Southerly winds ahead of a cold front due to arrive Tuesday helped temperatures warm nicely Monday. Highs today peaked in the upper 60s to low 70s across much of central North Carolina Monday afternoon. Clouds will steadily grow in tonight and that will keep temperatures from falling too low. Lows tonight will rest in the the 40s for many overnight.

A powerful cold front will march across the state Tuesday. Expect cloudy skies early on and rain to encompass much of the day. A cold rain will be the main issue but we cannot rule out a few snow showers. By no means is this set up looking like a winter wonderland for the state, ground temperatures will be too warm for accumulation.

So yes, through the day snow will mix in with the rain, there could even be a slight dusting for areas west of Greensboro. But significant snow accumulation is not expected with this set up.

The true cold air behind the front settles in Tuesday night where low will plummet into the upper teens to mid 20s. Cold air will continue to dominate through Wednesday limiting afternoon highs to the low 40s at best.

Highs will begin to rebound back into the low 50s by the end of the week and weekend as another cold front passes. This front will likely bring more rain to the state Friday and into the weekend.