(WGHP) — Milton has undergone an eyewall replacement cycle overnight and as a result, winds diminished to 155 mph winds.  This makes Milton a Category 4 hurricane as of the 5 a.m. advisory. It is forecast to strengthen to category 5 intensity later this morning, with forecast winds of 165 mph.   As Milton moves into the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the environment will be less favorable for it to maintain its intensity. Rapidly intensifying Hurricane Milton will not significantly impact North Carolina — but here’s what to know Milton is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane until just before landfall, when it will drop to a strong Category 3 storm near Tampa, Florida.  It will move inland overnight Wednesday-Thursday morning and maintain hurricane strength as it crosses the Florida peninsula and emerges in the Atlantic on Thursday afternoon. Local Forecast We continue to have sunny skies today, though temperatures will be cooler than yesterday. Expect highs to be in the lower-70s. Clear skies are ahead for tonight, with chilly overnight lows in the upper-40s. Wednesday and Thursday, we may have some high, thin clouds pushed into our skies from the south.  These will be from Milton and they are the only effect NC will have from the storm.  Highs tomorrow are going to return to normal, in the mid-70s.  A cold front is going to drop southward by Thursday morning, ushering in the coolest air of the week!  Highs Thursday and Friday will be near 80° with morning lows in the mid-40s through Saturday morning. Over the weekend, we'll return to warm, sunny weather.  Highs will be between 78° and 80° Saturday and Sunday. The next cold front brings the cool temperatures back to the Piedmont on Monday, as highs return to nearly 70° under sunny skies.