Forecast: Serene Saturday, Soggy Sunday

* SkinsCast: Raw and Rainy *

If you didn't hit the stores yesterday, today won't be a bad alternative. A good deal of sunshine coupled with temperatures reaching well into the 40s will feel pleasant with little in the way of wind. Very late tonight and tomorrow, a developing storm will give us rain -- possibly mixing with sleet and/or snow north and west at the onset, making it great football watching weather (on TV, not so much in person). Unfortunately, unsettled weather will stick with us for the start of the work week.

TODAY (SATURDAY)

Partly sunny. 45-50. A sunny start to the day will gradually yield to an increase in mid- and high level clouds as high pressure moves offshore. Near freezing temperatures early in the morning will set their sights on 50 -- with the amount of cloud cover determining whether they make it.

Overnight, clouds lower and thicken. Some light precipitation may (50% chance) develop between towards dawn. The precipitation may start as a wintry mix of rain, sleet and/or snow, especially north and west of the beltway. No accumulation is expected with lows ranging from 32-37 (suburbs-city).

Confidence: Medium-High

Keep reading for the forecast through Tuesday.

TOMORROW (SUNDAY)

Rain. 40-45. Two areas of low pressure, from the south and from the west, will approach the region with periods of light rain during the morning. By mid-to-late afternoon, these lows will consolidate into a single storm causing the rain to pick up. The clouds and rain will hold high temperatures in the low 40s.

As the storm winds up Sunday evening, we should have a period of moderate rain. By midnight, the steady rain should taper off as the storm pulls away but intermittent showers will remain possible through dawn. It will become brisk and breezy, with low temperatures in the mid-to-upper 30s and a wind from the north at 10-20 mph.

A LOOK AHEAD

Blustery conditions are likely Monday in the storm's wake along with a slight (20%) chance of some rain showers as a strong upper level disturbance jets through. High temperature will struggle into the mid 40s with gusty winds out of the west at 15-25 mph. Confidence: Medium

Sunny and more tranquil conditions return Tuesday -- but still chilly -- with highs near 40. Confidence: Medium-High