Clouds will continue rolling in ahead of light showers this afternoon, which will intensify into moderate rain by tonight. This is the first of two storm systems impacting the area over the next couple of days.
Light showers will develop around peak commute hours, sometimes strengthening to moderate or heavy rainfall. Pop-up thunderstorms could lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas. If you haven't already, clear your gutters, replace windshield wipers, and check your tires' tread for safe driving.
This will also be a high-wind event. A Wind Advisory will take effect at 10 PM tonight for desert areas and last until 10 PM Thursday. Sustained onshore winds of 20–30 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph, are expected. Elsewhere in the county, winds will reach up to 20 mph.
Depending on the elevation, rain will transition to snow in mountain areas. A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from 4 AM Thursday to 10 AM Friday. With icy roads and strong winds, visibility will be reduced, making travel hazardous. As colder air moves in, snow levels will drop from 8,000 feet to 4,000 feet overnight. Areas around 4,000 feet could see up to 4 inches of snow, while elevations above 5,000 feet may receive 8 inches. At 6,000 feet and above, snowfall could exceed a foot.
A second storm system will bring widespread heavy rain and snow by Thursday night. Rain will begin along the coast around 6 PM and spread inland. The heaviest rainfall will taper off after midnight, first along the coast and then inland. Thunderstorms and small hail are also possible.
Thursday will be the coldest day of the week, with temperatures 10–20 degrees below average. Conditions will dry out and warm up over the weekend, with Sunday being the warmest day before another storm arrives late Monday into Tuesday, possibly bringing additional wet weather later in the week.
Don't forget—Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday! Set your clocks forward one hour before bed on Saturday night.
Wednesday's Highs:
Coast: 59-63°
Inland: 61-66°
Mountains: 57-65°
Deserts: 73-76°
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