'Dramatic' weather change kicks in this weekend

A cold front that moved in Friday evening will "change the weather dramatically for the weekend," WRAL Meteorologist Mike Maze said. "This front is setting the stage for that chilly rain this weekend."

After a few morning showers in southern counties early Saturday, moderate rainfall – "some periods of sprinkles and rain" – began to set in during the afternoon, WRAL Meteorologist Mike Moss said.

Temperatures were mainly in the 40s throughout the area on Saturday.

Depending on how far east a low-pressure system goes, the Triangle will get a high around 48 degrees Sunday, while the coastal plain enjoys temperatures in the low 60s.

Much of central and eastern North Carolina was seeing moderate rain late Saturday. Rainfall will get heavier overnight and continue through Sunday, WRAL Meteorologist Kim Deaner said.

By the time the rain ends Sunday evening, between a quarter and a full inch will have fallen in and northwest of the Triangle. Areas south and east of the capital city could see between 1 and 2 inches of rain.

Farther away on the horizon, Triangle residents can look forward to an "oasis of warmth for Wednesday and Thursday," with highs in the 60s, Maze said.

The next chance of rain will be Thursday, Deaner said.