'Perfect' fall weather to greet fair-goers Thursday

By the time fair festivities begin at 3 p.m., temperatures should have reached their daytime high of about 67 degrees. 

"We've got low dew points and plenty of sunshine," Gardner said. "Today is going to be a perfect day to be at the fair, even though it will be a little chilly."

By the time opening-night fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m., temperatures will be falling into the upper 40s across the Triangle, 5 to 10 degrees cooler than mid-October averages. 

Clouds will return to the area Friday afternoon as a cold front moves through, but rain shouldn't be an issue. Highs will top out in the mid 70s.

"The precipitation with this front isn't going to make it over the mountains, so Friday evening fair festivities should be dry," Gardner said.

High pressure builds back in Saturday and sets up several consecutive days of sunshine and above average temperatures, Gardner said. Highs could be in the upper 70s by early next week.