Temperatures dropped into the single digits and teens throughout the area earlier this week (Tuesday Night) but  as quickly as the cold air seemed to get here, it has moved out. The current atmospheric pattern doesn't support any sustained cold air, and as expected this airmass was in and out fairly rapidly. Aside from a few snow showers, it didn't provide much of a chance for wintry weather throughout the area either. Temperatures Thursday and Friday will moderate more towards normals for the date, with highs reaching into the low to mid 40's (maybe even a hint above normal in select locations). The weather is expected to be pleasant, luckily, with no real chances at steady precipitation through the weekend. Sunday will be a bit cooler than the rest of the weekend, though, as a cold front moves through Saturday night. The next precipitation chance will come early next week, when energy in the mid levels of the atmosphere passes to the south of our area. This may touch off some rain or snow showers near or just to the south of our area. We will certainly be watching to see if the forecast guidance trends any stronger with this feature. Featured right: NAM model showing forecast high temperatures in the 40's on Friday.

THE FORECAST AT A GLANCE... (or see the overview)

Today (Thursday): Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. West winds between 10 and 15 miles per hour. Feeling warmer than the past few days for sure, but still chilly out there. Dress warmly.

Tonight: Some clouds, with a low near 32. West winds between 5 and 10 miles per hour. The clouds should be in and out overnight.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Southwest winds between 5 and 10 miles per hour. Feeling warmer once again, as temperatures will be above seasonal normals.

Article written by JH. Published January 5th, 2012 at 12:40pm. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.