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Showers, storms likely Saturday; sun returns for Sunday

Thunderstorms bearing pounding rain, quarter-sized hail and winds gusting at more than 50 mph rocked parts of central North Carolina Friday. .

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Thunderstorms bearing pounding rain, quarter-sized hail and winds gusting at more than 50 mph rocked parts of central North Carolina Friday. .

The storms were the leading edge of a cold front expected to bring cooler temperatures and a chance for more rain again on Saturday.

"We'll have to pay very close attention to tonight's storms," said WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze. "Heavy rain, strong winds and hail are possible, especially in areas south and west of the Triangle."

Storms could linger into the overnight hours, and a similar pattern will unfold on Saturday as a cold front approaches from the west.

"It will not be quite as hot, but we still have a good chance of showers and storms as the cold front moves in," Maze said.

The entire area will be under an elevated risk for strong to severe storms on Saturday, with the main threat being damaging winds. Rain chances will peak around 80 percent during the afternoon and evening.

Highs will back down into the upper 80s for highs on Saturday as the front pushes through. Daytime highs have been at least 90 degrees at Raleigh-Durham International Airport every day since June 11.

The Triangle will clear out on the final day of the weekend, and abundant sunshine will be accompanied by high temperatures in the mid-80s.

"Sunday will be very warm, but less humid with a lot of sunshine," he said.

Highs will remain in the upper 80s on Monday before climbing back into the low 90s by the middle of next week.

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