First snowflake of the season next week?

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Get ready for a blast of winter later next week as the potential for showers grows across the greater Cincinnati area.

The Tri-State should brace for a significant drop in temperatures mid to late next week, with the possibility of a rain and snow mix by Thursday.

The darkness of winter is already here, but the cold temperatures have been missing. Expect more cloudy skies and even some light rain to continue early Saturday morning, with some sunny peaks later in the day. Temperatures will remain near normal, with highs in the mid to upper 50s and lows in the 40s. Warmer weather is then expected to return Sunday through Tuesday, with temperatures rising into the 60s. However, a cold front is expected to move through on Tuesday, bringing showers and starting a downward trend in temperatures sometime around Wednesday.

By the end of next week, highs could drop into the lower 40s or even upper 30s. This is a solid 10-15 degrees below average for this time of year as significant low pressure will gather some arctic air to the south.

The first freeze of the season will finally be likely at this point. At that time, it will be the third latest on record for Cincinnati.

Right now, it’s too early to predict an accumulation of snowfall later next week, but there is a chance for rain to mix with some snow, enough to leave its mark on grassy surfaces. Since snowfall records began, the average first snow of an inch or better in the area comes on December 12th.