BALTIMORE (WBFF) – (Updated: Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.)

The Baltimore region is bracing for the next bout of weather that will bring strong winds and rain and snow showers from tonight through Thursday.

A cold front is approaching the region tonight. It will lead to snow in western Maryland this evening and a mix of rain and snow in the Baltimore area tomorrow morning.

The best chance of precipitation is between 4 and 8 a.m.

The timing for the rain and snow mix will be between 4 a.m. and about 7 a.m. This means some commuters may be driving through the wintry mix with reduced visibility. As temperatures drop rapidly along and behind the heavier rain and snow showers, some of the wet spots may become slippery spots, particularly on bridges and overpasses in our northern and western counties.

The rest of Thursday will be mostly dry and stormy. Afternoon temperatures will be in the mid to upper 30s with increasing clouds. Wind-chilled temperatures will be in the low 20s and 10s.

It will also be windy. A wind advisory is in effect for most of Maryland. Gusts will reach speeds of 40-50 miles per hour, and this could be enough to blow down tree branches and Christmas decorations and make driving difficult for high-profile vehicles.

The cold and windy weather will continue Friday as highs only reach the upper 30s. A rise in temperatures will follow this weekend. Highs will climb into the low 40s on Saturday before climbing into the low 50s on Sunday. The work week begins Monday and Tuesday with highs in the 50s and 60s, with the pattern being unsettled bringing a good chance of rain starting Monday.