Another freeze awaits tonight, but pleasant Easter weekend awaits

Temperatures continue to hover well below seasonal averages, which means another hard freeze is expected Friday night into Saturday morning.

Meteorologist Mike Maze says tonight's temperatures will plummet even lower than last night's.

We aren't in any danger of winter weather, however, as the freezing temps will be accompanied by calm winds, clear sky and very dry air.

The overnight low will reach the mid-20s, 26 degrees in Raleigh, specifically, and 23-24 in some of the more rural areas from 2 a.m. until 9 a.m.

"You might just wanna sleep in if you can, and stay snuggled in that warm bed," Maze suggested.

We may not pass over the freezing mark until around 10 a.m. The high will reach 58 degrees.

"If you're going to be working in the yard tomorrow, you'll need a jacket," Maze said. "At least you won't sweat."

"It's likely to be even colder because winds die down," said WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell. "This could be another night with dangerous conditions for fruit crops and budding plants in NC."

A freeze this late in the season is concerning for farmers and delicate plants and vegetation.

With temperatures closer to January than April, plants, pets and pipes should be protected.

We're on pace for a beautiful Easter Sunday with sunshine and a high around 70 degrees.

Maze says some frost is possible early on Easter, but things will warm up quickly. But if you're attending Easter church services or doing a morning Easter egg hunt, you'll want to bundle up.

"Temperatures will be in the upper 30s to lower 40s for sunrise services and morning egg hunts though, so keep your jackets handy," suggested Campbell.

Most of next week looks dry, with temps climbing up to around 80 on Wednesday.

Our next chance rain comes Friday of next week.