Could Be a Warm, Sunny Holiday Weekend

Orange County’s Memorial Day weekend should be sunny and a little warmer--just about perfect for picnics, hikes, backyard barbecues, sailing, strolls in the park, beach outings and almost anything else, the National Weather Service said Thursday.

There probably will be continuing night and morning coastal clouds throughout the weekend, but the high-level storm system that resulted in a gray layer over the Southland and brought strong winds to the deserts was moving east on Thursday.

Higher pressure developing aloft means above-normal daytime temperatures and less extensive coastal low clouds.

Central Orange County should have a high temperature near 77 degrees today. Highs probably will range from 82 to 86 during the weekend.

The high in Santa Ana on Thursday was 68 after an overnight low of 65.

Weekend temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s in the inland valleys.

As for recreation areas, beaches should have highs in the 70s and Southern California mountains should have readings from 68 to 78.

In the southern deserts, highs may reach 105 degrees. In the northern deserts, they may reach the upper 90s.

Boaters will find light variable winds offshore through tonight. Surfers can look for two- to three-foot surf at most Southland beaches, including Newport Beach, today and Saturday.