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Rain may welcome Santa as Raleigh kicks off holiday season with parade, WRAL Winter Wonderland

The Raleigh Christmas Parade on Saturday could end on a wet note, WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said, although the best chance of rain is that evening.

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By
Mike Maze
, WRAL meteorologist
RALEIGH, N.C. — If you are headed to downtown Raleigh Saturday morning, hoping to see Santa at the annual Christmas parade or WRAL's Winter Wonderland, you'll want to pack an umbrella and maybe a poncho, WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said.

The parade steps off from the corner of Hillsborough and St. Mary’s streets at 9:30 a.m. WRAL's Winter Wonderland, on the campus of St. Mary's School, opens at 10 a.m.

Cloudy skies to cover Raleigh Christmas Parade, WRAL Winter Wonderland

By that time, Maze said, there is a 30 percent chance for rain in downtown Raleigh. The likelihood of rain increases into the early afternoon.

"It will be chilly in the morning with some very spotty, light rain and sprinkles possible for the Raleigh Christmas parade with increasing chances for rain by lunchtime," Maze said.

Winter Wonderland, featuring visits with Santa, inflatables and Jingle Bell Rock from MIX 101.5 FM, is open until 1 p.m. In between the possible rain drops, there is 100% chance of snow. Southern Snowman and Snow My Yard are ready to spread the white stuff to give kids and adults an opportunity for some early sledding, and family photos are available inside a giant snow globe.

Tens of thousands of people are expected in downtown Raleigh for all the fun. Despite the clouds, temperatures will climb into the low 50s.

"As of right now it appears we are in for a good soaking Saturday evening and overnight with rain chances weighing in at 80%," Maze said.

Skies don't completely clear until early Sunday morning. By Sunday afternoon, temperatures reach the upper 50s under bright, sunny skies.

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