Wind chill early Wednesday will make it feel like mid-teens

Plunging temperatures and a brisk wind will make Wednesday the coldest day of the week, WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said.

Posted 4:29 p.m. Dec 12, 2017 — Updated 6:06 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

RALEIGH, N.C. — Plunging temperatures and a brisk wind will make Wednesday the coldest day of the week, WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said. Consider it a one-day dip before the Triangle rebounds into the 50s through the end of the week and the weekend.

A cold front moves through Tuesday night, and by dawn Wednesday, temperatures will crater in the mid-20s. Although the wind won't be whipping quickly, it will feel plenty cold.

Gardner said, "It doesn't take much wind at 25 degrees to make it feel like the mid-teens."

The day's bright sun will bring little relief from the cold. The forecast high is 40 degrees, and with the wind that will feel about 10 degrees colder, Gardner said.

Those who want to spot a shooting star should have a clear view Wednesday night when the Geminid meteor shower peaks. Skywatchers who can escape the light pollution of highly populated areas could 60 or more meteors per hour.

So far, it looks like good viewing Wednesday evening for the Geminid meteor shower, but it will be cold. Watch this page for a blog post all about the event from Tony Rice.

Organizers of a watch party at Dorothea Dix park are encouraging people to bring blankets and sleeping bags to snuggle up against the cold.

After Wednesday's big chill, temperatures will veer more toward the central North Carolina norm for early December. Thursday will see highs in the mid-50s. Clouds will keep it a touch cooler on Friday before clear skies return for the weekend.