After chilly days, Triangle could see another warm Christmas

While temperatures climbed into the 70s on Sunday afternoon, the temperature in Raleigh was only 37 degrees on Monday afternoon, marking a difference of 24 degrees.

"It's been a long time since I've seen a dramatic drop like this," said WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze.

Maze said that light rain that fell throughout the day Monday will persist through the evening before eventually moving out overnight. As the rain moves out, though, temperatures will continue to drop, with a forecast of a chilly 29 degrees at 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Maze said the further drop in temperature could lead to some icy patches overnight and in the early morning.

"The big question is, will there still be enough moisture on the roads," he said.

Things will warm up on Tuesday, but not by much, with highs in the 40s. Most of the rain should be gone for the rest of the week, and temperatures will be warmer, in the 50s, by Wednesday.

By the weekend, Maze said the Triangle could see its third consecutive warm Christmas.

"We could be flirting with 70 degrees on Christmas Day," he said.