Much needed rain returns Friday

AM Headlines:

• Clouds Fill In Today
• Much Needed Rain Friday
• Mild & Dry Weekend
• Spring Feels Next Week

Yesterday’s gusty winds, low humidity levels and ongoing drought conditions lead to several wildfires across WNC, including a wildfire that spread to 250 acres in McDowell County that lead to mandatory evacuation orders for residents in the Crooked Creek community. Conditions improved overnight allowing firefighters to get a better handle of the wildfire that was just 15% contained last night. Clouds will fill in today as moisture begins to return to the region with highs warming to the low to mid 60s this afternoon. A warm front will lift across the region tonight with showers beginning in the mountains before daybreak tomorrow. Rain will expand east through the day with steady showers through Friday evening. Severe threat remains limited, although some gusty winds 30-40 mph will be possible as the front passes through the region. Rain will clear by Saturday morning with temperatures remaining mild with highs in the low 60s Saturday. High pressure will fill in to our north Sunday increasing clouds and keeping temps in the mid to upper 50s Sunday. Expect temps to soar into the uper 60s to early 70s early next week as high presure moves off the coast giving us a nice taste of Spring to start the new month.