Still some disagreement amongst the forecast model ensembles, but most agree we'll see rain this weekend, precisely when and how much remains the big question. Expect variable high cloudiness today with a high around 60 degrees, westerly winds 5-15 mph during the afternoon. An area of low pressure will swing inland to our north on Thursday and Friday, initiating a cooling trend for SoCal as highs locally drop into the 50s. Westerly winds will increase, with gusts to 20 mph possible during the afternoons.

A lower-latitude low-pressure system will approach our region from the west on Saturday with clouds and winds on the increase throughout the day. This system will tap into a plume of moisture off the Pacific with scattered showers developing. Rain will become likely by Saturday night, continuing into Sunday before tapering off Sunday afternoon. Since we're tapping warmer moisture off the Pacific, expect that snow level to remain above 8,500 feet throughout this storm.

Rainfall amounts of around a half to one inch can be expected across most of Southern California, with locally one to two inches in a few locations. Temperatures will drop 10-15 degrees below normal over the weekend as highs cool to the 40s. Showers will taper off later Sunday, with drier conditions expected Monday into Tuesday. That may be short-lived, as another storm may impact the area next weekend, bringing another round of rain and high-elevation snow.

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