A Pacific storm system and associated moisture intensifying 500 miles to our southwest will be drawn into Southern California over the next 24 hours resulting in widespread rains with gusty west winds and cooler temperatures. Clouds and winds continue to increase this afternoon with a few light showers developing. Cool and windy with south-southwest winds gusting 15-25 mph and temperatures in the 50s. The main storm will arrive tonight with rain becoming moderate to heavy at times through Sunday morning, lows in the upper 30s to lower 40s with west winds gusting 10-20 mph at times, the snow level will remain around 8,500 feet. Highs will cool to the 40s tomorrow along with gusty southwest winds to 25 mph at times. Showers will taper off around midday Sunday, ending by Sunday night as the plume of moisture sags south and east our area.

The snow level may drop a bit by Sunday night to around 7,000 feet, but most of the precip will be over by then leaving little, if any accumulation, except above 8,500 feet. Rainfall amounts of around 0.25”- 0.50” are still anticipated across all coastal and valley areas with locally up to 0.50"- 1.00" in the mountains and further south near San Diego County. Higher amounts of 1-2" are possible on the lower coastal slopes. Continued cool and breezy early next week as conditions dry out with below normal temperatures. Another storm may affect the area later in the week, though confidence remains low at this time. If you have travel plans into the mountains this weekend, be prepared for the wet weather and always carry chains.

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