Residents across Massachusetts should brace for a brief weather event this weekend, beginning with a period of rain Saturday night followed by strong statewide westerly winds on Sunday.

The quick-moving storm system is set to spread from west to east across the state between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The warm front will drive approximately six hours of moderate-to-heavy rain with rainfall totals projected to be around half an inch by Sunday morning.

The Boston and Norton areas have issued a gale watch for coastal waters from Sunday morning through Monday evening, with wind gusts expected to reach 40 mph to 45 mph over marine areas.

Though no land-based warnings were in effect as of 4 p.m. Saturday, strong westerly winds are expected to develop across the mainland, with widespread gusts of 30 mph to 40 mph across most areas. Gusts will likely be higher over elevated terrain.

Residents in the northern Berkshires should be cautious of brief, freezing rain Saturday evening. However, forecasters are expecting the icing to be short-lived due to temperatures rising through the 40s overnight.

The temperatures on Sunday vary, with the highest values being in the morning, ranging from the low- to mid-50s along the coast and 40s inland, before cold air rushes in, causing temperatures to plummet through the afternoon. High elevations may see readings fall into the 30s.

Western Massachusetts may also see a few afternoon rain or snow showers on Sunday.