As the Twin Cities hunkers down in yet another winter blast today and braces for more snow and rain later this week, there is a bright side: the forecast for Friday is “Mostly sunny, with a high near 51,” according to the National Weather Service’s Twin Cities station.

Snow will be heavy at times today, March 31, with total accumulation of 3 to 5 inches by the drive home. More light snow and rain is expected later in the week, particularly Wednesday and Thursday, with expected highs around 43 degrees, according to the Weather Service in Chanhassen.

Once Friday rolls around, though, the picture looks brighter. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with highs near 51 on both Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6.