Grab the winter coats as coldest air of the season moves in

A north to northwest flow of air will significantly cool the temperatures overnight and temperatures will drop into the mid to lower 20's. Temperatures Sunday night were about 10 degrees below normal.

The kids will need to bundle up before heading to the bus stop Monday morning, WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth said, as the thermometer will only rise to about 28 degrees by 6 a.m. and will still be below freezing until after 8 a.m.

"It's going to be a cold start to the week," said Wilmoth. "You'll need the heavy winter coat tomorrow morning as you head out the door."

Monday's forecast calls for abundant sunshine, but the high temperatures are predicted to only be in the upper 40s.

Temperatures on Tuesday will again be below normal with lows in the 20s and highs in the mid-50s. Early-morning risers who can tolerate the cold can step outside at 5:44 a.m. to catch a glimpse of the International Space Station passing by.

"It'll be a gorgeous pass, but it'll be cold," said Wilmoth.

Following two days of chilly temperatures, the area is expected to warm up in time for Thanksgiving, with temperatures approaching 70 degrees on Thursday and Friday.