Clouds to clear, making way for 'some sun by sunset'

Clouds, rain and muggy air will be replaced by cooler, drier conditions, setting up a multi-day stretch of "beautiful weather," according to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner.

The front produced heavy showers and thunderstorms across the Triangle Wednesday morning, with the back edge of the rainfall sliding east of Raleigh around noon.

The remaining showers will continue to drift east of the Interstate 95 corridor Wednesday afternoon, allowing a cooler air mass to settle in.A flash flood advisory is in effect for parts of Wilson, Nash, Franklin and Halifax counties until 1 p.m.

Counties in the western Triangle could begin to see breaks in the clouds during the late afternoon, Gardner said.Daytime highs will climb into the low 70s as the sunshine returns.

"We could have some sun by sunset," she said. "Don't expect widespread sun, but don't be surprised to see it peeking through as you head home from work today. The rain will certainly be gone, and it's a sign of the beautiful weather headed our way."

Skies will clear completely overnight, and overnight lows will dip into the upper 40s early Thursday.

Sprinkles are possible Thursday afternoon as moisture wraps in behind the clearing front and area of low pressure, but rain will not be widespread.

Highs Thursday through Monday will hover in the low 70s, and overnight lows will be between the mid-40s and low 50s, much closer to normal for mid-and late-October.

"It will be quite pleasant all weekend, especially if you've got outdoor plans," Gardner said.