The rain is expected to begin Thursday afternoon across western New England and reach Boston by evening, with temperatures holding in the low 50s. Thursday serves as a transition day into the more active weather.

By Friday morning, winds will shift to the northeast and strengthen. The worst of the gusts are expected around midday Friday, blowing 20 to 30 mph inland and 30 to 40 mph closer to the coast.

Southern New England will see steady rain, though it is not expected to be heavy enough to cause flooding. Total rain accumulation through Saturday morning is forecast at 1 to 2 inches.

Outside of Interstate 495, a wintry mix is possible for a short time Friday, with wet snowflakes mixing in with the rain. In the Green Mountains, rain is expected to change to snow by midday Friday as colder air moves in from the north.

Snow will be slow to accumulate during the day Thursday and into the evening, but it will build up as colder air arrives Friday into Saturday. The highest peaks in ski country could see several inches of snow through the weekend, with some of that snowfall driven by upslope flow on northern and western slopes.

A lull in precipitation is expected around midday Saturday, with a few showers possible near the coast. Colder temperatures follow the storm for the weekend, with highs in Boston staying in the 40s on Saturday and Sunday. Another dry stretch is expected for the following week.

Forecasters have issued a First Alert for Friday due to the combination of rain, wind, and high-elevation snow.