We’re heading into a week that shows how quickly winter weather patterns can change in the Carolinas.   Tonight remains on the clear and cold side with the 20s and teens taking over. Wednesday starts cold once again, with morning temperatures in the lower 20s. Despite the chilly start, sun shine will allow the atmosphere to warm-up, pushing afternoon highs to around 50°. This warming is driven by high pressure moving overhead, which brings clear skies and calm conditions. Thursday will be the warmest day of the week. As our next weather system approaches from the west, winds will turn southerly, pulling milder air into the region. Even with increasing cloud cover, highs should climb to near 60. That brief warmth begins to fade on Friday. A cold front approaching the area will increase cloud cover and introduce scattered rain showers. Temperatures will respond by falling back into the low 50s. While the rainfall itself is not heavy, it signals an important transition in the overall weather pattern. The weekend forecast is where things become more impactful. The latest…. On Saturday, temperatures will hover near the freezing mark, especially later in the day. Highs are expected in the lower 40s, with precipitation moving in. Initially, precipitation may fall as cold rain or a wintry mix. As colder air becomes established near the surface, there is an increasing risk for freezing rain and sleet. The most critical period is Saturday night into early Sunday. Forecast guidance shows a low-pressure system developing offshore and pulling moisture back onshore. As of now we have a situation that is favorable for icing and could also allow precipitation to change over to snow. By Sunday, much colder air will dominate the region. High temperatures are forecast to remain in the upper 20s, with morning lows near 20°. Any remaining precipitation should fall as snow or a wintry mix before ending. With temperatures staying below freezing all day, any accumulation that occurs is likely to persist. This forecast is sensitive to temperature changes! It will set the tone of what type of precip. we will see. Impact and exact timing to come!   ...read more read less