Sun returns, setting up pleasant weekend

A stationary front just off the North Carolina coast will help produce showers in coastal communities on the final day of the work week. Rain isn't likely in the central part of the state, but clouds from the front will hover over the area through mid-afternoon.

Clearing began in the north and worked its way south during the afternoon.

"Areas like Fayetteville, Goldsboro or Southern Pines may not see noticeable changes until the evening commute," Gardner said.

The continued cloud cover will keep temperatures cool again, as highs will top out in the low 70s.

Despite the slow arrival of drier air, the weekend forecast remains "sunny and bright," Gardner says.

Rain chances return Monday and Tuesday, but drier air will arrive again by the middle of next week.