Rain returns to New York, New Jersey tonight. Here is the latest timeline.

NEW YORK – That’s it historically dry in the Tri-State Area this fallbut the atmosphere is shifting to a new pattern that will bring much-needed rain late Wednesday through Thursday.

The CBS News New York First Alert Weather Team has issued a red alert for Thursday, especially in the early morning hours.

This storm will help the persistent drought huge, and the early call is that we could have more beneficial rain on the horizon next week.

Rain timeline for New York, New Jersey

Wednesday 10 p.m. – Thursday 4 a.m.: There will be some big rain showers and the wind will increase. Rain falls more often after midnight.

Thursday 4-10 pm: The heaviest rain showers arrive and there are strong wind gusts of 40 to 55 km per hour.

Thursday 10am – 10pm: The rain moves north and becomes increasingly variable in nature from New York City and points south, with more stable periods north of the city. Winds are starting to shift to the north, and Thursday evening it will feel like the 30s. Lighter rain will still fall.

Thursday 10 p.m. – Friday 10 a.m.: Cold air flows down and turns the cold rain into wet flakes, especially at higher altitudes. The Friday morning commute will be impacted if this forecast element holds.

Friday 10am: Precipitation is starting to decrease. The wind will be lighter, but it will still be an uncomfortable day as we have had weeks of sunny, dry and mild weather.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy and chilly with strong winds and temperatures around 50 degrees.

How much rain and snow will fall in New York and New Jersey?

Rain: Numbers in the Tri-State area range from 0.75 to 3 inches. Some heavy attacks are likely, especially during the Thursday morning commute. Urinating on roads is possible. Because we have been so dry, the ground may not absorb the rain as well, causing some runoff.

Snow: The Catskills and Poconos, and even Mountain Creek in New Jersey, could see some accumulation. A few centimeters of mud is possible, even wet flakes are possible in the city. Nothing would really stick, but it would make Friday morning travel more difficult, especially since most don’t have winter driving training.