Merry Christmas!

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- We've seen the cloud shield slide off to the east of Raleigh this morning, which has given way to mostly sunny skies, however if you're well enough east of Raleigh, these clouds will hang on a bit longer before giving way to clear skies.

As high pressure builds in tonight, mainly clear and chilly conditions can be expected, which will translate right into the day tomorrow as well. Sunny to partly cloudy skies can be expected for Christmas Day, with temperatures topping out within a few degrees of average.

Aside from mid- to high clouds streaming in ahead of a slow-moving trough well to our west, Thursday and Friday are expected to feature dry conditions with high pressure at the surface winning out. Subtle shortwaves trying to track over the ridging heights can bring some clouds from time to time Thursday and Friday, but that will pretty much be the only headliner for the days to follow after Christmas.

By Saturday, the ridge axis is expected to shift off to the east in response to the next incoming trough, however it may be a bit reluctant to move much. With the lingering high still forecast to try to remain wedged over the viewing area, general forecast thoughts keep rain chances mainly off to our west for Saturday, but the trends of this will continue to be closely monitored. The timing of the exiting ridge and incoming trough will play an important role determining the exact timing for the rain and possible thunderstorm chances between Sunday and Monday, with current thinking leaning towards the slightly more progressive EURO, bringing the thunderstorm chance to the area on Sunday. To give credence to general model guidance, we'll continue to hold onto a chance of rain for Monday morning before drier conditions briefly return in the wake of the departing front. The pattern looks to remain active through the first half of next week, with another potential storm following in quick succession behind its predecessor.

To all a good night!

Steve Stewart