First Alert Forecast: Winter Weather Warning in effect for most of the metropolitan area

Today in the Twin Cities there will be rain and snow around 10 a.m., then heavy snow between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. However, areas east of downtown St. Paul are more likely to see a rain-snow mix in the afternoon. A winter weather advisory is in effect for the Twin Cities today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for 2 to 4 inches of falling snow and thunderstorm snow between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, the winter weather advisory does not apply to Dakota County or Pierce and Saint Croix Counties in Wisconsin because more rain will fall than snow.

Expect rain in the Twin Cities with temperatures in the 40s until 10 a.m., then snow mixes with rain and becomes mostly snow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with thundersnow possible. The snowfall subsides before 6 p.m. and it begins to drizzle. Temperatures this afternoon will be in the mid to upper 30s Celsius and northwest winds will be 10 to 20 mph.

Tonight the weather improves for Halloween with clear skies, lighter winds, patchy fog and trick-or-treating temperatures in the mid-30s, falling to near 30 degrees by Friday morning.

Much warmer Friday into the weekend with highs in the upper 40s Friday to upper 50s Saturday and Sunday, then low 60s Monday. Rain and thunderstorms will return to the region from Sunday to Monday. JONATHAN YUHAS