The Cape Fear region will shiver under the first freeze of the season early next week. Temperatures could tumble into the upper 20s in the northern region as sub-freezing air slides all the way to the coast.

It will be quite a change from the weekend, which looks sunny and pleasant, with highs in the 70s.

The culprit is a blast of Arctic air racing into the Southeast. There's no moisture in place, so any snowfall will be confined to the mountains, with possible flurries in the Foothills. The good news is that this cold, while potent, is also transient. By next weekend, we'll be back in the 70s.

For those wondering, this is the normal time of year for Fayetteville to experience its first freeze. Last year (Nov. 20) was a bit late, and the year before (Nov. 2) a bit early.

Here's the set

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