Warming trend will make snow a distant memory

Temperatures started in the 20s Tuesday morning, but will climb into the mid-50s by the afternoon hours. By Wednesday, spring-like weather will be back just three days after much of central and western North Carolina saw snowfall.

"We're in for a big warm up this week," she said. "As cold as it was this morning, it's going to be pretty noticeable by Wednesday afternoon."

Low temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday will also stay warmer than average, bottoming out in the 40s both days. 

The first of two cold fronts making their way toward the state will pass through the Triangle area late Tuesday, making skies mostly cloudy by the afternoon commute. 

The second front will pass through during the overnight hours Wednesday. Neither system should produce much in the way of rain, but some areas could see sprinkles, Gardner said. 

"We're not likely to see much measurable rain, but there could some light sprinkles," she said. "We're going to have mostly cloudy skies during the next couple of days."

The warmest day of the week will come Thursday, when afternoon highs could top out in the low-to-mid 70s.

"It's going to be an absolutely beautiful day," Gardner said.

Rain chances return Friday, but highs will remain in the upper 60s during the day. Another cool down is on tap for the weekend, as highs will return to the mid-50s and lows fall back into the mid-to-upper 30s.