Overall, the weather has been cooperative for the Columbus Day Weekend so far. Heavy showers late yesterday were brief and today’s anticipated light rain erupted on schedule around mid-afternoon near and south of Boston. So much of the holiday weekend has been dry but the rain will transition from a few showers into s steadier rain as this evening progresses. There could be up to a quarter to a third of an inch in places before it ends shortly after midnight with more dry weather to follow tomorrow. As the upper air steering currents back to a more southwesterly direction, another parcel of rain will be directed toward southern New England on Tuesday. A couple of days ago, most signs indicated a high pressure system would have supplied ample sunshine following a frosty start on Tuesday. Now that scenario is discarded so expect some rain to push up to at least the Mass Pike on that day and damp weather could linger into Wednesday. Meantime, the next cold front will be shifting southeastward from Canada. It could partially clear before the frontal passage arrives late Wednesday accompanied by a brief shower. It will be breezy Wednesday night into Thursday morning but bright sunshine during the day will warm it up to the lower 60s as the wind becomes southwesterly in the afternoon. A stronger cold front will surge across the area on Friday triggering a few spotty showers and a changeable sky of clouds and sunshine with gusty shifting winds. It may strike 60 at midday before falling a few degrees during the afternoon. A robust high pressure system will sponsor bright sunshine most of Saturday with temperatures maxing out in the upper 50s. Some high thin clouds may arrive in the afternoon leading to a wave of low pressure emerging from the Midwest to release rain next Sunday. If the wave tracks to the north, it could warm up through the 60s to near 70. Presently, however, it is more likely that the wave will transit across the South Coast so it will stay wet and rather cool in the 50s instead.

The fall foliage extravaganza continues. Our spotters report a big improvement in color over last year’s dud. The far northern mountains were peaking with spectacular vibrant color last weekend and the wave has shifted south of the notches. The color is variable from place to place but generally is worth seeing up north. Some leaf drop is already occurring. For more information check out the leaf alert. We’d love to see your foliage pictures. Send them to weather@cbsboston.com.

Joe Joyce will deliver his AccuWeather Forecast in the morning for Melissa Mack and I will follow later in the day for Todd Gutner.

Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend.