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Chilly, sunny weekend but flooding concerns remain into the weekend
Despite sunshine finally returning to the forecast, the WRAL Severe Weather Center will be closely monitoring river levels over the weekend.
A cluster of flood watches and winter weather advisories expired Friday morning for counties north of Durham, but some counties southeast of Raleigh, including Johnston and Cumberland, remain under a flood warning due to rising river levels.
The Lumber River at Lumberton and the Tar River at Greenville are in major flooding stages.
Meanwhile, the Neuse River near Kinston and Goldsboro is in the moderate flood stage. The Tar River near Tarboro and parts of the Cape Fear are also in the moderate flooding stage.
WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said the Neuse River is at minor flood stage in Smithfield, and the greenway there is likely to be flooded through the weekend.
You can see all river flooding stages and risks here.
Sunshine and 60s ahead
Despite the sunshine, you’ll need to bundle up this weekend according to WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell.
Highs will be in the low to mid 40s on Saturday, with 10 to 15 mph winds that could make it feel extra chilly.
Campbell said that Saturday night will be one of the coldest nights in February with a low of 23.
Sunday will be slightly milder with highs in the upper 40s.
A real change comes later next week, when temperatures could reach 60 degrees by Tuesday and stay in the 60s midweek. There will be a chance for rain Monday, but the work week will primarily be dry, with plenty of sunshine.
“Next week will be beautiful with high pressure strengthening offshore and a quiet jet stream helping to warm us into the 60s,” said Campbell. “Enjoy the nice taste of spring because temperatures will likely fall again by the end of the week.”
