Light Rain Expected From Alaskan Storm

A cool Alaskan storm is expected to drop a little rain today and Saturday on Southern California’s coastal valleys and as much as five inches of snow on Southland mountains before skies start clearing Sunday.

Meteorologists said the system is neither very strong nor very damp, but moisture already is lingering above the coastal valleys of Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties to make measurable precipitation possible.

Orange County residents can expect a “slight chance” of rain--about 20%--today and a “slightly better” chance--about 30%--on Saturday, said Guy Pearson, a meteorologist for WeatherData Inc., which does forecasts for The Times. In Orange County coastal areas, that could translate into as much as a quarter of an inch, he said, with slightly more rain possible inland.

Orange County temperatures on both days are likely to range from the upper 50s along the coast to the low- to mid-60s inland,, Pearson said.

Chad Pattera, another meteorologist with WeatherData Inc., said showers should start falling in the Los Angeles area about dawn today, continuing off and on through Saturday afternoon.

About a quarter of an inch of rain or less is forecast for the valleys, but the California Highway Patrol said that could still be enough to mess up today’s morning and evening commutes. As much as half an inch of rain is expected in foothill communities.

High temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s, with gusty local breezes that will make it feel even cooler.

Thermometers will drop below freezing at mountain resort levels tonight and Saturday night, with snow levels expected to dip to about 4,000 feet.

Pattera said the storm system should move out to the east on Sunday, but temperatures will remain cool until Monday or Tuesday.