If you woke up this morning thinking you actually felt warmer than when you went to bed – you're right.
Temperatures rose across the Cape Fear region overnight, starting the day in the mid-60s. By the afternoon, most of us should be about 60 degrees warmer than the mid-to-upper teens who were shivering at the start of the week.
This morning's low — if “low” is the right word — in Fayetteville of 64 broke the previous “high to low” record of 59, set in 1913. Look for another record tonight.
Although today's high is impressive, it will not be a Fayetteville record. This mark is 78 degrees, set in 1943.
This early spring tone will continue through the weekend with scattered showers and morning fog. By early next week, the area will return to normal temperatures and sunshine.
Here's the setup: An unusually strong southeastern ridge looms over the Carolinas, pumping warm, moist air into the Cape Fear region. Some bands of energy will flow through the Carolinas, bringing clouds and scattered showers, especially as we head into the weekend. But after the workout everyone got last week, they will get a well-deserved break until at least Monday.
Friday should be almost identical to today. Temperatures will start in the mid 60s and reach the mid 70s with clouds and scattered light rain. Rainfall will be no more than 1/8 inch at most – which is more annoying than anything else.
Weekend: Saturday will see the start of a steep bottom even though the mountains are heading that way. The biggest difference in the Cape Fear area will be increased precipitation. Rain will be intermittent early and become more intense in the late afternoon and after sunset. There may be a rumble of thunder in the evening, but nothing severe is expected. Highs across the region will be around 70, and lows around 64.
Sunday looks to be breezy as a cold front finally moves through the state. Winds will swing from southwest to northwest in the afternoon, breaking a 5-day streak of 70 degrees. Aside from a few lingering showers in the morning, look for a dry day.
Next week: More seasonal conditions return. Temperatures will return to the upper-mid 50s, dropping to the upper 30s at night. Warmer air is pushed west from the mountains while the trough pumps cooler air into the Carolinas. This pattern should continue well into next week, leaving us with generally calm and cool conditions.
Have a nice weekend!
Got a weather question? Chick Jacobs can be reached at ncweatherhound@gmail.comm or NCWeatherhound on X/Twitter.
