Cloudy, Spotty Shower Today

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Low pressure will be over the Ohio Valley today and precipitation will extend southward into western North Carolina through the day and into the night. Rain throughout the day will be mainly over the mountains where freezing rain will also mix in the higher elevations this morning. In the forecast area though, it will be rather cloudy through much of the day. Most rain will not make it past the mountains due to moisture being lost as precipitation shifts eastward, but hi-res models suggest a brief shower or two can sneak its way farther east into the viewing area beginning in the late afternoon with the greater chance, though still low, tonight. There will be a large temperature difference today as well with a bit of a cold air damming setup. Temperatures in the far eastern portion of the viewing area can reach near 60 degrees, while the far northwestern region will only be in the upper 40s and west of the viewing area highs will be in the upper 30s to low 40s.

Temperatures will increase to the mid 60s as a warm front approaches from the south on Monday and we can expect times of sun and clouds throughout the day. A cold front will then traverse across the mountains late Monday night. Not much moisture looks to make it past the mountains though, so Tuesday is expected to be on the drier side with a shower possible Tuesday night as a shortwave begins to approach.

Models continue to speed things up, so showers are more likely Wednesday through Wednesday night as a cold front moves through the region. Ahead of the front, the area will be in southwesterly flow, which will promote temperatures near 70 (around 15-20 degrees above historical average).

Post frontal passage, flow will come out of the northwest and high temperatures will only reach the mid 50s. Models suggest that Friday and through the weekend will be dry with a mix of sunshine and clouds and turning much cooler.

Have a great day!

Steve Stewart