Few Showers, Mostly Cloudy

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- FIRST ALERT-LIGHT MORNING RAIN: Light rain will taper for most of Central NC by mid/late morning. Rain totals for most will range from around a trace to 0.25" during this time. Expect some sunny breaks this afternoon with highs in the upper 70s.

FRIDAY: The front moves through Friday, so spotty rain will be possible Friday morning, with clearing skies by Friday afternoon. Highs will be in the upper 70s with a gradual drop in humidity.

THE WEEKEND: The weekend will be mainly dry and seasonable with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the 50s. Clouds will increase Sunday ahead of the next front, which will increase rain chances late Sunday into early Monday morning. Highs will push back into the mid 70s Tuesday, followed by a return to seasonable temps Wednesday and Thursday. Highs will be in the mid to upper 60s with lows in the 40s.

Tropical Discussion: Rafael made landfall in Cuba Wednesday around 4 PM near the province of Artemisa as a major Category 3 Hurricane. On the forecast track, Rafael is expected to continue to move away from western Cuba over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico this morning. Rafael is forecast to meander over the south-central Gulf of Mexico this weekend and early next week. Interests in the southern and southwestern Gulf of Mexico should monitor the progress of this system. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph with higher gusts. Some weakening is possible during the next couple of days.

Near the Leeward Islands: A trough of low pressure just northeast of the northern Leeward Islands continues to produce disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some gradual development of this system is possible during the couple of days while it moves westward near the Greater Antilles. Regardless of development, locally heavy rains are possible during the next couple of days across the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the southeastern Bahamas.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...20 percent.

* Formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.

Have a good day-

Kweilyn