Temperatures are struggling to get out of the 30s and lower 40s this Sunday afternoon after the teens and 20s greeted us in the morning. While slightly warmer air kicks off the workweek, don’t expect the Carolinas to get out of this polar plunge anytime soon. Highs will surge close to 50º in the Metro and southeastward Monday afternoon, aided by southwesterly winds as a dry cold front approaches from the west. Northwesterly winds return as the front passes through Monday night and lows plummet back into the 20s and teens. Mountain snow is possible Tuesday through Wednesday morning as leftover moisture to our north is forced up the Appalachians. Rain (and snow) chances remain at bay in the Piedmont through at least Friday morning, but the cold air will continue to make itself at home. Highs may fail to crack 40° along the I-40 corridor on Wednesday; the Metro may not do much better. More southerly winds return by Thursday, allowing temperatures to once again roam near 50° by the end of the week. The warmer weather will come at a cost – rain chances begin to pick up by Friday night as a storm system approaches from the west. Next weekend looks wet and relatively mild with highs in the 40s and 50s. Tonight: Mostly clear early, then partly cloudy late. Low: 27°. Wind: Light. Monday: AM variable clouds. PM sunshine. High: 51°. Wind: SW 5-10. Monday Night: Clear and cold. Low: 24°. Wind: NW 5-10. Tuesday: Chilly sunshine. High: 48°. NW 5-15. Gusts: 20+