Christmas-like temps return behind cold front

Temperatures were in the low 40s across much of the area at 9 a.m., about 20 to 25 degrees colder than they were on Monday morning.

Clouds associated with a cold front that dumped rain on the Triangle Monday will linger through at least lunchtime on Tuesday, but the noticeable rainfall has moved off to the east, WRAL meteorologist Mike Moss said. 

"There could be some light sprinkles and showers east of Interstate 95 during the morning hours, but in the Triangle we're pretty much done with any precipitation," he said. 

Sunshine will begin to peek through those clouds during the afternoon, and by Monday evening clear skies will allow overnight temperatures to dive into the mid-20s. 

Daytime highs on Christmas Day will struggle to reach 40 degrees. 

"We'll have nothing but sunshine and a few high clouds for Christmas, and it's going to be a very cool day," Moss said. 

Highs will hover in the upper 40s and low 50s late in the week as a high-pressure system stays in control of the Triangle's weather.