Heavy showers dumped almost two inches of rain on Gainesville on Wednesday, just ahead of cold weather moving in for the weekend.

As of 6 p.m., 1.63 inches of rain had been recorded at the National Weather Service’s automated weather station at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport in Gainesville. Lake Lanier rose slightly from the rainy day and was at 1,071.68 feet above sea level as of 6:15 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey Web site.

The sun should return briefly today as it warms up to 52, but clouds are expected to return tonight. The forecast isn’t looking good for Friday night’s Class AAA state semifinal game between Flowery Branch and Gainesville; the forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of rain and an overnight low of 37.

In higher elevations near Blairsville, rain and cold temperatures could combine to create a possibility of rain and snow mix after 1 a.m. Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

For Gainesville, skies should clear up again during the day Saturday, but the high is only expected to climb into the mid-40s. Lows throughout the weekend will hover right around freezing Saturday and Sunday nights, according to the National Weather Service.

The long-range forecast calls for the high to remain around 50 Monday and Tuesday, though it could warm up to 59 by Wednesday.