Boston's public schools will be closed Friday as the city prepares for up to 8 inches of snow.

The snow will be quite heavy Friday morning, making for a messy commute. While many areas will see the precipitation begin as rain, snow will become the predominant type between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m across most of the area.

The snow will end west to east from about noon to 4 p.m.

Here's the expected snow totals. Remember, like most storms, a small shift in the precipitation pattern can move the accumulation lines in either direction. Plus, the lines are best estimates, not exact.

Projected snowfall totals for Friday's storm, as of Thursday afternoon. (David Epstein/WBUR)

The National Weather Service has declared a winter storm warning for central and eastern parts of the state through Friday afternoon.

The weekend is still looking mainly sunny and quite mild for early February. Highs will reach the 40s. This means more melting of any snow that does fall.

Of course we have been talking about another possible weather event early next week and that is indeed still possible. I’m not sure if this is a big snow event or just more of a quick-hitting system. There will be much more to talk about Friday and certainly by Monday we’ll have a good handle on the situation.

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

Thursday: A few passing showers south early, otherwise clouds and a few breaks. Highs in the 50s, cooler late in the day.

Thursday night: Rain moves back into the area and changes to snow after midnight. Lows in the 30s.

Friday: Snow, mainly before noon. Clearing in the afternoon. Highs 33 to 48.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 33.