Bright weekend, colder Sunday

Temperatures today warmed to the 70s across much of the state. Highs reached 72 degrees in Alpena, 78 degrees in Grand Rapids, Mich. and 74 degrees in Houghton, Mich. Winds will become out of the north Saturday, and that wind direction will bring in colder temperatures. Temperatures will become even colder Sunday.

The weekend will be dry and mostly clear, a pair of perfect days for spending time outdoors and enjoying the fall colors. The next storm system that will affect our area is currently in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It will move into the Upper Plains late this weekend and then travel into the Upper Great Lakes Monday, bringing rain to Northeast Michigan.

Saturday: A warm morning (but not a warm afternoon) with mostly sunny skies. Morning temperatures will begin in the middle/upper 50s. Afternoon highs will reach about 63 degrees. Early-evening temperatures will be in the middle/upper 50s.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and a cool morning. Predawn temperatures will drop to the lower 40s. Late-morning temperatures will rise to the upper 40s. Afternoon highs will be close to 56 degrees. Early-evening temperatures will be around 50 degrees.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, then rain arriving late-day. Early-morning temperatures will be in the upper 40s. Late-morning temperatures will be in the middle 50s. Afternoon highs will get up to the middle 60s. Early-evening temperatures will be in the upper 50s to near 60 degrees.