First snowflakes this season could fall late next week

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It might be weird to talk about snow after our very mild and dry fall, but chances are there that our first snowfall could happen late next week.

Temperatures are on the warming trend this weekend and into early next week, but colder air looms in the forecast.

Once we get to Thursday of next week, colder air looks to push in and change some rain showers to snow showers.

A mix of rain and snow is expected at the bare minimum between Thursday and Saturday.

So, it is likely we see some snowflakes fly for the first time this season late next week.

Highs will hover in the low 40s during the afternoon hours, so the snow likely will have a hard time sticking to the ground.

Plus, ground temperatures are warm in the 40s and 50s, which make it harder for light snow to stick.

It would be easier for snow to stick on cold surfaces during the night as the sun goes down and temperatures cool overnight.

Weather models are not all agreeing on the timing, intensity, and precipitation type late next week, but confidence is high enough that we will see snowflakes at least.

Accumulating snow at this point is looking unlikely, but it will get cold enough for some snowflakes to fall from the sky.

Lake Michigan water temperatures are also running much warmer than usual this time of year, so when we do inevitably get an arctic blast, lake effect snow could be significant.

The ABC57 First Warning Neighborhood Weather Team will keep you updated on our snow chances late next week and if there will be any potential for it to stick.