Temps expected to reach high 40s today; cold to return next week

By Lauren Dezenski, Globe Correspondent

Another round of warm temperatures is on tap today as the January thaw continues, though its end is now in sight, the National Weather Service said.

Highs will reach 47 degrees in Boston this afternoon as a front moves through, bringing high clouds and 20-mile-per-hour wind gusts, said weather service meteorologist Alan Dunham. The clouds will clear overnight as temperatures drop to the low 30s. The mercury will climb to 44 degrees again Thursday.

Dunham expects temperatures to remain above average through the weekend, into Wednesday. Showers are set to start after 3 p.m. Friday, continuing through the evening and again Sunday night.

The thaw’s grip is set to release as a system ushers cold air through the region next Wednesday evening, Dunham said. The front will bring below-average temperatures, currently 36 degrees, and keep things cool through the end of next week.

The January thaw is a weather phenomenon that usually arrives in late January in New England.