CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - After a stretch of gray weather, it’s time to enjoy a brighter outlook as the weekend kicks off.

Tonight, partly cloudy skies will usher in cooler temperatures, with lows settling into the upper 30s—jacket weather if you’re heading out late. Saturday steals the spotlight as the best day of the weekend. Under mostly sunny skies, highs will climb into the upper 50s, offering a perfect opportunity for fall activities like hiking, football games, or yard work.

Sunday could see a slight change, as a weak system brushes through the state, potentially bringing some light rain. While it doesn’t look like a washout, it’s worth keeping an eye on if you have outdoor plans. The real headline, though, is what’s brewing early next week. A robust area of low pressure is expected to move into the upper Midwest, delivering widespread rain from Monday into Tuesday. Along with the rain, colder air will follow in its wake. By midweek, highs will struggle to reach the 40s, and overnight lows may dip near freezing—a stark reminder that winter is just around the corner.

As the system exits, there’s a silver lining: current models hint at drier conditions returning for the latter half of the week. While this evolving situation bears close monitoring, it’s a good time to prepare for the chillier days ahead. Stay up to date with the latest forecasts to make the most of this weather rollercoaster!