Single-digit cold retires Triangle record, but warmer air on the way

The low-temperature record for the Triangle was easily broken as icy air clutched the region Friday morning before starting to weaken for a milder weekend.

The previous record low temperature for the date, 13 degrees in 1979, was dispatched as soon as the clock crept past midnight, with Raleigh-Durham International Airport reporting 12 degrees.

The thermometer at the airport sank to 7 degrees by 6 a.m. before starting to slowly rise into the mid-20s by afternoon under brilliant, sunny skies.

Saturday will be warmer still, with temperatures rising into the 40s. There’s a chance for some light precipitation, which could fall as snow, sleet or rain, before giving way to rain Saturday night.

Sunday may provide a chance to get outside, though with a raincoat, and enjoy mid-50s temperatures before another cold front comes along next week. This time, however, daytime highs should stay above freezing, forecasters say.

Sunday’s relatively warm rain should help polish off remaining snow and ice from this week’s storm, making a return to school and other normal routines likely on Monday.

This story was originally published February 20, 2015 at 6:47 AM with the headline "Single-digit cold retires Triangle record, but warmer air on the way."