Rain won't go away, at least 'til the end of day

The Triangle will endure another dreary, wet and chilly day Wednesday. Rain is in the forecast through at least 6 p.m. before a drier but still cloudy evening.

Wednesday will be warmer than recent days, with the high temperature pushing through the mid-60s and even toward 70 in the southeast quadrant of the state, said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner.

"We should be rain-free Thursday and Friday," she promised.

But the clearing brings cooler weather as well. Thursday and Friday high temperatures will stay mostly in the 40s as high pressure builds in upon the area.

By the weekend, rain returns with activity in the southern branch of the jet stream pushing moisture into North Carolina from the coast. Gardner called for rainy, raw days both Saturday and Sunday with highs only in the 40s.