The Charlotte region could see a wintry mix late Thursday into Friday morning, including early predictions of snow and ice accumulations of up to 3 inches.

That means conditions could be treacherous for drivers at the start of the three-day holiday weekend.

“Thursday, a cold Arctic air mass will build into the area,” says the National Weather Service. “Moist southerly flow atop this air mass may lead to the development of a wintry mix late Thursday, lasting into Friday. Snow and/or ice accumulations are possible.”

National Weather Service is using the term “high-impact mixed precipitation event.” It says there’s a 50 percent chance of precipitation Thursday night, and the low will be around 27 degrees.

The Weather Channel thinks it could be worse, however. It says there’s a 70 percent chance of precipitation after dark Thursday, and 1 to 3 inches of snow and ice could fall in the area.

On Friday, the wintry mix is expected to continue in the morning, with a combination of rain and sleet turning to ice, say forecasters. The high Friday will be around 35 degrees, with a low 28. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent in the morning.

“Unfortunately, no model has exhibited good enough run-to-run consistency to give high confidence in timing the onset,” says the National Weather Service.

All forecasts show Saturday will likely wipe away the snow and ice, with a high of 42 degrees. Some forecasters say it could get close to 50 degrees Saturday.

The high on New Year’s Day is forecast to be 40, with a low of 21.