Cool, drenching start on tap for week

"Overall, it's a good idea to have the rain gear handy today," WRAL meteorologist Mike Moss said. "And also a jacket, because it's going to stay on the cool side compared to what we're used to."

The rainfall will start to become less intense and more spotty in the mid to late afternoon. By the evening, it will taper off to sprinkles and drizzle. 

"It'll be a decent, substantial rainfall for a good number of us," Moss said.

Rainfall totals will rise to more than an inch in most places and possibly up to 3 inches in places that get the heaviest rain.

Temperatures likely hit their high in the low 60s around daybreak Sunday. The mercury will drop into the 50s throughout the day.

Monday will be a similarly gray, wet day. Sprinkles and showers are possible in the morning, and the high will be around 57 degrees. It will also be blustery, with wind gusts up to 30 mph.

On Tuesday, a gradual warm up will start. Tuesday will see a high in the mid 60s, the 70s will return on Wednesday, and by Thursday, the mercury will be pushing 80 degrees again. Thursday will also see the next shot at rain.