Saturday morning could bring light showers along and east of Interstate 77 around daybreak. Skies are forecast to clear from west to east, but afternoon highs should reach only the 60s — about 25 degrees below Friday’s temperatures. North winds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, will make it feel cooler.

The coldest conditions are expected Saturday night as high pressure builds in, skies clear and winds ease. Forecast lows are in the 40s across the Charlotte metro area and Piedmont. Many mountain locations are expected to fall into the 30s, with some dropping below freezing.

A Freeze Warning covers most of the North Carolina mountains. A Frost Advisory is in place for the upper French Broad Valley and foothills, where frost is expected outside warmer thermal-belt areas. Residents in affected mountain communities are advised to bring pets indoors and protect sensitive plants.

Sunday is expected to remain dry and sunny, with highs in the 60s. Lows will again be in the 40s Sunday night, and patchy mountain frost is possible, though temperatures should not be as low as Saturday night.

The cooler spell follows a summerlike end to the week, including what forecasters described as the Charlotte area’s latest recorded 90-degree day. A gradual warmup is expected early next week, with temperatures rising about 3 to 5 degrees a day and highs approaching the 70s Tuesday and Wednesday.