Gardner: Record high temperatures possible this week

Last week, WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said it was time for "jackets and blankets," but this week is a different story. Highs are expected to top out in the low 80s Monday, but that number will only continue to grow as the week goes on. By Wednesday, temperatures are expected to reach the mid 80s, and highs likely won't return to the 60s and 70s until late in the weekend.

Gardner attributes the change to winds shifting southwest, bringing in air that is very warm for this time of year.

"Things can change around here really quickly this time of year," said Gardner. "High pressure keeps us dry and starts to warm up our temperatures by mid-week, keeping our temperatures well above normal now through Thursday. We may even see a record high on Wednesday."

The work week should be full of bright, clear skies, as rain is not expected to fall until later in the week, when temperatures start to decrease.

By Friday, the chance for precipitation jumps to 30 percent, making for a much cooler weekend.