Spring Feels Sticks Around

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- We continue to monitor a weakening short-wave trough that will move eastward across the Southeast on Thursday. As it loses strength and moisture, no precipitation is expected across the region, though there may be a few more clouds around throughout the day. Temperatures will not climb quite as high as today, but still unusually warm with highs in the upper 70s.

For Friday, we've adjusted the sky cover to allow for more sunshine. There may be some low-level clouds mainly to the east and west of the viewing area but soundings across the region show fairly dry air throughout much of the column so this is why we've allowed for this change.

This weekend, the next weather maker we'll be tracking will be in response to a strong trough over the central U.S., which will be reinforced by another longwave trough from Saturday into Sunday. This set up will cause one strong low pressure area to develop over the central Plains and track northeastward into the Upper Midwest. A second low pressure area will develop over the lower Mississippi Valley and track into the Ohio Valley -- this is the storm that will bring us our next chance for rain and even a risk for severe weather later this weekend. As the surface low strengthens and pressure gradient tightens, winds become breezy and even windy at times into Sunday. With WAA in place there will be at least the chance for a shower or two across the area Saturday, but most will stay dry until Sunday.

Heavy, potentially severe thunderstorms will begin pushing across the viewing area as early as midday Sunday as the trough moves eastward. With marginal instability out ahead of this line of storms, a widespread severe weather outbreak is not expected at this time but there can be a feisty squall line with locally damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall Sunday into Sunday night. Should this line of storms slow down at all, there can be a risk of training thunderstorms and a heightened flash flood risk.

Models are generally in line with showing rain out of the Triangle by Monday morning, but precipitation can linger to the east, especially if the trough slows down at all. If timing remains on track, we should expect drying out and lowering humidity throughout the day on Monday. Highs will briefly dip behind the front but will quickly rebound back to around 80 by the middle of next week.

Have a great evening!

Big Weather