It’s no wonder Punxsutawney Phil wanted to go back underground. He didn’t see his shadow. He saw this week’s ugly forecast.

A mix of rain and snow showers starts Thursday with precipitation changing from rain to sleet in the evening and then to snow from north to south. Heavy snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches is possible.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from 1 p.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Saturday for all of Maine.

Heavy and wet snow likely will create slippery travel conditions during the Friday morning commute.