Rainy Weather, Thunderstorms Head To Laguna Niguel

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — Rainy weather is expected across Orange County and the southland, according to the National Weather Service. A Pacific storm was forecast to drop into the region and park over much of Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County this week, the NWS reported.

Across Orange County, partly cloudy skies would give way to a 90 percent chance of rain, Wednesday. Temperatures were expected to reach highs of 51 on Santiago Peak; 61 on Ortega Highway at 2,600 feet; 64 in Laguna Beach; 65 in Laguna Niguel and San Clemente; 66 in Newport Beach and Fremont Canyon; 68 in Trabuco Canyon; 69 in Mission Viejo; 70 in Yorba Linda; and 72 in Fullerton, Anaheim and Irvine.

Roughly the same temperatures will prevail amid showers through Thursday.

Mud slides and debris flows over slopes denuded by wildfires cannot be ruled out, said NWS meteorologist Todd Hall.

Tuesday could bring brief and heavy downpours, small hail and waterspouts, the NWS said. Between 1 and three inches of rain are expected because of the storm, but 4.5 inches could fall in the San Gabriel mountains, it said.

There could also be scattered thunderstorms across coastal waters Monday through Tuesday night, forecasters said, adding that strong gusty winds and rough seas will accompany the storm Tuesday.

Off shore, hazardous sea conditions will prevail, said the NWS in issuing a small craft advisory that will be in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday. Inexperienced mariners piloting small vessels are urged to stay out of the water.

The NWS forecast mostly cloudy skies in L.A. County Monday and highs of 54 degrees on Mount Wilson; 66 in Palmdale and Avalon; 67 in Lancaster and Saugus; 70 in Burbank and at LAX; 71 in Long Beach; 72 in Pasadena, San Gabriel and Woodland Hills; and 73 in Downtown L.A. Roughly the same temperatures will prevail amid rain Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.