Chance of Rain Seen but Clear Weekend Expected

As a weak weather front eased across Southern California on Thursday, another disturbance was developing several hundred miles to the west, raising the slight possibility of rain this afternoon and evening.

Things should clear out by the weekend, though, the National Weather Service decided, with breezy days and a bit of a warming trend on tap. Snow in the mountains probably will be down to about the 6,000-foot level on Saturday.

Downtown Los Angeles temperatures are expected to reach the low or mid-60s today and Saturday, with cloudiness and a 20% chance of rain by tonight.

It could be a little warmer by Sunday, with highs 68 to 75. But there probably will be gusty northeast winds below the canyons and passes.

Thursday’s Civic Center high was 68 degrees after an overnight low of 52. Relative humidity ranged from 77% to 44%.

Southern California mountains and deserts should begin to clear by Saturday. The extended forecast is for highs of 45 to 55 degrees in the mountains Sunday through Tuesday. The high deserts should have maximum readings of 57 to 63 during that time, and the low deserts may expect 65 to 70.

Light rain fell in Northern and Central California on Thursday as the first front headed toward the Southland, losing its enthusiasm as it came.

There was a travelers’ advisory for snow and gusty winds in the Sierra Nevada north of Yosemite.

Surf today is expected to be two to three feet at Santa Monica and Newport, three to four feet at Zuma Beach and three to five feet in San Diego County. Late in the day on Saturday, there should be an increase in surf along west-facing beaches.