Wednesday will largely be the calm before the storm across Massachusetts, as Bay State residents can expect a relatively dry day before a winter storm arrives.

According to National Weather Service forecasters, the bulk of the snow is not expected to arrive in western Massachusetts and Connecticut until after 9 p.m. on Wednesday. But when the snow comes, it is expected to have an impact: up to 15 cm is possible.

In higher elevations like the Berkshires and Worcester Hills, snow totals should be between 3 inches and 6 inches. Totals will be lower in lower inland areas, ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches. Snow will largely bypass the eastern part of the state, with rain expected near Interstate 95.

Snow is expected to continue on Thursday, with forecasters predicting widespread rainfall between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m

A winter weather warning is in effect from 8pm Wednesday until 10am Thursday and forecasters say commuters should prepare for slippery conditions on the road.

Meteorologists also warned of strong winds on Cape Cod and the islands, with gusts between 35 and 50 miles per hour. Gusty conditions are expected to continue beyond the Cape on Thursday evening, bringing a colder air mass that could lead to low temperatures into the teens.

“The general theme through Sunday will be lower than normal temperatures, both daytime and nighttime,” meteorologists wrote. “Friday’s highs are also unlikely to exceed the mid to low 30s, and overnight lows could be well into the teens, aside from the shorelines, which will be in the low 20s.”