Temps climbing ahead of massive system; rain possible Wednesday, Thursday

The system, which has generated multiple inches of snow in parts of Colorado and severe weather in several Midwestern states, is likely to bring rain to the Triangle by late Wednesday and Thursday morning, WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said.

"This system is having major impacts on a large section of the country," Gardner said. "We'll continue to see that to the west of us today, with more storms in the Midwest."

Skies will be mostly cloudy in the Triangle on Tuesday as high temperatures reach the mid-60s. A similar day will unfold on Wednesday, although daytime highs could be a bit warmer, hitting the low 70s in spots.

Rain chances will inch up during the afternoon and evening Wednesday, setting the stage for a messy morning commute on Thursday.

"The system will be pushing through during the early-morning hours Thursday, and it's going to bring us heavy rain and maybe thunderstorms," Gardner said. "We're not expecting severe weather, but it's going to be a mess."

Parts of the Triangle could see up to 1 inch of rain by the time the front moves out.

Behind it, temperatures will plummet for Friday and the weekend. Highs on the final day of the work week will be back in the 60s under sunny skies.

Highs Sunday will be even cooler, likely topping out near 50 degrees.