Warm weekend ahead

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a statewide ban on all open burning until further notice, and all burning permits have been cancelled. Residents with questions can contact their NC Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal's office. Rain arrives soon and hopefully helps lessen the threat of wildfires.

First Alert-Storms Monday: Thunderstorms crossing the area Monday afternoon and evening have the potential to be strong to severe, with damaging winds.

It will be a warm evening across Central NC, great for outdoor plans. Lows tonight will only drop into the 50s.

Expect more clouds tomorrow as a weak disturbance along the Gulf coast pushes east. It will remain breezy, but increasing moisture should help lessen the fire risk across the Triangle. Highs will climb to around 80 on Saturday.

By Sunday a more pronounced disturbance over the Plains will push east. This will lead to cloudy skies with a few spotty showers throughout the day. Highs will be in the mid/upper 70s.

A strong front cold will arrive Monday with better rain and storm chances in the afternoon and evening. The main threats look to be locally damaging wind gusts and hail. Monday could be a First Alert Day in time. We'll keep you updated on the severe potential.

By Tuesday, cooler air returns with highs in the middle to upper 60s. Wednesday is slightly warmer with highs in the lower 70s. After this, models still suggest the next chance for showers will be Thursday, as highs then will jump back into the low 80s, and we'll stay there through the end of the week.

Enjoy your weekend!
Cruz Medina