Snow? In El Cerrito?

Could we see people sledding down Moeser Lane in El Cerrito or San Pablo Avenue in Pinole? Snowmen populating Refugio Valley Park in Hercules?

The National Weather Service is forecasting possible snow as low as sea level in the Bay Area as soon as tonight or as late as Saturday morning.

The forecast calls for a slight chance of rain and snow, especially at higher elevations around the Bay Area. There have been flurries but snow hasn't stuck to the ground in the East Bay — except in the high hills — since 1976. The combination of rain and a high temperature of 45 degrees Saturday could add up to an unusual fluffy dusting. Whether it would be enough to play in, or to make driving a new experience, remains to be seen.

The serendipity in this equation is the mix of precipitation and a very cold front from Alaska lowering itself on the Bay Area. Here is the weather service's forecast:

Thursday Night: Rain. Low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Friday: Showers. High near 45. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Friday Night: A chance of rain showers. Snow level 1,000 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Saturday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Snow level 500 feet. Partly sunny, with a high near 45.

That 500-foot level could change if the rain and colder temperatures arrive at the same time. If there is still an available stock of winter gloves in local stores in late February, there might be a run on them in the next few days. Even without snow, it might be a good idea to check for those who are going through the week with bare hands, as morning temperatures are likely fall into the low 30s.