A very active pattern is about to get underway. We will have to wait until the end of the week to see any precipitation, but there are signs of more rain — and perhaps even wintry weather — over northern interior areas of central and northern New England.

Before we get to the rain later this week, we have to contend with some cold weather tonight and Wednesday. There is the possibility of a hard freeze in areas which haven’t seen one yet. This includes much of the area away from the immediate coastline, but Boston will escape without one. Typically, the city doesn’t see 32-degree or colder weather until early November.

The reason for the expected cold weather Wednesday morning is due to the chilly air in place today. Temperatures this afternoon will stay in the 40s in the Worcester Hills and only near 50 in Boston. This means we have a low launching pad this evening, when temperatures start to fall after 4 p.m.

Temperatures will fall below freezing in many areas Wednesday morning. (Courtesy NOAA)

Thursday a storm will approach from the southwest and with cold air in place, the chance for snow exists over western and northern areas. I would not be surprised if the forecast even included a chance of some mixing in the Route 2 area west of Interstate 495.

This doesn’t look like a big deal, but any snow in October certainly reminds us of what is to come, and depending on the timing of the system, travel could become tricky in the highest elevations over the Berkshires.

The storm will bring a steady rain Thursday night and Friday before tapering off, leaving us with cool weather into the weekend and perhaps more rainfall.

You can follow my weather updates on Twitter at @growingwisdom.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny and blustery highs 43-51, coolest in the hilly terrian.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy lows in the mid 20s to lower 40s. Temperatures warmest in Boston, coolest in the interior valleys.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and cool. Highs 45-50.

Thursday: Mostly sunny then clouding up in the afternoon, some rain likely at night. Highs in the lower 50s.

Friday: Rain likely early, showers possible in the afternoon. Highs in the mid to upper 50s.