Strong gusty winds are expected in the Southland today, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions, especially in the Antelope valley, and some rain is possible but mostly sunny conditions will prevail, National Weather Service forecasters said.
“There is a chance for showers over Los Angeles and Ventura counties, but any rain will be light,” said a statement on the NWS website. Any showers in Los Angeles County — the chance was set at 20 percent — will mostly end this afternoon, according to the weather service.
Also expected are high surf conditions as a result of a developing northwesterly swell, but as of this morning the high surf was forecast no further south than the Central Coast.
NWS forecasters said gusty northerly winds will develop across the Antelope Valley, through the Interstate 5 corridor in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and in southern Santa Barbara County. Some gusty winds could slide into the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, they said.
“Gusty west-to-northwest winds will affect the Antelope Valley and create hazardous driving conditions due to blowing dust and sand,” an NWS statement said.
The winds will diminish across the Antelope Valley by tonight, then in Santa Barbara County and the Los Angeles and Ventura County mountains by before dawn Wednesday, according to the NWS.
In the meantime, there is a slight chance of rain and snow showers in the Antelope Valley this morning, then a slight chance of showers this afternoon. Also expected are sub-freezing temperatures in parts of the region tonight and again tomorrow night.
The biggest part of today’s weather story appeared likely to be the wind. A wind advisory issued by the NWS was scheduled to be in effect in the San Gabriel Mountains until 3 a.m. today. In the Antelope Valley, it was scheduled to be in force from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Gusty west-to-northwest will develop in the Antelope Valley this morning, blowing at sustained speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour and gusting to 50 mph, with isolated 60-mph gusts possible in the foothills, according to the NWS.
Roadways that could be affected by powerful winds include the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway and Pearblossom Highway (138), with swirling dust and sand restricting visibility, it said.
“When driving, use extra caution. Be prepared for sudden gusty crosswinds,” a statement said.
Today’s temperatures are expected to be like Monday’s, mostly ranging from the low to high 60s, but a high of only 55 was expected in the Antelope Valley. Sunshine is expected this afternoon, and sunny weather is forecast for Wednesday.
The NWS forecast sunny skies today and highs of 49 on Mount Wilson; 56 in Palmdale and Lancaster; 58 in Saugus; 65 in Avalon; 66 in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Mission Viejo and Anaheim; 67 at LAX, Fullerton, Irvine, Pasadena, San Gabriel, Burbank and Woodland Hills; 68 in Yorba Linda; and 69 in Long Beach and Downtown L.A. A warming trend will get underway Wednesday, when temperatures will be five to eight degrees higher.
On Friday and Saturday, some areas will be back in the low 80s. Temperatures will begin to retreat Sunday.
