Do you like a little rain with your ice?

Unlike at last year's event, the cold shouldn't be as much of a problem Saturday during the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza.

Freezing rain might be, though.

Temperatures Saturday are forecast to be in the low 20s in the morning and rising into the 30s by the afternoon - a stark contrast to a year ago when low temps the morning of the contest were 18 degrees below zero and the high barely managed single digits above zero.

Starting Friday night, a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow is likely through Saturday night, the National Weather Service in Duluth said Tthursday.

The weather could make for poor driving conditions attending the event. State Patrol Capt. Mark Jonassen said motorists should plan for slow traffic, allow for more stopping time between vehicles, drive according to the conditions and pay extra attention to the road.

"Even in the best of times it's slow and congested and tries everyone's patience," Jonassen said about traffic on Highway 371 during the Extravaganza. "If the weather comes Saturday as anticipated, it will be even more important for folks to practice good defensive driving skills."

The weather service's forecast:

• Friday - Cloudy with high temps 28 to 33 degrees and east winds 10-15 mph.

• Friday night - Cloudy with a chance of freezing rain, snow and sleet then freezing rain and sleet likely after midnight. Snow and sleet accumulation up to 1 inch. Low temps 22 to 27 degrees. East winds 10-20 mph.

• Saturday - Freezing rain, snow and sleet. Light snow accumulations. High temps of 28 to 33 degrees. East winds 15-20 mph.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.