It has generally been a dry November and relatively mild one, but while I don’t see any truly cold air in sight we are going to get a bit wet this week. Portland is averaging about an inch and a half below normal in terms of rainfall and over 2 degrees above average for temperatures this month.

There are two weather systems that will bring some rain to the region this week. The best chance for rain is Tuesday into Tuesday evening and again Wednesday evening into Thursday. Several commutes will be affected by the wet weather. We could get by with a dry Tuesday morning as you head to work, but the evening commute will certainly be wet. On Wednesday we might get by the morning commute dry again, but the evening and perhaps even the Thursday morning commutes look wet.

There could be some icing as the precipitation begins tomorrow, especially away from the coast. If your plans call for driving inland or in the mountains be prepared for some slick roads.

Some icing is possible in northern Maine as the precipitation begins Tuesday.

Of course timing and details on any weather system can change and while I think the rain tomorrow will hold off until mid-morning, if it begins just three hours early we end up with a wet commute to work. In other words, check back for the latest timing on the rainfall.

The map below shows the rain accumulating tomorrow through Thursday evening. If you watch the loop you can see the colors build up, pause and build up again across our area, these are the two areas of rain from two separate weather systems. This precipitation is going to be in the form of snow in northern Maine where 2 to 7 inches can fall.

Two areas of rainfall affect the region this week, but it will fall as snow in northern Maine.

If you are wondering if the weather will be dry at all this week the answer is yes. In my opinion, today is the best day of the week for weather. I expect a lot of sunshine and after a cold start, temperatures will warm up to the lower and middle 40s. With light winds it will feel rather pleasant in the afternoon.

Friday is the next time we’ll have a partly sunny day. It will again be pleasant. By the way, meteorological winter begins Thursday – the start of the coldest 90 days of the year – not to be confused with astronomical winter, which begins Dec. 21st.

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