Taste of spring comes this weekend

The messy rain and chilly weather that have pervaded the Triangle since the beginning of the new year move out this weekend for a taste of spring.

"We've got one more chance for rain – some of it even heavy – through this evening," said WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth.

"The skies begin to clear early Saturday and the sun shines again Saturday afternoon!"

Friday saw typical January temperatures in the 50s. By Sunday, it should be about 15 degrees warmer, with a forecast high of 66.

A plume of moisture originating in the Gulf of Mexico brought a surge of rain into the state Friday.

Through noon, Raleigh and Durham had seen about a third of an inch of rain, while Fayetteville saw a quarter-inch.

A soggy Friday will transition into a beautiful weekend. Saturday will see some rain but will be mostly dry. Highs over the weekend will be in the mid- to high-60s.

Sunday will be close to perfect, with a high of 68 degrees and plenty of sunshine.

The forecast keeps the rain away through the next week, and warmer-than-normal temperatures will reign.

Monday starts out mostly cloudy, but Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should be mostly clear, with temperatures climbing as high as 68 on Tuesday before cooling back down later in the week.