Freeze warning in effect tonight, chance for rain
Don't put away the jackets just yet! Monday will be a colder ahead of a possible freeze tonight.
"Today the warmest temperatures will be during the early morning," WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said. "After a mild night, temperatures will fall to around 50 degrees by 9 a.m. and then back to 58 degrees by mid-afternoon."
Skies on Monday will be partly cloudy, and it will be breezy with winds gusting 15 to 20 mph. There is a chance for rain in the evening.
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- Monday: High of 59. Dry but cloudy.
- Tuesday: A chilly start and a high of 57.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warmer, highs in the low 70s.
Freeze warning issued for Monday night
Don't pack away all your warm clothing! We'll see a cool down Monday and Tuesday after a cold front moved through Sunday night.
Lows on Monday night will be in the low to mid 30s across our area. From 8 p.m. to midnight there may be a few light showers.
"Temperatures won't fall below freezing until after the showers move through," Gardner said.
A freeze warning is in effect Monday night for Lee and Moore counties, where the growing season has started, cautioning farmers and gardeners planting crops and delicate plants.
The growing season began March 17 for areas south of Raleigh. The growing season begins from the Triangle northward on March 24. The entire area could see below-freezing temperatures Monday night.
"Counties in the northern half of the viewing area will see freezing temperatures too, but the growing season hasn't started there," said Gardner.
Tuesday is the first day of spring, but it will be cool, with a high of 57 degrees.
Temperatures rise again mid-week
By Wednesday, we'll be back in the low 70s. Highs are in the 60s for Thursday and Friday.
Our next rain system will be arriving Friday and will linger into the weekend.
On Friday a front crosses the area bringing afternoon and evening showers.
"Some models show the rain lingering into Saturday and some don't, so stay tuned for the timing of the rain's exit," Gardner said.
Pollen count on the rise
The pollen count may irritate your allergies this week
The tree pollen count will be "very high" on Monday, so make sure you've got your allergy meds on hand.
"The next pollen-washing rain looks like it could be next Friday," said WRAL Meteorologist Mike Maze.
7-day forecast for central NC
- Monday: High of 59. Dry but cloudy.
- Tuesday: A chilly start and a high of 57.
- Wednesday: Sunny skies and milder. High of 70.
- Thursday: Partly cloudy and milder. High of 66.
- Friday: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High of 61.
- Saturday: Showers in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High of 60.
- Sunday: Cloudy with a 30% chance for rain, highs in the mid 60s.
Eyes on the sky for 2024 total solar eclipse
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.
