After another cold night, warmer weather comes later in weekend
"We're looking ahead to a half-and-half weekend," WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said.
While skies will remain clear through Sunday, a jacket will be necessary.
By halftime of the high school football games Friday night, temperatures across central North Carolina were close to freezing.
"It will be about 39 degrees in Raleigh by 8 p.m.," Maze said. "Everyone is in a freeze warning overnight."
Temperatures were expected to dip into the 20s overnight from the Virgnia line south to Cumberland and Mecklenburg counties.
"There are some locations south and east of Raleigh that have not experienced their first freeze of the season," Maze said. "But Friday will see a freeze warning in effect from Harnett County south and east to the coast. Protect any tender plants you may have sitting out."
“If you have to be out on Saturday morning, it is going to be cold, cold, cold,” WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said.
Temperatures will again be in the mid-40s to lower 50s on Saturday with bright sunshine.
"We expect a gorgeous day Saturday with plenty of sunshine, but temperatures will still remain below normal," Maze said.
Warmer weather is on the way for Sunday, when temperatures climb back into the mid-60s. Monday will be more of the same, with clouds building in late in the day.
A second shot of cold brings the chance for precipitation back to the forecast for Tuesday.
"The high should occur in the morning Tuesday, with temperatures gradually falling throughout the day," Maze said. Temperatures will start out around 50 degrees and fall into the 30s. Some forecast models show parts of the Triad with a wintry mix or even a flake or two of snow by Tuesday evening.
What is certain is that this second cold blast will push temperatures lower than they've been so far this season. Wednesday's forecast high is on 39 degree for Raleigh.
