Sunny Days and Cool Nights Forecast for the Weekend

Packed campsites along Ventura County’s coastline, sunny weather and increased police patrols Friday marked the first day of the Fourth of July weekend.

Mostly clear, mild weather with low temperatures in the high 50s was forecast for fireworks shows throughout the county tonight.

The California Highway Patrol has warned that people will see the red glare of something other than bombs bursting in air if they drink or use drugs and drive.

A stepped-up enforcement period went into effect at 6 p.m. Friday and will last through Sunday evening, Officer Steven Reid said. More than 50 CHP officers have been assigned to patrol county roadways, he said.

As of Friday night, the CHP, city police officers and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department reported no major accidents and no increase in drunk-driving arrests.

Friday was the legal holiday for most city, county and state employees.

For those headed to a day-early fireworks show Friday night in Moorpark, the National Weather Service was calling for temperatures in the low 60s.

Today’s high in Thousand Oaks will be about 73 degrees. The high in Ojai could reach the low 80s.

There was a chance of low clouds and fog and possible light rain between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. today. The same forecast applies to that same period through Monday, said Stuart Seto, a federal weather specialist.

“It’s pretty much normal for this time of year. We’re in July but we still get that ‘June gloom’ weather at night,” Seto said.

County animal control officials are warning residents to keep pets inside during fireworks shows, and Reid said drivers should rest before embarking on long trips.