ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Much colder air is moving into Western North Carolina this week, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and a chance of light rain, according to the U.S. National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg.

Temperatures Monday are expected to be 20 to 30 degrees lower than Sunday as a “cold air damming” pattern becomes established across the region. The event is expected to continue through Tuesday, with spotty light rain possible, mainly in the western part of the state. The forecast now calls for a lower risk of freezing rain, with chances less than 20 percent in the northern mountains. Any ice that does form is likely to be brief and limited to elevated surfaces.

Starting Wednesday afternoon, warmer conditions will return, bringing well-above-normal temperatures through the rest of the week and into the weekend. Daily showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to return by Thursday, with the highest chances of rain forecast for the weekend.

In Asheville, the forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of rain Monday, mostly before 1 p.m., with a high near 50 degrees. Overnight lows will drop to around 40, with patchy fog possible. Tuesday is expected to be partly sunny, with a high near 62 and lows around 43. By Wednesday, temperatures rebound sharply, with highs near 75 and continued warm, spring-like weather through Friday, when highs could reach 78 degrees.

Forecasters also reminded residents that Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, recommending that people adjust clocks and replace batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and NOAA Weather Radios.