Raleigh, N.C. — Sixty-degree temperatures will return to central and eastern North Carolina on the final day of the work week, and the warmest air of the spring will make its way to the area by Saturday. 

"We have a ridge of high pressure off to our south and west, and this warm air is going to start making its way into the area Friday," WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said. 

Temperatures will start in the 30s early Friday but will climb quickly once the sun rises. Afternoon highs should top out in the low 60s as abundant sunshine dominates the day. 

Overnight lows will stay warm early Saturday, only dipping into the upper 40s as a warm southwest wind keeps temperatures from dipping into the 30s.

That warm start will allow Saturday's high temperatures to climb well into the 70s, about 10 degrees above normal for mid-March. 

Clouds will accompany the warm-up as a front sags into the Triangle from the north and west. Showers will arrive later in the day, Maze said.

"Models are suggesting some showers later in the day, and it's likely going to linger over us on Sunday," Maze said. 

Significant rain isn't expected, but the wet pattern will likely remain on Sunday as temperatures return to the upper 50s. Areas along the Virginia border will have higher chances for rain.

Rain is also possible Monday and Tuesday, when highs will once again be back in the upper 60s to near 70 degrees.