. with the Vernal Equinox. While much of Friday will remain dry, there is a chance of showers sneaking in here after about dinnertime. Rain showers are expected to taper off by Saturday morning.

The weekend is nice to start with temperatures in the mid-50s under mostly sunny skies on Saturday. It will be a breezy day with winds occasionally gusting to 30 mph from the west.

Sunday is mostly cloudy with a few afternoon showers. High temperatures will again be in the mid-50s.

Chillier weather returns next week with some rain to start on Monday and then much colder weather Monday night through Wednesday.