"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

Today is Wednesday, August 17. Here are five things you need to know:

1. A triumphant return: The gloomy skies are gone, replaced by a triumphant sun today, according to the National Weather Service. Expect temperatures to soar into the 80s, which will be a nice departure from the chilly weather we’ve had the last couple of days.   

2. Appeals meeting: Although it’s summertime, the Board of Appeals will be busy tonight with several public hearings on eight various cases. Meeting starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

3. Hazardous materials route: Woburn has joined the Route 128 3C Committee, a group that is opposed to re-routing trucks carrying hazardous materials through communities like Woburn, Burlington, Lexington and Waltham. For more information on the group and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino’s route proposal, visit our friends at Burlington Patch.

4. In case you missed it: Woburn Patch went back in time with the help of the Brightview Country Club Heights yesterday. Brightview held a classic car show this weekend, bringing back memories and showing off some sweet vehicles. Check out the story and photos here.

5. Hangin’ Tough: On this day in 1969, singer and actor Donnie Walhberg was born in Dorchester. Wahlberg is probably best known in these parts as one of the founding members of boy band supergroup New Kids on the Block. (He’s also Local Editor Danielle Masterson’s favorite New Kid!) But TV viewers will recognize him as Det. Danny Reagan on the show Blue Bloods. Wahlberg is not afraid of getting close to his fans, often tweeting them through his Twitter account and hosting NKOTB cruises.  

To find out what is going on today in Woburn, check out our events listings.