First Night forecast: Cloudy but dry with spring-like temps

In the 60s, balmy New Year's Day temps could beat old record

The normal overnight low for New Year's Eve into Jan. 1 is 31 degrees, but temperatures could be as high as 62 degrees or as low as 55 degrees in Raleigh as 2019 begins. As New Year's Day continues, afternoon highs could near 70 degrees.

Even more startling is the comparison of this year's predicted temperature to last year's. At midnight on Jan. 1, 2018, temperatures of 23 degrees were measured in Raleigh. This year, temperatures are expected to hover around 61 degrees at midnight and increase throughout the day.

Crowds ring in 2019 at WRAL First Night Raleigh

"We're on par to break the record for the warmest low temperature on New Year's Day in terms of our morning low," said Campbell.

The record to beat dates back to 1979, when a mild temperature of 55 degrees was recorded in Raleigh. There's a good chance that record could be broken, although, according to Campbell, temperatures may fall below 55 degrees before midnight depending on how quickly a front moves through the area.

There is only a small chance for rain Monday evening, so people celebrating the New Year outdoors won't need to cancel their plans, said Campbell. A 20 to 30 percent chance for rain will linger during evening festivities, but any rain that does fall should be spotty and light.

Tuesday, Jan. 1 could be the warmest day of the week, with an afternoon high of 71 degrees, but a 40 percent chance for rain will linger for much of the day.

The first week of 2019 will be mild and cloudy, with highs in the low to mid 50s into next weekend. While the work week is likely to be overcast with showers or sprinkles, sunshine should return for Friday and Saturday.