Storm to Bring Showers to Claremont, La Verne; Sunny Skies By Weekend

A fast-moving early-season cold storm will roll through Claremont and La Verne Wednesday, bringing light rain, strong gusty winds, tough road conditions and some snow at higher elevations, National Weather Service forecasters said.

The morning's light rain and drizzle will be followed by widespread light showers in the afternoon and night, according to an NWS advisory.

The cold and unstable air associated with the storm, which originated in the Pacific Northwest, will bring a chance of thunderstorms to both Claremont and La Verne Wednesday night.

This storm and cooler temps won't stick around for too long, though, as the NWS predicts Thursday to be mostly sunny for both Claremont and La Verne.  By this weekend, it will be close to 80 degrees in both towns.

Southern California rainfall amounts Wednesday are expected to be light -- generally less than a quarter-inch -- but the San Gabriel Mountains and south-facing foothills could get a half-inch, and any thunderstorm could generate an even greater volume of rain, according to the NWS.

Because of the unseasonably cold air associated with the weather system, the snow level will drop to around 5,500 feet Wednesday afternoon and, in some spots, as low as 4,500 feet, NWS forecasters said. Between 1 and 3 inches of snow are possible above 6,500 feet.

Temperatures will be generally low Wednesday -- mostly in the 60s around the Greater L.A. area, the 40s and 50s in the mountains.

The wind is expected to be a big part of this storm. NWS forecasters predicted south-to-southwest winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with 50-mph gusts in the San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley. Isolated gusts of up to 60 mph are possible in such foothill areas as Lake Palmdale, they said.

The high winds could down tree limbs and power lines, causing power outages, and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles and vehicles with trailers, the NWS warned. Blowing sand and dust could affect travel on the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway and Pearblossom Highway (SR 138), it said.

A wind advisory will be in effect in the Antelope Valley and the San Gabriels in both Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 9 tonight.

—City News Service contributed to this report.