Arctic air brings bitter cold temps; chance of snow Monday night, Tuesday

Late Saturday night the strong winds will combine with temperatures in the teens to create dangerous wind chill conditions, WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth said.

"We have the potential to see wind gusts above 45 mph along with numerous power outages and downed trees," she said. "Areas north of the Triangle could even see a dusting of snow on Saturday night."

Nearly 20,000 people were without power across the Triangle late Saturday due to downed trees and power lines, according to the Duke Energy Progress website.

Breezy conditions will persist on the final day of the weekend, and temperatures won't climb out of the upper 20s all day. 

Much of central North Carolina is under a wind chill advisory from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday morning.

Highs will return to the mid-30s on Monday ahead of an approaching front, one that could generate wintry precipitation for the area.

"The Monday morning commute looks fine, but as we get into the evening we could see some snow," Wilmoth said. "We could have up to 2 to 4 inches of snow in the Triangle and some ice accumulation for our southern counties."

The system should clear out of the area on Tuesday night into Wednesday, but bitterly cold temperatures will stay put throughout the work week. 

High temperatures will be in the 30s all week, and overnight lows will be in the low 20s and teens.