Lows plunge into 30s before spring-like warmup and rain

We're in for a cold start Wednesday before we see a spring-like jump in temperatures this week.

It's going to be chilly at the bus stop this morning, with lows in the upper 20s to low 30s. At 4 a.m. it was 34 degrees in Raleigh, and temperatures could continue to drop.

The cold shouldn't last, however, as we'll be pushing 50 degrees by noon.

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• Wednesday: Mostly sunny skies with a high of 60 degrees.
• Thursday: Partly to mostly cloudy skies, breezy and warmer. Chance for rain late in the day. High of 66.
• Friday: Partly cloudy skies and rain in the forecast. High of 66

Spring-like warmup arrives later this week

After a chilly Wednesday morning, temperatures will warm back into the upper 50s to 60 during the afternoon with full sunshine and a high of 59 degrees in the Triangle.

Thursday will be partly sunny and warmer as a south wind picks up. Between the wind and warmer temperatures pollen should climb back into the high category. Highs on Thursday reach the mid 60s.

There is a chance for rain Thursday night into Friday, and our next cold front will arrive on Friday. According to WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell, the impacts will be minimal.

"This should be light, with less than .25 inches," Campbell said.

Once the rain clears, there will be an opportunity for some sun later in the day Friday with continued warmth, with highs in the mid 60s.

Saturday will have mostly cloudy skies with a few spotty showers possible as some upper level energy swings through.

There will also be a slight chance for snow in the mountains.

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Pollen forecast

If you feel a little itchy sneezy coming on, it could be because some flowers are starting to bloom in the warm weather.

Eclipse coming up in April!

• April 8 is the date of the next total solar eclipse for North America. We won't see a total eclipse in North Carolina, but lots of people will travel to take it in! Ohio will be the closest spot to drive to from Raleigh for the path of totality.

7-day forecast for central NC

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny skies and warmer. Highs of 59.
• Thursday: Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High of 66.
• Friday: Partly cloudy skies, 50% chance for rain. High of 66.
• Saturday: There is a 30% chance for rain with a high of 59.
• Sunday: Clear skies with a high of 65.
• Monday: Partly cloudy and milder. Highs in the lower 70s.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy skies and still very mild with a slight chance for some rain. Highs in the lower 70s.