Area residents have been enjoying the warmer than average temperatures over the past several weeks, though they can expect the cold chill of winter to return with the upcoming new year.

While rain is expected for this morning with a high near 49 degrees; it will become colder later tonight, bringing a chance of snow showers, possibly mixed with rain.

Those planning on attending the First Night celebration on New Year’s Eve may want to bundle up and possibly bring an umbrella.

“It will be colder on Tuesday. For the 31st, there could be some snow and rain showers,” said Steve Travis, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Travis explained the area will most likely see temperatures closer to the normal average of 30 degrees, as opposed to the warmer weather seen over the last half of December.

“Temperatures have actually been pretty well above normal so far. We should be coming out of the stretch of warmer weather we’ve been having,” concluded Travis.