Updated: 02/10/2012 04:14 PM
BIG TICKET COLD ON THE WAY
Protect your pets from the cold!
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TONIGHT: Cloudy with sprinkles or a brief shower possible. Low 38.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy and windy. Falling PM temps. High 48.
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* Radar returns sure looked impressive through the day Friday. Alas, the majority of the moisture was evaporating before it could reach the surface. With the heavier cloud deck, and evaporative cooling, temperatures came in well below the model guidance of mid 50s. Hence, it was chilly.
* Changes start playing out overnight as our small chance for a sprinkle departs, the cold front works closer and the clouds start to break near sunrise Saturday. Once the cold front passes east, early Saturday afternoon, the winds will ramp up, the clouds depart and temperatures will crash. I expect we'll hit our high around noon"ish", mid 40s, only to see them fall into the mid 30s by 4 pm"ish". Winds will be active with gusts to 30 and 40 mph possible. Wind Chill a big issue into Saturday evening, night and early Sunday.
* Speaking of Sunday, lows could hit 18 with highs lucky to achieve 41. Cold it will be and we likely will see lower 20s Monday morning with some warming of temps as the week unfolds.
* The system for Tuesday, while it will have some moisture with it, a few sprinkles, the concept of snow is not very strong. Frankly doubtful it will even be an issue, but, I'll forecast for a few flurries with an understanding that I am being generous based on the latest model trends.
* We may achieve the lower 60s later next week. with showers in the mix. North Carolina in winter, we are all over the place. Buckle up.
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Stay well!
Chief Meteorologist Jeff Crum