Clouds likely to stay through the weekend, warm weather on the horizon

Expect to wake up to continued cloudy skies on Thursday, as a lingering chance of precipitation is expected to remain somewhat constant throughout the weekend.

Highs in the area on Thursday will edge toward the upper 50s, above the typical high for this time of year at about 51 degrees.

There's also a 20% chance for spotty showers in the afternoon you might need to look out for if you have any outdoor plans. Storms are expected to pop-up at around 2 p.m., according to WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell.

Full sunshine won't return until next week.

If you're not a fan of the colder weather -- warm temperatures are coming later this week. Saturday and Sunday could warm up to 70 degrees.

Temperatures will climb way above normal for this time of year in central North Carolina, and the region could see one of the warmest New Year's Eves ever, with highs in the 60s through midnight.

New Year's Day features showers and the possibility of storms with a 30 percent chance for rain but WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said there are no signs yet of the severe weather another front created on Christmas Eve.

Friday will feature mild temperatures with highs in the upper 50s.

It will be be overcast and chilly on Friday with the highest chance of rain at 40 percent.

"It is not likely to be raining everywhere, it doesn't look like it is going to be very heavy rain," said WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell.

It will be warm and dry on Saturday with a high in the 60s but there will be another chance for rain on Sunday.