Ugh, this forecast is an ugly mess. Hope you enjoyed the sun this morning as we probably won't be seeing that gaseous yellow orb again until next weekend. The weather situation for the next few days is almost ridiculously complicated but it can be distilled down to three words: rain and snow. The rain may begin as soon as this afternoon but definitely by tonight, at which time it will likely be a mix of rain and snow. More of the same is expected tomorrow as an upper-level trough of low pressure deepens over the Midwest. No snow accumulation in the city as temperatures will stay above freezing.

Rain or snow could be heavy from Tuesday night into Wednesday as a surface low pressure system forms off the coast. While it will again be too warm for the snow to accumulate in the city, inland locations may see a couple of inches. Look for Wednesday's high to be a raw, windy 38 degrees.

A more nor'easterly style of storm threatens to form on Thursday. It is not yet clear whether that will be a snowy nor'easter or a rainy nor'easter. Smart money is on the former, but even smarter money is not gambling on this one. The sun may return on Saturday.