PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Today is the winter solstice, and it will feel like winter in Southern New England, according to the National Weather Service's forecast.

"Cold high pressure over Ontario builds southeast into New England today and tonight, bringing dry but colder than normal weather," the National Weather Service says.

It's the shortest day of the year for those of us who live north of the equator, and winter officially arrives, according to the astronomical definition, at 11:28 a.m.

The high today should reach just 36 degrees in Providence, five degrees below the normal high of 41 degrees, according to the Weather Service.

It will drop to about 19 degrees tonight, and there's a chance of snow, mainly after 11 a.m. Friday and then rain, sleet and snow Friday night with little or no accumulation expected.

"A series of storm systems Friday into Monday will deliver periods of wintry weather and impact travel for the holiday weekend," the Weather Service says. "Very cold conditions follow through the middle and end of next week."

Rain is likely Saturday.

Sunday looks partly sunny with a high near 42 and then on Christmas Eve, rain and snow are likely after 9 p.m. becoming all snow after 5 a.m.

On Christmas Day, rain and snow are likely before 10 a.m. then there's a chance of snow between 10 a.m. and noon. Otherwise, expect partly sunny skies with a high near 36.

For more weather and updates, see providencejournal.com/weather.