Weekend Rain On The Way In RSM: Forecast

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Layer up, Rancho Santa Margarita — rain showers are likely to return to Orange County after brisk winds and a long-standing Red Flag Warning, according to the National Weather Service.

According to the NWS, Orange County residents can expect the rain to come just after Friday night.

On Saturday, residents will likely experience rain showers and low temperatures between 59 6o 61 degrees. On Sunday, residents may experience thunderstorms and overnight showers with temperatures ranging from 54 to 57 degrees.

The chance of rain will continue into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm is a welcome forecast for a region that has endured out-of-control, wind-driven blazes and the threat of more ignitions.

The cooling trend is expected to arrive Friday and intensify into the weekend as the cold storm system moves over Southern California, the National Weather Service said on Thursday.

"Just about every location in coastal Southern California, as well as the Southern California mountains, should at least get in on some showers this weekend," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk.

Between Saturday and Monday, communities are likely to get rain and mountain snow. In some areas, brief heavy downpours are possible.

"There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms, mainly for the coast to the mountains for Sunday afternoon and evening, potentially again on Monday with the potential for higher-intensity rainfall," NWS forecasters said.

Hail and thunderstorms are likely before another drying trend hits the region between Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Most coastal areas have the potential to pick up 0.25 to 0.50 of an inch of rain, and some of the foothills and lower mountainsides could pick up 1 inch to 1.5 inches," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr said.