Wind chills to remain chilly Saturday despite warmer temps

Temperatures were in the low 20s at daybreak, and they will climb into the mid-40s by early afternoon as clouds filter in from the north and west, WRAL meteorologist Mike Moss said.

"Our wind chills will probably stay in the upper 30s during the afternoon, which is definitely more moderate than we've been, but still chilly," he said. "And we won't have the sunshine this afternoon, so it will still be cool."

Wind chill readings were in the teens across much of the area at 9 a.m.

Snow was falling to the north and west of North Carolina early Saturday, but a decaying frontal boundary won't stay together well enough to bring precipitation to the Triangle, Moss said. Clouds will arrive during the late morning hours, but the system won't stay together enough to bring any flurries to the central part of the state.

"The mountains could see some snow today, and there may be some precipitation aloft over our area, but it won't make it to the ground," Moss said.

Wind gusts could range from 20 to 30 mph across all of the Triangle on Saturday. Because of those winds and continued dry conditions, the National Weather Service issued a fire weather warning for much of central North Carolina – including Wake, Durham and Orange counties – from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Officials warned that any fires that start will likely spread rapidly. Triangle residents should avoid outdoor burning Saturday afternoon if possible.

"It's a good day to avoid burning debris or trash outside or starting a camp fire," Moss said. "Fires could spread easily and be hard to control."

Skies will clear overnight Saturday, allowing lows to fall back into the lows 20s Sunday morning. Highs on the final day of the weekend will be in the low 40s, still 5 to 10 degrees below normal for late January.

Monday's temperatures could climb to the mid-50s, but another round of arctic air will arrive Tuesday, sending highs back to near freezing on Tuesday and Wednesday.