Cold Snap to Bring Chance of Rain and Near-Freezing temperatures

It’s going to feel a lot more like winter today, with Southland temperatures expected to take a dramatic dip that has health officials warning residents in the coldest areas to take precautions.

National Weather Service forecasters said there’s a chance of light rain in some areas of Orange County when the cold front moves in late Thursday into Friday.

“Temperatures will remain cool through Monday as another weak front moves through on Sunday with a chance of more precipitation,” according to the NWS.

Forecasters predicted a 60 percent chance of showers Thursday night or Friday in Orange County with conditions generally clearing Saturday before the second storm front moves in Sunday night.

Temperatures across the area are expected to drop by about five to 10 degrees today, with highs staying mostly in the 60s, but dipping into the 40s overnight.

Seniors and other people in need of a place to keep warm can visit a winter shelter. 

Health officials urged residents to protect themselves and others from the cold by:

-- dressing in layers of warm clothing;

-- wearing a hat, scarves, gloves and socks to protect extremities;

-- offering help to neighbors without adequate heat;

-- checking on senior citizens or others who are ill; and

-- bringing pets inside overnight.

City News Service; Photo: Wikimedia Commons