After a day in the 70s across the Piedmont Wednesday,we'll be even warmer Thursday as highs soar into "May"-like levels ahead of an approaching cold front that will sweep through the Carolinas tonight.

High pressure off the coast of the southeastern United States will continue to pump a very warm and moist airmass into the region Thursday. High levels clouds will continue to push in from the west throughout the day but, despite the cloud cover, temperatures should have no problem reaching into the upper 70s for many across the Piedmont -- potentially hitting 80 degrees for some across our far eastern counties. Both the High Country and lower elevations should remain rain-free throughout the day.

A cold front will move through the Carolinas beginning late this evening into tonight. Rain will beginning spreading from west to east around midnight, beginning in the mountains then eventually migrating into the Piedmont by the wee hours of Friday morning. The front, along with most of its moisture, should be just east of our area by mid-morning tomorrow, with drier air punching in behind it. Thus, Friday should be dry with the exception of the mountains, where ongoing upslope rain showers will be possible.

High pressure building in for Saturday will lead us into a gorgeous Easter weekend, with plenty of sunshine on tap for Saturday, partly sunny skies on Sunday, and highs in the 60s to low 70s!