A cold front is passing through the area Friday morning. This is important to the weekend forecast as it will push the humid air out to sea and take the clouds and any showers with it.  You will have to contend with the muggy stuff today.

Although there was some rain last week, it wasn’t much.  The drought areas are basically the same and I certainly don’t see this improving any time soon. It is likely to get even worse in the coming week.

The weekend forecast is quite simple as high pressure stays in control.  The big H on the weather map represents a large area of sinking air and clear skies.  This will extend from the tip of northern Maine to Manhattan this weekend.

If you’re going hiking, biking, or running…

It’s still August and temperatures will be in the 70s to lower 80s during both afternoons over the weekend.  This means that if you don’t like doing vigorous activity in the heat be sure to get it done early in the morning or later in the day.  Remember the sun is now setting just before 7:30 leaving less time for outdoor activities in the evening.

If you’re going beaching and boating…

I would call this is perfect beach weekend.  Ocean water temperatures are running very warm. High tides are between 8 and 9 this weekend with low tides in the early afternoon.  Winds will be very light all weekend and turn onshore each afternoon.  This will keep the coast cooler with readings falling back into the mid-70s late in the day.

If you’re playing soccer, softball, baseball, or golf…

Saturday’s forecast:  With the exception of early morning dew Saturday and Sunday, the grass will be dry all weekend.  Those areas without irrigation have crunching lawns and you’ll be playing on very hard ground.  I don’t see this changing anytime soon.

If you’re gardening…

What can I say to my fellow gardeners that haven’t already been said?  As has been the case all summer, water as much as possible.  Pay particular attention to plants with curled leaves and those that are drooping.  Don’t worry about perennials as they will just go dormant.  Woody plants can die in this type of drought.

If you’re running errands…

It’s a sunny and dry weekend.  If you are in the stores doing back-to-school shopping, you won’t be able to take advantage of the great weather, but the good news is that both Saturday and Sunday are picture perfect.

If you’re going to a concert, outdoor party, or wedding…

Comfortable temperatures and levels of humidity make this a great weekend to be outside.  Whether you are listening to music or watching someone walk down the aisle, the weather will fully cooperate.

I will be updating the forecast on Twitter @growingwisdom throughout the weekend.