Raleigh, N.C. — Sunshine and warmer temperatures will return to central North Carolina Wednesday, making pre-Thanksgiving travel a breeze, WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said. 

Any lingering clouds associated with a low pressure system moving through the state should be gone by lunchtime, allowing afternoon highs to climb into the upper 50s.

"We will see a lot more sun in the coming days than we have in the last few," Gardner said. "High pressure systems are going to be in control of the weather for much of the East Coast right through the weekend." More Info     Holiday Guide: Events, gifts, recipes, photos

The story will be similar for much of the country Wednesday, with only the Pacific Northwest dealing with rain on one of the busiest travel days of the year. 

"We do have a system in the northwest that is causing some problems and even flooding, so if you're traveling out west you could have to deal with that," Gardner said. "Otherwise, the better part of the country shouldn't see any delays for the next several days."

Thanksgiving Day weather should be perfect in the Triangle, as high temperatures will top out in the low 60s after starting in the 30s. 

"If you're headed out to the Ridgewood Turkey Trot, expect temperatures in the mid-40s," Gardner said. "By afternoon, when we're all headed somewhere to get actual turkey, it's going to be absolutely gorgeous." More Info     Black Friday deals

A cold front will push through central North Carolina Friday, bringing some cloud cover and a chance of rain during the evening hours. Highs during the afternoon will top out in the mid-60s. 

Once the front clears, the coldest air of the season will filter into the area from the north and west, making the busiest shopping weekend of the year brisk. 

Highs will barely crack 50 degrees both Saturday and Sunday, and lows could dip into the upper 20s Sunday morning.