Clouds to linger through Christmas, weekend

RALEIGH, N.C. — Christmas Day won't be as warm as Christmas Eve, WRAL meteorologist Mike Moss said, but it is still warm and comfortable compared to the rest of the country. The day will largely be mild with cloudy skies, temperatures in the 50s and a slight chance for drizzle.

Heavy rain fell Christmas morning. Roxboro got almost an inch and Raleigh recorded 0.31 inches. The showers ended by mid-morning, yielding to an overcast afternoon.

A cold front will make its way into the state Thursday night, dropping temperatures into the high 30s. The cold lingers Friday, when temperatures aren't likely to break the 45-degree mark.

"It is likely we will remain 'wedged in' with this cloud cover and light rain through Friday night," Moss said.

"A high-pressure system to our north and west will hold a shallow layer of cool air in place over North Carolina," Moss said. From the south will come "warmer, moister air, running over that, giving us clouds, some occasional light rain and drizzle."

The short cold spell will snap Saturday, when temperatures rebound into mid 60s. They will stay in that range for Sunday as well.