'Stormfest' only source of clouds in weekend forecast

Unseasonably cool air that settled over central North Carolina in the middle of the week will stay put for the weekend, setting up a picture perfect Saturday and Father's Day, according to WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel.

"Expect another fine afternoon with low humidity and comfortable temperatures and no rain," Fishel said of Saturday, when he and other weather experts will greet fans and answer questions at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences "Stormfest."

The day-long celebration of the science of weather runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is highlighted by two panel discussions – one at 10:30 a.m. featuring morning meteorologists including WRAL's Elizabeth Gardner and another at 2:30 p.m. headlined by Fishel. 

Temperatures started in the 50s Saturday morning and should climb into the 80s by late afternoon. Clear skies and low humidity will be the dominant feature of an afternoon designed for outdoor lovers. 

"We may see a few fair weather clouds as we go through the afternoon, but overall it's going to be a day with lots of sunshine and low humidity," said WRAL meteorologist Mike Moss. "Enjoy it while you can, because things will be changing over the next couple of days."

A ridge of high pressure over the eastern half of the United States keeps the high temperatures at bay for another day. Sunday will see highs that barely top the 80-degree mark.

But summer will come barreling in with the work week, as high temperatures begin a steady climb toward the 90-degree mark on Monday and Tuesday. By Thursday, the official start of summer should see some officially hot temperatures, Moss said.

"It's going to feel like summer again by early next week," he said. "We'll be transitioning from a pattern of below average high temperatures to above average high temperatures, and the humidity will return."