L.A. weather: Rain, snow, colder temperatures expected Thursday

A chance of rain and thunderstorms are in store for Southern California as a cold weather system begins to move through the region.

National Weather Service meteorologist Bill Forwood said there’s a 60% chance of rain for Los Angeles County on Thursday, with showers most likely after sunrise, affecting morning commuters.

The rain is expected to last through the early evening hours, he added.

The weather system is expected to produce gusty winds in some parts of the county, prompting weather officials to issue wind advisories for the interior valleys and mountain areas.

Winds will gust southwest-to-west at up to 45 mph, Forwood said.

After a few days of above-normal temperatures earlier in the week, daytime highs on Thursday are expected to drop to the mid-50s and remain there until Sunday.

A winter weather advisory has also been issued for mountains in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, where strong winds and snow will mix together and create dangerous conditions, forecasters warned.

Snow is also expected to fall on the Grapevine, making travel on that section of Interstate 5 hazardous. Snow will also fall along Highway 33. Snow levels could drop to 3,000 feet, according to the weather service. About 3 to 7 inches of snow is expected in areas above 4,500 feet.

It should remain cold but dry through the weekend, weather officials say. A warming trend is expected to develop next week.

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ruben.vives@latimes.com