photo by: National Weather Service in Topeka

Forecast as of Friday, Feb. 5, 2021.

Story updated at 1:46 p.m. Friday

Up to 3 inches of snow could fall on the Lawrence area Saturday, and the bitter cold temperatures accompanying the weather system will likely stick around through the next week.

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory for Douglas County and surrounding counties from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday. The weather service predicts 2-3 inches of snow could accumulate in the area as snowfall begins Saturday morning and lasts into the afternoon, causing hazardous travel conditions.

Saturday’s high temperature is expected to reach only the mid-20s, and east winds of 10 to 15 mph should shift to the north in the afternoon. Saturday evening will bring even colder temperatures, with a low around 9 degrees and wind chill readings of 5 below to 5 above zero.

Sunday should be mostly cloudy but just as cold, with a high in the lower 20s in the daytime and a low around 12 degrees at night. Wind chill readings could range from 6 below to 9 above zero during the day and night Sunday.

More precipitation may arrive Monday, with a 30% chance of snow and possible freezing rain. The high temperature should remain in the lower 20s.

Monday night through the middle of next week could be even colder, with lows around 3 degrees, highs around 16 degrees, and wind chill readings as low as 12 below zero.