CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Get ready for a tough winter later next week as the potential for flurries increases in the Greater Cincinnati area.

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

The winter gloom is already there, but the cold temperatures are missing. Expect cloudy skies and even some patchy drizzle to linger into early Saturday morning, with some peaks of sunshine possible later in the day. Temperatures will remain near normal, with highs in the mid-50s and lows in the 40s. Warmer weather is then forecast from Sunday through Tuesday, with temperatures rising into the 60s. However, a cold front is expected to pass through on Tuesday, bringing rain showers and a downward temperature trend sometime around Wednesday.

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

The first freeze of the season is finally likely at this point. By then, it will be the third-last record for Cincinnati.

At this point it is still too early to predict an accumulation of snowfall later next week, but there is a possibility of rain mixing with some snow, enough to leave its mark on grass surfaces. Since snowfall began, the average first snow of an inch or better in the area falls on December 12.