Raleigh, N.C. — Temperatures more typical to a North Carolina January return by the end of the work week when highs will be about 50 degrees and dip to the 20s and 30s overnight.

Monday began with some cold rain, and mist and drizzle are possible throughout the day, according to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner.

By late afternoon, temperatures had topped 50 degrees. 

"We'll have some warmer air that we saw over the weekend, but with the cloudy conditions, it's still going to feel rather cool," Gardner said.

Tuesday promises to be the most pleasant day of the week. "It starts out with low clouds and fog, but that will burn off quickly in favor of more sunshine," Gardner said. Temperatures should push 70 degrees Tuesday afternoon.

By Wednesday, the clouds move back in ahead of a front that carries the potential for thunderstorms and even severe weather. "Wednesday will be mostly cloudy, windy and warm," Gardner said. "Winds may gust as high as 35-40 mph even outside of thunderstorms."

Behind the front, the Triangle returns to mostly clear skies through the weekend, with high temperatures at about 50 degrees.