Cool temps, clouds, rain likely during holiday weekend

Clouds and cool temperatures will bring a chill to Easter Sunday services this weekend as a low-pressure area moves northeast from the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, hovering over the area through much of the holiday weekend.

Cloud cover looms over central North Carolina for the weekend, keeping temperatures well below normal, with Friday highs topping out in the low 60s and rain following the evening commute.

"This is really bad timing as we head into the holiday weekend," said WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth. "If you've got outdoor plans today, you'll be OK through about 8 p.m. Friday night."

Clouds, rain, wind and temperatures in the mid-50s will foil outdoor plans Saturday. Central North Carolina has an 80 percent chance of rain throughout the day.

“Tomorrow’s pretty much a washout,” said WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel. “It’s cool, cloudy, breezy, raw and miserable.”

Attendees of Easter sunrise services should wear jackets as the temperatures dip into the mid- to upper-40s on the morning of the holiday, but rain will likely subside for most of Sunday, though the possibility of light rain and drizzle remains.

“There could be a few breaks in the clouds, and that will allow it to get a little warmer, maybe up close to 60 – if we’re lucky, maybe into the low 60s,” Fishel said.

Sunshine and warmer weather returns next week, with highs hitting the 70s on Monday and climbing into the mid-70s on Tuesday and Wednesday. Overnight lows will also moderate, returning to the mid-50s.