Frost Advisory North & West Tonight

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- First Alert - Fire Risk Wednesday: The combination of low relative humidity of 20 to 30 percent, wind gusts peaking at 20 to 30 mph, and dry fuels will create a risk of adverse fire behavior today. The risks will be highest during the afternoon through early evening. 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.

First Alert Frost Advisory: A Frost Advisory is effective Thursday from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. for the following Counties: Person, Granville, Wayne, Warren, Halifax, Alamance, Orange, Durham, Franklin, Nash, and Chatham.

Temperatures as low as 33 degrees will result in frost formation. Frost could harm or kill sensitive outdoor vegetation or plants if left uncovered. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

The average last freeze for Raleigh is between April 1 and April 11. In the last 10 years, there have been freezes recorded as late as April 17 and 23.

Some gardeners start plating seeds before the average last freeze date and let them grow inside until it's warm enough to plant them.

You can also leave potted plants outside during the day and just remember to bring them inside at night if frost/freeze conditions are possible.

It'll be cooler behind the front today, with highs in the mid-60s as high pressure builds over the region. Lows will drop into the low to mid-30s north and mid to upper-30s south. Clear skies will continue on Thursday with highs in the 60s.

A late-week warm-up will result in highs in the 70s Friday and near 80 Saturday as high pressure slides offshore.

By Sunday morning, an area of low pressure will be centered near Chicago, with another wave developing along the cold front extending southwest into the southern Plains. In advance of the cold front, an isolated shower/storm cannot be ruled out Sunday and Sunday night, but the best chance of showers and storms should be Monday as the cold front moves across the state.