Rain expected this weekend as drought conditions worsen in Central NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- First Alert: A warming trend continues with highs in the 80s to near 90 through Saturday. Drought and fire concerns continue. Rain chances increase this weekend with the next cold front.

It'll be a warm evening with temperatures in the 80s and 70s. Overnight lows will only drop to to around 60 degrees.

High pressure will continue to strengthen, leading to highs in the upper 80s to around 90s today and Saturday. Spotty showers are possible late Saturday afternoon and evening.

Rain and storm chances will increase late Saturday night. Storms should remain below severe parameters. Rain totals will be less than 1" for most.

A few showers could linger into early Sunday morning, but the main story will be cooler air, with highs in the 60s behind the front.

Temperatures behind the frontal passage will be subdued for a couple of days, with cooler northeasterly flow keeping a good amount of cloud cover in place as well. High temperatures will be in the upper 60s to mid 70s Sunday through Tuesday.

Models are signaling a more progressive pattern next week, with would promote increased rain chances into the middle of next. The Gulf and Atlantic would be more in play and this should mean cooler and wetter conditions for our region.

While it will not be enough to eliminate the drought, it will be beneficial.

Highs will climb to around 80 next Wednesday. Another good chance of rain arrives Wednesday night.

Have a great weekend!
Cruz Medina