Cold, clear weather will welcome 2009

A cold front will move into the Triangle early Wednesday, delivering a brisk change for New Year's Eve revelers, meteorologist Mike Moss said.

Sunset is 5:11 p.m. on New Year's Eve. By midnight, temperatures will drop below freezing. Those headed to downtown Raleigh for the dropping of the acorn and other First Night festivities will not need an umbrella but are advised to dress in layers.

The New Year should dawn sunny but cold Thursday. The high temperature that day, in the mid-40s, is about five degrees short of the Jan. 1 average.

The winter weather will linger into the weekend, with daily highs forecast to be in the 40s Thursday, Friday and Saturday.