The New Year will bring a drastic change in weather conditions over the Lakes Region.

Beginning today, the National Weather Service says ahead of an approaching cold front, heavy rain will be possible in much of the Lakes Region with one to two inches forecast with higher amounts possible in south central Missouri and north central Arkansas. A limited risk of severe thunderstorms is also possible in southern Missouri with a slightly higher risk in northern Arkansas. 

The cold front will arrive midday Saturday with temperatures dropping from around 55 all the way down to the low teens by the end of the day with wind chills possibly below zero overnight. Some winter precipitation is possible but not much accumulation is expected. 

Kyle Perez, forecaster with the National Weather Service Office in Springfield, says during an interview on KRZK's "Ozarks Now" program that while winter precipitation chances are small, some slick spots may develop due to the substantial rain and a quick drop to below freezing temperatures. 

The complete interview with Kyle Perez can be heard below: