Rain more likely than snow on cold, windy Tuesday

Snowflakes could mix with rain showers across the Triangle on Tuesday, but temperatures will be warm enough to keep the wintry precipitation from creating any issues on the roads, WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said.

Posted 9:32 p.m. Mar 24, 2014 — Updated 12:16 p.m. Mar 25, 2014

RALEIGH, N.C. — Snowflakes could mix with rain showers across the Triangle on Tuesday, but temperatures will be warm enough to keep the wintry precipitation from creating any issues on the roads, WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said.

Two storm systems – a low-pressure system off the South Carolina coast and an upper-level disturbance to the north and west – will combine to bring rain showers and wet snowflakes to central and eastern North Carolina by mid-morning.

"It it going to be wet, cold and windy," Gardner said. "That said, this isn't going to be the type of weather that wreaks havoc on your day."

Areas along the Virginia border have the best chance to see snowflakes, but areas across the Triangle could end up with mixed precipitation during the morning.

Temperatures were in the upper 30s at 8 a.m., and daytime highs are expected to climb into the mid-40s after lunchtime.

"Up near the Virginia line we could end up with a little dusting, but I don't expect any problems on the roads anywhere in our viewing area," Gardner said. "Just don't be surprised if you do see a snowflake or two today."

Strong winds will arrive Tuesday afternoon behind the upper-level disturbance, and they could gust up to 30 mph this afternoon and overnight.

Those winds will create winter-like temperatures Wednesday morning, as overnight lows in the mid-20s will feel more like the teens. Highs Wednesday will climb into the upper 40s under sunny skies.

Spring-like weather returns later this week as temperatures are expected to climb near the 60s Thursday and then close to 70 by the weekend.

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