The Lower Mainland can expect a 鈥渨intery mix鈥� of weather beginning Thursday afternoon. 

According to a special weather statement from Environment Canada, up to 4 cm of wet snow is likely in high elevations by Friday morning (Jan. 31), while some areas can expect heavy rain. 

鈥淎 low pressure system is making its way towards the BC coast with steady precipitation beginning this afternoon,鈥� the warning reads. 

Environment Canada says the snow will likely change to rain on Friday for most regions. 

A rainfall warning is also in effect for Metro Vancouver and the western Fraser Valley, including Mission and Abbotsford. 

The statement warns of up to 50 mm of rainfall between Thursday afternoon and Friday night. 

Light showers on Thursday morning are expected to become heavier by midday and continue through Friday, tapering off around midnight.

鈥淗owever, Friday night and through the weekend, temperatures will fall as cold arctic air begins to invade the region and mix with the Pacific moisture. Amounts are uncertain at this time but accumulating snow is likely in many areas this weekend,鈥� the warning reads.