Normal high temperatures during the second half of February are still in the mid and upper 50s for central North Carolina. We will see temperatures well above average for the next several days.
As afternoon temperatures soar to the upper 70s to near 80 on Wednesday and Thursday, we'll have a very good chance to set a new record both days.
A cold front approaching from the north may only bring temperatures down a little for Friday. Then near record highs will be possible again over the weekend.
The unusually warm weather is thanks to high pressure sitting off the southeast coast. The high that sits between the Carolinas and Bermuda is often referred to as the "Bermuda high," and is a pattern that is typical for late spring and summer.
That high does not appear to break down anytime soon, so warm weather will continue across the southeastern United States while cold temperatures will remain in the western and central parts of the country.
The dividing line between our warm air in the eastern United States and the colder air to the west is where heavy rain is expected through the remainder of this week. Four to eight inches could fall from East Texas to southern Illinois and Indiana. That heavy rain should remain well to our west.
Our next good chance for rain will come late this weekend and early next week. Somewhat cooler air will also arrive early next week. Highs in the mid 60s are now forecast for the first half of next week.
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