RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — We continue to expect the potential for winter weather across Central North Carolina including rain, sleet, and snow on Sunday.

Forecast models have varied significantly over the last 36 hours, which is often the case when frozen precipitation is possible this time of year.

There are still several variables that will impact exactly which locations receive the greatest amounts of winter precipitation, so stay tuned for additional updates.

As of our Saturday evening update, it appears that we will start the day with scattered light rain showers moving in from the west. Temperatures at the surface are expected to be in the low-to-mid 30s.

As the rain begins to fall, temperatures may actually drop a few degrees and some locations could receive a change-over from liquid to mixed precipitation.

Timing is a very important factor for this set-up. If the rain arrives early enough in the morning, the switchover could have a more lasting effect, and a few locations could experience longer periods of frozen precipitation.

This would result in the “boom” forecast discussed above.

More likely, however, is that we experience a brief period of frozen precipitation on the onset, which could result in a dusting to an inch of snow.

Most of the Triangle should simply expect 0″ to a slight dusting on grassy areas.

So what about accumulations? That is also tricky. We enjoyed plenty of sunshine Saturday, which warmed the ground throughout the afternoon. As of Saturday evening, ground temperatures were in the mid-to-upper 40s.

Any snow or sleet that falls, thus, will rapidly melt on Sunday morning. If a few locations receive a period of heavy snow, however, it could accumulate up to an inch or two north of the Triangle. As of Saturday evening, we do not expect that to happen.

In fact, we don’t expect accumulations to last very long if any actually occur. We are confident that all of the precipitation will change to liquid rain by the afternoon. A dusting of snow to an inch is likely to melt pretty quickly with the rain and afternoon temperatures in the upper-30s to low-40s.

We will continue to monitor the latest and keep you updated.

Be sure to tune in to CBS 17 News tonight at 11 p.m. for the latest update on this developing winter weather scenario.

So far this winter, the Triangle has only received a trace of snow, and that was in January.

The average amount of snow the Triangle receives each winter is just over five inches.

This could be the least amount of snow for central North Carolina in 17 years.

It has also been more than 400 days since the Triangle has registered more than a trace of snow.

Follow the CBS 17 Storm Team on social media for the latest weather updates:

Chief Meteorologist Wes Hohenstein: Twitter, Facebook & Instagram

Meteorologist Bill Reh: Twitter, Facebook & Instagram

Weather & Traffic Anchor Laura Smith: Twitter & Facebook

Meteorologist Rachel Duensing: Twitter , Facebook & Instagram

Meteorologist Lance Blocker: Twitter & Facebook

This forecast was prepared by the CBS 17 Storm Team and is based on the latest information available and years of weather forecasting in North Carolina. It was not produced by a computer like many forecasts you find on the web, social media and smart phone apps.