Unseasonably Warm Ridge, Drought Risk, Cooldown Ahead

A strong high-pressure ridge is producing unseasonably warm, summerlike conditions across much of the U.S. and parts of Canada this weekend, with highs generally in the upper 70s to low 80s (~25–28°C) from New England and the Mid‑Atlantic into Toronto. The sunny, dry pattern—moderated near coasts by sea breezes—is worsening drought and elevating fire risk in some areas. Most places should stay dry through the weekend, but a cold front expected early next week will bring scattered showers, gusty winds ahead of the front and a sharp cooldown, with highs falling into the 60s and northern overnight lows possibly near freezing or dipping to frost. Minnesota is forecast to see near‑record heat Friday–Saturday give way to windier conditions and a Sunday‑night cooldown, with most rainfall from the front staying north and southeast of the Twin Cities. Separately, the Miami Heat open preseason exhibition games in Puerto Rico, where guard Ethan Thompson is receiving a hometown spotlight while competing for a roster spot.