A weak weather disturbance is bringing clouds and a bit of rain to the Carolinas Piedmont and foothills today, and the same system is producing light snow at times in higher elevations.

But National Weather Service forecasters say nothing of consequence will come from today's system, and it will set the stage for two days of nicer conditions to end the work week.

On the horizon is a push of cold air that will bring our chilliest temperatures since mid-January. That outbreak of arctic cold will be short-lived, however, as has been the case throughout this mild winter.

Clouds spread into the Charlotte region before daybreak Wednesday, as a weak low pressure system advanced. Sprinkles were reported in the morning hours around the area, but no significant rain fell. Harry Gerapetritis, of the National Weather Service's office in Greer, S.C., said areas south of Interstate 85 likely will have dry weather for most of the day, with only light showers expected north of there.

Snow fell Wednesday morning in parts of the mountains, and there was enough to cover the ground at elevations above 3,500 feet. The N.C. Department of Transportation says roads are in good shape, however, with temperatures near freezing. At 9 a.m., light snow was falling at Boone and at Jefferson in neighboring Ashe County.

Today's clouds will hold high temperatures to the lower 50s, but clearing is expected by late afternoon or evening.

Thursday and Friday are expected to be nice days, with plenty of sunshine and highs in the mid 50s Thursday and the upper 50s Friday. The average high temperature at this time of year is 54 degrees.

But a change will come early Saturday, when a strong cold front pushes across the region. No precipitation is expected with the frontal passage, but there will be a marked change to colder weather. Highs will only be in the upper 40s Saturday, and Sunday will be the coldest day with highs probably not climbing much above 40 to 42 degrees -- despite full sunshine.

Morning lows Sunday and Monday will be in the upper teens and lower 20s across the Charlotte region.

That will be the coldest weather since Jan. 13-15, when a brief arctic air outbreak produced similar temperatures.

After a slight recovery Monday, with highs in the upper 40s, milder weather is forecast to return Tuesday. However, the return of warmer temperatures will be accompanied by the arrival of a storm system and rain.