A Warm Easter Weekend

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Our warm and dry weather will continue today and through this weekend as high pressure settles over the area. As such, we'll see another rise in temperatures today as compared to yesterday, well above average for mid-April. Some high clouds can streak across the area; however, most of the day will be filled with sunshine before more high clouds move in tomorrow.

The increase in clouds will be due to a potent upper trough pattern setting up over the center of the nation. One trough will shift over southern Canada and far northern portions of the Great Lakes and Northeast, while another will be begin to shift out of the Rockies and into the southern Plains.

While this set up will bring a risk for severe weather and heavy rain across a wide swath of the nation, the most we'll see from this is more clouds around, as the high pressure overhead keeps us dry. As a result, Easter Sunday is looking dry and warm, albeit with less sunshine, as the southern Plains trough shifts northeastward.

As we head into next week, this trough will move over the Great Lakes, and the approaching associated cold front will begin to squeeze more moisture into the area and the ridge begins to weaken some. We continue to call for a chance of a shower Monday night; however, chances will increase Tuesday and especially Wednesday and Thursday as the front passes through the area and more
waves of energy track overhead.

Models have slowed down some with the front, which may end up keeping Monday night fully dry. Regardless of timing, however, any showers or thunderstorms look to be fairly spotty overall. With multiple rounds of shortwaves, temperatures may waffle some, but we'll keep the same middle-of-the-road approach for now.

Have a great Friday!
Steve Stewart