The mercury at Logan International Airport climbed to 68 degrees just before 1 p.m. today, beating the record for the day, according to the website of the Taunton office of the National Weather Service.
The record for the warmest March 8 was set in 1995, at 67 degrees, said meteorologist Eleanor Vallier-Talbot. Records have been kept in Boston since 1872.
Forecasters say the only hitch in this beautiful day will be the wind. The warm temperatures were caused by a high pressure system off the coast, pulling warm temperatures from the south. Normal high temperatures for this week are about 43 degrees.
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This afternoon, when that system shifts to the east, a cold front from the Great Lakes will move in, bringing some clouds, strong winds, and light rain showers. The rain will taper off by Friday morning.
A wind advisory is in place across Southern New England, said Vallier-Talbot, so it may not be the best day for the beach. Winds will be 15-25 miles per hour and may lead to some downed power lines, tipped-over garbage cans, and broken umbrellas. Gusts could reach 45 to 50 miles per hour this mid- to late afternoon and into the evening but will start dropping off after that, she said.
Temperatures will be closer to normal Friday, with highs in the mid-40s in Massachusetts. Friday night lows will be below freezing.
The mercury will drop a little more on Saturday to about 40 degrees. Sunday will heat back up to the mid-50s. It will be sunny throughout the weekend.
So far, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are looking good. Highs are forecasted to be in the mid- to upper 50s. There's a chance of rain showers on Monday and Tuesday, but Wednesday should be clear.
Alli Knothe can be reached at aknothe@globe.com.
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