The temperature soared to 72 degrees on Friday, smashing the record - set one day before - for warmest February day after in the Capital Region.

The thermometer reading Friday afternoon doubled the average daytime temperature - 37 degrees - for Feb. 24.

Before the mercury hit 69 on Thursday, the previous record for warmest day was hit on Feb. 22, 1997 when the thermometer his 68 degrees.

The previous record for Feb. 24 was 65, set in 1985, according to the National Weather Service in Albany.

Friday was likely to be the last day of record-breaking warmth.

A warm, southerly air lifting through the area will bring scattered showers and possibly a thunderstorm Friday morning, before the weather dries out Friday afternoon, the weather service reports.

A strong cold front from the Great Lakes will cross the region Saturday afternoon and evening, bringing with it heavy rainfall and perhaps a thunderstorm, gusty winds and much colder temperatures by Sunday.

There is a potential for minor flooding in Saratoga, Fulton, Warren and Washington counties Friday though Sunday evening as snow melt and heavy rain produces runoff into area rivers, the weather service reports.

Flooding is also possibly in low lying areas with poor drainage or snow-blocked storm drains.