Latest Storm Brings Scattered Rain to Southland

After a brief respite, Southern Californians reached for their umbrellas again as the second storm of the week moved into the region Saturday. In Los Angeles, rain-soaked yards were expected to get another watering, while in the mountains, forecasters predicted another half a foot of snow would fall above 5,000 feet.

Meteorologists said Saturday’s storm front, which was expected to continue until late today, was weaker and less windy than the blustery downpour that hit the region Thursday and Friday. That storm dumped more than 3.5 inches of rain in some places and was linked to four traffic deaths.

“This is not as strong as the previous storm, but it’s still quite a potent system,” said Steve Burback, a meteorologist with WeatherData Inc., which provides forecasts for The Times. Scattered showers are forecast for today, Burback said, and by late afternoon the weather system probably will have moved east.

The storm was expected to keep a chill in the air, Burback said, with daytime temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s. Saturday night the mercury was expected to drop to the 40s in some coastal areas. Burback said that Monday would bring a bit of warmth, with temperatures in the 60s throughout the region.

Skies should be dry tonight through Wednesday, Burback said, when yet another storm is expected to dampen Southern California.

“It could be as strong as the first storm,” he said. “It looks pretty significant.”

Friday’s rainfall brought the season’s total in downtown Los Angeles to 28.09 inches. Last season’s total at this time was 20.09 inches. The normal total for the date is 13.2 inches.