Raleigh, N.C. — After three days of clouds, rain and cool temperatures, sunshine will return to central and eastern North Carolina Wednesday afternoon, WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth said. 

That sunshine will also help temperatures return to normal, as highs should top out in the low 70s during the afternoon after starting in the mid 50s thanks to lingering cloud cover. More Info     North Carolina State Fair

"We're going to see temperatures anywhere from 15 to 20 degrees warmer than yesterday, and that sunshine is going to give us a beautiful afternoon," Wilmoth said. "The clearing line should make it to the Triangle by the late-morning hours."

A dry cold front will move through the area late Wednesday to reinforce the cool air and drop overnight temperatures into the low 40s. While Thursday will be cooler with highs in the mid 60s, the good news is the clouds won't return, giving way to more sunshine for the start of the N.C. State Fair. 

"We're not expecting any precipitation with the passage of this cold front, so Thursday is still going to be beautiful," Wilmoth said. "On Friday, however, we'll be partly cloudy and have a chance for a scattered shower or two."

The opening weekend of fair festivities will take place under sunshine, as high temperatures should return to the 70s both Saturday and Sunday. 

"We're just going to have some great fall weather," Wilmoth said. "The leaves are changing."