Many records are likely to be set or equaled this afternoon across New England and it will mainly depend on where the sun stays the longest, with clouds developing throughout the day . Still, Boston, Providence, Worcester, Springfield, Hartford, Concord and Portland could all see new daily records today.

The ride will be in the 60s for people, as afternoon highs approach the mid-70s from Boston to Springfield and most of southern New England. Residents of northern New England will also be very hot.

The day is expected to remain dry for Boston despite a passing front later in the day and increasing cloud cover over the region. Parts of northern and western New England could see a few drops reach the surface, but this should only amount to a trace of rain.

Some precipitation simply does not reach the surface due to very dry soil and air that helps limit evaporation, drawing moisture away from developing showers.

You will notice a strong breeze again today, reaching nearly 15 miles per hour in Greater Boston with gusts of 20 and 30 miles per hour. With the increased heat today compared to yesterday, the the risk of fire is high further away with crisp vegetation and moderately low relative humidity. Although progress has been made with active fires outside Salem, Hartford and dozens of other areas of southern New England, these conditions will make further containment difficult today.

A red flag warning is in place for all of southern New England until 6 p.m. That means the ingredients exist — heat, relatively low humidity and windy conditions — that can spread existing fires or start new ones quickly. It is important to ensure that you properly dispose of all flammable fuel sources.

Southern New England needs a good rainstorm to get through our current drought and to help replenish parched soils and reduce groundwater and stream flows. There could be light to moderate rain over the region on Sunday and Monday, hopefully with enough moisture to overwhelm the high pressure over the North Atlantic and bring measurable rain to the region.

Drier than wet weather conditions may persist this month, keeping the fire risk in November elevated and above normal for the season – which is rare for this time of year.

Southern New England: A mix of sun and clouds throughout the day with temperatures climbing into the upper 70s to mid 70s. A runaway shower could drop a few drops this afternoon, but windy conditions could be the worst part of the day – with gusts up to 25 mph.

Western Mass.: Variable clouds with mostly cloudy skies in the afternoon. Highs in Berkshire reach the upper 60s, while those in the Pioneer Valley reach the mid 70s. A cold front arrives mid-afternoon and may bring a few drops or light showers, but they won’t last a long time. Wind speeds are expected to be between 10 and 15 mph.

Cape and Islands: Feeling windy during times of sunshine and cloud cover. Highs reach the mid 60s with gusts. Cape Town could see gusts of up to 30 mph. A malicious dusting could arrive in the area later this evening, but this remains unlikely.

Northern New England: Pockets of sun between variable clouds. A few scattered showers or light showers are possible later in the morning and afternoon, but should be rare. Temperatures will likely reach the low 70s, with only extreme parts of northern New England stagnating in the upper 60s.

Ken Mahan can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram @kenmahantheweatherman.