Colder temps settle in for Christmas Day; winter weather possible late this week

The Triangle won't be getting a white Christmas this year, but it will be close, as some snow and ice are in the forecast for Friday.

According to WRAL meteorologist Mike Moss, highs will be in the mid 30s on Friday, and there will be a potential for wintry weather starting late Thursday.

Meteorologists said it's too early to know details and the exact areas that could be affected.

"As we get into Thursday night and Friday there are still a lot of question marks, but there is the possibility for some winter weather," Moss said.

Temperatures will be appropriately chilly for Christmas Day.

"We are taking a colder turn this week. We will much chiller than this past weekend, and we will stay on the colder side of our normal high temperatures for the next few days," Moss said.

Christmas Day will be brisk, with a high of 42 degrees, but dry and sunny. Winds may gust up to 20 or 30 mph, but will taper off through the afternoon.

The rest of the week will also be cold and sunny before the chance of snow arrives Friday.

"The cold air is going to be here, but the moisture is unclear," Moss said.

The North Carolina mountains may see some snow overnight and early on Christmas Day, but WRAL meteorologist Mike Moss calls it a "dusting" and says it won't add up to more than half an inch.

"There may be a couple of sprinkles mixed in as the snow starts around 2 a.m.," said Moss.