Drizzle Expected to Go Away for Weekend

Low clouds and drizzle may do their best to spread gloom through Southern California today, but clear skies and warmer temperatures are on tap for the rest of the weekend, the National Weather Service said Thursday.

Meteorologists explained that a weak weather disturbance is moving eastward across the upper part of the state with its lower fringe trailing through Southern California, increasing the onshore flow of moist marine air, lowering temperatures and offering the threat of precipitation.

The high temperatures in Orange County Thursday were 75 in Santa Ana, 73 in El Toro, 71 in San Juan Capistrano and 68 in Newport Beach. At Los Angeles Civic Center, it was 75.

The Weather Service said temperatures should rise to the middle or upper 60s along Orange County’s beaches today and to the lower 70s farther inland, with morning low clouds and fog partially clearing in the afternoon. Gusty winds also are predicted. Drizzles forecast for the Los Angeles area this afternoon were not expected to reach Orange County.

The skies should turn clear and sunny Saturday with continued winds in the canyons. Saturday temperatures should warm slightly. Surf at the beaches is expected to run between two and three feet. Mostly sunny weather weather was predicted through Tuesday.

Inshore yachtsmen were told to expect west winds gusting to 18 knots and above, with 2-to-3-foot swells in the afternoon from Point Conception to the Mexican border. Those who venture farther out can look for 12 knot west-to-northwest winds, turning northwest and freshening to 25 knots this afternoon, with 6- to 8-foot combined seas.