Weekend Weather: Rain, Thunder and Chilly Temps

A very cold storm system is moving in from Canada, reaching the foothills of Southern California Friday night. The National Weather Service predicts temperature drops like those last seen in  2002. Lower temperatures Friday night will yield to rain showers Saturday morning, with freezing temps Saturday night.

Preliminary rainfall in the foothills of Los Angeles County is expected to be one to two inches. One half to one inch is predicted for coastal valleys.

The low cold air mass will reach Ventura and Los Angeles counties Friday night.  Thunderstorms and low snow levels at 2000 to l000 feet are predicted Friday night and Saturday in Santa Clarita, and foothills..

A winter storm watch remains in effect Friday afternoon through late Saturday night. Mountain roads could be affected by snow and ice. Motorists, hikers and campers are encouraged to take precautions on the road and trail. Gardeners are advised to protect tender succulents, citrus and bougainvillea. 

Expect rain after 10 a.m. Friday morning.  Today's high is near 54 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent, 28 degrees. Tonight, heavy rainfall is possible. The low is around 43 degrees with south southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

Saturday showers will likely appear with some thunder before 10 a.m.. Saturday's forecast includes some scattered showers and thunderstorms after 10 a.m. The day will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 43 degrees. Saturday night will see a  30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m. The night's low will be a very chilly 31 degrees.

The sun should come out Sunday with a mostly sunny forecast and a high near 54 degrees. Sunday night should be mostly clear, with a low around 35 degrees.