Patchy drizzle, clouds expected Tuesday

Raleigh, N.C. — Winds from the west ushered in patchy drizzle, cloudy skies and warmer temperatures Tuesday.

The area could see strong thunderstorms and heavy rain Wednesday evening and into Thursday.

"The clouds will stick around," said WRAL Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. "We'll have a better chance for showers over the next 48 hours."

The brunt of the rain will probably hit Thursday. Until then, temperatures will be in the middle to high 50s on Tuesday and could reach 70 degrees on Wednesday.

This weekend will be sunny and pleasantly cool, with highs in the upper 40s to low 50s. Temperatures are expected to be warmer than usual next week, Gardner said.