Weather Permitting: Weekend looks dry and hot with a potential for some relief

After one of the driest Aprils on record in much of the Cape Fear region, there are signs that we'll see more rain next week.

Good thing, too — aside from a small pocket of Robeson and Scotland counties — the entire region is abnormally dry. Some areas in the northern region picked up less than a half-inch of rain all month.

But we'll also see more heat. In fact, Fayetteville may hit 90 Thursday or Friday, and there's little doubt the region will soar past that mark early next week.

The heat, and hopefully rain, are part of a complicated pattern setting up this weekend. Upper-level winds will shift to a more zonal (west-to-east) flow, allowing unsettled weather into the Carolinas.

Here's the setup

Strong high pressure has been camped out over the Carolinas this week, driving afternoon highs well above normal. That pattern continues through Friday, with the first 90-degree day of the year in Fayetteville possible Thursday or Friday. Lows will hold in the mid-60s, with scattered pockets of fog to the south.

The weekend

A weak cold front will nudge toward the region on Saturday, likely washing out over central N.C. later in the day.  Along the boundary, look for an increased chance of showers in the afternoon and early evening. Currently, the chance of rain looks better to the west, with showers moving west-to-east. Highs in Fayetteville should reach 85 or so with lows in the upper 60s.

Clouds and showers should linger on and off into Sunday, with light rainfall possible across the Cape Fear region. Highs will hold in the low 80s, with lows of about 65. Sunday won't be a washout, however, and any totals will be light.

Next week

There's one more possible round of showers Monday as the frontal system is pushed out of the area. After that, summerlike air floods the eastern Carolinas, sending highs into the low 90s.

Down the road, modeling calls for a more potent cold front to arrive late in the work week, with showers and cooler temperatures in store.

Have a great weekend!

Got a weather question? Chick Jacobs can be reached at ncweatherhound@gmail.com or NCWeatherhound on X/Twitter.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Weather Permitting: Weekend looks dry and hot with a potential for some relief