GRAY — It's that time again... time for another weather report that mentions snow. This week's storm is still 36-48 hours away, but we all might as well start moaning and groaning early, and then remember it is winter and spring is still 24 days away.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for inland portions of the southern half of Maine, up to Bangor, but snow is in the forecast for the Midcoast too. The current winter storm watch is in effect from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon.

The NWS Monday afternoon is saying that this will be a "prolonged storm" with snow beginning as early as late Tuesday night and ending Friday morning.

"The heaviest snow will likely occur on Wednesday into Wednesday night...with the potential for more significant accumulations on Thursday."

For inland and southern portions of Maine, snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches are possible over the 36-hour period. This is also expected to be heavy snow, which may change back and forth to rain and snow, according to the NWS.

What this means for the coastal Midcoast, including Knox and coastal Waldo counties, is unknown today and bears keeping a watchful eye on upcoming weather forecasts.

And with the most recent snowfall — last weekend — being more than originally predicted, it's not too early to begin considering plans for later in the week.

The current weather forecast for the coast follows.

Monday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. North wind around 5 mph, becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 39 F. Calm wind.
Tuesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30 F. Calm wind becoming east 5 to 8 mph after midnight.
Wednesday: A chance of snow before 11 a.m., then snow likely, possibly mixed with rain. Cloudy, with a high near 38 F. East wind 10 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Wednesday night: Snow. Low around 31 F. Breezy, with a east wind 17 to 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 [ercent.
Thursday: Rain and snow. High near 37 F. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.
Thursday night: Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 31 F. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 39 F.
Friday night: Cloudy, with a low around 29 F.

Penobscot Bay Pilot will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached by email at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or by calling 207-706-6655.