NEW: Highs will be in the 50s the next few days until the front sweeps through Thursday. Next weekend will be chilly and breezy. Much-needed rain is on the way and temperatures will take a dive, we are looking at a chilly 40s and rain for Friday. Thursday will be our transition day with rounds of steady rain early in the day. A sharp cold front will move through the end of the week and out ahead of it will be rain for Thursday and even some showers for Friday. There is a good chance we could see about 1 inch of rainfall with this system. This will not wipe out the drought, as Connecticut is still several inches well below normal for the fall season.

NEXT: Thursday morning could be a sloppy commute for western Connecticut. Watch for puddles and ponding on the roads and wet leaves. Try to clean the leaves up now and make sure storm drains are clear before the rain hits.

FIRE RISK: In the meantime, with dry and mild conditions, the fire risk remains elevated. That means no outdoor fires, flames or anything that could cause sparks.

TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. High of 59.

WEDNESDAY: Sun and clouds. High of 55.

THURSDAY: Rain, heaviest early in the day. High of 52.

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, with few showers. Much colder. High of 47.

SATURDAY: Partly sunny. High of 48.

SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. High of 52.

MONDAY: Partly sunny. High of 52.