Warmer temperatures before weekend rain chances

Open windows and flip flops as a warming trend develops through Friday.

Much-needed rainfall will swing through the southern states as the winter wallop moves north.

Partly cloudy, warmer and dry through Friday. Clouds will build through the day on Saturday with a slight chance of showers. Increasing rain chances Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon. The expected rainfall totals will average a Trace to around a half-inch.

While the chance of a winter mix this weekend is very low, another winter blast will move in next week with freeze watches and warnings likely Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Tonight: Cloudy with patchy fog.

Thursday and Friday: A mild start to the day with patchy fog. Lows in the 40s and 50s. Afternoon highs in the 70s to near 80 degrees. Wind: NE 5 - 10 mph.

Weekend: Seasonal to above seasonal temperatures with increasing rain chances on Sunday. Isolated thunderstorms will be possible Sunday afternoon and early evening.

Sunrise: 7:22 a.m.

Sunset: 5:54 p.m.