As we begin to say goodbye to the fall leaves and pumpkin spice, colder temperatures and the possibility of snow creep up.

The Keystone State is expected to receive heavy rain and possibly snow in several counties this week. The National Weather Service in State College has released a forecast showing colder temperatures, rain and the chance of snowfall.

Starting today, areas in central Pennsylvania will see the daily low temperature range of 40 degrees to 30 degrees in central Pennsylvania. This area includes Harrisburg, York, State College and other northern areas including Wellsboro and Bradford.

NWS forecaster Nicholas Beaty expects much of the snowfall in the Harrisburg region to be more of a combination of rain and snow, but adds that some counties may see the first accumulations of the season.

“Adams and Franklin County, Schuylkill County and possibly some areas in northeastern Dauphin County may see more snowfall,” Beaty said. “Snow showers will be more focused on Cambria, Blaire County and parts of Center County. They may see some of the first accumulations of the season.”

Adams and Franklin counties currently have a 30% chance of rain and snow, according to the NWS’s latest seven-day forecast, while Schuylkill County shows a 50% chance. Center County is showing a 70% chance of snow Thursday through Friday.

Other counties such as Lebanon and Dauphin are expected to see a 40% chance of snow and rain Thursday night, while York and Lancaster show a 30% chance.

Beaty also said most counties will likely see a mix of snow and rain as we head into Thursday/Friday.

“Wednesday night into Thursday there could be a mix of rain and snow more west of I-99,” he said. “Thursday and Friday will be cold. Harrisburg and surrounding areas may not see as much snow as rain.”

Accuweather released a similar report on November 18, highlighting the changes on the East Coast and the state. Significant changes are likely to come as Tropical Rain Storm Ira makes its way across the US, altering weather patterns in the Midwest, Appalachians and Northeast.

Dan Pydynowski, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist, said: “There is a chance for a foot or more of snow to fall across the ridges, plateaus and peaks in the mountains of West Virginia, Western Maryland and Western Pennsylvania as a result of the alignment later this week and into this weekend. It is possible that a meter or more of snow could easily fall at altitudes near and above 600 metres.”

According to the NWS, northwestern areas in Pennsylvania such as Pittsburgh are expected to receive snow early Wednesday evening, at a rate of 70%, and continue through Thursday evening.

Accuweather also notes that states at lower elevations from “Wisconsin and Michigan to Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York State and northwestern New England may see some occasional wet snow,” according to the report. “However, much of the snow may melt, with most accumulation limited to grass and raised surfaces.”

Below is the five-day forecast for the Harrisburg region from today through November 23:

• Today: High temperature 61, mostly cloudy
• Wednesday: High temperature 63, showers
• Thursday: High 52 degrees, occasionally cloudy
• Friday: High 44, showers
• Saturday: High 51, mostly cloudy