Things kick off with a cold weather advisory effective Friday night through Saturday morning. Frigid temperatures in the single digits and teens are expected to persist through the middle of next week, setting the stage for a major snow event.

A winter storm warning has been issued for the entire region from late Saturday night through Monday, with the most intense conditions expected throughout Sunday. During this peak period, snowfall rates could reach up to 2 inches per hour, significantly reducing visibility to near-whiteout levels and creating hazardous conditions for anyone on the roads.

There is high confidence that the area will see at least 6 inches, with a moderate probability of totals exceeding 12 inches if the snow remains unmixed.

The initial snowfall will be dry and powdery on Sunday before potentially transitioning to a wetter wintry mix or a glaze of ice by Sunday night and into Monday morning. This could lower snowfall totals. These conditions are expected to cause major disruptions to transportation and daily activities across the region. High winds gusting up to 30 mph will likely extend travel hazards and complicate recovery operations well into Monday.

ALMANAC:

Average High: 37 | Average Low: 22

Record High: 57 (2018) | Record Low: -4 (1976)

Sunrise: 7:13 a.m. | Sunset: 5:01 p.m.

OVERNIGHT: Extremely cold air will continue to rush in. Temperatures will feel sub-zero. Lows in the mid-single digits.

SATURDAY: A mix of sun and clouds. Temperatures will be very cold and feel near zero at times. Highs in the mid-teens. Lows in the upper single digits to low teens.

SUNDAY: STORM WATCH - Light snow at first with moderate to heavy snowfall arriving later in the day. There is a chance for some mixed precipitation closer to the city. Highs in the upper teens. Lows in the mid-teens.

MONDAY: STORM WATCH - Snow tapering off by midday with breezy winds and frigid temperatures to follow. Highs in the mid-20s. Lows in the mid-teens.