A weak warm front pushing inland early Wednesday will bring rain to the Portland/Vancouver area, but likely after about 8 a.m.

The National Weather Service says the front is moving slower than expected, but rain is definitely on the way, followed by a deepening depression of cold air that will drop snow levels and continue rain into the valleys until Thursday.

Rain in Portland will appear after about 8 a.m. and continue through the end of the day. Further precipitation amounts of a quarter to half an inch are likely. The high will reach around 51 degrees on Wednesday.

Cold air associated with the next system will appear later in the afternoon and bring snow levels back to around 3,500 feet. Precipitation will be showery, so snow amounts at the pass will vary.

The weather service has issued a winter weather advisory for the Cascades from southern Washington to central Oregon. The advisory is in effect from Wednesday 2 p.m. to Friday 5 p.m.

Snow is likely at 3,500 feet and above. Snow accumulation is expected to reach 6 to 12 inches, with the lowest amounts expected at the lowest elevations. Higher-tier ski resorts could see up to two feet of snow during this time.

Travelers are advised to have their winter travel kit ready, their vehicles fueled or fully charged, and to expect delays. Forecasters expect strong winds along pass roads Thursday which, combined with snowfall, could lead to low visibility conditions.

Visit TripCheck.com for the latest information on passage conditions.

Rain showers will keep the weather wet in Portland on Thursday with a 100% chance of rain. The high temperature will reach around 50 degrees.

Showers and thunderstorms are possible Friday. Portland has a 90% chance of rain at times during the day and about a 20% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. The high temperature will reach near 54 degrees.

Weekend forecasts are still evolving. Models differ on how much rain is expected Saturday and Sunday, but what is clear is that it won’t be clear, at least not for most of the time. Showers are possible both days and the high temperature will reach around 54.