Weather Permitting: Fayetteville can expect warmer, rainier conditions this week

Warmer and wetter are the watchwords for early March in the Cape Fear region.

Raleigh just wrapped up its first winter without even a trace of snow for the first time in recorded history. Down in Fayetteville, we're kind of getting used to it. Evolving patterns well to the west have stuck a fork in any long-shot hopes for wintry precipitation across the state even in the mountains. And in our neck of the woods, the only stuff filtering down to the ground is pollen.

Instead, look for a week with warmer-than-normal temperatures and a considerable amount of rain.

Here's the setup

Mild high pressure has set up over the Carolinas, giving the region a taste of spring. There's a storm system off the coast, but its effects are limited to rainfall in the north and east, with some clouds locally.

There are some more systems lined up, however, that will bring rainfall to the Cape Fear region. One will arrive mid-week, with the next likely on Saturday.

In the meantime, Monday and Tuesday look generally sunny and pleasant in Fayetteville. Highs both days should top 70, with overnight lows of about 50.

By Tuesday evening, clouds return to the region. A low-pressure system will slide north from the Gulf of Mexico. Current projections are for the system to side up along I-95, bringing us a day of clouds and rain. Highs will hold in the upper 60s, and the region could see some brisk southerly winds. Lows will stay in the mid-50s. 

By Thursday morning, rainfall should have moved on. We'll see some lingering clouds early, giving way to sunshine, with a high of about 70.

The weekend

Friday will again see clouds building as another system approaches. For now, the day looks dry, if a bit gloomy, with highs in the upper 60s. Overnight lows won't drop below 55.

Depending on the arrival time of that next system, Saturday could be messy — not stormy, just messy. On-and-off showers are possible through the day, clearing that night. By the end of the week, it's possible Fayetteville could have picked up 2 inches of rain from these systems.

Sunday will be clearing and cooler, closer to normal for early March. Highs will hold in the low 60s with a northerly flow.

Down the road

After a few seasonal days, look for temperatures to climb again. There's no indication of any cold air arriving through mid-March — if then.

Have a great week!

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