‘The Little Chill’ Expected in a Wet, Windy Weekend

It will be sweater-and-umbrella weather this weekend when a blanket of clouds rolls into the county today, bringing possible light showers and lower temperatures, according to forecasters.

“We’re going to see a dramatic change in the weather, in contrast to the past few days,” said Wilbur Shigehara, a National Weather Service forecaster.

Two storms are expected to dampen this weekend’s activities.

“Weekend rain is expected to hit tonight and should continue into Saturday morning,” Shigehara said.

Rain Possible Tonight

The second storm isn’t expected until late Sunday night or even Monday, Shigehara said, adding that the summer-like weather during the early part of the week was the result of a high-pressure buildup on the West Coast.

“This high pressure has blocked any storms moving into the area, though presently the high pressure is eroding, allowing storms to move in.”

Winds gusting from 15 to 35 m.p.h. in mountain areas will increase to blustery tonight and Saturday, as a result of the storm, Shigehara said.

“Winds will decrease Saturday afternoon and pick up again on Sunday as the new storm moves in,” Shigehara said. On the coast, tides are rising again and are expected to reach a 7-foot level Saturday morning at 8:22 a.m. Sunday tides will come in at 7.2 feet at 8:58.

“These tides aren’t big enough to cause any structural damage, but enough to cause concern to swimmers,” Shigehara said.

Coastal highs today will be from 68 to 75, with lows in the 50-to-55 range. Highs Saturday and Sunday will decrease and range from 65 to 70, with lows from 52 to 55, according to Mike Smith, a meteorologist at WeatherData, which provides forecasts for The Times.

Surf is expected to remain from 4 to 6 feet, and the ocean is a cool 63 degrees.

Inland valleys will have highs from 73 to 78 today, with lows from 45 to 55. Highs on Saturday will drop to 65 to 72, with lows from 43 to 52. Sunday highs will jump slightly and range from 67 to 75, with lows between 47 and 55.

Along with gusty winds, mountain areas have the possibility of thunderstorms tonight and Saturday. Highs will range from 45 to 58 today, with lows dropping to a shivering 25 to 40.